South western USA photo ideas, locations?

[ozimax]

I will be going to USA (trip #10) in early May for 7 weeks. Most of the time I will be based in Lancaster, CA. I need some locations, ideas etc for photography in the LA/socal area as I will have some free time in between business activities.

I lived in LA for 8 months in 2002, mainly in the Riverside/San Bernadino area, but there is heaps more in Socal than San Bernadino. Any ideas on "must photograph" areas will be more than appreciated.

Many thanks,

Max

[daniel_r]

Max,

If you have the time, and especially in the season you're going in, I cannot recommend highly enough a trip on Cal Highway #1. It's essentially California's Great Ocean Road.

I haven't visited the SoCal leg, but I have travelled Santa Barbara up to North Cal and Leggett on #1 and further up to Redwoods NP on 101.

You'll be in for some great scenery and pleasant weather in May. Unfortunately I haven't visited much of SoCal, mostly Northern California. I'll see if I can get some of my images from last June finally PP'd and up in my gallery!

edit: the California Highway 1 guide is a good supplement to the the LP California guide. The maps are quite handy.

[gstark]

Max,

Take one weekend and get yourself into Yosemite Park. The snowfalls they've had this year have been immense, and the waterfalls in Yosemite are already v ery spectacular, and expected to be massive during May.

Set yourself up for an early morning visit to avoid the crowds.

San Luis Obispo is another worthwhile wekend trip - US101 for the quick trip, or US1 for the scenic route. The mission is great, and Hearst Castle is in that area, but not my style of thing.


Take another weekend and head south, to San Diego. Visit the old town, have some good Mexican cuisine at the Old Town Cafe. Get to Balboa Park and all of the museums there, as well as the zoo. Don't forget Mission Beach, nor the maritime museum on the harbour front in downtown SD.

Keep heading south and you'll find yourself shopping in Tijuana.

Closer to LA, and as Daniel suggested, PCH is worth a drive. Start north of Malibu, and continue at least until you get to Dana Point, stopping along the way at Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

Just north of Dana Point you'll find yourself in Laguna Beach, where a sunset meal at Las Brisas is a must. One of my very favourite restaurants: spectacular view, food to match, and prices that are surprisingly inexpensive.

In the Santa Monica mountains, get thyself to the Getty museum.

In LA proper, get to Fairfax and Third. Farmers Market is there, Kantors is up the road (down home kosher cuisine) and the MOMA and Tarpits are just around the corner.

Long Beach is worth a visit, and on the subject ofLong Beach, tune the car radio to 89.3 (I think) KKJZ if youlike good jazz and blues.

[ozimax]

Thanks Daniel, will take this on board

Max,

Take one weekend and get yourself into Yosemite Park. The snowfalls they've had this year have been immense, and the waterfalls in Yosemite are already v ery spectacular, and expected to be massive during May.

Set yourself up for an early morning visit to avoid the crowds.

San Luis Obispo is another worthwhile wekend trip - US101 for the quick trip, or US1 for the scenic route. The mission is great, and Hearst Castle is in that area, but not my style of thing.


Take another weekend and head south, to San Diego. Visit the old town, have some good Mexican cuisine at the Old Town Cafe. Get to Balboa Park and all of the museums there, as well as the zoo. Don't forget Mission Beach, nor the maritime museum on the harbour front in downtown SD.

Keep heading south and you'll find yourself shopping in Tijuana.

Closer to LA, and as Daniel suggested, PCH is worth a drive. Start north of Malibu, and continue at least until you get to Dana Point, stopping along the way at Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

Just north of Dana Point you'll find yourself in Laguna Beach, where a sunset meal at Las Brisas is a must. One of my very favourite restaurants: spectacular view, food to match, and prices that are surprisingly inexpensive.

In the Santa Monica mountains, get thyself to the Getty museum.

