West Coast BPers, please advise!

[Nancy L.]

At the end of March I'm going to a wedding in Tucson AZ, and am planning to turn it into a vacation by heading to California from there. Wondering where to go? What to check out? I often fantasize about moving there and escaping the cold NE winters... What are the RE markets like? Where are there good profit margins for flipping and/or rentals?

I'm planning to visit an aunt in Santa Monica, maybe a friend in LA... Other than that have no plans. I'd like to check out at least one more city. Other than scoping real estate, I'm interested in seeing some architecture, maybe doing some hiking or camping... What attractions/features can ppl recommend to get a sense of what's out there?? I hear there's an ocean, but other than that have no clue. Thanks!!!