CALIFORNIA DREAMING....PLANNING A FAMILY TRIP TO THE WEST COAST>

Your itinerary looks good overall. However, I would still encourage you to take a day or 2 off the LA parts, just so you could expand your time in Las Vegas/North Rim Grand Canyon/Zion to 4 nights. You will probably want to drive from Yosemite to Vegas, spend 1 night in Vegas, then drive to No. Rim Grand Canyon for 1 night, then 2 nights in Zion.
Drive time from Zion to Vegas is 2 1/2 hrs. I believe Vegas to LA is about 6 hrs, but someone else may be able to tell you more accurately.

At GC it is easiest to stay in the park, especially if your time there is so short. We had a spectacular time there one night, sitting in the main lodge with about 50 other people, watching an electrical storm beyond compare.

In Zion, we prefer to stay inside the park, but here you could save money by staying in Springdale at a motel. A free shuttle takes you into the park and around to all the trailheads. The views in Springdale are wonderful, so you won't miss much by staying in town. You will also have easier access to cheaper options for food. An inexpensive place we enjoyed was Canyon Ranch Motel. There is a pool and spa, perfect for the kids in the hot, dry weather. Best Western was comfortable but a little further away.

Thanks for your input. I might just add an extra day as I didn't realise that Zion required an overnight stay.

Would it work to leave Vegas early Am, spend most of the day at the North Rim and then just go to Zion for 2 nights (getting there late on the first night)?
It sounds so beautiful but I have heaps that I want to do in SD and dont really want to loose any time there.

Did you already buy your airline tickets? Have you considered flying open jaws? Instead of flying out of the same airport that you flew into, you'll save time by flying out of the airport where you end your trip, usually the cost for the flight is the same. You didn't make any mention of Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon; I have been to both Yosemite and Sequoia National Park & Kings Canyon. I was much more impressed with Sequoia National Park & King's Canyon than Yosemite. Sequoia National Park & King's Canyon don't have the over population of tourists. When you stay in a tent accommodation in Yosemite, you are so close to the next tent that you hear the snoring in the next tent. The caverns in Sequoia National Park are much more impressive than the Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains of Australia.

When you say La Brea, are you meaning the La Brea Tar Pits? Your boys will be in heaven!

You will have plenty to do in San Francisco...ride a cable car, take a ferry to Sausalito and have an ice cream cone enjoying the stunning view of the City, walk around a lot, go to the fort near the Presido and let the boys explore and down by Pier 39 there is a Boudin Bakery store that has sourdough bread in the shape of animals... I'm taking my boys this weekend to Giants game and we're going to see if we can get a nice alligator shaped loaf of bread! There are wonderful museums and Golden Gate park... you will love your time there!

onemoneygirl, just want to be sure you know there's a Boudin in Four Embarcadero -- closer to AT&T than Pier 39.

Also, I want to add to your list of things to do in San Francisco -- almost everyone loves walking across the Golden Gate Bridge (I, who have lived here for 37 years, have never done so. Perhaps this summer!). Oh, and if you're interested in Alcatraz, make advance reservations -- it does sell out, and the tickets are refundable if you change your mind.

In Monterey, the Aquarium is a great visit with kids.

The boys would probably love a stop at the Jelly Belly Factory (jelly beans). It is located in Fairfield, CA on I80. You will pass it as you drive fron San Francisco to Lake Tahoe. No reservations for the free tour of how jelly beans are made (www.jellybelly.com). Free samples after the tour!

Things we enjoy doing with the children in San Francisco:

Fort Point (I believe it's a Civil War era fort) right below the San Francisco end of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Ghirardelli ice cream parlor at Ghirardelli Square.

The Exploratorium (great hands-on science museum).

Steinhart Aquarium and the Natural History Museum (which now has a living garden on the roof) in Golden Gate Park. This gets very crowded, plan ahead and if possible, get tix ahead of time). There is also a small herd of buffalo in Golden Gate Park that's always fun to see.

If you can't get a ticket to Alcatraz there are a couple of other ways to get out into the Bay. Once is to take a boat tour that will take you out under the Golden Gate Bridge. The other is to take the ferry out to Larkspur in Marin County.

If you are interested, it's easy to get over to UC Berkeley by BART. The campus is lovely to walk around, and if the campanile is open you can take an elevator ride up and have an amazing view of the entire Bay Area.

Look up Stu Dudley on these boards. He has a wealth of information about the Bay Area in general and San Francisco in particular.

Be prepared to be cold. July and August can be cold, foggy and damp. They can also be lovely, warm and sunny. Just don't arrive in a shorts and a T-shirt and expect to wander around for the evening. Have a sweater handy.

The last time we were up at Yosemite we actually drove over to Hetch Hetchy, which is a second valley that was filled up with a dam to provide water to San Francisco. You can park at one end of the dam and then hike around the reservoir. If the children like to walk and will enjoy the freedom of a hike, it's a lot of fun.