In LA proper, get to Fairfax and Third. Farmers Market is there, Kantors is up the road (down home kosher cuisine) and the MOMA and Tarpits are just around the corner.

Long Beach is worth a visit, and on the subject ofLong Beach, tune the car radio to 89.3 (I think) KKJZ if youlike good jazz and blues.

Can't take weekends off but midweek to Yosemite is most probably better anyway. Always wanted to visit Yosemite but never had the time (but did visit Yogi bear at Yellowstone).

I have a close Aussie friend who has just moved from San Luis Obispo to Fresno, again, I have always wanted to travel that coast but never had time.

I have been to Long Beach, Santa Monica, Huntington, San Diego. I would like to see Getty Museum, and have scheduled a trip to downdown LA already. I'm not sure what the tarpits are, sounds interesting. Las Brisas also sounds interesting. Thanks for the tips.

[ozimax]

While in this post, I will also be in Flint, MI, for about 10 days. I don't know if there's any interesting photographic spots around Flint/ Detroit, but maybe a local knows something we don't! Thanks in advance. Max.

[gstark]

Can't take weekends off but midweek to Yosemite is most probably better anyway.

Indeed it will be. Fresno is one of the three armpits of the world located in California's Central Valley. You'll pass through Bakersfield (the second) on the way north to Fresno, and a further few miles up 99 you'll find yourself in Modesto, the third.

Fresno is nearly as unattractive as Modesto, but it's a great launching pad for any visit into Yosemite. If you have the time, come out heading north, through Modesto, and then into San Franciso or Sacramento.

If you get to Sac, the railway museum is an absolute must see, as is their Capitol. Just like DC's but smaller.

Of course, now you're only an hour from the Napa.

What's there to see and do in Modesto? How about leave!

It's home to the world's largest winemaker, but that's by no means a suggestion. Gallo makes stuff that's less than good: their hooch makes Ben Ean seem like Grange.

I have a close Aussie friend who has just moved from San Luis Obispo to Fresno, again, I have always wanted to travel that coast but never had time.

Who did your friend piss off that badly that they moved from one of the prettiest small cities in CA to one of the ugliest?

I have been to Long Beach, Santa Monica, Huntington, San Diego. I would like to see Getty Museum, and have scheduled a trip to downdown LA already. I'm not sure what the tarpits are, sounds interesting. Las Brisas also sounds interesting. Thanks for the tips.

The Tarpits are La Brea. Often mistakenly called La Brae Tarpits (Literally The Tarpits Tarpits) it's an active siesmic site with a museum and archeaological dig, virtually in the middle of LA.

[radar]

Max,

While in this post, I will also be in Flint, MI, for about 10 days. I don't know if there's any interesting photographic spots around Flint/ Detroit, but maybe a local knows something we don't! Thanks in advance. Max.

Kerry Pierce is from Detroit. I haven't seen him post too much lately, but I'm sure if you send him a PM he would let you know of some place to visit.

Have fun,

André

[daniel_r]

Indeed it will be. Fresno is one of the three armpits of the world located in California's Central Valley. You'll pass through Bakersfield (the second) on the way north to Fresno, and a further few miles up 99 you'll find yourself in Modesto, the third.

I entirely agree with that assessment

[wmaburnett]

Id suggest the Grand Canyon in arizona, in the general area, a few hours drive, amazing place, plus all the national parks, this place is scattered with them , Antelope Canyons also is a great place. http://www.nps.gov/ look through there you will probably find many great places!
~William

[dooda]

I'd recommend Death Valley, and Monterey areas if you can swing them. Carmel by the sea is a goofy town as far as the people go, but the coastline is pretty damn cool.

[gstark]

The Grand Canyon is awesome, but it's more than a day trip from the LA region. A good staging point woild be Williams in Arizona (on Route 66) but that's still a half day's drive from LA.

Death valley too is a great suggestion, but as well as requiring more than just a daytrip, I'm concerned that the weather/time of year would make a trip there rather, um, risky. It's called Death Valley for good reason, and winter is the best time to visit.

