San Fran to Vegas...HELP please

[theroch]

Hello All
Would love some advice, I arrive in San Fran early July and have 19 days to check out as much as I can from SF down to Vegas where I fly out. I have read sooo much and got myself all confused. Having never been before I don't know if I am being unrealistic, over ambitious, under planning or just missing the best bits out but I really want to see Tahoe, San Fran, Yosemite, LA and Vegas. Is this possible in the time I have? Any good recommendations of places to stay, eat, see...best route to take (will be hiring a car)
I know I am asking alot but feel a bit lost with all the info and don't want to miss out.
Thanks in advance for your time and advice x

[Southwest Dave]

Hello and welcome to the RTA forum !

To start out I would have to say that your plans would be better suited to doing a 'loop' trip, starting out and finishing in the same City. It would save a lot of Zig- Zagging back and forth, but for now I will presume this is not possible and the flights are booked.

The good news is that Yes, you can do this trip and see all that you want to see along the way quite comfortably in 19 days, in fact you could consider visiting the south rim of the Grand canyon as a bonus. After spending a little time in SF you could collect your car [not really needed in this compact City where parking is expensive] and leave town over the Golden Gate Bridge and on towards Lake Tahoe. Over the bridge are the Golden Gate Rec area, the Napa wine region and you could go to Muir Woods. From Tahoe head south on 395 to Mono Lake and then take the spectacular Tioga Pass [CA120] into Yosemite. I would recommend at least a couple of nights in this wonderful NP. From Yosemite head to Monterey and the coast and then start on your way to LA. Definitely allow the time to drive the coast Highway [CA1] which would mean at least one other overnight stop, Cambria would be a nice choice giving you time to enjoy the scenery around Big Sur and possibly take a Hearst Castle tour. Once you have finished with LA you could take the direct route to LV or perhaps head to Joshua Tree NP and/or Mojave Preserve. Another choice and one I mentioned previously, would be to head to the Grand canyon and then back to Las Vegas. You would certainly have the time available but it will ultimately come down to how much time you want to spend at the other attractions on your list. The route itself could be driven comfortably in 3 days, so a nice amount of time to enjoy them !

By searching the forums and simply scrolling down this page you will find lots of 'Similar threads packed with info. Here are some of our favourites.

[theroch]

Thank you for your swift reply. I have taken your advice and have now booked a loop trip from San Fran to San Fran. Does this change any of your excellent advice?

[Midwest Michael]

As Dave mentioned, switching to a loop should save you some zig zagging. Really the only thing that changes is the order.

Now, you can start by heading down the coast. After LA, then you head toward Vegas possibly via places like Joshua Tree or the Grand Canyon. After Vegas, you head back to San Francisco via Death Valley, Tioga Pass, and Yosemite.