Southern California loop - August 2023

[UKCraig]

Well it's been a long time since I was last outside of Europe (14 years by my reckoning!) but I am finally able to make a return to North America. Not on my own this time (there are now four of us) and things will have changed on the ground over that time, I am sure, so I would welcome any tips, suggestions or other thoughts. This is what I have planned so far but very happy to take advice on the driving times that I have estimated and interesting little diversions for fun roadside attractions (world's biggest, world's tallest, etc) or interesting movie locations (the kids favourites seem to be Back to the Future and Karate Kid at the moment but open to others).

I am wondering about the Hollywood sign - I think they'd like to see that - and hear about various spots to see it; what is recommended given where we are staying (Universal City). Google Maps (I know!) suggests this walking route which is about 2.3 miles each way with a 1,100ft elevation gain; does anyone know if this is realistic for two oldies with a couple of kids who are relatively inexperienced walkers? Something better? Parking nearer to the location somewhere? Maybe stick to seeing it from the bottom? Just seems a great view from up top?

I know the Skywalk is a tourist gimmick and I'd be better driving on to the national park proper but I am trying to limit my ambition when it comes to the miles as this will be the first time for my two (12 and 11 years) and don't want to turn them off to exploring with too much driving!

I am also particularly interested in suggestions for Channel Islands, Pinnacles and Joshua Tree national parks given the modest amount of time that we have available.

Also note that Magic Kingdom has purposely been left at the end of the trip to (hopefully) keep the kids enthused about the end of the trip (it's much much more their thing than mine!)

Finally, any thoughts on when the coast road through the Big Sur area will reopen? I have tailored the itinerary to that closure as best I can but would rather spend a day extra driving that section.

Tues 8^th - Day 1
Fly London – Los Angeles
Collect rental car
Stop for food eg In and Out Burger or Chick-fil-A
Overnight accommodation booked: Tilt Hotel, Universal City

Weds 9^th - Day 2
Relaxing morning settling in
Visit Hollywood sign from Griffith Observatory?
Old LA Zoo in Griffith Park?
Burger King in Burbank (BTTF)?
Movie locations?
Overnight accommodation booked: Tilt Hotel, Universal City

Thurs 10^th - Day 3
Universal Studios
Overnight accommodation booked: Tilt Hotel, Universal City

Fri 11^th -Day 4
Universal Studios
Overnight accommodation booked: Tilt Hotel, Universal City

Sat 12^th – Day 5
Leave hotel and drive down to Santa Monica
After lunch follow coast road to Ventura
Overnight in Ventura area

Sun 13^th - Day 6
Channel Islands cruise from Ventura – arrive back late PM
Drive to Solvang (+/- 1 hour)
Overnight in Solvang

Mon 14^th – Day 7
Continue along the coast road toward San Francisco
Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, San Simeon (Hearst Castle/Elephant Seal viewing spot), Turn around at Ragged Point
Overnight outside Pinnacles NP (Soledad or King City)

Tues 15^th - Day 8
Visit Pinnacles NP
Drive to Monterey (+/- 1.5 hours)
Take it easy for remainder of day
Overnight in Monterey or Carmel by the Sea

Weds 16^th - Day 9
Whale Watching AM
Drive south to Big Sur area
Overnight in Monterey or Carmel by the Sea

Thurs 17^th - Day 10
Leave early and drive to San Francisco via 17 Mile Drive (+/- 3 hours)
Golden Gate bridge viewpoint
Baker Beach
Fishermans Wharf
Lombard Street
Alcatraz Island
Cable cars
Overnight accommodation booked: Hotel Caza San Francisco

Fri 18^th - Day 11
San Francisco
Overnight accommodation booked: Hotel Caza San Francisco

Sat 19^th - Day 12
Drive to South Entrance of Yosemite National Park (+/- 4 hours)
6pm Moonlight train ride on Yosemite Mountain Narrow Gauge Railway
Overnight accommodation booked: Narrow Gauge Inn

