[BronUVT]

Yup, you will be burnt out by the end and feel you did not spend enough time in any one spot.

But it will be like an appetizer sampler platter, you'll know what you like so you can come back and experience it longer next time [thumbup]

That's what I wanted! I really don't know what I'd want to taste more in the US. So if I got a bit of everything then I might like to come back and stay longer for something in a place I know that's good.

[BronUVT]

I've changed tour group... Contiki tours! [thumbup]

The route is a bit different. I end up going across the boarder to Mexico! I guess if you have any beef with someone on the bus this is where you get off if you accidentally off them.

"CALIFONIA KNOWS HOW FLAUNT IT!, IN THE CITYYYYYYYY..."

[GZFL2tDA]

So I'm a little biased about Southern California.. since I live there but aren't we all about where we live. Anyways I really suggest visiting California since it has a nice yearly climate. I have read all the comments and all cities have their "good" and bad areas. You wouldn't want to make a wrong turn in Los Angles and the US guys know what I mean .

Anyways.. wait I just used that word again.. anyways damnit.. moving on.. there we go.. I just want to outline some of the things you can do in Southern California. I hope you haven't made any concrete plans as this whole post would be a waste of time which I have a lot of at the moment.

0. Tour Groups
My thoughts are go on your own. You don't want to be pressured into a constant schedule that someone else made up for you and if you don't follow it your basically screwed. You want the flexibility of spending time where you want or if its that bad you can leave at any time.

1. ArrivalSan Diego International airport is only several moments away from many Hotel's. Lets face it your not going to be needing to stay at a fancy hotel as your not going to be in your room for most of the time. So with that said pick one...
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=hotel+...&cd=1&ie=UTF8#
2. What To Do -Locally
Without having to travel 30+ miles there are many things to do in town.2.1 San Diego Zoo"The 100-acre (40-hectare) Zoo is home to over 4,000 rare and endangered animals representing more than 800 species and subspecies, and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. It is located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park." Its a really nice place to go and visit and see all the animals. It certainly isn't what thrill seekers are looking for but a nice place to visit never the less.
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/
2.2 Balboa park"Enjoy Balboa Park - a special place where you can experience San Diego's natural beauty, wonderful art and culture and stunning Spanish Revival architecture. There are so many things to do and see in the Park:

* museums ranging from art to science to air and space to natural history or anthropology
* performing arts from plays at the Tony Award® -winning Old Globe to concerts on the magnificent Spreckels Organ Pavilion outdoor stage
* lush landscaping and lovely gardens
* the world famous San Diego Zoo
* places for fun with families and recreation for all
* and, of course, unique shopping, restaurants and casual outdoor dining."

It is an amazing place to go for a one day trip. Just walking around is very nice and right next door is the San Diego Zoo.

http://www.balboapark.org/in-the-par...ns.php?catID=5 //more info on various museums
http://www.balboapark.org/
2.3 Sea WorldForget about it. Its a over hyped sea wild life park trying to make profit from rides period.
2.4 Non-Theme Parks
If your not in the mood a theme park one day you can go down to the Gas Lamp Area at night and get a drink at on of the many bars. The baseball stadium is also just around the corner and you can catch a game or football game depending on the date you come out. Or you can rent a boat and go sailing for the day in mission bay or try your hand at the sea. Or board the USS Midway ACC (air craft carier).

http://www.gaslamp.org/
http://www.petcoparkevents.com/
http://www.chargers.com/stadium/
http://www.a-zsandiegobeaches.com/missionbay.htm
http://www.midway.org
3. What to do - Mexico
Biggest suggestion I can make is if you do decide to cross the boarder into Mexico go to like Rosarito or one of the more southern tourist cities. They are nothing like whats on the border. Rooms are cheap in the non-resort area and you can have a nice outing for 2 days or so there.
4. What to do - further away
These would be things would range from a full day to you might want to get a hotel there
4.1 Amusement parks
Just so I don't keep saying the same thing over and over again just check out the links below for info about them.
http://www.sixflags.com/magicMountain/ //roller coaster park
http://www.knotts.com //same as above
http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/
http://disneyland.disney.go.com //just go to say you were there
http://legoland.com //i suggest not going there but if you have a day to kill i can get you in for free
4.2 Other stuff
Since I'm getting lazy here is a good list
http://www.visitcalifornia.com
4.3 Geographic landmarks
You will want to visit and stay at least a few days in Yosemite as its is simply amazing. Those of you who have been there know what I'm talking about.
Simply forget about Death Valley or Salton Sea as those things aren't worth driving to see simply
Big Bear is a nice place to go while there is snow but at the time when your looking to come out there won't be much of that.
Your best best is to spend a few days in Yosemite.5. Things to do - out of state
5.1 Vegas
Enough said.. gambling capital of the world.. word of the wise don't lose your money there because its very easy to. My suggest is make it a stop but don't stay there to long as the bill will get you as well as the heat. While your near there visit Hoover Dam as its only 30 miles away.
5.2 Grand Canyon
Personally I haven't been but the pictures look amazing! One of those things you will want to do.
5.3 Zion National Park
I've been their and its simply amazing. The rock formations are astounding and since you are in the area of vegas, grand canyon and hoover dam why not.
6. Wrap Up
Here is what I suggest doing depending on the time frame you have. Initially stay in San Diego, visit all the local places and I highly suggest spending some time across the border in Mexico. Then head visit various attractions in Los Angles if you want. After that head up to Yosemite for a few days and conclude your trip with Vegas and the various things in that area. If time permits also check out Northern California as there is lots to do up there. I left out a lot of places and things to do but as a general idea of what to do down here. Other forum members can plug the holes.

[BronUVT]

I hope you haven't made any concrete plans as this whole post would be a waste of time which I have a lot of at the moment.

0. Tour Groups
My thoughts are go on your own. You don't want to be pressured into a constant schedule that someone else made up for you and if you don't follow it your basically screwed. You want the flexibility of spending time where you want or if its that bad you can leave at any time.

Your post is much appreciated however my plans are set. I'm taking a 13 day Contiki tour!

I know you've said to avoid these, but the thing about going to lots of places on your own overseas is that it costs LOTS OF MONEY!!!

Here are my reasons for going on the tour...

#1 $1800 AUD to go see lots of things, the sites in California are pretty spaced out so getting around will be expensive!

#2 On tour I get breakfast and dinner and I get 3 star accommodation. Food does start to add up of you're eating out and constantly buying breakfast and dinner. If I were to go book hotels and stuff on my own I would simply not get good value for money and it will blow beyond $2000 without a doubt.

#3 Travel with people who will see the same things as I'm traveling alone. The Contiki tours are for 18-34 year old people. This is a good chance for me to meet young people on tour and get to know them a little. This would hopefully stop some lonely nights and also lonely travel experiences.

I know there are down sides to travel groups but I figure that I will get a good taste what the West side has to offer. Then if I come back, I can perhaps specify to spend more time at one place, and next time with someone.

The first part of the trip will be spending some time in Chicago with Oldie25. So I will get a chance to see the sites around there and get a feel for the US.