Hey Guys,
We're planning a 12 night, 13 day trip, flying in and out of LA. Have mined all the useful info from the forum, outlined a plan and need you to sanity check it. Would welcome any suggestions, recommendations of places to stay, short stop-overs, detours, etc. There'll be 5 adults, ranging from 38 to 70 and an 8 year-old boy. We've rented a decent-sized minivan. We hope to stay in motels and small hotels. The route seems to work but still not set on which direction to take. So! Here goes...
Setting off from Santa Monica on Monday July 30th. If we go clockwise, next over-night stop would probably be in the Pismo Beach area. Not sure about the next night, but looking to stay at Pigeon Point Lighthouse, South of SF on the Wednesday ( August 1st ). Next morning, bright and early, off to SF. A day's sightseeing and a stay either in SF or on the way towards Yosemite. 3 nights in Yosemite area and then heading South, towards Las Vegas, taking in Sequoia National Park and Death Valley, via Olancha. We have room for a couple of nights between Yosemite and LV. Any thoughts? Two nights in Las Vegas and then setting off on Friday 10th towards LA with maybe a night somewhere on the way.
Questions:
Does this route make sense?
Any must-see attractions on the way? Ideally not too much of a strenuous walk from the car. We thought about Ubehebe crater and Racetrack Playa but these seem to be too far off our route.
Suggestions for places to over-night?
Roads to avoid??
Any local festivals or high-days we should know about?
We're open to any ideas, don't really want to spend more than 5 hours driving each day unless it's necessary. Would very much welcome your help.
Many thanks in advance.
Andy, Sandra, Josh and the in-laws.