Advice if poss -Las Vegas, San Francisco, Pacific Highway, LA and San Diego

Hi, i've spent many an hour browsing this fab forum/website and thought i'd dip my toe in to see what you experienced folk could suggest as the best way/direction that we could take for our "trip of a lifetime". Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

We're a family of 4 and hope to visit end march to APril for around three weeks

Initially the idea was to fly to las vegas (from Newcastle - UK) - but this is a more expensive flight than flying to SFO
Stay for a couple of days
hire a car and head to grand canyon and hopefully stay a night
we also want to fit in Yosemite (also possibly staying a couple of nights)
San Francisco
the pacific highway (visiting monterey and various others) + stay over in couple of places
Los angeles (wev'e been invited to stay with friends for a few days)
and on to San Diego
fly back from SD or LAX

as we will need to tkae kids out of school for a few days we want to make sure that they really learn/experience something that they would not be able to do in the classroom - hence staying in national park at grand canyon and yosemite.

if i've not provided enough info, just let me know - early stages at moment but will need to look at flight options and booking accommodation for the national parks pretty soon

cheers

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

This is a case where you'd actually be better off just doing a loop - which will both be easier, and likely less expensive.

If you started in SF, you'd head down the coast to LA and San Diego, then go across to the Grand Canyon, then start heading back to Vegas, and then onto Yosemite, possibly hitting Death Valley or Sequoia National Parks along the way, before returning to SF.

The only big thing you'll need to remember is that Tioga Pass will still be closed, so your route from Vegas to Yosemite will have to go around the south edge of the Sierras through Bakersfield/Lake Isabella.

This trip is far and away the most discussed basic outline on this forum, so you'll find lots more information just by looking around, and if you have any other specific questions, feel free to ask.

I 100% agree with Michael, the places you wish to visit create a nice loop, and will save you having to 'zig zag' back and forth. Heading in the direction Michael mentioned will also put the Ocean on your side of the road heading south down the coast, making it easier to pull off the road at the viewpoints.

How long have you got in total for the trip?

i hadn't even considered a "round trip", but it definitely makes sense.
We are hoping to be there for around 20/21 days.
due to the Tioga pass being closed will this add alot of extra driving time into the equation?

If Tioga is closed, it will only add a few hours - you would have to go south or north to get across the Sierras.

With around 3 weeks to play with you have time to do the loop at a reasonably relaxed pace. Heading around the southern end of the Sierras won't add too much time and as Michael mentioned, Death valley and Sequoia NP would both be options from Las Vegas.

You could drive to Yosemite in one day [or close by, like in Oakhurst] or with an overnight stop, visit one of the other parks and continue your drive next day to Yosemite. If you drove through Death valley, then perhaps around Lake Isabella, or visiting Sequoia you could stop around Three rivers or in the park. To visit both you would really need to stop twice overnight before getting into Yosemite, maybe Lake Isabella or near Visalia and possibly the second night being in Oakhurst a short[ish] drive away from Yosemite.

Thanks guys you've certainly given me loads to think about!
I think I will have to be careful wih how many different stops we do. Our kids are 10 and 13 and both have different ideas about what they want to do.
Hubby and I looking forward to fab parks and coastlandrive. Daughter wants to swim with dolphins and son wants to visit the biggest water park he can find, and of course incorporate a visit to the theme parks and days out at beaches.
Tall order? Oh and Possibly camping in Santa Barbara!
Btw would you recommend hiring a cabriolet or jeep for the trip
Love the idea of cabriolet but is this a bit silly for the desert?

You are going to be driving some long miles - I'd rent a comfortable car.

I wouldn't do a convertible, but not because of the desert. It would simply be too small, as the back seat area is going to be too tiny, even for your kids.

Jeeps aren't readily available for rentals. You could do an SUV, although there's really no place where 4 wheel drive would provide much advantage. The best value and likely comfort would be in a full sized sedan.

I've looked at Ford Escape (or similar) over a car as i thought that the height of vehicle would help us get better views.

I was a little dubious about convertible but came across one (mustang) where it took 3 suitcases.

Think my conversations going a little off point at this stage, maybe should start new thread on pros and cons of sedan vs suv vs convertible!!

But thanks for the input. Our next stage is to find out what dates we can take off, so until then will continue to browse until we come with itinery (which of course i'll need to put by you all).

