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

Thanks the extra drive sounds fab. Something hubby and I would love to do but will have to see how the kids handle the lengthy drive.
The kids have also said they'd rather stay at oakhurst for a couple of nights (think the swimming pool at the best western swung it for them ) than stay in Yosemite so we should be fine for the south entrance.
So I'm now moving on to the trip from Yosemite to las Vegas.

I have seen quite a few mention of the ghost town at Brodie. I think well have to check it out!

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I have seen quite a few mention of the ghost town at Brodie. I think well have to check it out!

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I expect you mean Bodie ghost town and that's probably too far out of the way with your time limits. Bodie is north of Mono lake and as the Tioga pass CA120] across the mountains will be closed, it's an even bigger diversion. Not only this, the road in is partly unpaved and would most likely breach your rental contract agreement.

2 problems with Bodie - the road to it closes for the winter and it may not be open yet - and the last 3 miles are rough and unpaved and may jeopardize your vehicle rental contract. It's also a long way out of your way from Yosemite to LV if you take the southern route.

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2 problems with Bodie - the road to it closes for the winter and it may not be open yet - and the last 3 miles are rough and unpaved and may jeopardize your vehicle rental contract. It's also a long way out of your way from Yosemite to LV if you take the southern route.

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hmmm, will have to rethink and look for another "ghost town" on our route and wilth paved road!

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Originally Posted by dramaqueen

hmmm, will have to rethink and look for another "ghost town" on our route and wilth paved road!

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The information on this link includes road condition to most ghosttowns.

Lifey

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Originally Posted by dramaqueen

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

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What happened to the Grand Canyon?

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The information on this link includes road condition to most ghosttowns.

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Thanks Lifey, great link. Will spend some time exploring

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What happened to the Grand Canyon?

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we thought it might be a little far/too much of a rush to visit Grand Canyon as we really wanted a couple of days in Yosemite and a visit to Death Valley and we have to be in Santa Barbra on the tenth day. We don't want to force too much driving into a day.

That said, we have three nights in vegas and we may take a trip out there one day.

itinery, i think will take a while to be completed - there are so many things we want to do!

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That said, we have three nights in vegas and we may take a trip out there one day.

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The Grand Canyon does not make a good daytrip location from Las Vegas. Its simply too far away to go there and back in one day and have time to enjoy anything. Its about 5 hours of driving each way.

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Originally Posted by Midwest Michael

The Grand Canyon does not make a good daytrip location from Las Vegas. Its simply too far away to go there and back in one day and have time to enjoy anything. Its about 5 hours of driving each way.

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I was worried that you were considering a day trip from Las Vegas and I agree with Midwest Michael, that it's to far for just a day trip. You would want to spend at least one night there.

Hi All, Happy Christmas or should it be HAPPY HOLIDAYs
Itls been a while, Christmas took over priority of our holiday planning, but i'm now back to it and hope to get things moving before i get back to work!

We're considerinf South West Daves suggestion

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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.

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I'm looking at accommodation in Kernville. Do you have any suggestions other than Whispering Pines (tad too expensive for us) also, Death Valley - we would love to stay at Furnace Crrk Ranch, but again too expensive. Is there anywhere on Death Valley where we could get a similar experiencE? Or are these areas generally quite expensive?

Thanks

There's always going to be a scarcity of lodging options and plenty of people willing to pay 2-3 times the going rate for similar lodging elsewhere as long as it's in the park. Even Stovepipe Wells charges well over $125 per night -- and such lodging would be about $35.00 per night if not in the park!

Mark

The closest lodgings located just outside of DV is the Panamint Springs resort. I have not stayed there but they do offer lodgings from $79 at present. Not a bad spot to stop for the night between the Sequoia area and Vegas either. It would seem to get a mixed bag of reviews.

Again, I have no first hand experience [RV traveller] but in Kernville there is Kern lodge that gets good reviews and seems reasonably priced. About 15 mins north of town is McNallys Fairview lodge that you would pass on the way down the Kern river Highway. It's described by many as 'rustic' and is famous for it's steaks ! For other options you could also search in Wofford Heights and Lake Isabella.

When I have been to DV I have stayed in Beatty. Last time I was there the lodgings varied from $30 to almost $100. I chose the $30. It was clean and comfortable, despite being old. The airconditioning worked, even though the front cover was missing. And everything else worked, fridge, TV, etc. They were two comfortable nights, back in 2007.