While we're in that general direction, there's also Las Vegas (avoiding it is my recommendation) and Palm Springs, which is an easy day trip out of LA.

Monterey and Carmel are both stunning places and well worth a visit, but they're local to San Francisco, not LA, and thus I excluded them because they didn't seem to fit within the general guidelines that Max was seeking.

However, much travel within the US is quite inexpensive, and perhaps a shuttle flight from, say, John Wayne to San Jose could permit a day trip to the Bay region, with an early morning flight out and a late evening return, picking up a rental car for the time you're up there.

Similar arrangements could be made for trips to Vegas, Phoenix, and Sacramento.

[Manta]

What a comprehensive array of suggestions Gary! I hope Max has a chance to get to even half the places you've mentioned.

I wanna go!!!!

[LostDingo]

just came back from the US and spent a half day at Death Valley. Temps are not bad at the moment (about 90 F, 32 c ) but will be changing quickly. Definitely worth a drive.

[ozimax]

Wow, there's a lot of info to digest here.

Gary, I will be in Sacramento for a weekend and maybe a day or two free afterwards. Will definitely look into doing something around that area, maybe even day trip to Yosemite from there?

I think you have miscalculated on the armpit bit, San Bernardino is definitely the armpit of the world, nice people but smog junction most of the year. I will be visiting my friend in Fresno so I will see how it rates against Riverside county in armpit terms.

I have been to Vegas for a few days. I'm not the gambling type but it definitely is a wonder to behold for sheer size (and for the rides on top of the Stratosphere hotel). Palm Springs is like going back into a 50's time warp but still spectacular in it's own way.

I think the coastal trip will be the way to go. It would be a good day's drive from Lancaster but well worth the effort. As for the tarpits, well, I'll just have to check them out.

Good idea to check with Kerry about Detroit. I was wondering about a trip to Canada from Flint, just to say I've been there. Maybe even Niagara Falls??

Thanks again to all for the info.

[ozimax]

Actually, come to think of it, a 2 day hire of a nice new Harley may be in order here, up highway 1, something I've always wanted to do, I have only been able to afford Jap bikes in the past but t'would be fun.

[gstark]

Wow, there's a lot of info to digest here.

Gary, I will be in Sacramento for a weekend and maybe a day or two free afterwards. Will definitely look into doing something around that area, maybe even day trip to Yosemite from there?

Yosemite is about three hours from Sacramento, perhaps a bit more, depending upon time of day that you travel. Factor that into your calculations. Fresno is much more proximate, as is Modesto, both of which have an adequate supply of motels. And there's a few towns closer still to Yosemite that can be used as staging points, but I'd need to dig out some maps to give you more details.

If you're looking for something to do away from Sac, head due east into South Lake Tahoe. The lake is great with fishing and watersports available, lots of good eateries, and it's on the border with Nevada, which means that as soon as you cross the state line you're into a mini Las Vegas, if that's your thing.

Or head north west from Sac, into the Napa. You're right in the premium wine country, plus there's redwood forests, a petrified forest, Old Faithful (I think that's what it's called - but I was disappointed with it), the Russian River ... lots to see and do in that neck of the woods.

I think you have miscalculated on the armpit bit, San Bernardino is definitely the armpit of the world, nice people but smog junction most of the year. I will be visiting my friend in Fresno so I will see how it rates against Riverside county in armpit terms.

No, I've not. I know most of the LA, SF and Central Valley and coastal regions we're discussing here, and while I'll agree that San Bernadino isn't the hottest of locations, it gives nothing away in terms of armpit status to Bakersfield, Fresno, or Modesto. Any of these three cities actually give the area around Newark airport in NJ a fair run for their money in terms of armpit status.

Bear in mind, too, that in Riverside you're only a half hour or so by freeway from <strike>civilisation</strike> salvation in the form of LA or Orange county. There is no such local respite with any of these Central Valley cities.

