Take a ride on one of San Fran's trolleys

The sunshine state; where the surfers are dudes, the waves are gnarly, and L.A. truly is the movie set you imagined. If you’re looking for a place to spend all that hard earned cash you made over the summer; California’s where it’s at!

Start in the gay capital of the world, where else, but good ole San Fran. From here you can work your way down along the coast to the other major spots. It’s a little chillier than the southern cities, so a light jacket wouldn’t go amiss. There’s a lot to do in San Francisco, so time productivity is crucial. Book your Alcatraz tour in advance, or prepare to be disappointed.

Do all the clichés (wonderful clichés that they are) in one day. Hit the Golden Gate Bridge in the morning, hop on a trolley ride to a spot for lunch, and head to the windiest street in the world, Lombard Street, to watch some extreme driving San Francisco style!
 

Amazing view!

Going from San Fran to L.A can be done in 8 hours by bus. A Greyhound will cost you just over $42, and isn’t too bad if you get there early enough to ensure your seat beside a friend. Otherwise you could find yourself far too close for comfort to the complete stranger beside you, after a not so comfortable nights sleep.

To avoid this little embarrassment, and to experience as thrilling a drive as you can fit into a few days, why not rent a car and venture along the Big Sur. It follows US Highway 1 along the rugged Pacific coastline and is home to the most incredible scenery to be found in California.

There are plenty of places to stay along the way including some beaches that allow campers. Renting cars in California can be difficult if you’re under 25 so make sure you get online and shop around to find the best deal for youths.

When you’ve dropped the car off in L.A, head to Hollywood Youth Hostel; your home for the next 2 nights! Hollywood can, and should, be seen in two or three days. This hostel is right on Hollywood Boulevard and is at the centre of everything you need to see in Tinsel Town. During high season, websites will only accept a limited amount of guests, so if you’re travelling in a large group, ring the hostel directly to secure places.

Posing with Dolly!

Once you’ve had your fill of star stalking, and pictures with names on the boulevard, head to one of L.A’s fine beaches to chill out and catch some waves. A lot of the beaches are within walking distance, or at least a short bus journey away, so save on accommodation by staying at one of the lesser known beaches. Hermosa Beach is a small area, but has a cheap hostel called ‘Surf City’ that is steps away from the beach, and surrounded by bars. There’s shopping areas nearby, and Venice and Santa Monica beaches are at your door step.

Saint Diego; it’s just got to be done when you’re on the west coast. 4 hours from L.A, and worth every minute of the journey. When you’re not doing your J1 and taking up a 3 month residence, there’s only one hostel you should be booking; Lucky D’s. This place double ticks everything on your check list. Great rooms, great kitchen, great people, great price, great craic.

It has free dinners a few nights a week; and they offer great free pub crawls and tours around San Diego. It is a bit of a trek to the beach, but the bus stop is just around the corner, and this place just can’t be missed during the summer.
 

The Grand Canyon

In the words of the Fresh Prince, California really is the place for “chilling-out, maxing, relaxing all cool”. It’s got everything you want for a short break, with a bit of west coast culture thrown in.

Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada is only a few hours’ drive from L.A, and the incredible Grand Canyon is only 3 hours from Vegas. So get your skating shoes on and your winter woollies off kids, because for a couple of bob, you could be sunning yourself west side this summer!

By Mariosa Molloy