California: what should I visit ?

[Bart]

Well, I'm leaving for Laguna Beach (CA) on July 19th (2 weeks).
Have some friends there so that will be my "base camp".

As I've never been in California before, I'd like to know what spots I really should check out overthere

As my girlfriend wants to learn how to surf (so do I), I would also greatly appreciate any feedback on good surf-spots/schools in the region.

It would be cool if I could get some feedback from "locals".

What's like the top-5 of things I need to see before I leave ?

Thanks guys !
Bart

 

[MediaHound]

La Brea Tar Pits

 

[csmaster2005]

heh,
kinda obvious but important non-theless - disney land in anaheim

 

[gogeorge]

Highway one.

Start at santa monica pier and head north. You will go through Malibu.

This trip will include the greatest surf spots. On highway one stop at trancas, good surf for Los Angeles in many surf movies. Ventura county line, Rincon and the Ranch up near Lompoc in Santa Barbara county.

If you are ambitious, make it a several day trip. Santa Barbara and shop on state street, eat and drink on the pier. It is one day 100 miles north. Then the Santa Barbara wine country, danish town of solvang, Jockos steak in nipomo. This is another day. You will drive by pismo beach.

Then go to Hearst castle for one or two days. There are four tours. Go further north toward the Big sur coastline. There are restaurants along the cliffs and great vistas.

Check all this out on the internet. Highway one is one of the best most scenic drives in america. Hearst Castle is one of the great architectural gems.

Well, I'm leaving for Laguna Beach (CA) on July 19th (2 weeks).
Have some friends there so that will be my "base camp".

As I've never been in California before, I'd like to know what spots I really should check out overthere

As my girlfriend wants to learn how to surf (so do I), I would also greatly appreciate any feedback on good surf-spots/schools in the region.

It would be cool if I could get some feedback from "locals".

What's like the top-5 of things I need to see before I leave ?

Thanks guys !
Bart

 

[mark]

might want to check out san diego, sea world, etc.

 

[Bart]

thank you VERY much !

 

[fab]

Seaworld, Yosemite, Sequoia -Awesome.

 

[Blarian]

I'd recommend going through Hollywood and more into the city (L.A.), lots of historic and other fun things to see.

Graumann's Chinese Theater (can usually catch a movie premier and see a lot of famous faces if you check out their website)
Kodak Theater
Hollywood wax museam
Walk of fame
Universal Studios & Universal Studios City Walk
Rodeo Drive and other famous Beverly Hills locations such as the Beverly Center
Spend a day driving up in the hills overlooking the city, and an excellent place to eat dinner is Yamashiro Restaurant (http://www.yamashirorestaurant.com/) in the Hollywood Hills. Has an excellent view of the city. Reserve the sunset room for 6:45 and you will have an amazing dinner watching the sun set, literally right over the hills. Make reservations at least a day before.

 

[GT Web]

the USS Midway in San Diego is fabulous

 

[Biggie]

check out the....

san andreas fault

visit before half of Cali floats off to the ocean!

also, don't forget to cruise thru Compton > home of nwa and easy e featuring ice cube and dr dre!