Southwest USA & The West Coast (California, Arizona etc) - General Thread

Murphy_The_Cat

Vikki_74 wrote: »

..bearing in mind that San Diego can be really pricey and we're staying in or near to several National Parks we figured we'd have to spend a lot more for some nights so are now well under our original budget of £100 per night :money:

Hello Vikki

I don't want to 'rain on your parade', but do prices that you have quoted include tax ? Most US prices don't, so if that is the case allow a few $$s more for each booking.

Vikki_74

Thanks jackieblack, that's interesting. We really like Sea World in Orlando so will give more thought to maybe doing the San Diego one too. We did Universal Studios Hollywood last year having done the one in Florida many times before and found enough differences between the two for it to still be enjoyable, maybe Sea World would be similar.

Vikki_74

Murphy_The_Cat wrote: »

Hello Vikki

I don't want to 'rain on your parade', but do prices that you have quoted include tax ? Most US prices don't, so if that is the case allow a few $$s more for each booking.

Yep, all prices are including tax, resort fees in Anaheim (why I don't know - we're staying in a motel not a resort!!) etc.

Mostly (excluding the lodge at the Grand Canyon and obviously the private rental in San Diego) we are getting at least a basic continental breakfast included too, sometimes something more substantial, hence feeling quite pleased with myself

Murphy_The_Cat

Vikki_74 wrote: »

Yep, all prices are including tax, resort fees in Anaheim (why I don't know - we're staying in a motel not a resort!!) etc.

Mostly (excluding the lodge at the Grand Canyon and obviously the private rental in San Diego) we are getting at least a basic continental breakfast included too, sometimes something more substantial, hence feeling quite pleased with myself

& rightly so.

Its a lovely feeling when some effort from yourself helps make your holiday ££ go further :beer:

realised

Vikki your trip sounds really good! I can't wait until mine now! We decided to book 3 days in sedona and just drive to the grand canyon/cottonwood and spend the last day exploring sedona.

I was toying whether to spend a night in Palm springs but I'm not sure what there is to do there?

Murphy_The_Cat

realised wrote: »

Vikki your trip sounds really good! I can't wait until mine now! We decided to book 3 days in sedona and just drive to the grand canyon/cottonwood and spend the last day exploring sedona.

I was toying whether to spend a night in Palm springs but I'm not sure what there is to do there?

In Cottonwood, if your after some quiet time (in all honesty, its not particularly exciting) try the Verde Canyon Railroad & whilst in the Cottonwood area & Jerome is a nice place to explore, thats off the beaten track.

travellerboy

Vikki, When in PAGE don't forget Horseshoe Bend Overlook, about 2.5 miles from Page ( short walk from carpark on US89)
Have you considered a Monument Valley Air Tour from Page Airport, probably a trip of a lifetime. I have booked this tour for Mid September $255pp, worth every penny.

realised

Murphy_The_Cat wrote: »

In Cottonwood, if your after some quiet time (in all honesty, its not particularly exciting) try the Verde Canyon Railroad & whilst in the Cottonwood area & Jerome is a nice place to explore, thats off the beaten track.

I think we're only spending an evening in Cottonwood, my partner wants to visit the Blazin M Ranch, so I was thinking we'll just go in time for dinner.

so far I have:

Days 1, 2, 3 - Phoenix
Day 4: Sedona - explore sedona - any ideas for must do things?
Day 5: Grand Canyon
Day 6: Half a day in sedona before we move on to Vegas

And I'll fit in cottonwood in between somewhere one evening.

Day 7: Vegas (just one night to break up the driving- probably see a show of some sort)
Days 8-16: Los angeles & surrounding areas (have yet to plan this part, but I have a friend who lives in LA who can help)

mysparrow

Definitely agreed with not missing Horseshoe Bend, it's simply stunning! Also, to add to that I'd highly recommend doing a float trip (smooth water) from Glen Canyon Dam (at Page) which takes you to Lee's Ferry - you actually float round Horseshoe bend. It was a highlight for me. http://www.raftthecanyon.com/
I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
Anyone looking for something cool to do in Phoenix could try a desert night tour - also worth the money. http://www.dshummer.com/tours/family-nightstorm/

Murphy_The_Cat

realised wrote: »

I think we're only spending an evening in Cottonwood, my partner wants to visit the Blazin M Ranch, so I was thinking we'll just go in time for dinner.

so far I have:

Days 1, 2, 3 - Phoenix
Day 4: Sedona - explore sedona - any ideas for must do things?
Day 5: Grand Canyon
Day 6: Half a day in sedona before we move on to Vegas

And I'll fit in cottonwood in between somewhere one evening.

That makes perfect sense.
However, if you do leave Phoenix earlier than you planned, have a look at Jerome (its on your wayish) its just a nice quirky small town and then IIRC, you pass Blazin M as you head back to Sedona (I hope that you enjoy Blazin M, we didn't know what to expect and were pleasantly surprised).
As for things to do in Sedona, I'd suggest going up in a BiPlane, but its not the cheapest exercise !