Population: 35 million
Major Airports: Los Angeles International Airport - Los Angeles (LAX), Burbank Airport - Glendale Pasadena (BUR), John Wayne Airport - Santa Ana (SNA), Long Beach Airport - Long Beach (LGB), Ontario International Airport - Ontario (ONT), San Diego International Airport - San Diego (SAN), San Francisco International Airport - San Francisco (SFO), Oakland International Airport - Oakland (OAK), Sacramento International Airport - Sacramento (SMF), San Jose International Airport - San Jose (SJC).
When to Go:
Los Angeles, has moderate climate all year round so it's appropriate to visit at any time. It tends to rain the most in February and raining season is between early November and late April.
San Francisco tends to be foggy and windy making the climate cool, so do pack slightly warmer clothes. The nicest time to visit is usually April and October. Winter from November to February is designated as rainy season. San Diego is great to visit in the summer, late spring or early fall as the weather is warm.
Getting There:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the third busiest airport in the world, better airfare deals could save your some dollars when you fly into one of the other airports Burbank, Long Beach, Ontario or John Wayne. Be careful and know where your staying as John Wayne and Ontario airport is about 50 miles from downtown LA, while Long Beach is 25 miles and Burbank about 15 miles.
San Francisco, either drive up from Los Angeles, or if you flying in within the US, Oakland is usually a better alternative to avoid all the international flights that can make SFO, San Francisco International airport very crowded. Getting into Oakland airport, catch the BART to downtown San Francisco should take about 20minutes. San Jose is another alternative although it is a further trek to get into San Francisco but can be done in about 80 minutes via the Caltrain service.
San Diego, either drive down from Los Angeles or San Francisco is ideal. If you want to fly you'll have to get in via San Diego's International Airport (SAN). It's not a major airport, so flying into LAX will allow you better connection or the closest drive down to San Diego.
Getting Around:
Los Angeles, the best and probably easiest way of getting around is by renting a car, try to stay on the side streets or be prepared to sit in traffic on the freeways. By renting a car, you can even drive up to San Francisco and down to San Diego or east to Las Vegas!
San Francisco, once you make it in to the downtown area, the city can be explored by foot. Decent public transit system, the Metro and Cable Cars are available. If you are exploring the city by car be fore warned that parking can get very expensive.
San Diego, MTS buses, trolleys and coasters provide convenient transportation throughout the city. Taxicab stands can be found at the airport, most hotels, attractions and shopping centers.
