A year after i picked up my PPL, my first long trip was from San Diego to San Francisco in a C172. We flew over the pacific ocean ,passing Calatina Island,  abeam Los Angeles International, and followed the coast all the way up.

I grew up in California my entire life, and have lived up and down this state. Seeing the state from above makes it seem so small.. San Diego is just "over the hill" from Los Angeles, and Palm Springs is a hop skip and a jump over that "hill".

If you are in California, i suggest these airports to visit.

Oceano - central california, coastal. This is one of those hidden gems airports. Temp Camp right next to your plane, and the ocean is a few blocks west. The city bus stop is next to the airport and can take you all over. If you are into off-roading, there are plenty of places to rent 4 wheelers and ride in the Dunes.

Sedona, Arizona. Absolutely beautiful place to visit. The airport is on a mesa, with tons of touristy things to do.

i posted a bunch of pictures here.

http://zulu247.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=5

have fun, be safe
--rob