i'm also from cali and had never been to ny. this being the case, i actually stayed in manhattan for the night and took the subway to the bronx the next day. sure i was only there for one night but that was enought time to spend wandering around times square and check out radio city (it was near christmas) and even see a broadway play---only $30 for last minute ticket and i was front row (unbelievable). of course for this particular play, the front row audience gets splashed...small price to pay. so it may not be for you if you just want to get in and out of there, but if you think this might be your one chance to see manhattan i say take advantage.