It is not all that long a drive into DV, and Rhyolite is on the way. Worth a stop. And if you want to see the stars at night, the drive home is quite comfortable and safe, even in the dark. I have to admit, I had a full moon. Not good for stargazing, but wonderful for the drive home. Over two days I covered a lot - if not all - of the park.

Would love to do it again.... some day.

Lifey

Hi there, we've looked at lots of different possibilities for our drive from Oakhurst to Las Vegas (2 nights accommondation before Las Vegas needed).
we've narrowed it down to 1st night BAKERSFIELD as there's lots of hotels with pools etc for the kids and will be a shortish drive.
I'm now looking at the second night and KEELER seems to be in a good position. Any recommendations for accomodation in /around keeler or colse to?
cheers

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I'm now looking at the second night and KEELER seems to be in a good position. Any recommendations for accomodation in /around keeler or colse to?

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just read one of the forum threads and note that Keeler is not a town!! I'm now looking at Panamint springs (as recommended by Southwest DAve) however reviews are NOT great! May start looking further afield.
Beatty )as mentioned by LifeMagician) is a little far out.

Well if you were looking in the Keeler area anyway, I would look at the extra 30 mins north from 190 turn off and check out Lone Pine.

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I'm now looking at Panamint springs (as recommended by Southwest DAve) however reviews are NOT great!

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TBF it was a suggestion not a recommendation ;-) I mentioned that it got mixed reviews and that I hadn't stayed there, but the location was good. They are cabins in a desert and being remote and scarce lodgings in the area means they come at a premium. Sometimes peoples expectations are a little high for such places and sometimes the places just don't cut it, I'm afraid I can't say which is which here.

Did you expand your search around the Kernville area ? Searching Lake Isabella might bring up a few more options.

The most budget-friendly lodging options on the west side of Death Valley are in Ridgecrest and Bishop.

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Originally Posted by dramaqueen

I'm now looking at Panamint springs (as recommended by Southwest DAve) however reviews are NOT great!

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Both Panamint Springs and Stovepipe Wells provide accommodation within the greater Death Valley area. Stovepipe Wells is actually in the park, I've stayed there -- I'd stay there again. But you're not paying for deluxe lodging -- your paying for the location. If you rely on reviews, you're going to miss out on the adventure. If you want four star lodging -- the Furnace Creek Inn offers that -- but you're going to pay a premium -- $300+ per night.

You can find less expensive lodging outside of the park -- but is that really what is important to you?

Mark

Hi guys, thanks for all the suggestions - really did not expect as many people to answer what with Christmas Holidays etc!

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TBF it was a suggestion not a recommendation ;-) I mentioned that it got mixed reviews and that I hadn't stayed there, but the location was good

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apologies to SouthWest Dave - 'fraid i probably did a little too much searching last night - suggestion, not recommendation - one word, big difference:)). As you say, it really should be about location. I need to be "not as fussy"!


I did look at Lone Pine/Lake Isabella/Stovepipe Wells but ended up checking out the Death Valley National Park website. It's soooo interesting, I must stcik to what i'm supposed to be searching, it's so easy to lose track.

i'll get back to organising our New Year party today - must get organised!

Happy New Year and a Prosperous year to all! Best wishes for 2012 x

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Originally Posted by glc

The most budget-friendly lodging options on the west side of Death Valley are in Ridgecrest and Bishop.

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The problem I see here is that Ridgecrest is really too close to the Lake Isabella and Bakersfield area [the night before stop] and Bishop could add up to a 3 hour detour by the time you have past the 190 turn off and returned to Lone Pine or 2.5 hours extra over stopping at Lone Pine.

Hmm, Trying to get the 'Best of both worlds' isn't always easy. As with everywhere, I tend to agree with Mark in the fact that there is nothing quite like being 'there' but it's what you are comfortable with.

Of course there is always the possibility of staying to the east of the park. Pahrump has a Best Western [Pahrump station] with a pool and although I haven't stayed there, it does get good reviews and I have not been disappointed with any Best Western Hotels yet as value for money and cleanliness. Pahrump is on the natural path to Vegas and you would have time to explore parts of the park on the way and fill that day. If you are in no hurry you could explore some more of the park in the morning before continuing but would have to back track.

Lone Pine is an option - there are a few motels there and the rates aren't too bad.

Here's a brief look at Stovepipe Wells

Mark

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Originally Posted by dramaqueen

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

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Regarding Legoland (in Carlsbad, North of San Diego) they do have a water park but you have to pay admission to Legoland and then an additional fee for the water park which together will be EXPENSIVE, so I would not recommend it. Also, Legoland and the Waterpark there can't seem to decide what age they are geared for. They have few rides that are intended for those over 10 (only 2 rollercoasters and 2 large waterslides) so you may want to consider taking the kids the beach and rent boogie boards instead!! Good Luck!