Thanks guys, the list of things to do keeps growing.

The reason that we are flying in and out of LA is that it we have structured our trip as a bit of a loop, south-north by the coast and then inland on the way back. This will also mean that the hire car can be returned to the same point, waiving any relocation fees.

Does anybody else have an opinion on Kings Canyon over Yosemite?

Yes it is the Tar pits that we want to visit, onemoneygirl. I think I will be in heaven there too!!

The Jelly bean factory is a great tip, my wife is an addict and will stock up there for the rest of the road trip.

I will definately pre-book Alcatraz, I dont want to miss it.

I still have some questions about travel times and road conditions on some of my route.

Anaheim to Monterey/Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz to Sanfransico?

South Tahoe to Yosemite/ Kings Canyon?

Yosemite to Vegas ?

San Diego to LA Airport ?

I know that there will be breaks and things to look at along the way, but if I drive these routes as a single, unbroken journey, obeying the limits, how long would they take me?

For travel times, you can try google maps or mapquest. Pick a lodging or a business in each location and then request "direction." This will give you an estimated driving time. (Personally, I would choose to go to Monterey instead of Santa Cruz, as Santa Cruz would add a lot of drive time, and you have a lot to see in the monterey area. Please include Big Sur and Point Lobos State Park for an hour or 2).
Here is a website that might help with Lake Tahoe area accommodations: http://www.gotahoenorth.com/lodging/lodging-by-type
Also, I'd like to suggest Meeks Bay Resort, on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. The cabins are rustic but all right on the lake with a fun beach for kids. I haven't stayed there but we checked it out a number of times for that possibility with the kids. Tahoe Vista also has resorts right on the lake. These are all more rustic accommodations but fine for a family who wants beach and swim time.

Regarding N. Grand Canyon: I think it would be a long day trip from Vegas. I can't remember how long the drive is - perhaps 4 hrs from Vegas? You could leave Las Vegas early, I guess, drive to No. GC and then drive back down the mountain to spend the night in Kanab. The motels are cheaper there than at GC. Then in the morning drive to Zion. You really want to make that drive in the daylight because the views are incredible entering the park in that direction.

Another idea would be to drive from Yosemite to Vegas (takes most of the day), spend the night in Vegas; then drive to Zion. This leg is only 2 1/2 hrs and much easier on your kids since they would have spent the previous day in the car driving from Yosemite. Then the kids would have lots of fun hiking and playing in Zion for 2 days, 2 nights (or even 3 nights)before you set off for another drive to GC. If you don't want to spend the night at GC, spend the night in one of the little towns down the mountain, or for better choices, try to make it to St. George. But it would probably be easier on your kids to spend the night in GC or close by.

Time adjustments: My husband says the following:

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim - 4 1/2 to 5 hrs.

GC North Rim to Zion - 2 1/2 to 3 hrs.

Zion to Las Vegas - 2 1/2 hrs.

(Of course, I suggest going in reverse: LV to Zion to GC North Rim, to Las Vegas. And I'd try to fit Bryce in there too).

More info: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/directions_n_rim.htm

Thanks for that elnap29. It helps me fill in the dots.

If I was pressed for time, would you suggest Zion/Bryce over the Grand Canyon North Rim? I know it is hard to compare and if it was just me, i'ld do it all, but my wife has a certain tolerance level for long car trips and I dont want to push my luck.

On the Yosemite vs Kings Canyon question - Yosemite is one of the most heavily visited parks in the country, and for good reason because it is spectacular. I've been to Yosemite several times and would go back a hundred more times. In July and August it will be a zoo though so if you go expecting it to be really really crowded, you will be prepared for it. If you are interested in communing with nature or are easily frustrated by traffic and gobs of people, then you will be disappointed by Yosemite. The roads will literally be bumper to bumper. I personally have no problem with crowds in cities, but out in the woods, they really bother me, so I don't go to Yosemite in the summer time.

Kings Canyon and Sequoia are much less heavily visited and are very beautiful. Not as dramatic as Yosemite, but very much worth seeing. I've really enjoyed the time I've spent there and am probably going to go camping in Kings Canyon for several days this summer.

In the end, it depends what you want to do - and availability of lodging may end up making the decision for you (in favor of Kings Canyon).

Found this website of drive times from Las Vegas. It's a rough guide but should help somewhat.
http://usparks.about.com/library/distances/bldistance-lasvegas.htm

I don't feel I can advise you about Bryce vs. Grand Canyon. Each is fabulous and so very different. Bryce is not that far from Zion (about 2 hrs, maybe a little less) and some people go there from Zion as a day trip. If you go to Bryce it is advisable to take a walk down into the canyon to experience the hoo-doos from a different perspective. This is simple to do and does not take a lot of time, whereas GC hiking into the canyon is a major ordeal. Bryce is very accessible.

The elevation at both GC and Bryce is higher and therefore cooler. Nighttime temps require a jacket or sweater.

