Advice for 2 week CA road trip, incl DL and Universal

[Arden01]

If La La Land is the big draw, I'd skip USH and do one LA day with the WB tour in the morning and the Hollywood/La La Land tour in the afternoon (or vice versa). The easiest way would be to rent a car (there are tons of on-your-own La La Land tours online). You could also do Uber/Lyft, or even public transport (Red Line Metro goes to Hollywood, Dash Bus up to the Observatory and picks up in several locations.)

What a great idea! We've decided already to skip USH and see the La La Land sights instead It's my 13 year old daughter's favorite movie.

 

[Arden01]

I'm rather torn about Muir Woods. I have great memories there and had annual passes (they were only $20) for a couple of years. However, its only advantage is the proximity to San Francisco, which is why it's crowded enough that they've gone to reservations. There are excellent places to view redwoods all along the coast of California, but they typically don't have quite that parking mess. If anyone is visiting the central or north coast of California, I'd say it's probably easier to skip Muir Woods and find another place where parking is more convenient.

If I decide on Muir Woods (and I know it gets crowded!), what would be the best way to get there via public transport? I don't plan on renting a car until we leave SF. I know I have to reserve a shuttle, but how do I get to Sausalito from SF? Bus? Ferry? We would try to get there very early.

 

[bcla]

If I decide on Muir Woods (and I know it gets crowded!), what would be the best way to get there via public transport? I don't plan on renting a car until we leave SF. I know I have to reserve a shuttle, but how do I get to Sausalito from SF? Bus? Ferry? We would try to get there very early.

Marin Transit operates the shuttle, and you need to get tickets in advance now. Outside of the peak season they only operate it on weekends. They have stops in Marin City, the Pohono park & ride lot near US-101, and at the Sausalito ferry terminal.

https://marintransit.org/routes/66-0

Golden Gate Transit/Ferry obviously has bus and ferry service to Sausalito from San Francisco. The ferry would of course be preferred and more touristy than the bus. There's a good view of Alcatraz from San Francisco Bay. The ferry is also heavily used by people renting bicycles. I'd really recommend getting an interagency "Clipper" fare card. It will cost $3 just for the card, but on the San Francisco-Sausalito ferry there's already a $5.50 adult discount to use Clipper as opposed to a cash fare. It also won't require waiting in line at the fare machines. The last time I took it I remember there were long lines and many people weren't able to catch the last ferry. I had a Clipper card and just swiped it on a card reader. For anyone who misses the last ferry, there are taxis waiting there. They also have bike racks for those people renting bikes.

http://goldengatetransit.org/schedules/current/route_2.php
http://goldengatetransit.org/schedules/current/route_30.php
http://goldengatetransit.org/schedules/current/route_92.php
http://goldengateferry.org/schedules/Sausalito.php

You might also inquire about tour bus service to Muir Woods.

It's not really that bad once you get in, but Muir Woods only has something like 250 parking spaces. There's also more parking along Panorama Highway, but I think as part of this reservation system Marin County doesn't allow the public to park there any more. It might also be possible to get there by taxi or Uber/Lyft. The only reservations needed are for parking/shuttles or and not for entry. Bikes and walking in (not easy BTW) wouldn't require any reservation.

 

[Arden01]

Marin Transit operates the shuttle, and you need to get tickets in advance now. Outside of the peak season they only operate it on weekends. They have stops in Marin City, the Pohono park & ride lot near US-101, and at the Sausalito ferry terminal.

https://marintransit.org/routes/66-0

Golden Gate Transit/Ferry obviously has bus and ferry service to Sausalito from San Francisco. The ferry would of course be preferred and more touristy than the bus. There's a good view of Alcatraz from San Francisco Bay. The ferry is also heavily used by people renting bicycles. I'd really recommend getting an interagency "Clipper" fare card. It will cost $3 just for the card, but on the San Francisco-Sausalito ferry there's already a $5.50 adult discount to use Clipper as opposed to a cash fare. It also won't require waiting in line at the fare machines. The last time I took it I remember there were long lines and many people weren't able to catch the last ferry. I had a Clipper card and just swiped it on a card reader. For anyone who misses the last ferry, there are taxis waiting there. They also have bike racks for those people renting bikes.

http://goldengatetransit.org/schedules/current/route_2.php
http://goldengatetransit.org/schedules/current/route_30.php
http://goldengatetransit.org/schedules/current/route_92.php
http://goldengateferry.org/schedules/Sausalito.php

You might also inquire about tour bus service to Muir Woods.

