Vegas to LA to San Fransisco

[Philly Guys]

Hello,
Im staerting my 10 day trip flying from Philly to Las Vegas,
I will be in Vegas July 3rd for three nights. I will leave Vegas
on July 4th heading to LA. I have two teenage boys who wants
to stop at Universal park in LA. My wife would like to see Hollywood.
I will do two nights there and then head north. I have three nights
planned in San Fransico to end my trip. I have an extra night between
La and San Fran to stay. Any ideas between Vegas and La to stop and see
and from La to San Fran must see and stay locations. I had never been on
the West Coast. The only hotel I booked so far was in Vegas. Looking
for lots of Ideas.
Thanks

[glc]

Welcome!

Can you reverse the direction of your trip, going from LV to SF, then down to LA? That way, you could go from LV to SF through Death Valley and Yosemite - and driving south down the coast will have the scenic turnouts on your side of the road.

[Philly Guys]

Sorry about that.
We will start out in Vegas drive to LA for two nights then head north to San Fran with two nights to use on that leg of the trip. We will use our last three nights in San Fransisco.
Thanks

[Midwest Michael]

Doing a full loop, or at least ending in LA, could make more sense. As GLC mentioned, it would allow you to also see Death Valley and Yosemite.

If you sick with you current plan, then your extra day between LA and SF would very much be needed if you choose to drive up the coast. This is a very popular basic trip idea, so I'd suggest starting reading some of our favorite threads on this part of the country.

[Southwest Dave]

If your itinerary is set in stone and you have 2 nights from LA to SF then exploring the coast would most likely be your best option. You could split the journey with a stay around the Cambria area [Cayucos and San Simoen are options] for seaside towns and you could visit Hearst castle. For your second night you could stop in Monterey where you the Kids might enjoy the Aquarium and there are other options like the 17 mile drive or perhaps a boat trip.

While in SF, I would highly recommend a trip to Alcatraz.

[Lifemagician]

While in SF, I would highly recommend a trip to Alcatraz.

I imagined teenage boys would enjoy the evening/night trip of Alcatraz. Fills fast!

Lifey