Vacation tips for the West Coast

[Silent Drifter]

Annually, a couple of friends and myself who are scattered about the US meet up once or twice a year to travel somewhere. Last year was DC and Montreal, this year it is San Diego in May and Seattle/Vancouver in August.

For those of you who have lived in, or been to, either one of those cities, what are some must-see places to check out and also some awesome places to eat at that a normal vacationer wouldn't find?

/Thanks

 

[Nuclear Cowboy]

In Seattle, go to the market on the wharf. (West side of Seattle). Great food and bars.

Also, if you have some time, go see Rainier (http://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm) or the Olympic National Forest. (http://www.fs.usda.gov/olympic/) or both.

 

[Megs A Tagger]

In Seattle, you should also check out The Pike Place Market, and the Space Needle.

But for food I suggest checking out:

Elysian Brewery (http://www.elysianbrewing.com/elysian.html) - Great beer & Noms

Via Tribunali (http://www.viatribunali.net/index.php) - Authentic Neapolitan style pizza

Pike Place Brewery (http://www.pikebrewing.com/index_html.shtml) - I recommend getting their Reuben sandwich

Red Mill Burgers (http://redmillburgers.com) - Yummy Burgers

 

[Nuclear Cowboy]

In Seattle, you should also check out The Pike Place Market

I have shamed my Washington birthplace. I could not remember the name of the market.

 

[Megs A Tagger]

I have shamed my Washington birthplace. I could not remember the name of the market.

We forgive you Nuke

 

[Sumac]

You have to see the Zoo in San Diego that is obvious.
You should also check out the Maritime Museum and Balboa Park.

 

[Megs A Tagger]

I agree with Sumac...I love the San Diego Zoo

 

[Silent Drifter]

Great input guys! Keep it coming.

 

[chili dude96]

As a avid hiker, I second Rainier. Its a 14er (part of the 14,000 club), which hikers love. It is the most topographically prominent mountain in the us, which in layman's terms means that while it is not the highest elevation, it is the highest from the bottom of the mountain to the top. Meaning it towers above everything else and looks really big.

 

[Megs A Tagger]

Mt. Rainier is amazing too. It's only about a two hour drive from Seattle.

 

[ST0RMY]

San Diego:

San Diego Zoo for sure. I'm not sure if they still have the zoo open at night but if they do you actually see some animals moving instead of sleeping.

Sea World-- pass on it unless you have little ones.

California restaurants of interest:

In-n-out: Best hamburgers ever made. Ask for a double-double animal style (make sure those lazy jerkfaces put grilled onions on it)

The Hat: Best pastrami dips ever made by man, choose a location where you likely won't get stabbed or mugged.

I'll add more later. Oh, if you have connections down south or have no regard for your personal safety take a trip to Mexico, the land of senioritas, margaritas, and the world's leader in kidnappings.

 

[Skippy]

In-n-out: Best hamburgers ever made. Ask for a double-double animal style (make sure those lazy jerkfaces put grilled onions on it)

Secret menu...

 

[Silent Drifter]

Yea, In-n-Out is a must, so is the zoo. I live in Florida, and have been to Sea World a few times so that is not on the list.

Has anyone done the USS Midway museum?

We are going to Petco Park for a game and also Safeco as well.

I heard the nightlife in San Diego is pretty legit as well, is there a particular street that is hopping at night?

All good suggestions btw, I appreciate it.

 

[Bay Area]

For San Diego I'd say the zoo too.

BUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE IN-N-OUT. Get the burger Stormy told you and order Animal Style Fries. soo good....

 

[YoSpankDawg]

Silent, hit me up. I know the entire West Coast like a champ and I am a Washington/Seattle pro (Meg is also a lifelong WA-stater). I can tell you everything you need to know about Seattle, Vancouver, etc.

 

[BaCkStAb!]

If you're looking for nightlife in SD definitely check out the gaslamp district. I go there quite often; lots of cool bars and clubs. Im actually going to a show at the house of blues there tonight. Definitely check out balboa park/littel italy/ USS midway/ SD zoo also!