It's not really that bad once you get in, but Muir Woods only has something like 250 parking spaces. There's also more parking along Panorama Highway, but I think as part of this reservation system Marin County doesn't allow the public to park there any more. It might also be possible to get there by taxi or Uber/Lyft. The only reservations needed are for parking/shuttles or and not for entry. Bikes and walking in (not easy BTW) wouldn't require any reservation.

Boy, I'm so grateful for posting this thread and for all of the helpful advice I've received. Thank you. Saving this info. I may take the ferry if go to Muir Woods. The Clipper card is an excellent idea.

 

[Arden01]

Marin Transit operates the shuttle, and you need to get tickets in advance now. Outside of the peak season they only operate it on weekends. They have stops in Marin City, the Pohono park & ride lot near US-101, and at the Sausalito ferry terminal.

https://marintransit.org/routes/66-0

Golden Gate Transit/Ferry obviously has bus and ferry service to Sausalito from San Francisco. The ferry would of course be preferred and more touristy than the bus. There's a good view of Alcatraz from San Francisco Bay. The ferry is also heavily used by people renting bicycles. I'd really recommend getting an interagency "Clipper" fare card. It will cost $3 just for the card, but on the San Francisco-Sausalito ferry there's already a $5.50 adult discount to use Clipper as opposed to a cash fare. It also won't require waiting in line at the fare machines. The last time I took it I remember there were long lines and many people weren't able to catch the last ferry. I had a Clipper card and just swiped it on a card reader. For anyone who misses the last ferry, there are taxis waiting there. They also have bike racks for those people renting bikes.

http://goldengatetransit.org/schedules/current/route_2.php
http://goldengatetransit.org/schedules/current/route_30.php
http://goldengatetransit.org/schedules/current/route_92.php
http://goldengateferry.org/schedules/Sausalito.php

You might also inquire about tour bus service to Muir Woods.

It's not really that bad once you get in, but Muir Woods only has something like 250 parking spaces. There's also more parking along Panorama Highway, but I think as part of this reservation system Marin County doesn't allow the public to park there any more. It might also be possible to get there by taxi or Uber/Lyft. The only reservations needed are for parking/shuttles or and not for entry. Bikes and walking in (not easy BTW) wouldn't require any reservation.

I do think, however, going to Muir Woods seems daunting with these reservations and the transport there! Thinking Henry Cowell State Park on the way to Monterey might be less stressful. I know the trees might not be as grand as Sequoia N Park or Yosemite, but it seem to fit in with my travel plans to go down Hwy 1. The train looks fun too.

 

[bcla]

I do think, however, going to Muir Woods seems daunting with these reservations and the transport there! Thinking Henry Cowell State Park on the way to Monterey might be less stressful. I know the trees might not be as grand as Sequoia N Park or Yosemite, but it seem to fit in with my travel plans to go down Hwy 1. The train looks fun too.

Well - my opinion is that Muir Woods is kind of overrated. It's fine and all, but the big reason why it gets such high visitation compared to other places with old growth coast redwoods is that people combine trips to San Francisco with it. Given how many places up and down the coast where one can walk through an old growth redwood forest, there's nothing about Muir Woods that is particularly special. If one is planning on visiting some other part of the coast, then I wouldn't say all the hoops needed these days to visit Muir Woods are worth it.

Here's a pretty good site for where to find redwoods:

http://www.redwoodhikes.com/Home.html

Coast redwoods are very different than giant sequoias. The largest examples are taller and thinner. Older giant sequoias are considerably thicker and have more wood. I remember hearing that large giant sequoia are unsuitable for lumber because their wood is brittle and will shatter when felled. This is a pretty descriptive graphic:

 

[cruisehopeful]

What about Big Basin or Henry Cowell State Park?

