We continue our travels from Portland to San Diego via San Francisco & Los Angeles
Hit the open road and explore the west coast of North America. We continue our travels from Portland to San Diego via San Francisco & Los Angeles.
1. SAN FRANCISCO ((634 MILES/ 10 HOURS FROM PORTLAND)
San Francisco is colloquially known as The City, SF, Frisco and San Fran and is the cultural, commercial, and financial centre of Northern California. San Francisco is known for its cool summers, fog, steep rolling hills, eclectic mix of architecture, and landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, the former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, Fisherman's Wharf and its Chinatown district.
SLEEP AT EXECUTIVE HOTEL VINTAGE COURT
The Executive Hotel Vintage Court is a boutique hotel experience with Wine Country charm. Located just one block from Chinatown, two blocks to the Financial District and Union Square, the hotel offers an elegant European-style accommodation with each room named for a local winery.
SLEEP AT PALIHOTEL SAN FRANCISCO
Palihotel San Francisco intended that this property be an homage to their loyal global tribe of inspired, distinctive and savvy clientele. They set out to curate a rich and diverse mix of classic and contemporary California-Centric styles throughout the property, highlighted by wood paneling, ceramic tiles, a delightful soft color scheme and mixed-matched furnishings and fixtures.
EAT AT SEVEN HILLS
Some chefs cook Italian food, but for some chefs, Italian food is in their soul. Anthony Florian (Chef Tony) is one of those chefs. His earliest memories involve the smells and tastes of Italy; as far back as he can remember, tortellini- and ravioli-making were part of the yearly traditions. These dishes graced the family table at every major holiday--ravioli at Christmas and soup tortellini on New Year’s Day, all hand rolled and lovingly crimped. Chef Tony is now the executive chef at Seven Hills, an upscale Italian restaurant whose farm-to-table offerings are sought by diners in the San Francisco environs as well as travelers from the United States and the world.
PLAY AT FOGCUTTER TOURS
Fogcutter Tours creates unique sightseeing and outdoor adventures covering the best of San Francisco and offers access to Alcatraz island. Each experience is tailored to match the guests on board that day and incorporates the special events that are part of the City that day. Their custom-built, surf-inspired "woody" is open-sided for brilliant views, small enough to go where big buses can't, and great for making new friends.
PLAY AT PAINTED LADIES TOUR COMPANY
Painted Ladies Tour Company offers a unique fun way to see the sights of San Francisco, Wine Country ( Sonoma and Napa), Sausalito and Muir Woods, traveling in their vintage VW buses, Pearl, Poppy and Skye! Their vintage buses, Pearl, Poppy, & Skye have been thoroughly restored and updated with modern amenities to provide a safe and unique opportunity to see the sights of San Francisco. Since they only seats 6-7 people, Pearl, Poppy & Skye can go many places that larger tour buses have been banned from or just cannot access, including Alamo Square (Painted Ladies), Lombard Street, and even those narrow alleys with beautiful murals in the Mission!
2. LOS ANGELES (382 MILES/ 6 HOURS FROM SAN FRANCISCO)
Los Angeles is a sprawling Southern California city and the centre of the nation’s film and television industry. Near its iconic Hollywood sign, studios such as Paramount Pictures, Universal and Warner Brothers offer behind-the-scenes tours. On Hollywood Boulevard, TCL Chinese Theatre displays celebrities’ hand- and footprints, the Walk of Fame honours thousands of luminaries and vendors sell maps to stars’ homes.
SLEEP AT PALIHOTEL CULVER CITY
Palihotel Culver City reimagines the former West End Hotel, a 1920s era boarding house, as a brand new 49-room boutique hotel, restaurant and bar designed to highlight both the history and majesty of Los Angeles’ cinematic roots and Culver City’s booming modern-day renaissance. The entire building has been lovingly restored and infused with interiors that feel modern and urbane while maintaining its original bohemian art deco influences.