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Here's a brief look at Stovepipe Wells

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Thanks for the heads up MarkSedenquist. It looks quite good with bar, restaurant, pool and stunning views what more could we ask for!

Rather than stay in Bakersfield the previous night we are considering Kernville (The Kern Lodge) Via the trail of 100 giants. May even do a spot of whitewater rafting (if it's on)

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Regarding Legoland (in Carlsbad, North of San Diego) they do have a water park but you have to pay admission to Legoland and then an additional fee for the water park which together will be EXPENSIVE, so I would not recommend it. Also, Legoland and the Waterpark there can't seem to decide what age they are geared for. They have few rides that are intended for those over 10 (only 2 rollercoasters and 2 large waterslides) so you may want to consider taking the kids the beach and rent boogie boards instead!! Good Luck!

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Thanks andreatib. Beach and boogie boards sounds like a great idea. I must admit i think my eldest (13) would have struggled to keep herself entertained at LegoLand. Will the sea be warm in April?

cheers

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Originally Posted by dramaqueen

It looks quite good with bar, restaurant, pool and stunning views...

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Megan and I stayed here in November. The bartender has competed at a national level for bartending awards -- Get him to show off for you! Pretty fair selection of bourbons and other spirits there. Stunning views.... Um, there are stunning views in the area, but the views from the rooms are somewhat stark. Still, a fun place to stay, but it's not like the views from the rooms at the Furnace Creek Inn by any stretch of the imagination!

Mark

Any suggestions as to good car hire companies at San Francisco airport. We're going to stay a night in an airport hotel and pick up the car the next day. There will be a shuttle service back to the airport from the hotel hopefully this will make it easier picking the car up.

Also, would you recommend GPS? Does GPS system (tomtom) work in US ok? Will cigarette lighter charge in american cars be the same as uk?
thanks

I think most major car rental Co's offer the same type of service so it will be a case of searching for the best deals to match your criteria.

GPS is a good back up tool, but always use paper maps to guide you. A GPS will do it's best [or should that be worst?] to keep guiding you onto main Highways and Interstates. Make sure you go where you want to go and not where the GPS tells you too.

I purchased the TomTom USA maps prior to leaving the UK and ran updates through TomTom Home on my computer. It worked well and was great for finding a specific address [Hotel etc] when near your destination and showing local stuff like gas stations and Diners. It'll plug into the car socket OK and you can buy a plug adapter for charging in your Hotel room if needed.

Hi, we're now planning our route from LV to Santa Barbara. I've read lots of posts where the drive is quite boring. We do have a day spare to stop off somewhere and were wondering if anyone had suggestions of interesting places to stay.
We're considering the route below (found in the archives on this forum) - it sounds much more interesting

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It is certainly possible to get from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara in a day, it's only 371 miles by the most direct route, I-15 to the Los Angeles area and I-210 across the northern L.A. basin. But I-210 can become a 50 mile long parking lot in the evening rush hour, so here's what I'd do. For all of another mile (372 total) you can avoid L.A. altogether. At Barstow, CA, leave I-15 and take CA-58 west to Mojave, then follow CA-14 down through Lancaster to Santa Clarita. As you enter Santa Clarita pick up CA-126 west which will take you all the way to the coast and US-101 in Ventura, about 20 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. I think you'll find that much more relaxing and scenic than driving through one big city after another.

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any suggestions gratefully received!

Hi we are going over the same time as you and doing roughly the same route starting from Vegas. I love dolphins and whales and we will be going on the boat trip to see them in the wild from San Francisco Bay.Is it cool to see dolphins at the zoo?
CONSIDER THESE FACTS:
53% of those dolphins who survive the violent capture die within 90 days.

The average life span of a dolphin in the wild is 45 years; yet half of all captured dolphins die within their first two years of captivity. The survivors last an average of only 5 years in captivity.

Every seven years, half of all dolphins in captivity die from capture shock, pneumonia, intestinal disease, ulcers, chlorine poisoning, and other stress-related illnesses. To the captive dolphin industry, these facts are accepted as routine operating expenses.

In many tanks the water is full of chemicals as well as bacteria, causing many health problems in dolphins including blindness.

When a baby dolphin is born in captivity, the news is usually kept secret until the calf shows signs of survival. Although marine mammals do breed in captivity, the birth rate is not nearly as successful as the one in the wild, with high infant mortality rates.