I planned on visiting both last summer, but only made it to Henry Cowell because there were a lot of road closures to Big Basin. We loved Henry Cowell. I thought about doing the train, but decided that all the train trips were too long. We only scheduled half a day for Henry Cowell and the other half a day for Winchester Mystery House in San Jose. All in all, it was a great day. We went off the beaten path a couple times and we weren't always sure how to get back on the main trails, but then we'd hear the train and would just follow that.

There is some food for sale by the train station. We didn't get any. It was burgers and pizza, I think. I would recommend bringing a lunch if you were planning on spending the day there. There's a small gift shop and it has very limited snacks/drinks.

If time was not an issue, I'd go to Sequoia Nat'l Park. Since you are doing a lot, I recommend visiting Henry Cowell or Big Basin since it is more on the way. They don't have the giant sequoias, but they do have beautiful large redwoods. If you are using Google Maps, make sure your gas tank is full because if there are any road closures, it will have you driving around in circles. Bring a paper map with you in case roads are closed.

As the lone driver, you'll be much happier going to Henry Cowell rather than Sequoia Park. The road going up to Sequoia Park is very narrow, steep and full of twists and turns. It's not a fun drive coming or going. The drive to Yosemite is very scenic, but it is very long. When you enter the park, you still have a long drive to get to the valley floor.

Keep enough water and healthy snacks in your car. When I'd get driving fatigue and go to the rest stops, most of the time, the vending machines only had junk food. I had M&Ms and chips once for a meal when I was starving for a sandwich. When we finally got to a restaurant, I was still kind of full from the junk food.

I think your assessment of going to Muir Woods would be too much work is correct. Muir Woods is gorgeous, but I think part of the beauty is that you are out of the city. Since you are going to so many other places, I think you will be fine without getting out for a break. Anyway, Golden Gate Park kind of offers a city break, too.

 

[Arden01]

I planned on visiting both last summer, but only made it to Henry Cowell because there were a lot of road closures to Big Basin. We loved Henry Cowell. I thought about doing the train, but decided that all the train trips were too long. We only scheduled half a day for Henry Cowell and the other half a day for Winchester Mystery House in San Jose. All in all, it was a great day. We went off the beaten path a couple times and we weren't always sure how to get back on the main trails, but then we'd hear the train and would just follow that.

There is some food for sale by the train station. We didn't get any. It was burgers and pizza, I think. I would recommend bringing a lunch if you were planning on spending the day there. There's a small gift shop and it has very limited snacks/drinks.

If time was not an issue, I'd go to Sequoia Nat'l Park. Since you are doing a lot, I recommend visiting Henry Cowell or Big Basin since it is more on the way. They don't have the giant sequoias, but they do have beautiful large redwoods. If you are using Google Maps, make sure your gas tank is full because if there are any road closures, it will have you driving around in circles. Bring a paper map with you in case roads are closed.

As the lone driver, you'll be much happier going to Henry Cowell rather than Sequoia Park. The road going up to Sequoia Park is very narrow, steep and full of twists and turns. It's not a fun drive coming or going. The drive to Yosemite is very scenic, but it is very long. When you enter the park, you still have a long drive to get to the valley floor.

Keep enough water and healthy snacks in your car. When I'd get driving fatigue and go to the rest stops, most of the time, the vending machines only had junk food. I had M&Ms and chips once for a meal when I was starving for a sandwich. When we finally got to a restaurant, I was still kind of full from the junk food.

I think your assessment of going to Muir Woods would be too much work is correct. Muir Woods is gorgeous, but I think part of the beauty is that you are out of the city. Since you are going to so many other places, I think you will be fine without getting out for a break. Anyway, Golden Gate Park kind of offers a city break, too.