Sun 20^th - Day 13
Mariposa Grove hike (+/- 2 hours)
Explore west of Yosemite (Washburn Point, Glacier Point, etc.) then head in to the valley
Overnight accommodation booked: Curry Village (check in 4pm)

Mon 21^st - Day 14
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Falls
Half Dome
Leave Park via Tioga Pass
Overnight accommodation booked: Virginia Settlement

Tues 22^nd - Day 15
Bodie State Park
Drive in to Death Valley National Park (+/- 4 hours)
Badwater Basin
Sunset Zabriskie Point
Overnight accommodation booked: Furnace Creek Ranch Cabin

Weds 23^rd - Day 16
Explore Death Valley National Park
Overnight accommodation booked: Furnace Creek Ranch Cabin

Thurs 24^th - Day 17
Sunrise Dantes View (leave hotel at 430am)
Drive to Grand Canyon West (+/- 4.5 hours)
Pass Las Vegas (hello Mark/Megan!) and quick stop at the Hoover Dam
Grand Canyon Skywalk
Overnight Grand Canyon West

Fri 25^th - Day 18
Drive to Lake Havasu City to see old London Bridge (+/- 2.5 hours)
Continue on to Joshua Tree National Park (+/- 2.5 hours)
Overnight near Joshua Tree National Park

Sat 26^th - Day 19
Roadside attraction: World’s Biggest Dinosaurs at Cabazon
Drive back to Los Angeles/Santa Clarita area (+/- 3 hours)
Do anything outstanding in north / east sides of LA
Overnight near Six Flags

Sun 27^th - Day 20
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Overnight near Six Flags

Mon 28^th - Day 21
Fly Los Angeles - London

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!!

Craig.

[Southwest Dave]

Hi Craig, great to see you back and planning a trip !

Well it's been a long time since I was last outside of Europe (14 years by my reckoning!)

Woah! Thats unbelievable !

Depending on how 'up close and personal' you want to get to the sign but there is a viewpoint from afar on Mulholland drive and it's a nice drive towards Runcorn canyon with views of the City. (Likely to be heaving though)

I'm not sure if you could do anything about your booking but a whole day in Death valley in August will be tough !! Personally I would of explored late evening on arrival and early morning on departure and split the journey to Grand canyon (NP). (Just a thought)

I'm already looking forward to the trip report !!

[Rick Quinn]

Hello, Craig:

Sounds like a very well planned itinerary; y'all are going to have a blast!

Just one comment: as an Arizona native, I'm compelled to lobby strongly for the REAL Grand Canyon. Yes, it would be two extra hours in the car, but you would arrive at the South Rim in plenty of time to enjoy the views from the overlooks, and I can guarantee that your kids would be gobsmacked by their first sight of that massive canyon. No offense to the Hualapai Tribe, but Grand Canyon West just isn't the same thing at all. Prices for everything you do are ala carte, and quite expensive for what you get in exchange. The kids will be veterans at that stage in your journey, and it's a beautiful drive, with lots of fun Route 66 stuff, especially around Seligman. The only caveat: staying anywhere near the real Grand Canyon, you'd need to book the room ASAP. Of course, it adds time to your drive the following day as well, but (imho) Havasu City isn't really all that interesting.

Think about it?

Rick

[AZBuck]

Here's a list of 50 Film and TV locations in the Los Angeles area. Your tastes and interests may vary.

You don't say who the 'four of us' are, but if that number includes any children, be sure to sign them up for the Junior Ranger Program at each park you visit. And while you're at it, at the first National Park you visit sign yourself up for whichever program suits you and that you qualify for.

I would also second Rick's comments about the Grand Canyon, but for comparison Valles Marineris on Mars is the length of the entire United States, five times deeper than the Grand Canyon and seven times as wide. Now that's a canyon!