I highly recommend making reservations for Alcatraz on line; this attraction books up fast, especially on weekends, worst, during summer break when students are out of school.
Steinhart Aquarium would be a slightly better place to attempt on a weekday as opposed to a weekend day. I recently discovered city guides tours in San Francisco operated by the public library; the tours are free, open to donations, the guides are volunteers, each week different guides take turns leading tours; I don't know if your boys would enjoy this though. You can learn more from www.sfcityguides.org

A couple little things. When my sister-in-law visited with 4 kids about your age we stayed at a great hotel just outside Zion Called the Desert Pearl Inn-it was a favorite hotel of the trip. Besides being lovely with a great pool we could walk down to the little town of Springdale for souvenir shopping and meals. There is a little llama farm you walk by and the kids just loved it.

http://www.desertpearl.com/welcome/

Also we live in LA and another thing we did with guests for the first time was to visit Griffith Observatory and we had a blast. the observatory is free but pony up for the 45 minute show on the skyscape ceiling-they kids will love it. Also the view of LA are spectacular and they even let you line up to catch a glimpse of whatever they are observing in the telescope-we saw mars-very fun!

http://www.griffithobs.org/

At the beach be sure to take them to Santa Monica pier-they will like that and Venice beach is always fun as well. At both beaches you can rent bikes, in-line skates etc. that is a fun way to get around the areas.

http://www.santamonicapier.org/

Alcatraz is a priority so I will certainly heed your recommendation to book Globalchar.

Desert Pearl looks fantastic and is within our budget. I also think the kids would love Griffith Obs. I had a look at the Santa Monica Pier site and saw a restaraunt called BubbaGump Shrimp. As a big Forrest Gump fan, we will have to eat there for the novelty value alone!!!!! Thanks jpie.

Since you are a Forrest Gump fan, you'll love Bubba Gumps. There is also one on Canery Row in Monterey just down from the aquarium if for some reason you don't get to the one in Santa Monica. We go every year for my husband's birthday - he loves it.

There is another Bubba Gumps at Pier 39 in San Francisco.

I've been to Yosemite 4 or 5 times (although only in June and September) and Sequoia/Kings Canyon only twice. I've been fortunate to travel extensively in the US and some parts of Europe, but Yosemite still remains my various spot.

I'm going to California again in June and have convinced my friend who has never been there to spend 5 days of our 15 day vacation there.

Griffith Observatory is a MUST, open til 10pm (great around sunset)..closed Mondays...great photo op of the Hollywood sign from here.

Agree that you need to tweak so that you have more than 3 nights for LA/Zion/GC. So much to see and do, plus the August heat will make it impossible to do too much in one day.

Rooms along the California coast will be pricey this summer. HowardJohnsonMonterey, if available, is usually a great bargain in an expensive tourist town.
If you find something affordable in Anaheim (ParkPlaceInnandminiSuites, CandyCaneInn.net, Annabella Hotel?) you could always do beach days from there, Crystal Cove state park is a hop skip and a jump down the freeway as is Newport Beach.

Thanks for your 2 cents Tracey.

I have just paid for my flights. We arrive in LA at 7am on the 11th of June and depart on the 14th of July. I have managed to bring it forward a month and extend it by a few days so I will be reworking my schedule. Should be in Vegas around the 4th of July.

The only dissapointment so far is that we wont be in SanFran for a Giants game unless we go to Tahoe first and save Yosemite for after SF. Will this be too much bactracking and extra travel just for a game of baseball? WE will actually arrive on the weekend that the Angels play the Dodgers so we might try and get tix for one of thoose games and then go to a game in Sandiego at the end of our trip.

I have tried to get accomadation at Camp Curry in Yosemite and there doesnt seem to be anything available. What would be the best plan B?

When you rework your schedule, it would be desirable to include a visit to Sequoia National Park. It has the 5 largest trees in the world including of course THE largest, the General Sherman Tree. The grandeur of the forest can't be described. It must be experienced.

It's only a 4 hour drive south of Yosemite, which you may have gathered, is in danger of being loved to death.

Thankyou dbdurand. Can you recommend any onsite accomodation in the park?

For Yosemite lodging, you might get lucky closer to your trip as people cancel reservations that they have, so keep trying for something in Yosemite Valley - but make cancellable reservations someplace else. The towns of El Portal and Mariposa are outside of Yosemite on Hwy 140. Groveland is a good option on Hwy 120. Then south of the park, the towns of Oakhurst and Fish Camp are good options.

My Aussie relatives stayed at Evergreen Lodge just outside Yosemite when they visited in 2008. They really liked it. They stayed in a little cabin which had a kitchen. There is also a restaurant on the premises and they said it was perfect for families. It is near Hetch Hetchy, which is beautiful for hiking. Evergreen is just off the Highway 120 entrance to Yosemite (near Groveland).

