I highly *highly* recommend sticking to the Pacific Coast highway especially since you have the time. Sunsets are incredibly gorgeous, especially around Big Sur and Monterey. Been meaning to stay at Lucia Lodge, which hangs off the edge of a cliff, one of these days.

Yeah, the coast route looks very beautiful, as do those places you've mentioned. I might stick my nose in. The west coast isn't unlike our own west coast here in Ireland- shaped the big waves of open ocean. Except the sea is warm and the weather is beautiful. I'm very much looking forward to meeting the people too.

Actually it can start to get a bit cold when you get towards San Francisco! California actually catches the cold side of the pacific current. However, the weather is very consistent.

Aw, I just got back from California. It's where I grew up. I hope you have fun! The coast is beautiful.

As a native is there any where you'd describe as a must see?

Well if you're into music, try and stop by one of the Amoeba Record stores. There's one in LA, one in Berkeley, and one in San Francisco.

As far as nature type places, Monterrey Bay, and more specifically Point Lobos is a beautiful spot. The aquarium is very nice, too.

Other than that, I'd just say to take your time and explore whatever catches your eye. California can be expensive, though, so do be mindful of that.

If I still lived in west LA I'd offer to host you, but now I'm in the Berkeley area.

The Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach are places I would recommend swinging by. I'm particularly fond of Venice even though it can be a little touristy, since it still has an element of authenticity i find charming.

The La Brea Tar Pits are neat, though Not what I'd call a must-visit. It happens to be right next to the LA County Museum of Arts. If you like cars the Petersen Automotive Museum is a must-see. They might still be doing their "vault tour" where they let you see their whole inventory, not just what's on display.

There's also Griffith Observatory, which is closer to Hollywood and has great views of the city and gets you really close to the Hollywood sign. They also have a really cool science museum thing there. The Getty center is a neat museum if you're into that, and also has a fantastic view.

And I almost forgot--one of my favorite restaurants there is Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. Highly recommend the Country Boy (3 wings, a waffle or pancake). There's a couple locations, I'm particularly fond of the one on Pico, but that's just because I lived near it.

Those are some good suggestions. I'll certainly give that obseratory a look. shame you'll not be about yourself. I do plan to plenty of American sized portions of everything! The food is half the reason I'm going! :D

Too bad you're not going as far as oregon...

It would add an extra 300 miles onto my trip to cross the boarder, sadly. Which is a shame, the one thing I'll be short on is company.

And portland is on the opposite side of the state from the california border, at that. well, it's another section of the US that I hope you can see sometime!

Damn, I miss out on seeing you in person when you were here? Goes to show one should keep up with what goes on here at FA.

That was back in 2013. I stayed in Hollywood for a couple of days before driving all the way up to San Francisco. LA was... alright, but I loved San Fran! I'd do that trip again, I really did love my experience in California!

Glad you had a great time this way. And hope you will try again one day and I will do my best to be around and show you LA. I am sure you will come to love it as I do.