Wild dolphins can swim 40 to 100 miles per day - in pools they go around in circles.

Many marine parks subject their mammals to hunger so they will perform for their food. Jumping through hoops, tailwalking and playing ball are trained behaviors that do not occur in the wild.

Confined animals who abuse themselves (banging their heads against the walls) are creating stimuli which their environment cannot supply. Dolphins in captivity tend to develop stereotypical behaviors (swimming in a repetitive circle pattern, with eyes closed and in silence) because of boredom and confinement. This is equivalent to the swaying and pacing of primates, lions, tigers and bears confined in cages.

Dolphins are predators of fish and spend up to half of their time in the wild hunting for food. Supplying dead fish results in less exercise and lack of mental stimulation, thus causing boredom.

When trapped together, males often become agitated and domineering. This creates pecking orders (unknown in the wild) and unprovoked attacks on each other and the trainers. In the ocean, although fights are not unknown, the wild dolphins have a chance to escape.
THEY WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE....
Dolphinariums claim that their mission is to protect dolphins in the wild through research and public education. Those are nice words but facts speak louder. If dolphins are so happy in captivity, why do they die so fast? Why the secrecy about their mortality rates? There would be fewer spectators if people knew how many animals were "dying" to amuse them. Perhaps if the death records were displayed at the entrance, no one would buy a ticket.
Education?
Most dolphinariums have made little or no contribution to education about dolphins. Jacques Cousteau believed that captive dolphins are conditioned and deformed and bear little resemblance to dolphins living in freedom in the sea. It's like studying human psychology only in prisons, which leads, obviously, to misinterpretations and absurd generalizations. As people learn more about the wild cetaceans, they pity more the captive ones. As TV, computers, and virtual reality become greater educational tools, the justification for keeping captives on display disappears.
Research?
We blindfold dolphins to study the efficiency of their echolocation system. We put probes in their larynxes and nostrils to examine their sound production. We train them to push buttons and levers, to choose between materials and colors, we teach them to speak. We clamp them down, drill holes into them, and dissect them. Why? They do not exist as subjects for agonizing experiments by man. Dolphins suffer no less than humans. The only way scientists should study dolphins is to swim with them in the wild. No argument can rationalize the forced confinement of these highly intelligent creatures. Dolphins are innocent sufferers in a hell of our making.

The Good News is...
Fortunately for the dolphins, more and more people are becoming concerned about dolphin suffering, and uncomfortable at sea circuses. Citizens are now speaking out loudly that dolphins and whales belong in the ocean. This is the only hope. Imagine this: A theme park has a dolphin show and nobody goes. The owners will soon close down. There would be no dolphin shows if no one paid to watch them.

Dolphins have evolved over 50 million years to be successful in their wild habitat!

Does anyone have some knowledge of Santa Clarita area?

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Originally Posted by dramaqueen

Hi, we're now planning our route from LV to Santa Barbara. I've read lots of posts where the drive is quite boring. We do have a day spare to stop off somewhere and were wondering if anyone had suggestions of interesting places to stay.
We're considering the route below (found in the archives on this forum) - it sounds much more interesting

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It is certainly possible to get from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara in a day, it's only 371 miles by the most direct route, I-15 to the Los Angeles area and I-210 across the northern L.A. basin. But I-210 can become a 50 mile long parking lot in the evening rush hour, so here's what I'd do. For all of another mile (372 total) you can avoid L.A. altogether. At Barstow, CA, leave I-15 and take CA-58 west to Mojave, then follow CA-14 down through Lancaster to Santa Clarita. As you enter Santa Clarita pick up CA-126 west which will take you all the way to the coast and US-101 in Ventura, about 20 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. I think you'll find that much more relaxing and scenic than driving through one big city after another.

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any suggestions gratefully received!

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Yes, that's a very good option. Take the Business-58 exit off CA-58 to CA-14. The exit you want off CA-14 is Soledad Canyon Road/Sand Canyon Road. Take Soledad Canyon Road to Magic Mountain Parkway, turn right, take that to I-5, go north to the next exit, which is CA-126 west.

Thanks glc.
We're now looking at where to go after Los Angeles. We will evenutally be heading back up to San Fransico (scenic route) but thought it would be nice to have a couple of days relaxing in the sun and playing in a pool. Where would you suggest as good places for this? somewhere with a nice temperature. We were looking at Palm Springs but are open to suggestions. We will have two days to play with.
thanks

Palm Springs would be a very good option. You could take a scenic route from LV to PS - through the Mojave Preserve, Amboy, and Joshua Tree. From PS, you could still go to Santa Barbara avoiding most of LA by taking I-10 to I-215 to I-15 to US-395 to CA-58, then as described. If you just want to get to the coast, take CA-58 to Bakersfield, then CA-46 to Cambria.