I think you will be pleased with your new time schedule for the trip, as you will most likely avoid the monsoon season that hits the southwest in August.

I have mananged to get 3 nights at Camp Curry. THe only issue is that the dates available were the week before what I had planned.

This will mean that we will head to Yosemite from Monterey/Santa Cruz and go to SanF after that. I realise that this is not the ideal. Is there a better way to tackle this?

I think that rearranging your itinerary to accomodate being able to stay in Yosemite valley is a good idea. I don't remember the whole of your itinerary, but Monterey-Yosemite-SF is definitely doable. Lots of people visit these three places in that order.

OK...After much searching and tweaking, I have what I hope is a workable itinerary but I just need some help with the final details. Flights and Camp Curry are booked and paid for and I have booked a car for the entire trip with National, though this can be cancelled if any better deals come up.

JUNE 11TH....Fly in LA at 7AM.

We plan to stay in the LA/Anaheim area for 6 nights and we will do 3 days at Disney (Mon 14th-16th)

My question here is would it be a good idea just to book a Hotel near Disney, like the Howard Johnson, for the entire stay, get a 3 day flexible Disney pass and visit other attractions from there? Will it be too far from there to do day trips to other places around LA (Griffith Observatory/Hollywood etc)?

The other option is an LA based hotel for 3 nights then move to Anaheim for 3.

JUNE 17TH-20TH.....VEGAS and GRAND CANYON.

Will leave Anaheim early on the 17th and drive to Vegas.

I am leaning towards spdending one night there, then one at the GC South RIM and then come back to Vegas for another 2 as there are a few shows that we want to take the kids to. I know there will be many of you that will suggest more time at the GC/ Zion etc but I dont want to put the kids into Canyon overload. I will book this part last in case I have a change of heart.

JUNE 21ST-23RD....YOSEMITE

I have got Camp Curry for 3 nights. My one issue here is the LONG drive from Vegas to the park. I am estimating about 8 hours. We will leave pre-dawn and want to stop off on the way to break the drive. Where would you suggest? Is there a better way to do this?

JUNE 24th-28th....SANFRANCISCO.

Will book a "Mystery" Hotel deal through Hotwire. Which area would you suggest staying in? They have 4* Union SQ East for $109 or 4* Embarcadero for $136. What do you think?

We will book into a Giants game and a trip to Alcatraz and do the rest on the spur, depending on moods.

Any suggestions on where we can park that wont break the bank?

JUNE 29TH-JULY 2ND....LAKE TAHOE.

Still looking around for deals. Leaning towards the North but everything seems expensive. Would like a lake view for around $200 a night. Is this possible?

JULY 3RD-5TH....SANTA CRUZ/MONTEREY/SANTA BARBARA ?????

This will be the drive back south on route to San Diego. I was thinking of Santa Cruz for 2 nights then 1 in Santa Barbara. This will give me 3 drives of around 4 hours of road time, obviously with extra time for stops and side trips. Does this make sense? Would there be a better plan? I can steal an extra night from San Diego if it is really necessary.

JULY 6TH-13TH....SAN DIEGO/LA

We fly out late night on the 14th, so will have 8 nights.

I would probably prefer to stay the whole time at La Jolla but I still may go back to LA for a few nights as we want a day at Universal Studios. Is it practical to go there from La Jolla?

Hotwire have 3* for $163 and 4* for $179 in the La Jolla area. Would like to walk to the beach but this is about the extent of my budget.

Thats the plan....Only just over 2 months to go, I will be counting sleeps soon.

Thank you all for your generous advice, if you can add anything that will help me fill in the gaps, it would be greatly appreciated.

Be sure to prebook the hotel for the July 4th weekend. It is a major holiday in the US and many people travel that weekend.

Just to be certain - on Hotwire, you said 4 people, right? Otherwise, you'll only be guaranteed one bed -- but with 4 people, they kind of have to give you two beds!

I'm not certain which hotel is the 4* in Union Square East, but all the choices shown on betterbidding would be absolutely fine. I come up with no hotels in the Embarcadero area for your dates.

Hint for SF:

I just paid $104 per night on travelzoo.com for the Westin on Market, (which is really on Berry street) in San Francisco.. guaranteed two queen beds. Parking in the public lot nearby was $25 per night without in and out privledges... which is FINE in the City because walking, the muni and taxis can get you where you need to go!! It's right near the Powell Street station and very convenient to union square, the financial district, embarcadero and public transportation. If you can get a sure thing with less expensive parking, id do it!

the hotwire hotels can tend to disappear so book ASAP or be patient and hope the one you want comes back onboard.

I see a $99, very high customer satisfaction at F. Wharf and a $105 at Union sq. I would take the highest customer satisfaction /star rating proportion .. can't go wrong. The Hotwire list will change even during the same day..there are some "regulars" but hotels are added all the time.

parking options

http://sanfrancisco.bestparking.com/index.php

also works for other big cities. a real find!

