From LA to San Francisco: My California Highlights (And Surprises)

Los Angeles: Mixed Feelings & Coastal Charm. We started in Los Angeles, where I was particularly curious to see Hollywood in real life. I have to be honest: I was not especially keen on Hollywood Boulevard. While it is famous and worth seeing once, it felt a little more tired and chaotic than I had imagined, and not somewhere I would personally rush back to spend lots of time. By contrast, I really enjoyed Santa Monica Pier. The combination of ocean views, beach, pier attractions and laid‑back coastal atmosphere felt much more like “my” kind of California. It is a lovely place to stroll, people‑watch and soak up the sunset, and a great option if you want a softer, more relaxed introduction to LA.

A real highlight of our time in the city was going to an LA Lakers game. The whole experience was truly magnificent: the atmosphere in the arena, the energy of the crowd and the sheer spectacle of American sports made it feel like a bucket‑list event in its own right. Even if you are not a huge basketball fan, it is a fantastic way to tap into LA’s larger‑than‑life personality.

Anaheim: A Magical Day at Disneyland: From LA we headed to Anaheim for a day at Disneyland, and this was a real highlight of the trip. Spending a full day in the park felt completely different to simply “fitting it in” around other plans. We threw ourselves into the rides, parades and details, and it truly was an amazing experience. For anyone who loves Disney or simply enjoys theme parks with strong storytelling, I would absolutely recommend setting aside dedicated time for Disneyland rather than trying to squeeze it into a busy LA schedule.

San Francisco: An Acquired Love: Our final stop was San Francisco, and I will admit that at first I found it a little underwhelming. It did not instantly grab me in the way some cities do. However, the more time we spent there and the more we explored, the more it grew on me. The iconic trams are a great way to see the city and really add to the sense of place. Climbing the hills and hanging on as you rattle along the tracks feels like stepping into a film set. We visited the Mrs Doubtfire house, which was a fun little pilgrimage for movie fans and a nice excuse to explore a more residential side of the city.

Alcatraz & The Golden Gate: One of the standout experiences was our trip to Alcatraz. I can honestly say it was breath-taking in more ways than one – the walk around the island left me genuinely wheezing, and the atmosphere is incredibly eerie, but it is also absolutely fascinating. The audio tour brings the stories of the prison to life, and the contrast between the harsh history and the beautiful bay views makes it quite a powerful place to visit. We also took time to see the Golden Gate Bridge, which is every bit as iconic in real life as in the photos. Whether you view it from a distance, walk part of it or see it from the water, it is one of those “you really are in San Francisco” moments.

Eating, Drinking & Waterfront Life: San Francisco really started to charm me once we spent more time around the waterfront and in the local bars and restaurants. We found some great Irish pubs and plenty of good places to eat, which gave the evenings a cosy, sociable feel.

Down at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, we enjoyed the lively atmosphere, street performers and the classic seaside feel. The sea lions at Pier 39 in particular are a joy to watch, and they add a wonderfully quirky character to the area. By the end of our stay, I had moved from feeling unsure about San Francisco to genuinely appreciating its layers, its views and its slightly offbeat charm.

This trip was a brilliant reminder that no two cities in California feel the same. If you are considering a similar route, I can share more from my first‑hand experiences in LA, Anaheim and San Francisco, and help you build an itinerary that focuses on the places and moments that will suit you best. Contact me to start planning your California adventure.