Help w/ Sarasota-San Francisco trip

[Shabba92]

Hi.
I'm a newbie to this site and would love some advice! My husband and I are planning to drive from Sarasota to San Fran in late Dec. We don't have tons of time, so we're hoping to do this in 5 or 5 1/2 days, and we'll likely take the southern route.

We want to get home quickly, but we want to take advantage of our time on the road, too! Do you guys have any suggestions re: must-sees? We're most interested in natural attractions, quick roadside sites, spas and good restaurants. We've been to Fla., Ariz. and Calif. before - but know less about the middle states.

Thanks!

[Mark Sedenquist]

I'm a newbie to this site and would love some advice! My husband and I are planning to drive from Sarasota to San Fran in late Dec. We don't have tons of time, so we're hoping to do this in 5 or 5 1/2 days, and we'll likely take the southern route.

Welcome to the Forum!

We want to get home quickly, but we want to take advantage of our time on the road, too! Do you guys have any suggestions re: must-sees? We're most interested in natural attractions, quick roadside sites, spas and good restaurants. We've been to Fla., Ariz. and Calif. before - but know less about the middle states.

If your tastes include an appreciation for an over-the-top dining experience -- you must put the Anaconda bar and Taos on your route schedule. It is on Kit Carson road -- in the middle of the El Monte Sagrado resort area. The aquarium in the middle is remarkable and the food is amazing. At the other end of the dining expense scale is another favorite in Las Cruces (which is one of my favorite cities in the southwest). This one is known only to the locals -- located in a former Baptist Church, Nopalito's is the best source of Gorditas in the known universe.

Mark

[Shabba92]

Thanks for the advice.
We've actually decided to stay in Las Cruces for one night. Do you have recommendations re: a nice place to stay?

[Quebec Gen]

Shabba,

We're most interested in natural attractions

In Texas, Big Bend National Park is worth the detour, especially if you like to get away from it all. Very few people down there. Don't miss the Prada window display in the middle of the desert near Valentine, TX, on your way back to I-10.

In New Mexico, stop by White Sands National Monument near Alamogordo and visit Lechuguilla Cave in Carlsbad Caverns NP. The south eastern part of Arizona is very scenic, especially around the Chiricahua Mountains and in the Bisbee area.

spas

Well, not exactly a spa, but you could try some wild hot springs in the California, Arizona or Nevada desert. There are plenty of them, ask the locals.

good restaurants

For good Mexican food, check out El Bravo on 7th Street in Phoenix and La Parilla Suiza in Phoenix or Tucson. Wether you want to have lunch or just a drink, Dos Gringos Trailer Park in Tempe is a colourful alternative.

Have fun!
Gen