California - when and where

[VeniViniAmari]

Hi

First time posting here and hoping I can get some ideas for a holiday I’m hoping to book.

I would like to take my sons 14 and 10 to California. Due to work we are limited to 2 weeks, or maybe 15 days at a push. We can go during either the 2020 Easter school holidays or summer holidays.

I’m thinking that where we decide to go will depend on the time of year we choose. We are looking at flying in and out of Los Angeles however I’m not sure whether to go to San Diego, Palm Springs, and Joshua tree National Park or whether to go to San Francisco and Yosemite.

Can anyone tell me their itinerary’s and any tips? Thanks in advance!!

I think SF and Yosemite, San Diego is nice but there’s no way I’d choose that over SF - SF is much more interesting. I’ve not been to Joshua Tree but Yosemite is beautiful and lots to do. You could also look at driving the coast as plenty of nice places to stop at and you can do boat trips, whale watching etc. Depends what your family is interested in.

Drive up the coast to SF. Plenty to see and do on Highway 1. Visit Yosemite and drive back to LA. San Diego isn’t that good! Also go at Easter. The summer brings fires.

LA has very interesting places to visit too. Avoid the tacky centre but do go to the Getty Centre. It’s a fabulous building and the views are great. As they are from Mulholland Drive. The Paramount Studio visit can be fun. Pasadena and the Huntington Library and gardens is worth s detour. If the old Max Factor factory is still open in LA, that’s worth a trip too.

I highly recommend the Lonely Planet Guide on what to see and do. It’s invaluable!