SLEEP AT PALIHOTEL MELROSE AVENUE
Palihotel Melrose Avenue is a boutique hotel offering 32 intimate, fun and comfortable guest rooms, a lobby lounge, and the acclaimed The Hart and The Hunter restaurant. Palihotel Melrose is located in the heart of the Melrose Shopping District, a vibrant and hip area known as one of Los Angeles’ most popular and trendsetting destinations for entertainment, dining and shopping. Melrose Place, CBS Studios, The Grove, Rodeo Drive, The Beverly Center and the Sunset Strip are all walking or a short driving distance from the hotel.
SLEEP AT PALIHOTEL WESTWOOD VILLAGE
Palihotel Westwood Village are excited to welcome you to their 55-room boutique hotel nestled in Westwood Village, one of the most recognized university towns in the country. The hotel embodies a mix of mid-century modern with Parisian eclecticism, all set in a delightful historic building that was once home to the Westwood Village’s first ever hotel from 1939. The most stylish, design-forward hotel in Westwood Village.
SLEEP AT PALIHOUSE SANTA MONICA
At Palihouse Santa Monica, discriminating tastemakers and world travelers are empowered to experience the heartfelt expressions of residential-style dwelling when visiting coastal Southern California without having to compromise on location, style, amenities or service. In continuous operation since 1927, Palihouse Santa Monica (formerly The Embassy Hotel Apartments) is an outstanding example of Moorish-influenced Mediterranean Revival Architecture. The hotel dates back to a time when Santa Monica was the last Los Angeles rail stop and travelers from all over the world came for seaside vacations all year round. The building has been meticulously maintained and remains renowned for its elegant exterior ornamentation, lush courtyards and gracious lobby.
SLEEP AT PETIT ERMITAGE
Offering a private rooftop with stunning views of Los Angeles, a saltwater pool and comfortable indoor/outdoor seating, this elegant 4-star hotel is within one kilometer of the Sunset Strip. Each spacious suite at Petit Ermitage is equipped with a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and iPod docking station. All classically furnished rooms also include luxurious linens and goose down pillows. California Mediterranean cuisine is available 24 hours a day in-suite. Meals are created with local organic produce and vegetables from the hotel's rooftop garden.
SLEEP AT SILVER LAKE POOL & INN
Silver Lake Pool & Inn sits on a corner just south of the Sunset Junction in the heart of Silver Lake, one of the most exciting neighborhoods in all of Los Angeles, and one that they love. The property is intimate in scale, with separate small spaces that transition naturally from one to the next, allowing for a feeling of repose and open flow at the same time.
PLAY AT LA LA TOURS
La La Tours offers customized, private tours of Los Angeles. LA is one of the hardest cities for tourists to plan and comprehend. Their private tours let you take advantage of a flight layover, leftover time from your business travel, or a shore excursion on a cruise trip. Enjoy a vacation day truly stress free. Celebrate a special day with your family and friends. Or even treat your loved ones, honored guests or business associates. You and your guests will feel like you're being shown around by a knowledgeable local friend.
PLAY AT WE LOVE LA TOUR
Private Tours of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Their impassioned desire is to leave you with a collection of wonderfully fun, life-long memories of their fascinating city. They truly love L.A.! There's no other place on the planet they would love to live. Showing off their city is more than just a business-it's a labor of love.
3. SAN DIEGO (120 MILES/ 2 HOURS FROM LOS ANGELES)
San Diego is situated on the Pacific coast of California and known for its beaches, parks and warm climate. Immense Balboa Park is the site of the renowned San Diego Zoo, as well as numerous art galleries, artist studios, museums and gardens. A deep harbour is home to a large active naval fleet, with the USS Midway, an aircraft-carrier-turned-museum, open to the public.
PLAY AT BAJA CALIFORNIA WINE TOURS
Baja California Wine Tours specializes in providing the best tours to Baja from San Diego. Their local guides know Baja wine country and provide customized adventures for groups and private tours. Whether you’re looking for a world-class day tour, overnight stay in one of many excellent Valle de Guadalupe hotels or a custom-made adventure to Puerto Nuevo, Ensenada, Rosarito, Tecate, or Tijuana, they promise to meet your needs.
Best time to visit: The USA has varied seasons in each of its regions, but in general, the best time to visit the USA is during Spring and Fall. Summer months from May to September are considered the peak time for tourists to visit the country.
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