Thank you! I think Henry Cowell sounds like the right choice. While I'd love to see the Sequoias, I think seeing the Redwoods will still be an amazing experience. Also, being the sole driver (my husband cannot drive for medical reasons), I need to consider my own stamina and the fatigue factor. I think I'll plan a future trip that just focuses on Yosemite and N. California.

Great idea about the snacks! That's helpful. I kind of take that approach on my trips (Disney included) and pack lots of Lara bars, nuts, water and trail mix.

 

[Arden01]

Another question-LA. Probably will skip Universal in favor of doing extra day at Disneyland. I really want to spend minimal time in LA and only to do the touristy stuff for my daughter - Warner Brother studio tour, Hollywood sign, La La Land sights. Where is the best place to stay that's affordable? Can I get away with one night before we head to Disneyland or should I stay two? Can I stay somewhere to walk to some of those attractions? I'm a New Yorker (living just outside of city) and hate driving here in the city. That's one of the reasons I wanted to avoid LA, but one of my daughters said it's her top choice of places to see.

 

[Douglas Dubh]

Driving in LA isn't as bad as NYC. The freeways sometimes slow to a crawl, but you don't have the masses of taxis flooding the street between intersections.

As far as places to stay, Hollywood would be your best bet on the night before Disney, but most of the hotels I looked at were either very expensive or kinda sketchy.

You might be able to stop in someplace like Ventura or Oxnard, then get up and hit all the attractions you want in LA, then stay in Anaheim.

 

[Arden01]

Driving in LA isn't as bad as NYC. The freeways sometimes slow to a crawl, but you don't have the masses of taxis flooding the street between intersections.

As far as places to stay, Hollywood would be your best bet on the night before Disney, but most of the hotels I looked at were either very expensive or kinda sketchy.

You might be able to stop in someplace like Ventura or Oxnard, then get up and hit all the attractions you want in LA, then stay in Anaheim.

That's good to know about driving in LA. I learned to drive in NY and know how to drive in intense traffic, but still hate driving in Manhattan. I did check out hotels in Hollywood and, holy cow, they are expensive, but I'm not surprised. I generally advise people who visit NY to stay in NJ or Brookyn. Will check out Ventura or Oxnard. Thanks.

 

[bcla]

There is some food for sale by the train station. We didn't get any. It was burgers and pizza, I think. I would recommend bringing a lunch if you were planning on spending the day there. There's a small gift shop and it has very limited snacks/drinks.

I think your assessment of going to Muir Woods would be too much work is correct. Muir Woods is gorgeous, but I think part of the beauty is that you are out of the city. Since you are going to so many other places, I think you will be fine without getting out for a break. Anyway, Golden Gate Park kind of offers a city break, too.

There are places to eat or maybe get a sandwich to go in Felton or Scotts Valley. There are two Safeway supermarkets in the area including one right there in Felton.

If one is insisting on seeing Giant Sequoia, that can be combined with a trip to Yosemite. SEKI is kind of a grander experience (Redwood Mountain Grove is spectacular) but Mariposa Grove in Yosemite is going to reopen this June.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mg.htm
The Mariposa Grove Road and the Mariposa Grove are closed for a restoration project until 9:00 am on Friday, June 15, 2018.​

Muir Woods might be more "doable" if they'd ever expanded their parking lots. But that would required cutting down a lot of vegetation and possibly cooperation with Marin County to do it. Every time I've been there in the past decade or so that parking situation has been intolerable. Either I hang around the parking lot like a parking vulture or I've parked as much as a mile away on Frank Valley Road (sorry - it wasn't Panoramic Highway) and walked in.

https://www.nps.gov/goga/learn/news/muir-woods-parking.htm

The monument’s entry plaza and parking areas will be redesigned to create a more intuitive, safe and enjoyable arrival experience. The entry plaza will be redesigned to provide an improved passenger loading zone while eliminating all vehicular parking with the exception of those with an ADA placard. A former nursery area/maintenance yard will be converted into a small parking area, providing the opportunity to remove all roadside parking from Muir Woods Road (Frank Valley Road), which will improve safety and protect riparian habitat.
​

Whenever I've actually been inside Muir Woods, I'd never found it to be overrun with visitors - even on the busiest days. Visitation is basically limited by the parking situation, which can ruin an otherwise enjoyable day.