That parking site is fantastic. Thanks for your help.

If you can swing Lake Tahoe over the 4th of July you will be treated to wonderful fireworks over the lake. We stay at the Hyatt in Incline Village, 2 miles from Sand Harbor. It's a beautiful area. You might check out The Crown Motel on the lake in King's Beach. They are located lake front and have a water activity desk on the property.

http://www.tahoecrown.com/lake-front-lodging

http://www.tahoe.com/article/20070419/TOP_EVENTS05/70419003/-1/EVENTS05

disney specials that might be of interest

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/reserve/specialOffers/detail?name=FY10Q3_2NightsFreeSpecialOfferPage&bhcp=1

<<<Hint for SF>>>


Moneygirl, I live here, so I'm not sure why this hint was for me!

Between Anaheim and Monterey there is Hearst Castle and the elephant seals a couple miles north of it. It may be worthwhile to stop to see these sights, but then pushing it to continue to Monterey. You may have to backtrack to Morro Bay to find accommodations--between Hearst Castle and Monterey, there are relatively few accommodations and they would require reservations. But if you can stay in Santa Lucia, you probably would not regret it--the hamlet consists of an old motel (my parents stayed there 45 years ago) which has an unbeatable location over the ocean.

Oops. The name of the town is Lucia; no Santa in front of it. You can map google it.

I am a little concerned about "La Jolla" on hotwire - I would have to look at the actual zone they have but be aware that La Jolla could mean La Jolla Village Drive - which is not by the village or the beach. I spent many years there - it could be the Hyatt on LaJolla Village drive or the Marriott. It is a busy area with shops and offices and homes/apartments.

Regarding the question of if you can go to Universal Studios from La Jolla? Yes, you will be driving a while but I think it would be fine. We live in Orange County and went up after Christmas, and stayed at the Sheraton Universal- truth is, one day was enough at Universal - you really do not need more if you get there first thing in the morning.

MBnancy, The Crown looks great and helps me stay within budget. I have booked 4 nights there, thanks for the tip. I thought about extending out my stay until the 4th but it would make the dash down the coast a little too frantic. I didn't want to cut back time at SanDiego as there is so much that I want to see and do there.

Thanks for the Disney specials. I am leaning towards an off-park stay and a "Good Neighbour" Hotel, just need to decide which one.

I am still a bit confused on the whole Anaheim/LA leg. Can I check out some LA sites using Anaheim as a base? We will be there over a weekend, before 3 days in Disney, and have tickets to the Saturday night Dodgers v Angels game at Dodger Stadium. Would it make for sense to get an LA hotel (where?) for 3 nights and then move to Anaheim for 3?

I am confused on your time as well in Anaheim/La. There is not much by the Dodger Stadium. Wish you were going to Anaheim Stadium is nicer - But anyway -

Can you check out some LA sites using Anaheim as a base? The answer to that is yes. I live in OC and go to LA for the day at different times - be prepared for traffic - there is always traffic (almost) I have got to Beverly Hills in less than an hour and it has taken 3 plus hours before. Hard to say.

I like Santa Monica as a base for LA and think your teens would as well. I would not want to stay in Anaheim for 6 nights.

I still recommend a Disney Hotel over a neighboring hotel for the general experience. Budget wise there is the Paradise Pier Hotel that usually has pretty competitive rates. The California Grand is one of my favorite hotels. Lovely.. but very $$$. You can get good deals through Disney for passes and hotels. (I cannot remember if you ended up doing that?)

How many days did you want to spend @ the parks?

I would recommend spending 3 nights somewhere in LA, and then 3 nights in Anaheim, mainly because traffic is so awful in the LA area that you'll be spending too much time (not to mention annoyance) going to and from Anaheim to whatever sites you want to see in LA. That said, LA is so spread out that no particular area is central to all the sites. Do you know what you want to do/see besides the Dodger game?

You could stay in the Hollywood area, which would be close enough to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Dodger Stadium, Burbank, even the beaches of Santa Monica, etc.

I agree MomDD. I dont really want to roll the dice with La Jolla as location is the most important thing. I am thinking of the Best Western by the Sea. It seems like the only place that I can get for under $200 a night that will be a short walk to the beach. Do you know the place? Is there another beach near SD that has less expensive accomodation options?

Adding - you asked up thread about going to Universal from La Jolla - if you are going to be in LA - I would just go then.

I would personally stay in Santa Monica by 3rd street - and go to the Dodger game, Universal Studios, and any other sites you want to see (do you like museums? - the Getty is amazing and there is a great Museum of Tolerance)..walk the board walk down to Venice Beach - go on the Pier, walk around 3rd street Promanade - drive to Anaheim after - spend 3 nights in Anaheim - enjoy DL for all that is is -

I had to google the BW La Jolla - as I could not remember it - Fay Ave is right down in the village - so it should be fine. I remember the Empress as well (Hotel) would have to see what the current trip advisor rates it as it has been too long since I have stayed there to give a current recommendation.

