San Diego, easing in
You land the same afternoon, Janika off the long haul from Helsinki. The first days are gentle on purpose, sea air, good food, early nights, because the jet lag runs the show at first.
Both of you land in San Diego around 3:30pm. Drop the bags, wander Little Italy for dinner, and an early night, no dawn starts while the clocks reset.
The world's most famous zoo, just the two of you. Go right at the 9am opening.
A slow, beautiful day. La Jolla Cove for the sea lions and clear water, Balboa Park's gardens, then Sunset Cliffs for the sky show. A Coronado beach afternoon if you fancy it.
Los Angeles & the castle
Up the coast on the Pacific Surfliner (already booked, both ways), three nights in the city, and the one you've been counting down to.
The Surfliner from Santa Fe Depot at 10:01am, into Union Station by 12:57pm. Afternoon on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, then up to Griffith Observatory for sunset, where the Hollywood Sign sits right there across the hills. A perfect first LA evening.
Your day, Janika. His star on the Walk of Fame, Forest Lawn, and the GRAMMY Museum for the real Thriller jacket. Full chapter just below.
The big one. A day trip to Anaheim, rope drop to fireworks over the castle. Pirates, Space Mountain, Star Wars, and far too many churros. One park, one perfect day, just us two.