I have been to Vegas for a few days. I'm not the gambling type but it definitely is a wonder to behold for sheer size (and for the rides on top of the Stratosphere hotel). Palm Springs is like going back into a 50's time warp but still spectacular in it's own way.

Both of these locations come under the heading of "you've got to see them once in your life", but if you've already been there and done that, then I think I'm safe in suggesting there are better ways to spend your time.

I think the coastal trip will be the way to go. It would be a good day's drive from Lancaster but well worth the effort. As for the tarpits, well, I'll just have to check them out.

Absobloodylutely. Take your time, and take your camera. I'd even suggest NOT taking the coast road north out of SLO. Instead, take 101 which runs inlad a little, and then look for turnoffs back towards the coast. There's one in particular that runs by a military base, but you take the road that passes by the southern perimiter of this establishment.

You'll be taken through some very nice forests and by the side of a creek, up into the mountains.

And then down, towards the coast, hitting the coastline a little south of Big Sur.

And it's this part of that drive - heading back down through the mountains, before you hit PCH, that you'll need your fully charged camera battery and a couple of empty CF cards for. I cannot describe this, but I hope that the day is sunny.

Good idea to check with Kerry about Detroit. I was wondering about a trip to Canada from Flint, just to say I've been there. Maybe even Niagara Falls??

Niagra is actually in NY state as well as being in Canada; I'm unclear as to how close or feasible that is. But if you're in upstate NY, there's always Lake Placid and Woodstock; if you can take a ride across into Vermont and up to Burlington, I can guarantee that you also won't be disappointed.

The lakeside area is just gorgeous, you're just a few miles south of the Canadian border.

And then there's Ben and Jerrie's.

Arfe you lefthanded? Do you play golf? If so, there's even a store on the main street that caters especially for your needs.

[ozimax]

No, I've not. I know most of the LA, SF and Central Valley and coastal regions we're discussing here, and while I'll agree that San Bernadino isn't the hottest of locations, it gives nothing away in terms of armpit status to Bakersfield, Fresno, or Modesto. Any of these three cities actually give the area around Newark airport in NJ a fair run for their money in terms of armpit status.

Have you ever been to "Baker" (not ot be confused with Bakersfield)? It's sort of enroute to Vegas, now that is a place. In mid July 02 it was approx 48C at 5pm, I think it's not far as the crow flies from Death Valley, just hotter. (Mind you, Vegas was 100 F as midnight).

Strike Gary, I'm going to need 7 months, not weeks, to see all this stuff. However, as a veteran traveller I try and see as much as I can and cram it all in. Now, if only I could find a 1/4 decent coffee in California, anywhere....

[gstark]

Have you ever been to "Baker" (not ot be confused with Bakersfield)? It's sort of enroute to Vegas, now that is a place. In mid July 02 it was approx 48C at 5pm, I think it's not far as the crow flies from Death Valley, just hotter. (Mind you, Vegas was 100 F as midnight).

As in where the airfield is? A couple of times, yes. As I recall, the township is one set of traffic lights, a couple of bars, a couple of gas stations, and a military base. Not much else.

Maybe a car yard, perhaps.

Strike Gary, I'm going to need 7 months, not weeks, to see all this stuff. However, as a veteran traveller I try and see as much as I can and cram it all in. Now, if only I could find a 1/4 decent coffee in California, anywhere....

Ignore Starfucks.

Look for SBC; much better. Grab some Tazza D'oro, ground, and buy youself a small plunger setup.

Wherever you're ordering coffee, order a double cap, but have them hold the cinamon. Cinamon? Give me a bloody break! Where does that come from?

Actually, in San Francisco you'll find good coffee: head to the North Beach district. I'm not aware of a similarly good area in the LA region but there are lots of smaller independant coffee houses around, and they should be able to satisfy your needs.