Well i think we've nearly got it cracked - itinera so far:
Land in SFO
1 - SFO overnight
2 - Drive to Oakhurst (2 nights)
4 - Drive to Kernville via 100 giants (also hopefully do a spot of White water rafting)
5 - Drive to Stovepipe Wells staying overnight. Visit Zabraskie point, scotty's castle.
6 - Drive to Las Vegas covering various points in Death Valley along the way (badwater?). Stay 4 nights
10 - Drive to Santa Clarita (poss visit ghost town at Barstow)
11 - Drive to Santa Barbara (2 nights)
13 - Drive to Palm Springs 3 nights (maybe call in to Universal Studios - the have buy one get one free at moment. Also do water park in Palm Springs)
16 - Drive to Pacific Palisades (maybe 3 nights, staying with friends. Catch Universal again and poss visit to San Diego as well as LA tour.
Not sure how long wwe'll stay with friends, maybe three, then nice drive up to SFO. Stay 2 nights in SFO.
Total days 22

We'll also be visiting National PArks while we're there, Yosemite, Joshua, Death Valley and poss a few others. As a family of four is it worht purchasing a National Parks family ticket?

If the only national parks you'll be visiting are Yosemite, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree, then it would not be worth it to purchase the annual pass.

National Parks typically charge by the car, and admission is good for a week, so everyone in your family will get in with one fee. The fee at Yosemite is $20, Death Valley is $20, and Joshua Tree is $15.

The Annual Pass is $80, so you'd have to visit a couple more for it to be worth your while. BTW, the Trail of 100 Giants is in the Sequoia National Monument, not the national park, so you won't have an admission fee there.

The Ocean will not be warm, but it probably won't be too cold either. If you are concerned you can rent wetsuits or halfsuits when you rent a boogie board.

That being said, my kids go into the ocean in December and are just fine. Be sure to swim near a lifeguard and watch for the posted signs showing where to swim... they don't want swimmers/boogie boards where there are surfers so look for the flags or ask at a lifeguard station.

Have a GREAT trip!!

Saltygirl's trip has been moved to her own thread. You can read it here.

Hi guys just thought I'd drop a line to say thanks for all of the invaluable advice. We are currently in ourfirstweek of our and so far it has been excellent!
We landed in San Francisco to a storm. So pleased we took your advice and booked overnight stay. We then travelled on to oakhurst, quaint little town and stayed at best western Yosemite gateway, which was great. Excellent breakfast.
The second day we visited Yosemite. Mariposa grove, with snow on ground and then drove into the Yosemite village - spectacular view through tunnel view. We were overawed by the beauty of the place.
From oakhurst we travelled to kernville and stayed at. Kern lodge which was brill. Lovely setting, very friendly people. We were the only people using the pool ( I don't think the locals thought it was warm enough to do so). They have a very friendly pet dog called
Rocky. We were in 110 sequoia and it was Quirky to say the least. If was fab, massive living area with gas fire and tv. TVA in the bedrooms etc. we could have stayed longer but were due to go to death valley.
Beautiful. Drive with temps going up and down depending on how high you were. Stovepipe wells was again great accommodation. Bestarts - stars at night and sunrise in the morning.
Drove then to lasvegas, played in the sand dunes on the way.
Lasvegas is a culture shock. Stayed at MGM grand signature. Penthouse suite 38th floor. Great accomodationanduse of pools. Thestripis an experience. We are here for another day then on to Santa clarity. Will keep you posted - thanks again for all advice

I am so pleased you have dropped by with an update, Thank-you so much !

Really pleased you are having a great time [It has stirred some fond memories and put a smile on my face] and look forward to the next one !!

Have Fun.

Dave.

Hopefully this will be the last time I need to ask for advice... I have not booked accommodation between Los Angeles and San Francisco. We're hoping to do the coastal route.
Can anyone advise on best/ good places to stay along the route. We,d like to get a little more than half way.

Also, little more of an update - left Santa clarita and stopped off at a vons on the way to Los Angeles. This lovely guy noticed we were from England. He looked afteer a ranch and asked if we would be interested in popping along to pick some fruit for ourselves ( we purchased 4. Oranges in vons). We went along, just a mile down the road - what a lovely guy and what a great experience for the kids. Climbing orange,lemon,grapefruit and avocado trees to collect fruit. It's certainly something we won't forget from our holiday).