west coast options

Hi

We are 2 adults and a teenager planning a road trip for summer (July/August) 2012. We appreciate it is likely that we will not be able to do everything we would like to in the 15 days we have and welcome ideas, comments on what should not be compromised on (and places/routes) that shouldn't be missed. Ideally I would like to fly to San Francisco and stay for 3 nights. Then drive to Yosemite for 2 nights and back to the coast for the Big Sur Drive. Then drive to LA, staying for 2 nights. Drive to Death Valley and on to Las Vegas arriving on day. Whilst in LV take in a Grand Canyon tour and fly back to UK from Vegas on day 15.

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

With 15 days to spare you should be able to manage your 'wish list' quite comfortably. You will find Lot's of great info on this popular area by using the search function.

What I would consider doing is to complete a loop starting and ending in SF, that way you won't be zig zagging from the coast to inland and back. The loop would look something like this; SF> coast >LA>GC>LV>DV>Yosemite >SF. It's a very natural route without back tracking and is full of amazing and diverse scenery.

You would also get to see the Grand canyon National park and be able to witness a sunset over this wonder of the world. Most day tours from Vegas head to Indian lands at the west rim which is more expensive than the NP and doesn't afford the same spectacular and famous views in the NP area.

Have a look aound and when other questions crop up, just ask. Here are some of our favourite threads to get you started, Enjoy !