California West Coast Adventure – June 10‑14, 2025

Day 1: Arrival in Los Angeles & Drive to San Diego

Morning: Land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 10 am, pick up your rental car and grab a quick coffee before heading south on I‑5.

Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast, stopping briefly at the iconic Santa Monica Pier for lunch and ocean views.

Evening: Arrive in San Diego, check into your hotel, and unwind with a sunset walk along the Embarcadero.

Day 2: San Diego – Culture & Coast

Morning: Explore the historic USS Midway Museum, a massive aircraft carrier turned museum on the waterfront.

Afternoon: Stroll through the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, sampling local cuisine and boutique shops.

Evening: Relax at La Jolla Cove, watching sea lions and enjoying a seaside dinner.

Day 3: San Diego – Nature & Wildlife

Morning: Spend a few hours at the world‑renowned San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park.

Afternoon: Wander the beautiful gardens and museums of Balboa Park, including the Botanical Building.

Evening: Head to Coronado Beach for a tranquil sunset and a stroll on the historic Hotel Del Coronado terrace.

Day 4: Drive Back to Los Angeles & Evening Exploration

Morning: Depart San Diego and drive north, stopping at the coastal town of Carlsbad for a quick coffee.

Afternoon: Arrive back in Los Angeles, check into your hotel, then visit the striking Griffith Observatory for city views.

Evening: Experience the lights of Hollywood Boulevard, including the Walk of Fame and the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre.

Day 5: Los Angeles – Art, Shopping & Beach

Morning: Tour the impressive collections at The Getty Center, enjoying art and panoramic city vistas.

Afternoon: Shop and people‑watch on the famous Rodeo Drive, then head to Venice Beach for its eclectic boardwalk.

Evening: Dine at a beachfront restaurant on Santa Monica Pier and watch the sunset over the Pacific.

Time and Cost Estimates

• LAX airport transfer & car rental (1 day) – 1 hour, $80
• Santa Monica Pier (Day 1) – 2 hours, $0 (parking $10)
• USS Midway Museum – 2 hours, $26
• Gaslamp Quarter lunch – 2 hours, $30
• La Jolla Cove – 2 hours, $0 (parking $5)
• San Diego Zoo – 3 hours, $65
• Balboa Park museums – 3 hours, $20
• Coronado Beach – 2 hours, $0 (parking $7)
• Griffith Observatory – 2 hours, $0 (parking $10)
• Hollywood Walk of Fame – 2 hours, $0
• The Getty Center – 3 hours, $25 (parking $15)
• Rodeo Drive window shopping – 2 hours, $0
• Venice Beach – 2 hours, $0 (parking $5)
• Santa Monica Pier dinner – 2 hours, $40
• Gas mileage & fuel (≈400 mi) – 8 hours total driving, $80

Total Estimated Cost: $463

Tips

If you have extra time, add a day in Los Angeles to explore the nearby Malibu coast or visit Universal Studios Hollywood. To shorten the trip, you could combine Day 4’s drive back with an evening in Santa Monica, skipping the Griffith Observatory, and spend only four days total while still seeing the major highlights.