HELP! California road trip advice needed

Crispy_Ambulance

I wouldn't spend that much time in LA and I would second the Yosemite recommendation. Death Valley is pretty impressive as well. You may find 2 nights is enough in Vegas, especially with kids. It's fun to see the Strip etc but it does get wearing.

San Diego is lovely and worth spending time there.

Kel_3

Thanks for the replies, beem really helpful and after that and a bit more research I have tweeked the plan somewhat:

(the places indicate where the hotel will be for that night)
Day 1: San Francisco (we don't arrive till nearly 10pm)
Day 2: San Francisco (Alcatraz)
Day 3: San Francisco (GGB)
Day 4: Monterey
Day 5: Monterey (aquarium)
Day 6: Ventura
Day 7: Ventura (Six Flags Magic Mountain)
Day 8: LA
Day 9: LA (warner bros studio tour, Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign)
Day 10: Anaheim
Day 11: Anaheim (disney)
Day 12: San Diego
Day 13: San Diego (zoo)
Day 14: San Diego
Day 15: Las Vegas
Day 16: Las Vegas
Day 17: Las Vegas

Still undecided whether to do Anaheim then San Diego or the other way round (to make the drive to Vagas that day a bit shorter). We definately want to do vegas and think there will be enough there for the kids as will only be there for two whole days.

Any recommendations for cheap/good hotels that sleep 5 or other things to see/do would be great:D

jackieblack

Kel wrote: »

Any recommendations for cheap/good hotels that sleep 5 or other things to see/do would be great:D

What time of year are you going?

Kel_3

Hi Jackieblack, we are going August 3 -17th

John259

Hi Kel, we still haven't persuaded you to Yosemite I see. We'll have to work on that.

Seriously - your trip, your time, your money, your decision.

blindman

Kel wrote: »

Hi Jackieblack, we are going August 3 -17th

You do realise it will be slightly hot in Vegas :cool:

You have 17 days planned yet those dates above are only 14

Ensure your stay in Vegas does not include Frid and Saturday as this is an expensive time of the week.

IMHO to cut down the driving leave Las Vegas out of it!

Stick with the Plan of SFO. PCH LA , San Diego, stretch the days to fit.

jackieblack

I agree with what blindman said ^^^^^^^

There is an Elephant Seal rookery just before you get to San Simeon travelling south on PCH, in August the big adult males should be there (to molt)

August is prime season for marine mammals in Monterey Bay, humpback, blue and minke whales, orca and several other species of dolphin. Also sea otters and sea lions.

No way I'd do Vegas in August, far too hot for me.

You won't need a full day to do the Golden Gate Bridge (unless you're walking?), you could fit in riding the (iconic) cable cars that day too

I assume you're renting a car? I'd pick it up the morning you're leaving SanFran (hotel parking charges aren't horrific in SF)

HHarry

We spent 12 days road tripping Cali and only managed SFO to LA! And I'd have happily added a couple of extra days for the same trip, and stopped for longer on the PCH.

We stopped at Carmel, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara (2 nights) and Oxnard (2 nights) along the PCH. We found that where we only stayed one night it was a bit rushed - by the time we arrived it was getting on, and to get the miles done we had to be away sharpish (US Higway miles are easy - the PCH slightly less so!). It was only 120 miles a day, but by the time you've stopped and had a look around it's taken you 6 hours!


I think you're trip is doable, but you'll be itching to go back to fill in some bits you've missed. I'd go with the ditching Vegas option and use the time to easy the pace elsewhere.

C_Mababejive

I would trim your stay in LA dramatically. There really isnt much to see. Last time i travelled that way i stayed on the coast at Santa Monica and took an organised day tour into LA,,that was enough. I got to see all the sights and got out when i had seen it all.

PeacefulWaters

Death Valley.

Grand Canyon (ideally North Rim staying in a Western Cabin, but South will do).

Yosemite.

Seriously awe inspiring places where you realise nature is so much better than a shop, a film star or a casino.

Just saying. More scenery and less city would improve your fabulous trip!

Whatever you decide on you'll love it.