I don't want to miss anything at all on this trip so experienced advice/suggestions/off the beaten track stuff will all be greatly appreciated

cheers

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Think my conversations going a little off point at this stage, maybe should start new thread on pros and cons of sedan vs suv vs convertible!!

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Nope, that's fine. Keeping all questions here about this trip is the way to go.

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I've looked at Ford Escape (or similar) over a car as i thought that the height of vehicle would help us get better views.

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I doubt many of our American friends will understand this too well, [I have seen it before] as generally speaking you will not experience the narrow lanes surrounded by hedge rows like you do here in the UK, and a few inches in height will be of little consequence, if any.
Means of transport are a personal choice though, and if it's what you want and it comes within your budget needs then go for it.

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I don't want to miss anything at all on this trip so experienced advice/suggestions/off the beaten track stuff will all be greatly appreciated

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You wouldn't see it all if you had 3 months to spare, but you will see some of the best of it and more ! You need to get some dots on the map and start working out how you want to spend your time [for instance, how many day's with friends in SD etc] along the way. Once you have got the basics down we can offer suggestions and help to 'fine tune' your trip. Keep looking around the forums, the Roadtrip planning pages in the tool bars above and by scrolling down this page where you will find 'Similar threads' and you will keep finding new info.

Here are a few of our favourite threads to get you started.

thanks Southwest Dave. How silly of me not to think about lack of hedges. I'm from Weardale where we have lots and lots of hedges, fencing and dry stone walls blocking our views. Sometime it's only on high ground that you can really appreciate the beauty of a place.

I will browse the forum in depth and will be bck to ask more questions!
Cheers

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I was a little dubious about convertible but came across one (mustang) where it took 3 suitcases.

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Your kids will hate you after about 2 days. The back seat is very cramped. It's also a rear wheel drive car, which means you have a large driveline hump all the way through the cabin from front to back.

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Your kids will hate you after about 2 days. The back seat is very cramped. It's also a rear wheel drive car, which means you have a large driveline hump all the way through the cabin from front to back.

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thanks glc, you've defintely taken a convertible out of the equation! good to have comments from those in the know :)

I am BRAND new here so bear with me on offering newbie advice.

I can only speak to the down the coast leg of the trip. I made a similar trip at the same age as your children, so possibly can offer some insight on what I remember as something I enjoyed. In San Francisco, I visited Alcatraz Island, and loved that. You can tour the old prison, and take a boat to get there. I remember it being quite windy, so maybe factor in a sweatshirt. We were able to go down Lombard Street then (crookedest street in the world). You can't go down now, but it is a possible fun photo op.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is fantastic. Really amazing. Continuing down the coast, you will definitely want to look into going to Hearst Castle in San Simeon. This was something that I remembered as being so amazing that I HAD to bring my husband on a trip up there, and was equally amazed as an adult. Nearby, check out the elephant seal breeding area (not sure what time of year is best for this, I believe we went in November). It is right off PCH, so an easy stop for just a few before heading back on the road after Hearst. There were hundreds of elephant seals (not attractive, but fascinating) just laying on the beach there.

Other possibities along that route:

-Madonna Inn-This is truly, truly an amazing place, if you are into "kitch". Even if you're not, it makes a hysterical potty stop, as even the bathrooms are over the top decorated.

-Solvang-Little off the direct path, but possibly worth it if it looks interesting to you. Danish village with the WORLD'S BEST pastries. There is a mission nearby that is a quick walk, and interesting.

-Santa Barbara Mission-beautiful

-Winchester Mystery House, near San Jose-I ALWAYS wanted to stop here as a kid, and have still never made it, but it may be worth checking out

Thanks for the tips, exactly the kind of information we seek here.

Mark

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I am BRAND new here so bear with me on offering newbie advice.

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excellent advice, and from a childs point of view. Thanks so much, its very encouraging that you remember all of the stops etc you made when you were young. I hopw my kids soak in as much info.

thanks

About the "swim with dolphins" thing: Sea World in San Diego offers such a program. However, it is time-consuming, as the trainers who supervise this do not just let anyone dive into the dolphin pool and take a swim - - there is instruction ahead of time. It's also rather costly.