If one absolutely has to see a giant sequoia tree, there's actually one in the Bay Area. They don't naturally grow at lower altitudes, but John Muir planted one in front of his home in Martinez, California. It's free to visit.

https://www.nps.gov/jomu/index.htm
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/on-air/as-seen-on/BAP-MUIR-TREE-OFF-AIR_Bay-Area-238628011.html

 

[Arden01]

There are places to eat or maybe get a sandwich to go in Felton or Scotts Valley. There are two Safeway supermarkets in the area including one right there in Felton.

If one is insisting on seeing Giant Sequoia, that can be combined with a trip to Yosemite. SEKI is kind of a grander experience (Redwood Mountain Grove is spectacular) but Mariposa Grove in Yosemite is going to reopen this June.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mg.htm
The Mariposa Grove Road and the Mariposa Grove are closed for a restoration project until 9:00 am on Friday, June 15, 2018.​

Muir Woods might be more "doable" if they'd ever expanded their parking lots. But that would required cutting down a lot of vegetation and possibly cooperation with Marin County to do it. Every time I've been there in the past decade or so that parking situation has been intolerable. Either I hang around the parking lot like a parking vulture or I've parked as much as a mile away on Frank Valley Road (sorry - it wasn't Panoramic Highway) and walked in.

https://www.nps.gov/goga/learn/news/muir-woods-parking.htm

The monument’s entry plaza and parking areas will be redesigned to create a more intuitive, safe and enjoyable arrival experience. The entry plaza will be redesigned to provide an improved passenger loading zone while eliminating all vehicular parking with the exception of those with an ADA placard. A former nursery area/maintenance yard will be converted into a small parking area, providing the opportunity to remove all roadside parking from Muir Woods Road (Frank Valley Road), which will improve safety and protect riparian habitat.
​

Whenever I've actually been inside Muir Woods, I'd never found it to be overrun with visitors - even on the busiest days. Visitation is basically limited by the parking situation, which can ruin an otherwise enjoyable day.

If one absolutely has to see a giant sequoia tree, there's actually one in the Bay Area. They don't naturally grow at lower altitudes, but John Muir planted one in front of his home in Martinez, California. It's free to visit.

https://www.nps.gov/jomu/index.htm
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/on-air/as-seen-on/BAP-MUIR-TREE-OFF-AIR_Bay-Area-238628011.html

I think I've pretty much decided to save giant sequoia for another trip I think I'll love seeing the Redwoods in any case.

So this is my rough itinerary based on some great advice here. Feel free to advise! Now I need to save up for this trip.

Day 1 Fly from Newark, NJ - SF Night #1 (might stay with a friend in San Francisco)
Day 2 SF Night #2
Day3: SF Night #3
Day 4: Leave early. Travel SF to Henry Cowell SP. Spend 1/2 day seeing Redwoods. Drive to Monterey afternoon. Monterey Night #1
Day 5: Monterey/Carmel. Monterey Night #2
Day 6: Drive Hwy 1. Big Sur. Hearst Castle. Pfeiffer State Park maybe. Stay Cambria for night?
Day 7: Drive to Santa Barbara area. Stay in Solvang for night. My girls want to go here.
Day 8: Drive to LA. Stay 1 night in Hollywood. Splurge on better hotel. Holiday Inn Hollywood?
Day 9: LA-Hollywood touristy stuff. Drive to Anaheim later in day Anaheim night #1
Day 10: Disneyland. Anaheim night #2
Day 11: Disneyland - until 2/3pm. Drive to San Marcos in afternoon/evening (cousins' house)
Day 12: San Marcos/San Diego (family)
Day 13: San Marcos/San Diego (family)
Day 14: San Marcos/San Diego (family)
Day 15: San Marcos/San Diego (family) - maybe fly home this day
Day 16: San Marcos/Diego (family) - definitely fly home

 

[wanderlust7]

Your itinerary looks pretty good to me. Couple thoughts:

- Hearst Castle in the summer, you might want advance reservations. I think I would do it first thing Day 7 to keep things more flexible (assuming you stayed in Cambria the night before). If you did a 9 am tour, maybe done around 11, then have lunch in Morro Bay/Avila/or Pismo.