As far as beaches in San Diego - there are many - I prefer North County but that most likely is not the best location for seeing all of San Diego. I assume you want to go to the Zoo, would recommend the Midway - is interesting - Coranado is lovely if you can make the rates work at a hotel.

Do not stay in Oceanside - have seen that a few times on the boards - people get lured there by rates.

I have stayed at two hotels in Santa Monica:

http://lemerigothotel.com/

http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/index.do

If you stay at the doubletree - ask for a room AWAY from the freeway view. It will be less expensive than the Marriott and is more spacious.

If you get a good rate at the Marriott - do not pay for an Ocean view room - they were obstructed for the most part by the building in front. The pool is sort of lame, but it is a nice property and close to the boardwalk.

I have heard excellent success on bidding on hotels in Santa Monica - but would check bidding for travel first.

We get into LA early on Friday the 11th. The plan is to do a bit of exploring for 3 days around the Hollywood and Santa Monica areas. We have tickets to the game on Saturday night as there was no game at Anaheim stadium during our stay (also have tix for Giants game at AT&T, nothing on in San Diego during our stay either).

We will then spend 3 days at Disney from Monday. We dont have to be there early on the Monday as we will have a 3 day pass, so will stay in Anaheim Monday-Wed nights.

It sounds like Hollywood would be a good base for our first 3 nights as long as it wont be too horrific travelling to Anaheim on the Monday morning.

Okay... I quickly checked the Empress in La Jolla on Tripadvisor - it gets okay reviews - but the rates are awesome. I plugged in a few for June and some had specials of 155.00 a night - you might want to check it out. Again, I have not stayed there in over 10 years ... so maybe someone else can weigh in.

http://www.empress-hotel.com/

There use to be a wonderful old Italian resturant ($$$) called Manhattans in the building. Rachel Whelch was a frequent patron. Not sure if it is still there or if it is the same ownership.

One more thing (maybe more - if you stay in the village - go here for breakfast... usually a wait but wonderful:

http://www.cottagelajolla.com/

Santa Monica in summertime is not going to fit too well into your hotel budgeting plan.

If you tour on Saturday and Sunday, you should have little trouble doing day trips from Anaheim and seeing plenty of the L.A. area. It would be nice to stay closer-in for a couple of nights, but with kids...changing hotels can be a hassle too. Might be nice to just have a base for 5 or 6 nights and deal with the traffic. Saturday and Sunday traffic is usually bearable.

Sorry MomDD, our posts must have crossed. Will consider Santa Monica over Hollywood for our base.

If I left SM at around 9am on Monday morning would I expect to be at Disney by 10-10.30?

I am leaving Universal Studio for the end of our trip as we will have the last night back at LA and didn't want to do this a day or 2 before Disney.

I will check out Coranado and thanks for the tip about Oceanside.

Yes, the Zoo, Seaworld and Midway are on our list as well as Balboa park. Certainly plenty to see in San Diego!!

Empress rates for July hit 250+ but it does look nice. Would like a pool for the kids though and they dont mention one.

With our daughter living in Santa Monica and then in Century City, we found it was less expensive to stay in Century City area of Los Angeles. The Holiday Inn Express on West Olympic is good for a family, includes breakfast and is close to the 10 and 405 freeways, so it's well-located for touring different parts of LA. Our drive to Disneyland was pretty quick (on a weekend) - maybe 30 -45 min? So that is another option for you. But the hotel does charge for valet parking, I think 10 or 15 per day. But with kids you would want to stay near Disneyland for those nights. We liked Candy Cane Inn in Anaheim, right next to Disney - very good for families.

When I gave that hint I meant San Francisco... I was not refering to poster SF...lol. Yes, SF7307, I know you live there... you always give great advice and I would never try to give you advice about your hometown! I was just trying to help them find a sure thing in a good location for the price. That's all.

shanek:

Have you looked on htpp://www.sandiego.org the official San Diego visitor site for lots of ideas including offers and money off coupons?

Another hotel we like and have stayed several times is The Homewood Suites at Liberty Station, San Diego htpp://www.homewoodsuites.com it is not far from the airport. This hotel has "free parking", full breakfast and a light evening meal Monday/Thursday. The rooms all have a small kitchen, great for snacks and drinks. Your children would enjoy the pool. Grocery store within walking distance etc. See reviews for this and other hotels on htp://www.tripadvisor.com

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday.

Sandy

also www.mousesavers.com even for rental car discounts

p.s. the meal plan at disney, at least in orlando, is really a good deal as it includes tax and tip. (At least that is what I have been told by someone who goes to Disney with kids OFTEN).

I am unaware if this exists in California, but just letting you know.