About a water park: There are several in the Los Angeles area, and there are a couple here in San Diego area as well. They vary in what they offer and how much they cost. I can't remember when you are taking this trip, but some aren't open until May 1st even here in Sunny California!


Donna

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About a water park: There are several in the Los Angeles area, and there are a couple here in San Diego area as well. They vary in what they offer and how much they cost. I can't remember when you are taking this trip, but some aren't open until May 1st even here in Sunny California!

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oh no, opening May! Guess we'll belimited to where we can go. Friends mentioned legoworld waterpark. Will need to check it out. Noticed Las Vegas water park will be closed

Las Vegas hasn't had a water park (except for the city and county parks) for several years. What was the one you were thinking of?

Mark

i think i was looking at an old water park as i couldn't seem to find it. However i did come across an article promising a new Las Vegas waterpark by Memorial Day 2012....BUT... it won't be open while we're there!

http://www.8newsnow.com/story/152195...-for-las-vegas

We've booked our flights! YEA. We land in SFO 27th March and return from SFO 17th April.

As you suggested, a round trip is what we're planning. SFO, LOS ANGELES,SANDIEGO, LAS VEGAS, GRAND CANYON, YOSEMITE, SFO

Suggestions for places the kids would remember appreciated (wacky/strange??). Monterey aquarium is on our list as is San Diego Zoo and of course Disney Land

Can you tell me what time it becomes dark in SFO in March/April? (so that we can plan our day accordingly).

We're going to stay in SFO for three nights. Do you have suggestions as to best places to stay to see all sights? We'll then hire a car for the rest of the stay.

Also, any recommendations of an online package for storing all our trip information?

Thanks in advance, yet again!

Great news, exciting times ahead !!

In SF you will be looking at sunrise at around 7am and sunset around 7.30pm at he end of March, beginning of April.

The 'best ' place to stay has a few factors and one is cost. The more central you are [near Union square] the higher the prices generally speaking. We found reasonable priced Motels near Lombard and Gough street which is close enough to stroll towards Fishermans Wharf where you can pick up the cable cars into the City, although we chose to walk. It's a good idea to rent the car after your few day's in the City, as it is compact and easy to get around without one and parking is expensive.

To get an idea of costs take a look at the RTA reservations centre to the top right of this page.

I have always used a note pad to jot notes down when I pick up new ideas and then sometime prior to leaving, I put them in some kind of 'daily' order along with my paper maps.

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As you suggested, a round trip is what we're planning. SFO, LOS ANGELES,SANDIEGO, LAS VEGAS, GRAND CANYON, YOSEMITE, SFO

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Are you going from SD to the GC, then LV? That would be the most efficient way.

Is the Safari Park in Escondido (run by the SD Zoo) on your list? Legoland in Carlsbad?

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Originally Posted by glc

Are you going from SD to the GC, then LV? That would be the most efficient way.

Is the Safari Park in Escondido (run by the SD Zoo) on your list? Legoland in Carlsbad?

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1) we were hoping to go from San diego but we may have to do SD then back to LA as staying with friends in LA and they may not be available until 6th April (we may be staying a few days in LA and a few in Santa Barbara with them). Little worried that we may run out of time for the Las Vegas stretch if going from SD as we would want to be stay over in SD. The finer details need to be finalised and am waiting for confirmation from our friends.

2) We'll certainly add the Safari Park onto our list - Legoland was "kind of" on there. Need to find a waterpark though for my son (that's his request). I belive the have one in Legoland but not sure if it will be open - all these things need to be checked

thanks for the input glc & southwest dave

Unless you are planning on a lengthy stay with your friends you will be able to fit it all in quite comfortably. Georges [glc] point was that you had listed SD to Vegas to GC, where it would be slightly more economical to head direct to the GC and then back to Las Vegas, plus you won't have to back track along I40. Starting from LA, it would make no real difference in which order you visited Vegas or GC as the Tioga pass is closed - Unless you are hoping to squeeze a visit to Death valley into the equation [recommended] then you should definitely head to the Grand canyon before Vegas.

Hi there, we're looking to book accommodation for three nights.
First night basically a write off after our flight. Any suggestions as the best/safest place to stay for family with 2 kids?
There's so much out there. Also we're finding not many offer breakfast in their costings - is this the norm?
Is there a "traditional" san franciscian breakfast we need to try while we're out there?
cheers

Waterparks:

In San Diego, down in the Chula Vista area, Knott's runs a waterpark called Soak City. There's another one in the Vista area. I'm not sure if these are year-round, though.