- Why leave Disneyland so early on Day 11? Traffic will be better if you leave later.

 

[Arden01]

Your itinerary looks pretty good to me. Couple thoughts:

- Hearst Castle in the summer, you might want advance reservations. I think I would do it first thing Day 7 to keep things more flexible (assuming you stayed in Cambria the night before). If you did a 9 am tour, maybe done around 11, then have lunch in Morro Bay/Avila/or Pismo.

- Why leave Disneyland so early on Day 11? Traffic will be better if you leave later.

Will do for the tour!

Should I Leave DL in the evening around 6 or 7pm? Will that avoid some of the traffic?

 

[wanderlust7]

Should I Leave DL in the evening around 6 or 7pm? Will that avoid some of the traffic?

I was thinking after 9 pm. Would that be too late to arrive at your family's place? At least after 8 pm.

Otherwise, your thought to leave 2-3 pm is good. My friend commutes from Oceanside to Newport and her vanpool leaves at 3 (they go really early). I think I would be sad only having half a day though, especially considering the price going from 1 day to 2 day tickets.

 

[Arden01]

I was thinking after 9 pm. Would that be too late to arrive at your family's place? At least after 8 pm.

Otherwise, your thought to leave 2-3 pm is good. My friend commutes from Oceanside to Newport and her vanpool leaves at 3 (they go really early). I think I would be sad only having half a day though, especially considering the price going from 1 day to 2 day tickets.

Good point! I think I’ll leave in the evening. Should be ok with my family. When my cousin visited me last summer, they didn’t arrive until 10pm!

 

[cruisehopeful]

I really want to spend minimal time in LA and only to do the touristy stuff for my daughter - Warner Brother studio tour, Hollywood sign, La La Land sights. Where is the best place to stay that's affordable? Can I get away with one night before we head to Disneyland or should I stay two? Can I stay somewhere to walk to some of those attractions? I'm a New Yorker (living just outside of city) and hate driving here in the city. That's one of the reasons I wanted to avoid LA, but one of my daughters said it's her top choice of places to see.

I actually suggest going to Anaheim and then taking one of the tours that will pick you up there and take you around the L.A. touristy stuff. That will save you from driving around for that day and those things aren't really nearly as exciting as you'd think. I haven't done the Warner Bros. tour, but the seeing the landmark stuff only takes a few minutes, while driving to all of them takes hours.

If Warner bros is in Burbank, you can get a hotel there. I've stayed at Hilton Burbank a few times and it is fine. Full disclosure - I don't like Burbank. I've been to a couple conventions there and had to stay there, but if I was going to do that Warner Bros tour, I'd probably stay there for one night.

Other place to look for a hotel is Santa Monica. That's not too far from the Hollywood stuff that your daughter wants to see and also has a nice beach and the pier.

I know that's a lot of conflicting advice, but I am just brainstorming ideas. I think if I were in your exact situation, I'd stay the night in Burbank, do the Warner Bros tour and see the other landmarks on my way down to Anaheim.

f one absolutely has to see a giant sequoia tree, there's actually one in the Bay Area. They don't naturally grow at lower altitudes, but John Muir planted one in front of his home in Martinez, California. It's free to visit.

I never heard of that. Thanks so much for posting about it. I won't miss it the next time I am in the Bay area.

Day 7: Drive to Santa Barbara area. Stay in Solvang for night. My girls want to go here.

