Flying into Vegas to LA to San Diego with 8,11,14 yr old for spring break

Have 7 or 8 days for spring break. We are flying into Las Vegas to see the city for a day and night. Light shows,dinner and Jabbowokkees...then heading to La for 3 days and then down to San Diego for 3 more.

Any good suggestions on what to see from Las vegas to LA? We will prob leave about 10 am and want to get to LA by 8-9...Then will will be staying in Santa Monica doing the LA stuff which we are familiar with. Need suggestions from LA to San Diego drive. Plan on going to SanDiego zoo one day...Need a few more suggestions! Thanks Alot...Jaana from Minneapolis

Welcome!

The easiest things to see from LV to LA would be the Mojave National Preserve and/or Joshua Tree NP if you are looking for nature. Another option would be Death Valley, but that may cut your time too tight.

The most common route from LA to SD would be I-5, which is pretty solid urban and suburban all the way - and quite congested. Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm are on the way, as is Legoland in Carlsbad. Another option is head east and go down I-15 to the Escondido area and see the Safari Park. It's operated by the SD Zoo. You can buy a ticket package which would also include the zoo.

I would second a lot of GLC's suggestions. If "Safari Park" doesn't sound familiar, though, it used to be known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park (and still is known as that, to most of us who live in San Diego County). If you are a member of a zoological society near home, you may check to see if they have reciprocity with the San Diego Zoological Society ... it makes for less expensive tickets!


Donna

glc's suggestions are certainly popular and would be highlights of any trip, here are a few others that most folks don't get to. If you continue west on CA-58 from Barstow, you will come to Edwards Air Force Base, home of the 'Right Stuff', and believe it or not - they offer tours. Then on the drive down to San Diego, the only open stretch of road is as you drive through Camp Pendleton (just so you recognize it when you see it) but a great stop if you're interested is actually Mission San Juan Capistrano.

AZBuck