In the Los Angeles area, there is one near the intersection of I-10 and I-210, called Raging Waters. There are others, too, but that's the only one I can remember the name of, at the moment!

I haven't been to any of these ... we aren't water park lovers. However, one of my daughters has tried all 3 of these and likes them all!


Donna

thanks donnar57 for the waterpark info. we'll check them out
;)

With regards to breakfast, it's just a case of some do, some don't. Some do a full breakfast menu where others just have coffee and pastries. After the long flight you might consider staying at an airport hotel depending on arrival time. It can be a good choice if it is getting late as many have a free shuttle bus service. We stayed at the Best Western Grosvenor for a couple of nights and caught the shuttle bus back to the airport and took the BART rail system downtown which is a 20 min or so ride away. It's a good system but I'm not sure this would be ideal for a longer stay, we used the hotel to get one full day in SF before picking up our RV early next day. On returning we stayed at the Buena Vista motor Inn on Lombard/Gough that was good value for what it is. They both have mixed reviews but we were OK with both considering the cost and that we just wanted a place that was clean and comfy to sleep, although this was 4 years ago and things change quickly. The Best western provided a good breakfast, the Buena Vista 'breakfast' is not worth a mention, but it had a nice roof terrace to sit out on in the evening.

As I mentioned in my previous post, 'best' comes down to what suits your needs and budget and with few regular contributors to the forums and thousands of lodging options, you might just have to go on your instincts. The main thing I would be wary of is unusually cheap centrally located Motels because 'Central' and 'Cheap' are two words that are not associated with each other.

Parking is very expensive in SF and can be even at Motels you are staying at. Are you collecting your car after your stay ? That was one of the other advantages of the Buena vista, [as well as cost and location] free parking.

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Originally Posted by Southwest Dave

Parking is very expensive in SF and can be even at Motels you are staying at. Are you collecting your car after your stay ? That was one of the other advantages of the Buena vista, [as well as cost and location] free parking.

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Hi, we're hoping to stay three nights in SF (not sure yet if we should only stay for two). We arrive in SF airport 2:40pm. The idea was to hire a car on the 30th (or 29th) and collect from downtown SF thereby saving parking costs if we'd collected from the airport.

The flight and change in time zones can leave you feeling a little weary on arrival [although excitement keeps you going !] especially with non direct flights like we had. Although arriving at such a reasonable time would mean you could head straight downtown. The BART is OK for travelling from a Hotel to downtown, but I don't think I would fancy it with all the luggage on arrival. You will find many transport Co's that will take you downtown either in a shuttle van or by car from around $60 to $80 I would think. [The airport is about 12 miles from the City] You might want to book in advance, but allow plenty of time for clearing customs etc , or you might be able to book and then call them on arrival. [?] I would certainly collect the rental car on the day of departure from the City. Don't forget that if you are doing the loop trip, it might be nice to have a day or two in SF at the end of your trip to unwind and reflect before flying home and you should take that into consideration when deciding how many nights you want to stay there at the start of your trip.

Hi guys, moving on from SFO (still not booked hotel yet). We're looking to stay at a working ranch - any suggestions? either on the way from SFO to San Diego or Sandiego, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yosemite areas

all suggestion gratly apprciated! fancy having a ride on a horse with fantastic backdrop!
thanks

I just received a press release about a ranch you might find intriguing. It might be too far from this year's trip, but one you should put in a tickler file. It's a working ranch in the San Luis Valley in Southern Colorado.

There are a couple of dude ranches near Las Vegas -- but I don't know much about them.

Actually, there is a horse-riding outfit just outside of town -- in a VERY popular area for trail rides -- gorgeous red rock country scenery. I'm not positive of the name -- but I think it is this one.

Mark

Change of plan
Originally we were going to do the loop SFO to LA, San Diego, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yosemite, SFO

however we have now arranged accomodation at Santa Barbra for the 5th 6th April as we are meeting up with our LA friends. From there we will go back to LA to stay with them for a few days.