I don't mean to sound like an Eeroye, but my daughter and I drove out of our way to visit on our way home from Monterey area and we were very disappointed. I actually asked several of the merchants why people go to Solvang since we only saw several blocks of shops selling stuff made in a China and the same pastries everywhere. We were told that is a popular for wine tasting. We did some wine tasting and left, vowing to never go there again. It was too much of an out of the way drive for what it was. At least, now we can say we went there. It was a place we had wanted to visit for many years. There are a few windmills, but not enough to make it worth going out of the way. If you have a Sweedish background, it may be more exciting. I told one of the merchants we heard it was like a mini European city and she said we could walk around town and look at the weather vanes. That was the only thing she could recommend for us for what we were looking to do. We did do that, but the shops everywhere selling junk made in China was detracting.

Should I Leave DL in the evening around 6 or 7pm? Will that avoid some of the traffic?

I leave Disneyland at 7:00pm or later to avoid traffic when driving back to San Diego. You can leave the park at 6:30pm because it often takes 30 mins to get to your car. I do this more often than not.

 

[Arden01]

I actually suggest going to Anaheim and then taking one of the tours that will pick you up there and take you around the L.A. touristy stuff. That will save you from driving around for that day and those things aren't really nearly as exciting as you'd think. I haven't done the Warner Bros. tour, but the seeing the landmark stuff only takes a few minutes, while driving to all of them takes hours.

If Warner bros is in Burbank, you can get a hotel there. I've stayed at Hilton Burbank a few times and it is fine. Full disclosure - I don't like Burbank. I've been to a couple conventions there and had to stay there, but if I was going to do that Warner Bros tour, I'd probably stay there for one night.

Other place to look for a hotel is Santa Monica. That's not too far from the Hollywood stuff that your daughter wants to see and also has a nice beach and the pier.

I know that's a lot of conflicting advice, but I am just brainstorming ideas. I think if I were in your exact situation, I'd stay the night in Burbank, do the Warner Bros tour and see the other landmarks on my way down to Anaheim.

I never heard of that. Thanks so much for posting about it. I won't miss it the next time I am in the Bay area.

I don't mean to sound like an Eeroye, but my daughter and I drove out of our way to visit on our way home from Monterey area and we were very disappointed. I actually asked several of the merchants why people go to Solvang since we only saw several blocks of shops selling stuff made in a China and the same pastries everywhere. We were told that is a popular for wine tasting. We did some wine tasting and left, vowing to never go there again. It was too much of an out of the way drive for what it was. At least, now we can say we went there. It was a place we had wanted to visit for many years. There are a few windmills, but not enough to make it worth going out of the way. If you have a Sweedish background, it may be more exciting. I told one of the merchants we heard it was like a mini European city and she said we could walk around town and look at the weather vanes. That was the only thing she could recommend for us for what we were looking to do. We did do that, but the shops everywhere selling junk made in China was detracting.
I leave Disneyland at 7:00pm or later to avoid traffic when driving back to San Diego. You can leave the park at 6:30pm because it often takes 30 mins to get to your car. I do this more often than not.

Thank you! I am exploring all options for seeing LA. Staying in Anaheim (taking a tour) or Burbank might be a great idea! What about staying one night in Hollywood? Magic Castle looks interesting. Was thinking of using the LA evening to go to Observatory. Again, La La Land obsessed daughter I've thought about Santa Monica and one of my friends used to live there, but concerned about driving to and from LA with all the traffic.

Will definitely see that tree! Thanks @bcla

Thanks for the heads up about Solvang. I had a feeling that might be the case. I'm trying to break up the trip down the coast because I'm a solo driver and the hotels in Santa Barbara are so expensive. Any other ideas about places to stop about 2 hours from LA?

Definitely will leave DL after 7pm. Tickets are so expensive and I want to get a full day out of it.

 

[VandVsmama]

Leave Disneyland about 8:30 pm, it will get you to San Marcos at about 10 pm. Leave around 8 pm, you get to San Marcos around 9:30 pm. Avoid anything between 4-7 pm.

Another option for seeing big redwood trees is to go to Roaring Camp in Felton. https://www.roaringcamp.com/. It's not an all day thing. Just part of a day.

Solvang is fun for part of an afternoon. It's fun to browse through the shops and it's a cute town. I think it's a good choice as a stop over on a road trip.