Heading to the Golden State - Vacation

Will be in CA October 10-13 and wondering what is the best theme park to go to. Is Disney still tops? I've heard that Knott's is a POS now. What about Disney Adventure Park or Universal Studios?

One day I'll be in the town founded by Germans, San Diego, visiting with my brother, so that leaves 1.5 days to take in the sights, any recommendations? Should I just spend a day at the beach?

Let me know when you have a chance. TIA.

 

Can’t go wrong with Disneyland. The price keeps going up and with California adventure, you basically need 2 days.

Universal studios is good. Haven’t been to the Harry Potter thing yet but it looks cool. I do horror nights at universal every year. You should do that since You’ll be there in Oct

I like Knotts but that might just be me

For SD, gas lamp, zoo, beach, wheeling with @Sunnier

 

Universal has come up, Knotts and 6-Flags Magic Mountain, down. Disneyland is still the best IMO. Expensive so get there an hour before opening (to park and take a tram to the entrance), and plan on staying 'til close.

In San Diego, the Gas Lamp has worsened, especially at night. Transient encampments spread on the sidewalks and aggressive panhandlers have really pushed away locals so participants are mainly local residents, tourists, and 20-30 year olds partying at the clubs. I'm confused about whether your brother is in SD (maybe have your brother suggest areas he likes), or if hes near Disneyland but you want to do a side trip to SD?

IMO, unless you have clear goals to visit 1 or 2 places in each, if I had only 3 days in SoCal, I'd pick either Anaheim/ LA *OR* San Diego. You'll lose a lot of time traveling between the 2 areas of you decide to visit both.

That said, October is prime outdoor weather for off-roading...!

 

It really is

If it were me, I’d do Disneyland, Halloween horror nights at universal or knotts Scary Farm (with some Mrs Knotts chicken ).

SD - Id be at the zoo and then wheeling with the SD homies

 

Just returned from San Diego last Friday, was there for a week and holy was it hot. We did the zoo, sea world, wildlife park, beaches and dropped the kids off at six flags. They weren't impressed with six flags at all.

 

Really? You guys like Disneyland? I’d choose Universal Studios, Lego Land, California Adventures and even Six Flags over Disneyland. But Knotts Berry is definitely the worst.

 

Agreed.

 

Hell yeah! I’ll make V-line for some turkey leg and hop on it’s a small world

 

But ... but ... that Mrs. Knotts chicken bro

 

I’ve heard you can find people on CL who have annual passes to Disneyland and they’ll meet you and get you in for a discounted rate. Have fun either way

 

A lot depends on (mental) age. If you grew up Disney, or like to "suspect disbelief" as when watching theatre, Disney beats all: fairy tales + a bit of thrill rides? most of the workings carefully hidden behind the scenes.

Knots is good for little kids (old west themes) and teens (thrill rides and nothing to accidentally respond to with excitement, which would be embarrassing). Magic Mountain is flush with rival gang sets mad-dogging each other in ride lines , and has food vendors sporting "B" inspection ratings.

I haven't been to the HP Experience at Universal but the one in a London was great (one time). The last 2 times I went to Universal, it was too-notch-- definitely worth a look.

I'm not a big fan of Lego Land. Mostly a visual experience, long lines for short, not that great rides-. Others I know (Dork-level Lego nerds) love it and go repeatedly.

Sea World and the Zoo are well maintained and cooler than the Wild Anomal Park, but any of the 3 are good attractions.

Since I've been to all and am local, I'd take an afternoon at Balboa Park over most of the others, or La Jolla in the daytime 'til just after sunset. The Zoo is adjacent to Balboa Park and parking is free and big enough for Tundras (it is not at the other places listed).

 

Knotts is not a pos. Best fried chicken dinner if you are willing to stand in line. For good reason. They still have train robbers going onto the train that circles Knotts. Calico mine train ride is still great for kids. You can also get your face on a old tyme "Wanted" poster. Oh wait...heh..heh...Disneyland has new rides. Wax Museum not far either. You know you want to meet Michael Jackson and Marilyn Monroe...come on!!! Hit Balboa Island. Hit the pier. Beach....? Laguna...or Corona Del Mar. You will be in my long time territory.

 

Also lots of very good tattoo parlors in San Diego. "Tundras.com" Just follow Marines and Squids....

 

See @joonbug, Matt knows what’s up with Knotts lol
You can get a little old western outfit and have a ball at Knotts (don’t ask why I know )

 

We have been going through a major heat wave with high humidity. Live here all my life and this is one of the hottest summers I can remember...

 

My brother actually lives in TJ so SD is a good place to meet up.

 

True dat! This year has been brutal

 

I haven’t been to Knotts like it 30 years.

 

Shit....Elvira used to be at Knotts every Halloween. Oh yeah!!!

 

Not too worried about parking space size for Tundras as I’ll be in a rental LOL. That’s why I won’t be doing any wheeling

 

Its SoCal, most likely be a Prius

 

She probably looks better on the internet at her age

 

I used to get Churchill size Cubano cigars in TJ. $1. A gallon of "Lucky" tequila for $3 in 1978. Oh yeah!! Don't ask for any details...It's foggy.

 

Duh....

 

So you don’t rememany donkey stories?

 

Bet she still have some curve. By the way...she's from CO.

 

Not stories....don't ask...don't want to get banned.

 

What are you even doing in SoCal? I’d spend that time in TJ

 

Legoland and the San Diego zoo safari.