AZBuck

[Mark Sedenquist]

Well it's been a long time since I was last outside of Europe (14 years by my reckoning!) but I am finally able to make a return to North America.

Craig, yeah pretty awesome that you are coming to America again! I hope you can swing by Las Vegas so we can meet your wife and kids!

Sat 12^th – Day 5
Leave hotel and drive down to Santa Monica
After lunch follow coast road to Ventura
Overnight in Ventura area

I would suggest eating at Gladstones in Malibu- It's sort of a classic seafood place and I think you would enjoy it. Nice views of the ocean.

Mon 14^th – Day 7
Continue along the coast road toward San Francisco
Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, San Simeon (Hearst Castle/Elephant Seal viewing spot), Turn around at Ragged Point
Overnight outside Pinnacles NP (Soledad or King City)

The big question will be what condition the coast road is in. There have been lots of slides this year. My brother, Dan, shoots birds (photographer) at Pinnacles a few times a month. It's one road in and one road out. It is a beautiful park, but I am not sure you really have time to get there.

Thurs 17^th - Day 10
Leave early and drive to San Francisco via 17 Mile Drive (+/- 3 hours)
Golden Gate bridge viewpoint
Baker Beach
Fishermans Wharf
Lombard Street
Alcatraz Island
Cable cars
Overnight accommodation booked: Hotel Caza San Francisco

Another really busy day -- but could be a lot of fun.

Tues 22^nd - Day 15
Bodie State Park
Drive in to Death Valley National Park (+/- 4 hours)
Badwater Basin
Sunset Zabriskie Point
Overnight accommodation booked: Furnace Creek Ranch Cabin

They have upgraded the cabins --much nicer now. Hmmm. Bodie and Death Valley in one day?

The last three miles into Bodie are gravel/washboard -- what kind of rental car will you have?

Thurs 24^th - Day 17
Sunrise Dantes View (leave hotel at 430am)
Drive to Grand Canyon West (+/- 4.5 hours)
Pass Las Vegas (hello Mark/Megan!) and quick stop at the Hoover Dam
Grand Canyon Skywalk
Overnight Grand Canyon West

I agree with Rick. Go to the South Rim -- the Grand Canyon Skywalk is a pale comparison to the South Rim.

Wow, that's quite a road trip.

Mark

[UKCraig]

Hi all, thank you for your valued input which has all been noted. I have made some changes to the itinerary based on your feedback and I post this below for your thoughts. I have to say that I am disappointed to miss out on the second day in Death Valley (my favourite place!) as well as not getting to walk on the Skywalk (something I've wanted to do since I first heard about it years ago!) but this isn't 'my' trip and I think it will ultimately make for a better trip which is hopefully more appealing to our two youngest travellers (yes, AZBuck, there are now a couple of kids along for the ride - well, not that young now, at 12 and 11 years!)

I am aware that there is probably a couple of days where the amount of driving is less than perfect and I'd really have liked an extra day to stretch the drive back from Grand Canyon but it is what it is and hopefully, as Rick says above, the kids will be used to the road life by that stage! I agree about Lake Havasu but, well, it's part of the colour of the road and the story of the bridge which moved from 20 minutes down the road from where we live is too good to pass up!

So here is the revised plan; any further suggestions or thoughts very welcome! As above particularly with regard the parks at Channel Islands, Pinnacles and Joshua Tree.

Tues 8th - Day 1
Fly London – Los Angeles
Collect rental car
Stop for food eg In and Out Burger or Chick-fil-A
Overnight accommodation booked: Tilt Hotel, Universal City

Weds 9th - Day 2
Relaxing morning settling in
Visit Hollywood sign from Griffith Observatory or Mulholland Drive?
Old LA Zoo in Griffith Park?
Burger King in Burbank (BTTF)?
Movie locations?
Overnight accommodation booked: Tilt Hotel, Universal City

Thurs 10th - Day 3
Universal Studios
Overnight accommodation booked: Tilt Hotel, Universal City

