Jenji1921

Hi there

I live in the Uk and am planning a trip for 2 to San Fran and Vegas next year.
Planning to fly to either San Fran or Vegas and then drive to the other destination stopping at various locations on the way.

Any tips from car hire to places to stay would be appreciated!

Thanks

Jen

poptart007

Hey Jen,
I'm doing something similar in September this year. Have flights booked into San Fran and want to ideally take a day up to Napa and then drive to Las Vegas.
I'm looking for suggestions on a nice scenic drive from Napa (we were thinking of hitting Lake Tahoe but this is not a necessity!) down to Las Vegas hopefully taking in either Yosemite or Death Valley National Park for a stopover on the way to Vegas.
Thanks much!

vivandvin

If you want to visit Death Valley you should do so in the winter - September may still be too hot to really enjoy it there. Yosemite is always worth a stop, though bear in mind that in September waterfalls will likely not be flowing.

There is a lot of nothing between San Francisco (natives call if that or "the city," never San Fran or Frisco) and Vegas. My sister has driven that more than once so I'll check with her and let you know if she has any recommendations.

How long will you be in both places? What are you most interested in - food, wine, museums, standard "tourist" spots?

Vegas is a ton of fun, but I'd not recommend more than 2 or 3 days there, unless you are VERY into casinos and noise. If you are into it, see one of the Cirque du Soleil shows - I recommend O. If you want to be in the middle of everything stay at a spot on the Strip, preferably the middle.

Jenji1921

Thanks for the post. I think more time will be spent in San Francisco rather than Vegas but the whole trip will be approx 2 and a half weeks. I thought it would be a nice drive between the two although it could be a problem if there is a lot of nothing........ Interested in the touristy things of course but also nice to go off the beaten track a little and see/do other things.

sf7307

If you'll have 2-1/2 weeks, consider flying into San Francisco, driving down the coast to Los Angeles (stopping in Montery, Carmel, Big Sur, Cambria/Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, etc.), and then either driving or flying to Vegas from Los Angeles. Much more to see that way.

Placename

What time of year were you planning this? It makes a difference in your route.

dbdurand

There are 3 major National Parks between San Francisco and Las Vegas, Yosemite, Sequoia/Kings Canyon, and Death Valley. In my book all are "must sees", if there really is such a category. You can easily map out a route that allows you to visit all three in that order, on your way to Las Vegas. Of course, it will take maybe 5 days.

The "lot of nothing" route is down the San Joaquin valley to Bakersfield and from there around the southern end of the Sierras to Las Vegas. And that will only take a day and a half or maybe one long day.

Take your pick, or mix 'em up.

vivandvin

Agree with sf7307. If you are just staying in Vegas proper you don't need a car so could drop it in LA. California coast is much more beautiful than any drive to Vegas. Monterey Bay Aquarium is great, Carmel is charming.

While in SF consider taking a day to Napa Valley if you are interested in wine tasting or an alternative spot would be Dry Creek Valley (a great wine region often overlooked by visitors who think Napa is the best spot). A day at Muir Woods is a must if you want to see the redwoods and do some hiking. From there you can also visit Stinson Beach and/or Muir Beach (the Pelican Inn is at Muir Beach and a great stop - Elizabethan style English pub). That day could also include Mill Valley or Tiburon/Sausalito.

All the basic tourist stuff in SF is easy with a guidebook. Golden Gate Park can be overlooked but shouldn't be. Haight Street is always a fun diversion.

If you like to get up high and enjoy a view, Top of the Mark is a great spot for cocktails or Sunday brunch.

janisj

More important than how long is WHEN? It makes a huge difference re where you can/can't, should/shouldn't drive.

When are you planning this trip?

Jenji1921

Great advice guys - thanks.

The trip is going to be at the end of September janisj.