Quintessential California (San Diego, San Francisco, Glendale: rent, houses, movies)

[Cyanna]

Here's the deal...my husband's British mother and sister are coming to visit with us for a month in November, their first visit to the United States. Mum is 80 years old, so Disneyland and Magic Mountain are not options for entertainment, LOL!

So, if you were entertaining visitors from another country, what would YOU want them to experience of California. Throw your ideas out there, from choices in food to different types of leisure and entertainment. Tip, my guests do not like garlic or spicy food, so I'm feeling a bit limited in the food category of new experiences for them

So far we plan to take them to Santa Monica, Ventura Harbor, the Conejo Valley Botanical Gardens and a few sites local to Simi Valley.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Head through the Sepulveda Pass about 4:00.

[Snort]

I'm into sailing, but am a bit puzzled by the Ventura Harbor option. Why there? Take them up to Santa Barbara and have some seafood at Brophy Brothers. Eat outside on the balcony overlooking SB harbor, as it's noisy as hell inside.
If they're up for it, there's nothing like one's first view of Yosemite Valley.
You can also head south and hit some beach towns along the way: Seal Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Carlsbad, and Del Mar. They make some really incredible scones at Pacifica Breeze in Del Mar. They're shaped like scones you'd find at most coffeehouses, but taste like English scones.
There are plenty other ideas out there. Maybe they could research a bit and tell you what they're curious to visit. Then we can shoot the crap out of those ideas for ya. (I mean, give you further advice).

[10ofus]

So, I take it you will be in southern California? If you head north, the redwoods would be a good choice, the coast, San Francisco, wine country.....as far as food, Mexican food doesn't have to be spicey and it is very California...also good ol' pizza, California style. Wine country cuisine is delicious and would probably work.

[Cyanna]

Originally Posted by Snort

I'm into sailing, but am a bit puzzled by the Ventura Harbor option. Why there?

Because they love to look at boats and its a nice walk around the shops and the harbor

Maybe they could research a bit and tell you what they're curious to visit. Then we can shoot the crap out of those ideas for ya. (I mean, give you further advice).

Shoot away, LOL! They both love nature, gardens, walking, that sort of thing.

[seain dublin]

Are they interested in the movies and Hollywood?

I believe they still have the Graveline tour which drives you around the Hollywood area and points out various landmarks and gives you old Hollywood History. That way 80yr old mum doesn't have to be walking too much if she is not up to it.

When we had out of town visitors who had never been to CA we took them to a taping of a show. Since it is not till November you have plenty of time to get tickets. It was years ago but we took some friends to see a taping of a show with Cloris Leachman in it. During the break Ms. Leachman came over and chatted with us as we were in the first row. They were beyond thrilled.

We went to Bonnie Hunt back in March and it was enjoyable, the only downside was it did require standing in line(about an hour) before getting into the building, and another 45 minutes or so sitting on wooden benches before being allowed in. That might be too much for an elderly person.

Since they're British they might want to see the Queen Mary.

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by Cyanna

Here's the deal...my husband's British mother and sister are coming to visit with us for a month in November, their first visit to the United States. Mum is 80 years old, so Disneyland and Magic Mountain are not options for entertainment, LOL!,,,,,.

They have heard of Disneyland for over 50 years why not take them. A lot more to do than just roller coasters. We took my wife's grandfather and he was in his early nineties. They rent wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs at the entrance.

[seain dublin]

Originally Posted by Cyanna

Because they love to look at boats and its a nice walk around the shops and the harbor




Shoot away, LOL! They both love nature, gardens, walking, that sort of thing.

How about the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in San Marino(near Pasadena). Check out their website.

You also have Descanso Gardens in La Canada( north of Glendale).

[Snort]

Originally Posted by Cyanna

Because they love to look at boats and its a nice walk around the shops and the harbor
Shoot away, LOL! They both love nature, gardens, walking, that sort of thing.

There's also Quail Botanical Gardens (renamed San Diego Botanical Gardens) in Encinitas and the Botanic Gardens in Santa Barbara. Both are worth a visit. The first Tuesday of the month used to be the "free day" for Quail, but I haven't been in a while and not sure they kept that policy.
Walking from Hendry's Beach (Arroyo Burro Beach) in Santa Barbara in either direction makes for a nice excursion.
The Sequoias are pretty spectacular, and sort of "on the way" to Yosemite. There are the inland variety of redwoods there as well.
They would probably enjoy the J. Paul Getty Center and Hearst Castle in San Simeon. San Luis Obispo is an aesthetically pleasing town on the way up to the castle. They could do the garden tour while they're up there.
I'm a recent convert to Gold Country towns, and some of these could be visited on a Yosemite trip.
California is blessed with a variety of climes, architecture, and styles to please anybody.

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by Cyanna

Tip, my guests do not like garlic or spicy food,

There goes my brilliant suggestion down the dumper.