As the SFO, Yosemite, Las Vegas route is the longest we thought we'd do this first as we have more time on the first leg of the trip (we land 27th March return 17th April)

We land in SFO around 2:30pm on the 27th (after travelling from Newcastle-LHR-SFO). In your opinion would it be advisable to land, collect car and drive to Oakhurst (approx 3and a half hour drive) (not sure how long checking out bags and car would take). We thought as it was a reasonable time of arrival that we could get a head start on Yosemite by driving to Best Western Plus in Mariposa (VERY reasonable prices - £41 per night for all of us - amazing), rather than staying in an airport hotel. The idea then maybe to stay 2 nights there and one night at Yosemite Bug before finding somewhere else to stay (poss ranch) on route to las vegas.

advice greatly appreciated

I wouldn't advise the drive after flying in from the UK. What with check in times, the journey to the airport in the UK and the time difference, you really need rest and to let your body clock adjust. When you arrive you may feel able enough to do it with the excitement keeping you going, but most likely half way[or before] through the journey to Mariposa you will start to feel tired quickly and it's the next day you will suffer the most, not to mention the safety aspect. I would check into an airport Hotel, which by the time you have cleared customs, picked up your rental and checked in will most likely be well gone 4pm, relax for a couple of hours before an evening meal and an early night. You could still be on the road next morning before 6am and feel a lot better for it. Not to mention that a few small delays could put you right in the middle of the evening rush out of SF.

The most I would consider is heading out to Castro valley/Dublin area to give you a head start on the morning traffic.

Hi Southwest Dave - thanks for the sound, sensible advice! we've getting carried away by the excitement of it all and don't want to waste a minute!
Will look at Castro and Dublin
thanks

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thanks for the sound, sensible advice! we've getting carried away by the excitement of it all and don't want to waste a minute!

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I know exactly what you mean, but starting out fresh will put you on the right footing, and your most welcome. :-)

One thing I neglected to ask, is what about visiting San Fran now ? Are you still doing the complete loop, but in the other direction, or are you planning on flying back from LA ?

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One thing I neglected to ask, is what about visiting San Fran now ? Are you still doing the complete loop, but in the other direction, or are you planning on flying back from LA ?

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We thought it would be best to visit SFO on the way back. We are flying in and out of SFO.
The reason being as our very basic plans so far look like this:
1 - stay in airport or castro valley
2 - yosemite
3 - yosemite
4 - stay somewhere on way to LV - perhaps near sequoia nat park
5 - stay somewhere on way to LV - perhaps near death valley?
6 - LV
7 - LV
8 - LV
9 - stay somewhere between LV and Santa Barbra
10 - Santa Barbra
11 - Santa Barbara
12 - LA
13 - LA
14 - LA
15 - LA (with a visit to San Diego incorporated in one of these days
16 - 18 head up coast
19 - 21 SFO

we think doing SF at the beginning would compromise our stay in LA as friends only available for so long

That's cool ! I just wasn't 100% sure that your change of plans included SF. Your trip is coming together nicely and I'm sure you will have a wonderful time. Santa Barb would have fitted in nicely after LA on the way back up the coast, but if it doesn't fit with meeting your friends etc then no matter.

There are some lodgings available in Sequoia NP, or continuing south the nearest small town with lodgings is Three rivers, a little further is Exeter [not sure about Lemon cove]. If you were planning on visiting Mariposa grove near the south kiosk of Yosemite, [check the road is open for traffic or it's a 2 mile hike] you could consider doing that in the afternoon of day 2 in Yosemite and head out the park to the town of Oakhurst for the night. That would give you a good head start and more time through Sequoia NP. Your next port of call could be Panamint Springs or Stovepipe Wells. Either of these would give you plenty of time to explore the park next day on route to Vegas. The third option, Furnace creek, is the nearest location in Death valley to Vegas, but you could explore from there.

If you were up for a bit of a 'work out' there is a wonderful mountain drive between Porterville and Lake Isabella. You take the 190 past Camp Nelson to the Great Western divide highway. Watch out for the 'Trail of 100 giants', a little known gem of giant Sequoia trees, before turning left on M-50 [Parker pass] to Johnsondale. Take M-99 along the Kern river Highway to Kernville and around Lake Isabella. This is slow going and not for everyone, but we thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the feeling of isolation. The roads are all paved and although twisty in places, we managed it in a 30ft RV. Worth considering depending on how you feel on the day.