LA + San Francisco

Question

Dear All.

VIsiting LA on from 22/Dec till 31 Dec with 13 yr old boy .

1. What is the best place to stay * safe, affordbable, and easy to access main attractions. Iam hiring a car

2. I plan to go to 2 days to san franciso to visit Google and apple centre.. and drive back from the sea road.

Could any kind gentelemen suggest an itinereary if more things can be planned in San franciso , where should i stop by during the retunr journey ?

where to go in LA ? etc

REgards,

Brave

Answer

Visiting Los Angeles and San Francisco in late December with a 13-year-old can be a fun and diverse trip. Since you are hiring a car, you have flexibility to explore both cities and the scenic coastal drive. Here’s a detailed guide to help plan your itinerary.

1. Best Areas to Stay in Los Angeles

Since you’re looking for safe, affordable, and central accommodation with a car, consider neighborhoods that give you easy access to major attractions:

Hollywood / Hollywood Hills: Good for first-time visitors. Close to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Universal Studios. Plenty of parking and hotels with reasonable rates.
West Hollywood (WeHo): Safe and vibrant area with restaurants, shops, and easy freeway access to Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Downtown LA.
Santa Monica / Venice: Beachside location. Great for bike rides along the Strand and access to Venice Boardwalk. Slightly pricier, but fun for families.
Downtown LA: Convenient if you plan to explore museums and sports events. Parking is plentiful at hotels but the area can be busy in evenings.

2. Suggested LA Attractions

Universal Studios Hollywood – theme park and studio tour.
Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park – planetarium, hiking trails, and city views.
Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre.
Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach Boardwalk – fun for teenagers.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and La Brea Tar Pits if interested in history/science.

3. San Francisco Trip (2 Days)

Driving from LA to SF takes around 6–7 hours via I-5. If you plan to take the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (US-1) on the return, the drive will be longer but very scenic. In San Francisco, focus on tech-related and iconic city attractions:

Visit the Google campus in Mountain View and the Apple Park Visitor Center in Cupertino. Both are family-friendly and free to explore outside, with interactive exhibits.
Golden Gate Bridge – walk or drive across, or stop at Vista Point for photos.
Fisherman’s Wharf – Pier 39, sea lions, and kid-friendly attractions like the Aquarium of the Bay.
Exploratorium – a fantastic science museum, interactive and fun for teenagers.
Alcatraz Island – take a ferry for a historical experience (book in advance).
Optional: Lombard Street, Chinatown, and Cable Car ride for classic SF experiences.

4. Scenic Return Journey from SF to LA

Driving down the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is a highlight of any California trip. Suggested stops along the way:

Half Moon Bay – coastal town with beaches and small cafes.
Santa Cruz – boardwalk and surfing culture, fun for teens.
Monterey – visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.
Carmel-by-the-Sea – charming town for a short stroll and coffee.
Bixby Bridge / Big Sur – iconic coastal views, photo stops.
San Simeon – see the Hearst Castle if time permits.
Pismo Beach / Santa Barbara – for an overnight rest if you want to break the drive.

5. Travel Tips

Book accommodation in advance, especially around the holiday season.
Check traffic updates before leaving LA, SF, and along Highway 1; it can be busy, especially around popular stops.
Allow extra time for sightseeing along the coast – Big Sur and Monterey areas can easily take a few hours.
Pack layers – December weather can be cool and foggy in SF and along the coast, while LA is milder.

With this plan, you can enjoy city highlights in LA, tech visits in San Francisco, and one of the most scenic drives in the US along the Pacific Coast, making it a memorable trip for both adults and a teenager.

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