West Coast Day Trip Suggestions?

So being that I still live at home and mooch off my mother, I was thinking I should surprise her with a trip this weekend for her birthday. I can only get Saturday off work and thus, was looking to do a day trip. I was planning on getting the first flight out, and the red-eye back.

So far LAS is out as no seats=no go.

SFO,LAX,SAN,SNA,SJC,PHX,SLC,SEA,PDX,ASE...anybody think of anything else?

So I'm looking for the place that would make the best day trip. Have the most activities or maybe beach accessible.

And I need to use public transportation.

Any tips? Been there, done that?

Show me the way...

Thanks

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ColoAvs19 @ Apr 20 2008, 10:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

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I was thinking I should surprise her with a trip this weekend for her birthday. I can only get Saturday off work and thus, was looking to do a day trip. I was planning on getting the first flight out, and the red-eye back.[/b]

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What a nice surprise.
First, I&#39;m thinking a cross-country day trip may be great for 20-somethings, but I doubt your mom will find 7+ hour travel times-each way as exciting. http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...DIR#>/wink.gif So my suggestion is to limit yourself to maybe 4+ hour flight time, any more and you run the risk of spending more time at the airport and in the air, than at your destination; and the point of the day trip is the trip not the flight.....riiiiiight! http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...DIR#>/wink.gif ) Soooo with your criteria in mind, I&#39;m going "off the board" and suggest Chicago. Chicago has great transportation, great restaurants (lunch http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...DIR#>/wink.gif ), museums, shopping and a lakefront.
But C19, no matter where you go, your mom will have a great day, what will mean the most is that you planned the day. So have a great time and don&#39;t forget her rose.

Thanks for the suggestion Mig. I was actually looking out west because anywhere else, say you get on the ground at 11am, to get back home that night, you&#39;d have be back at the airport at 3pm or so. I don&#39;t live near a hub, so I&#39;ve gotta make connections. Out west, get on the ground about noon, get back to the airport at 10pm for the red-eye.

And the surprise aspect. Actually my brother let the cat out today. My mom and I were discussing, and we&#39;ve pretty much settled on SFO. She&#39;s down with the transcon idea, and she&#39;s never been to CA, nor have I. Plus, should the fates place us in F, we get a meal now.

We were thinking alcatraz, peir 39, golden gate bridge. I&#39;ll have to look up details.

Any other suggestions or tips?

Thanks.

Out of the places you listed, I would choose SAN. It has the best transportation options of them.
You can be from the airport to downtown by bus within 10 minutes and for $2. The beach is close by too.
Lots to do there and great weather!

You can visit Old Town or Seaport Village. Coronado Island is easy to get to also for the beach.
Eat at Old Town Mexican Restaurant.

If you are just going for the day I would recommend checking out rental car prices. Weekend rates for a rental car are often from $18 to $25 including taxes. The only downside is parking can be expensive in the bigger cities you mentioned like SFO, SEA, LAX etc, but if you want some flexibility and to get out of the major cities they are a great option. I live in SLC and so if you decide to come out this way I can give you some tips. Although it sounds like you are looking more for a beach, which we don&#39;t have.

I haven&#39;t been up to San Francisco for a couple of years, but here&#39;s a list of my must-sees.
Alcatraz--Now I haven&#39;t been there (believe me I tried http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...DIR#>/wink.gif ) very popular, so go early or book in advance.
Cable car ride -- There are three lines. Both the Powell-Mason and the Powell-Hyde lines begin at Powell and Market streets. Both have good views, however the Powell-Hyde line does take you right pass Lombard St.- the crookedest street in the world.
China Town
Golden Gate Bridge
Fisherman&#39;s Wharf (Boudin&#39;s for clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, take it outside and enjoy.)

Have fun, and we&#39;re looking forward to that trip report.

SFO is the way to go!! Hang out by the pier (bring a jacket) and don&#39;t miss Chinatown for amazing dimsum! And renting a car maybe the best thing to do if you only have a day.
Enjoy

Well, We&#39;re back. Pretty decent trip, and an adventure as always.

Trip report is up on my blog.

Thanks to all making suggestions.