<<<When I gave that hint I meant San Francisco... I was not refering to poster SF...lol. Yes, SF7307, I know you live there... you always give great advice and I would never try to give you advice about your hometown! I was just trying to help them find a sure thing in a good location for the price. That's all.>>>

My bad (I'm sure that expression is about 10 years out of date, but you know what I mean!)

Saw this and thought of your trip - you and your family might enjoy this:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32578-d1058516-Reviews-San_Diego_Bike_and_Kayak_Tours-La_Jolla_California.html

Thanks all...More great tips. I've booked and confirmed the Crown at Kings Beach Tahoe North. It looks really well situated. Any thoughts about the surrounding area?

I don't know anything about the Crown, but King's Beach was always my kids' favorite spot as teenagers. We had access to all kinds of great beaches, but this one called to them. Lots of activity, young people, paddle boats, parasailing, etc. They'll enjoy it and so will you. There's a big supermarket (Safeway) across the road.

Sounds like a great place. Is it a built up area with lots of shops and restaraunts? Is it far from Incline Village?

Not really. It's an old-time beach area. There are hamburger/pizza/ice cream places. Nothing wonderful. But you can get supplies for breakfast/lunch at the grocery (Safeway). And the drive isn't too far to other restaurants. Others may be able to advise you. We stay at a family cabin near Tahoe City, so I am more familiar with other areas for restaurants. Pick up a cheap ice chest and have picnics, perhaps?

There are some "okay" restaurants in Kings Beach, but the better restaurants are along the lake drive toward Tahoe City, in Tahoe City, in Truckee and nearer to Incline Village. Kings Beach itself is a beach town, as elnap said, the kind of place where you can get an ice cream cone at a walk-up window. There is one good breakfast place in Kings Beach and one downright terrible bakery (really, awful -- I'll try to remember the name so you don't waste your time or money).

Driving to Tahoe City, Truckee or Incline is easy ---- none of them is more than 15 or 20 minutes drive from Kings Beach.

The decent breakfast place is Log Cabin Cafe, the bad bakery is Brockway Bakery. Down the road toward Tahoe City is the Old Post Office, which is great for breakfast (it's been years since I've been there, but it still gets great reviews on Yelp.com). Jason's in King's Beach is fine, not to-die-for, but good food -- hamburgers, steaks and the like. In Truckee, Moody's is very good (more upscale) and Pacific Crest is also good (a little upscale, but it's part of the Bar of America, so a different ambiance). We've also eaten at the Moody's branch in Northstar, and weren't as impressed, but it was tainted by the fact that our waiter was kind of a jerk. We are not fans of the Coppola restaurant at Northstar either. Lanza's, just outside King's Beach, is pretty good red-sauce Italian. Gar Woods is very pretty, but the food is just okay, a little old-fashioned for my taste. If you drive around the lake, stop for lunch on the deck at Sunnyside - beautiful (I don't remember the food at all, just the experience). We had a fabulous hamburger outside on the deck at the Bridgetender in Tahoe City recently.

A wonderful restaurant in Kings Beach with great food in surprising log cabin atmosphere is http://souledomain.com/
Another one that I like that has outstanding fresh seafood is Wild Alaskan Fish Company in the Raley's Market shopping center in Incline Village, about 10 min. up the road from Kings Beach. In Truckee, just 20 min over the hill from KB, there are a number of good places to eat - I like the 50/50 Brewery http://www.fiftyfiftybrewing.com/for great microbrewed beers and casual food.

The Crown Resort is a good choice, and while there are nice beach areas there in Kings Beach, I still think it's worth the 20 min. drive further north to go to Sand Harbor, primarily because you can actually swim in the lake there without freezing your patootey off!

Sorry, that link should be http://www.fiftyfiftybrewing.com/

We will drive around the area and are well armed with restaraunt suggestions thanks to your advice.

The Crown works well for us as we get a bedrooms, a kichenette and lake views for $150 a night which seems like great value for Tahoe in June.

I am still researching where to stay on our first 2 nights. We are divided between Hollywood and Santa Monica. I am currently leaning towards the Best Western Hollywood Hills as it is $150 for the 4 of us per night with free parking. It seems to be walking distance to Hollywood Blvd and a short drive to Santa Monica. It is also not far from Dodger stadium for our Sat night game. Is it a good choice? We prefer convienience to luxury. Is there public transport from there to Dodger stadium if we want to avoid game night traffic?

I want to book something soon and then start working on my Anaheim plan.

For Vegas, there are some amazing deals on deluxe Tower rooms at Circus Circus. $50 a night with free parking. I know it is an older place and on the end of the strip, but the main plan is to have something to entertain the kids and just take in the Vegas atmosphere. There are a few really damning reviews but they seem to be about the Manor rooms.

No Circus Circus! Please Promise me ... you can do better.

