Hey guys,

Me and my wife are planning a trip from 14-17 October as a 1 Year anniversary as well as a mini bike vacation. We are looking to stay in between Malibu and Laguna Beach. We would like to spend most of the 15th riding the bike up the coast and around some of the canyons. the 16th on possibly hitting up Santa monica, Venice, and possibly Hollywood.

I have only been to L.A. once and didnt have the bike so this is going to be a great riding location.

I am looking for advice on where to stay and where to ride. Any must see places while I am there as well. I know most of you guys have been there a few times at least and who better to ask about a bike trip to Cali than you guys.

Thanks in advance for your help guys.

Jason

oh and we would prefer something close to the beach....of course.

i spent the last 3 yrs living in north hollywood...the closer to the beach the more expensive.is cost a factor?

cost is a factor to a point. We were looking at staying at a bed and breakfast in Topanga for about 150 a night with military discount. Not too bad, but trying to stay under 130 a night. Plus we will have the bike trailor, so a place that has enough room to park is a nice idea.

Ventura is great. It is on the ocean and at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains. Incredible riding

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I loved Ventura. Had some amazing seafood at some resturaunt on a pier. Want to stay closer to LA area because my wife is wanting to see Santa Monica and Venice Beach. I found a B&B called the Knucklehead Inn...supposedly a motorcycle B&B.

Any more help is much appreciated...thanks guys.

I can't offer advice on a place to stay cause I always opt for a crappy Motel 6 or Super 8. (I hate paying for hotels)

As far as riding goes, you've got a lot of options, but riding along the coast through LA & Orange county just means a lot of traffic. If you want to get good riding in, then you'll have to head for the hills. The Ortega HWY (74) between San Juan Capistrano and Lake Elsinore is nice, but usually has a CHP presence the closer you get to Lake Elsinore. If you stay on the 74 between Hemet & Palm Desert is real kick ass, or you can turn off on the 243 and go through Idyllwild. Big Bear, especially the Rim of the World (18) from San Bernardino going up the mountain is a helluva good time, and then also between Running Springs & Big Bear Lake is a favorite too. I would normally say Angeles Crest HWY (2) from Pasadena to Big Pines is good, but I'm not sure of the condition after all the fires a month ago. Then of course you can go get lost in the mountains between HWY 1 & the 101 above Mallibu for a day and never ride the same road twice.

Yeah, I plan on doing more of a "just riding" trip soon. But this is me and my wife's 1 yr anniversary so I talked her into bringing the bike and getting some riding done as well. We will be there from 14-17 October but not getting in til late on 14th. Will spend one day seeing the coastal scenes and another just riding and enjoying the ride. I am planning on doing the hills around Malibu. That way we can stay close to L.A. for night life and the beach. I may take a trip up to Ventura for that seafood again..

Santa Monica mountains! Check your maps...tuna canyon, latigo canyon etc

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