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: 7/17/2008 Subject: getaway from san diego
Question Hi Ernest...
i have travel many many times to san diego because my grand mother lives there and this time i wold like to take her for a 2-3 day trip in the surroundings...
we have been in palm springs, los angeles, san francisco, las vegas, etc... but i know there are small cityes that can be interesting and fun...
the party it will be me (30 yrs) my mom (58 Yrs) and my grandma (86 yrs)
any suggestions?
thanks in advance
alejandro kahn
chile expert
Answer It's good to get out and window shop and walk. At this time of year Palm Desert (not Palm Springs) is simply too hot, but keep that one in mind for winter. Rental condos there are easy to find, and the town is sheer pleasure to walk and window shop. There are many art galleries there that host events with free champagne and snacks. In LA, if you haven't visited Rodeo Drive, then again this is a great place to walk. Laguna Beach is another favorite place for the upscale gallery and sidewalk restaurant atmosphere. Further away, try Santa Barbara, Solvang, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, and other such coastal cities with established and restored downtown areas that cater to pedestrians, art galleries, and good non-corporate food restaurants. If your grandmother can handle the drive up the coastal hwy 1, a good first night would be in Morro Bay, followed by Carmel/Pacific Grove/Monterey, and then return by Hwy 101. For a return diversion of longer duration (this idea is more risky in terms of tastes) consider a trip to Jolon for a visit to the Mission San Antonio and Hearst's Rancho, otherwise try a stop in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, or Solvang to break up the long drive home.
These places are much like La Jolla Drive--small streets with pedestrian friendly areas to walk. Parking is typically not that difficult nor far away from where you want to be, but you can also drive to drop off mom and grandma on the curb in an ideal location to wait, while you find a place and then quickly return to them on foot. Mom is probably still a good hiker, but most folks in their 80's run out of steam after awhile, so it's good to plan their logistics carefully so as not to overly bore yourself. Even so, such exercise is really good for everyone, including you, so this is my advise for now. Visit this destinations and my pages with images and more detailed descriptions at Virtualtourist.com. Hope this helps.
