AboutErnest Tufft Expertise I am knowlegeable about most all parts of California, but am most knowlegeable about San
Diego, San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas, Wine Country regions, North Coast, Yosemite,
Mother Lode, Tahoe, and Central California.
Experience I'm a fourth generation Californian and know the history, culture, and geography of the state very well. Born and raised in the Francisco Bay Area, I lived 8 years in San Diego, and now reside in Stockton, CA. I worked 6 years in the Napa/Sonoma wine industry. I have also traveled to 19 different countries, on all continents of the world except Australia and Antartica
Organizations I'm a gold star member at VirtualTourist.com.
Publications Virtualtourist.com
Education/Credentials I have a Master's degree in English, and have teacher's credentials for grades K through 12. I currently teach at the community college level.
Past/Present clients I have helped many visitors from all over the world appreciate the great state of California, and I have also helped Californians visit other parts of the world.
Expert: Ernest Tufft Date: 5/21/2008 Subject: All Girls Birthday Getaway
Question
I am turning 12 soon. I want to plan a cheap 1-3 day getaway with two of my friends who are both girls. My mom is taking us and staying with us. I live in Las Angeles and I don't want to go too far away. It has to be somewhere we can get to by car or train. It can't be to fancy and it has to be kid friendly but still mature. Is there anything fun and memorable I can do that is cheap and easy at the same time?
Answer Hi Annie,
Thanks for the clarification in your question. Since you live in LA, you certainly have few opportunities to see nature, and there's no better low budget experience on an out of town trip with friends than to camp.
Unfortunately, train is as expensive as flying, so I'm going to recommend that your mom drive.
Highly recommend National Parks not too far from LA that are pleasant during summer include:
Grand Canyon
Yosemite
Kings Canyon/Sequoia
Each of these National parks has world-class quality, full service activities for everyone, including children of all ages, and so I recommend that you use Google to find the National Park website for each and consider one of them. My favorite trip as a young person your age was to take a mule ride from the stables in Yosemite National Park. Be sure to take the bicycles, as Yosemite Valley is very bicycle friends. Your mom might try to seek our reservations at Camp Curry or other campgrounds immediately, Yosemite is extremely popular. In any case, while Yosemite is my personal favorite, each of these will provide a memory of enjoyment that you and your friends will never forget.
Highly Recommend California State Parks not to far from LA that are pleasant during summer include those on the Central Coast of California:
Pfeiffer-Big Sur
San Simeon
There are also many other state parks and recreational areas which you may research yourself on-line. The state parks are also popular, and I recommend getting a reservation, but if Yosemite seems impossible to get organized, the state park system is a great way to appreciate nature on the cheap...
