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

[Southwest Dave]

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!!

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

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 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.

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

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.

[dramaqueen]

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

[glc]

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

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.

[dramaqueen]

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.

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

[his_kid]

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

[Mark Sedenquist]

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

Mark

[dramaqueen]

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

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

[DonnaR57]

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

[dramaqueen]

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!

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

[Mark Sedenquist]

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