Fri 11th - Day 4
Universal Studios
Overnight accommodation booked: Tilt Hotel, Universal City

Sat 12th – Day 5
Leave hotel and drive down to Santa Monica
After lunch follow coast road to Ventura
Overnight in Ventura area (not booked)

Sun 13th - Day 6
Channel Islands cruise from Ventura – arrive back late PM
Drive to Solvang (+/- 1 hour)
Overnight in Solvang (not booked)

Mon 14th – Day 7
Continue along the coast road toward San Francisco
Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, San Simeon (Hearst Castle/Elephant Seal viewing spot), Turn around at Ragged Point
Overnight outside Pinnacles NP (Soledad or King City) (not booked)

Tues 15th - Day 8
Visit Pinnacles NP
Drive to Monterey (+/- 1.5 hours)
Take it easy for remainder of day
Overnight in Monterey or Carmel by the Sea (not booked)

Weds 16th - Day 9
Whale Watching AM
Drive south to Big Sur area
Overnight in Monterey or Carmel by the Sea (not booked)

Thurs 17th - Day 10
Leave early and drive to San Francisco via 17 Mile Drive (+/- 3 hours)
Golden Gate bridge viewpoint
Baker Beach
Fishermans Wharf
Lombard Street
Alcatraz Island
Cable cars
Overnight accommodation booked: Hotel Caza San Francisco

Fri 18th - Day 11
San Francisco
Overnight accommodation booked: Hotel Caza San Francisco

Sat 19th - Day 12
Drive to South Entrance of Yosemite National Park (+/- 4 hours)
6pm Moonlight train ride on Yosemite Mountain Narrow Gauge Railway
Overnight accommodation booked: Narrow Gauge Inn

Sun 20th - Day 13
Mariposa Grove hike (+/- 2 hours)
Explore west of Yosemite (Washburn Point, Glacier Point, etc.) then head in to the valley
Overnight accommodation booked: Curry Village (check in 4pm)

Mon 21st - Day 14
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Falls
Half Dome
Leave Park via Tioga Pass
Mid afternoon stop at Bodie State Park (closes 6pm)
Overnight accommodation booked: Virginia Settlement

Tues 22nd - Day 15
Drive in to Death Valley National Park (+/- 4 hours)
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Badwater Basin / Devils Golf Course
Artists Drive / Artists Pallette
Sunset Zabriskie Point
Swimming pool at Ranch after dark
Overnight accommodation booked: Furnace Creek Ranch Cabin

Weds 23rd - Day 16
Sunrise Dantes View (leave hotel at 430am)
Drive to Grand Canyon National Park (+/- 6.5 hours)
Pass Las Vegas and stop for quick visit to Hoover Dam
Sunset time approx 7pm
Overnight accommodation booked: Yavapai Lodge

Thurs 24th - Day 17
Sunrise time approx 6am
Explore Grand Canyon National Park using shuttle buses
Drive back to Kingman (+/- 2.5 hours)
Overnight Kingman (not booked)

Fri 25th - Day 18
Drive to Joshua Tree National Park (+/- 3 hours)
Roadside attraction: London Bridge at Lake Havasu City
Explore Joshua Tree National Park
Drive back towards LA and stop at San Bernadino (+/- 2 hours)
Roadside attraction: World’s Biggest Dinosaurs at Cabazon
Overnight Wigwam Motel San Bernadino (not booked)

Sat 26th - Day 19
Drive back to Six Flags area (+/- 2 hours)
Anything outstanding to north or west of Los Angeles
Stock up with Prime!
Overnight near Six Flags (not booked)

Sun 27th - Day 20
Full day in Six Flags
Overnight near Six Flags (not booked)

Mon 28th - Day 21
Fly Los Angeles - London

[UKCraig]

Craig, yeah pretty awesome that you are coming to America again!

