Budget California holidas?

LittleMissAspie

We spent 3 weeks last September in California and Oregon. We did it DIY - booked a flight and car then turned up at motels to stay. The only places we booked in advance were San Francisco and Portland. We plotted our route in advance and did a lot of searching on the internet for possible motels and prices in each town, as well as things to see and do. The whole thing cost under £3000 for two adults, including our food and spending money.

misa.blue

Hi guys, I been looking for hotels and motels and found really good prices through Venere.
Found Days Inn in San Diego for £33 per night including breakfast and free car parking :-)

Then found nice hotel in San Francisco close to Union Square and China Town for around £55 per night, so I'm pleased and will definately book my hols DYI :-)

misa.blue

Hi!
Seems I've been talking here with myself recently :rotfl:
I have few questions, again:)
What would you recommend to see in San Diego? I know about the Sea World, that is on list already. Will be there couple nights so was wondering what else amazing is there to see?

Second question is about food in California or US. What is usual thing to find on menu, is it really just burgers and chips?:)
And is food expensive or cheap?

cubegame

misa.blue wrote: »

Hi!
Seems I've been talking here with myself recently :rotfl:
I have few questions, again:)
What would you recommend to see in San Diego? I know about the Sea World, that is on list already. Will be there couple nights so was wondering what else amazing is there to see?

Second question is about food in California or US. What is usual thing to find on menu, is it really just burgers and chips?:)
And is food expensive or cheap?

San Diego Zoo is well worth a visit, as in the park it's in. The ball park is also great so it might be worth taking in a baseball game.

Food depends where you are. There are loads of great restaurants in cities. In San Diego you'll get great mexican food for next to nothing. On the road, you'll find it tends more towards the diner style. Nothing wrong with a Denny's though!

;-)

misa.blue

cubegame wrote: »

San Diego Zoo is well worth a visit, as in the park it's in. The ball park is also great so it might be worth taking in a baseball game.

Food depends where you are. There are loads of great restaurants in cities. In San Diego you'll get great mexican food for next to nothing. On the road, you'll find it tends more towards the diner style. Nothing wrong with a Denny's though!

;-)

Cube: My husband fancies American footbal game, San Diego does have team, don't they?
Not too sure about Zoo, we don't have kids, and Zoo is better enjoyed with kid's shining happy eyes I think:)

So you recon that food can be bought for reasonable prices?I have no idea really..Need to find out to be able to budget for that..

Zazie

Coronado island in San Diego is great (see the famous hotel and beach). http://www.coronadovisitorcenter.com/CVC/index.html

You can also go across the border to Mexico (Tijuana - not the best place in Mexico, but hey!). You just get a bus, or if you have a hire car, park in the San Ysidro mall car park and walk across.

Old Town is worth a look too. http://traveldk.com/san-diego/dk/highlight/old-town-state-historic-park

We loved San Diego!

Food is much the same price as here if you are biuying from supermarkets. Eating out - portions are so large that you can often share, or just buy a starter (appetizer). And don't be embarassed to ask for a doggy bag to take away any food you can't finish - everyone does it.

neilbond007

misa.blue wrote: »

Cube: My husband fancies American footbal game, San Diego does have team, don't they?
Not too sure about Zoo, we don't have kids, and Zoo is better enjoyed with kid's shining happy eyes I think:)

So you recon that food can be bought for reasonable prices?I have no idea really..Need to find out to be able to budget for that..

San Diego Chargers is the football team. Tickets are pretty pricey. They aren't doing too well this season so you may be able to pick up some tickets cheaper than face value from "scalpers" (touts) around the stadium.

The Zoo is good. I went with my partner of the time. Had a great time!

Food wise - Most restaurants have happy hours (usually 3 - 6, 3.30 - 6.30 or 4-7). Find out the specials. ASK the waitress. Don't be shy about it! They'll most likely have 1/2 price appetizers and cheaper beers. I tend to stay away from drinking in restaurants. Usually VERY expensive...
Also, fast food chains have $1 menus. I usually have a couple of things off them for lunch. Superb value!