In looking @ all your plans - I think for 150.00 a night it is a good deal to stay in Hollywood hills - but I hope someone else who knows the area will weigh in - as that is one of those areas that can be spotty within a few blocks. I am sorry I do not know of any public transportation for the game. Hollywood Blvd is not very nice (JMO) - when we go up - we tend not to stay in that area but in Beverly hills (which you can get good rates @ some properties) or Santa Monica. I would rather drive away from Hollywood than stay in it. Do take the kids down to the Pier and 3rd street Promanade if time permits in Santa Monica - you will enjoy it. Walking on the board walk is free entertainment

Is Circus Circus really THAT bad? Ok, I trust your judgement. I will look elsewhere.

We will definately spend time in Santa Monica but I am finding accomodation there to be extremely expensive. I will look at Beverly Hills. My thoughts are to stay central rather than at one end so that I can access all areas easily and I dont want a long confusing drive home from Dodger stadium late on the Saturday night.

Have looked at the Orlando and the Mosaic in B hills which are both pushing the limits of my budget but they both charge 25 bucks for parking.

Yes, Circus Circus is that bad. Try MGM, you can usually get good rates, kids should like it - NYNY has really small rooms, I would stay away from it but kids tend to like it (they have a decent arcade as well).

I know what you mean about SM and the $$ - Hollywood should be fine - just get someone to verify the location of the hotel you are looking at - I looked a little for you in Beverly Hills - there is a court yard marriott that has okay rates but I need to double check the address.

I tend to get confused leaving Dodger stadium - so cannot promise that

Any thoughts on the Park Plaza Lodge in terms of location?...

RE Las Vegas: We had a huge room in New York New York and paid the lowest rate, so check it out anyway to see if it works for you. There is a lot for kids to do downstairs. However, it's near the southern end of the strip and a bit far from other places you want to explore. Too hot to walk in the daytime! We also had an amazingly inexpensive rate at Bally's ($59) with an incredible and large room. It's not the best atmosphere downstairs, but the positive is that it is joined to the Paris hotel. The trick is to ask for a non-smoking room. Then you are away from the partiers. Doing this we've always had a very nice quiet room.
Good luck with Vegas...

Elnap - that is good to know about NYNY - I have had friends and family stay and give in bad reviews on room size.

Back to Vegas....The Southpoint Hotel Casino and Spa looks nice and is reasonably priced. It is a bit removed from the strip but has its own cinema and bowling alley.
Does anybody know of it? Is it too isolated? I want to see and experience "the Strip" but dont think I need to stay right amongst it.

for vegas check out www.smartervegas.com

and this promotion site:

http://www.vegas-promotions.com/index.php?page=1

there are also lots of coupons to be had for 2x1 drinks and meals places if you google "coupons las vegas" or for whatever city you are visiting.

www.travelzoo.com may also have some special on hotels for whatever city you have undecided.

what about the Signature Suites at MGM Grand. Not on the main strip, but non-smoking and no gambling.

In Las Vegas, I would definitely try to stay on the strip. I like Bally's and Paris if you can get good rates at either of them. Traveling with children I think the MGM or NYNY or Excalibur are good choices even though it is at the south end of the strip. (M&M world, some video arcades, etc)

You can purchase tickets for the trams between the hotels. We rarely use our car once we arrive.

I too would try to stay on the strip. We have stayed a few times at the Marriott Chauteu and that is on the strip but does not have gaming in it. We get good rates with our timeshare but it doesn't have a decent pool that I think would be super fun for your boys.

I would check out pool reviews (seriously!) some have lazy rivers and even slides - as ltr said, we rarely if ever use our car once you arrive (you can wait longer in line @ valet than walking!).

I did a quick search and the MGM, Flamingo and Monte Carlo all came up with great pools for families. Some of the larger hotels (see Wynn, Rio) have topless areas so just be aware with your boys.

We are staying @ the Flamingo over the summer - would not be my *first choice - I love the Venetian - they pump something into that hotel that smells so good it keeps me coming back But it is a family deal with dh's family coming from back east. Our room rate was 99.00 for two queens. It is right on the strip. I have never stayed there so cannot vouch for it but did like that the pool came up as good for families - we will have our 13 and 16 year old with us.

More great advice guys. I love that smartvegas site. It even has discount show tix. They have a great rate for Excalibur for $45 a night.

We were at Excalibur.. it was "OK" and very busy. This was years ago. I think for a little more there may be much nicer ones.

another good site to check out pools in Vegas for the kids:

http://www.cheapovegas.com/vegas_cheapo_sleep.php

pull down to the bottom of the page and it lists a bunch of the pools-with visitors with kids, we have liked the Flamingo as others have mentioned

We have also stayed at the Excaibur but it was too smoky for me - it was also years ago - your boys might like the obnoxious jousting/eating with the hands show... what was that - My boys who were around yours ages when we went enjoyed it. Should be fine- ask for a non-smoking room.

MomDDTravel makes a good point. The cheaper the hotel/casino in Vegas, the more cigarette smoke.

cferrb - I don't know if it is the older ventilation systems or what but they are far more smoky.