Yes, it's been quite a while, Mark! I am very much looking forward to it and just posted some tweaks; essentially a wee bit less time on our final day in Yosemite with a stop in Bodie in the afternoon then driving straight down to DV the next morning. Do you think that 4 hours estimate is about right from the place we'll be stopping (just along from the junction of 395 and the road that runs up to Bodie) in to Furnace Creek? I genuinely cannot remember now. Come to think of it I think the last time we went at vastly too much speed across country on a dirt road (looking at a map I believe it led from a place called Oasis) and that was far rougher than the road to Bodie (not sure of car other than it being in the 'large SUV' category... last time I had a US badged version of a Holden Commodore so should hopefully be okay)

Anyway, off on a tangent! This change will free up a day which will allow us a quick visit to Grand Canyon proper which is very cool. Just booked the lodge in the park itself so all set. The change in timings even allow for a night in the Wigwam Motel which the kids will (hopefully) love!

Sadly no time for a stop in LV this time but, who knows, if they enjoy this trip (and if there's any money left after!) maybe we will do something else next year!

Thanks for the tips about the eatery; will make a note of that :)

[Mark Sedenquist]

Yes, it's been quite a while, Mark! I am very much looking forward to it and just posted some tweaks; essentially a wee bit less time on our final day in Yosemite with a stop in Bodie in the afternoon then driving straight down to DV the next morning. Do you think that 4 hours estimate is about right from the place we'll be stopping (just along from the junction of 395 and the road that runs up to Bodie) in to Furnace Creek?

I had never heard of the Virginia Settlement until you mentioned it.-- Basically at Willow Springs. From the inn to Bodie is likely to be an hour or so. Depending on what happens to that road after the snow melts. Right now there is 2-3 feet of snow on the road.

By the most direct, it's probably 275 miles and if you add the time to drive to Bodie and back and look around -- you probably need to allow 7 hours of on-the-road time.

Anyway, off on a tangent! This change will free up a day which will allow us a quick visit to Grand Canyon proper which is very cool. Just booked the lodge in the park itself so all set. The change in timings even allow for a night in the Wigwam Motel which the kids will (hopefully) love!

Sadly no time for a stop in LV this time but, who knows, if they enjoy this trip (and if there's any money left after!) maybe we will do something else next year!

Thanks for the tips about the eatery; will make a note of that :)

Sounds like fun.

Mark

[UKCraig]

I had never heard of the Virginia Settlement until you mentioned it.-- Basically at Willow Springs. From the inn to Bodie is likely to be an hour or so. Depending on what happens to that road after the snow melts. Right now there is 2-3 feet of snow on the road.

By the most direct, it's probably 275 miles and if you add the time to drive to Bodie and back and look around -- you probably need to allow 7 hours of on-the-road time.



Sounds like fun.

Mark

Stayed there a few years ago at a bargain price of $20 for a cabin. One thing I am realising on this trip is how the pricing has changed! :) Still, good location for us for the night after driving
out from Curry Village and poking around Bodie. The next day will be a straight run from the re (Willow Springs) down to Furnace Creek; going on what you say I would be looking 4-5 hours for that run excluding stops? I cannot gauge that from any online maps that I can find as they seem to be based on what roads are open currently rather than what will be open in August.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Still, good location for us for the night after driving
out from Curry Village and poking around Bodie.

Craig, I must have misread the original post -- I thought you were going to drive to Bodie and then south to Death Valley the same day. If you are leaving from Willow Springs -- it would be the 4 hours or so to Furnace Creek.

I doubt you would have time to drive to Rock Creek Lake -- but it is an awesome side trip before you get to Bishop and if Sue is still baking...the best pies in the eastern Sierra!

Don't forget to get some yummy bread when you pass through Bishop. Actually Mahogany Meats has some of the best jerky in California and is also in Bishop.

Manzanar is worth a stop


StarWars Canyon is on your way -- and if the jets are flying--A don't miss photo opp.

Your kids might get a kick out of the redwood burl bar at Panamint Springs -- great photos too.

Mark