Road trip to San Diego, CA - "Must see" attractions along the way?
Jun 25th, 2009, 10:42 AM
#21
I agree with Cranachin that the route they're taking from Dallas to San Diego is most likely I-20 to I-10 to I-8. That goes through Yuma and nowhere near Flagstaff. Their route back to Dallas could be I-40 which goes through Flagstaff and not far from Sedona.
IMO, it would be better to stop overnight in Tucson than in Yuma. Tucson has a few interesting things to see, but the most interesting is the Desert Museum, which is well worth a visit. It's about a six hour drive to San Diego from Tucson.
http://www.desertmuseum.org/
IMO, it would be better to stop overnight in Tucson than in Yuma. Tucson has a few interesting things to see, but the most interesting is the Desert Museum, which is well worth a visit. It's about a six hour drive to San Diego from Tucson.
http://www.desertmuseum.org/
Jun 28th, 2009, 12:10 PM
#22
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ge_tex,
I agree with some of the suggestions above, but have a few others/opinions if you're not already bogged down with info.
1 - Bypass Yuma/Tucson/Phoenix at all costs.
My suggestions: Stay on the road another 3-4 hours until San Diego. Ocean Beach hotel http://www.obhotel.com/ is an awesome budget hotel just minutes from Sea World, the zoo, etc. It's on a quaint little street known for its weekend night life and antique shops. It's literally right across the street from Ocean Beach.
Option 2 if you can't make it to SD, take a 20 minute drive south of Tucson on I19 from the I10 to the Rex Ranch in Amado, Arizona. http://rexranch.com/ Nice out of the way relaxing atmosphere with huge pool, ping pong, horseback riding, etc.
2 - When in San Diego I'd suggest Belmont Park http://www.belmontpark.com/ instead of the zoo and Legoland. It's got everything a kid could want to do including the beach and good restaurants for the parents. It's practically right next to Sea World too. Sea World is very fun and lots for the kids to do and see. The parents can also relax while the kids play in the ENORMOUS play structure. Fireworks every night during the summer.
The Wild Animal Park is a bit disappointing. IMO the animals were still kept in closed cage like structures except for the Giraffes and lions (which we could hardly see since they were resting in the shade under a remote tree).
3 - Anaheim - Disneyland is nice and now that they've add the second theme park there's more for the kids to see, but it's expensive. We love Knott's Berry Farm and Camp Snoopy is so much fun for the kids! Try Knott's Soak City for a cooling off end of the day family water activity.
4 - Hollywood - Unless you absolutely have to get out of the car and search for a specific celebrity's star or want your photo taken (for a "donation" of course) with a very shabby looking Bart Simpson, Spiderman, Pirate of the Caribbean, etc., don't. Hollywood is very "touristy" and the glamour of old (even the 90's) is gone. Mann's Chinese might be the only worthwhile stop, but it will probably so crowded you'll have to ask people to move in order not to get their shoes in your photo of John Wayne's boot prints.
Drive through it and know that there will be no stars "hanging out" there as most of my visitors tend to think.
Universal should be great fun for the kids and the City Walk is nice for the parents too.
5 - San Simeon - I wouldn't spend too much time here (a few hours tops). Kids may be bored quickly. If you've got time head up to either Monterey Bay Aquarium or on to Santa Cruz and the Beach Boardwalk as mentioned by montereybob. So much to do and on the beach too!
6 - San Francisco - Fisherman's Wharf is fun and don't forget to visit the Ghirardeli Chocolate store for yummy ice cream and free chocolate samples. You can see Alcatraz from the Wharf, but if you must visit the island then sobeit. I'd suggest driving the Golden Gate bridge and definitely riding the trolley as much as possible. Kids LOVE that! Also, if you've ever watched the 90's sitcom Full House you can visit Alta Plaza http://noehill.com/sf/alta/default.asp where they filmed some of the opening sequence. (my daughter just HAD to see this) Awesome views of the city too!
After crossing the Golden Gate we headed to Fairfield which is en route to Sacramento. We stopped at the Jelly Belly Factory and took a tour. My daughter absolutely loved this! Free jelly beans too! You could head to Sac then hit the I5 south to I15 and on to Las Vegas.
7 - Las Vegas - Not much to say here except my daughter loved Circus Circus and any Cirque du Solei show. I'm not a big fan of LV so would keep driving before the day is over unless you need a sleepover at this point.
8 - Flagstaff, I lived here for three years. It's a quaint little town that's growing and changing. Maybe walk around old town and then head to Sedona. It is very touristy, but it is one of the 7 vortexes of the world and very beautiful red rocks. Read more on vortexes here http://gosw.about.com/od/sedonaarizo...donavortex.htm
9 - Albuquerque - If you don't need to see Sedona then I'd head to NM, but wait! Maybe take a northerly trip to the Four Corners and stand in four states in one day! From Flag take the I40 to Albuquerque then north on route 491, there's another route switch in there to hit the four corners I think its route 160. We had a lot of fun there and there were some Native American artisans selling their handmade pieces.
I don't know much about Albuquerque, but I'm sure you've got a lot of ideas. If you had more time I'd say head south to Alamogordo to the White Sands. See the home of the Stealth bomber and watch them in the sky. Then head to the white sands with your plastic sled and "sex wax." Wax it up and take a ride down one of the many huge mountains of white sand. Hours of fun, but wear your sunscreen.
Sorry for the long post. I hope you've gotten some great ideas. Whatever you do, just relax and have fun!
I agree with some of the suggestions above, but have a few others/opinions if you're not already bogged down with info.
1 - Bypass Yuma/Tucson/Phoenix at all costs.
My suggestions: Stay on the road another 3-4 hours until San Diego. Ocean Beach hotel http://www.obhotel.com/ is an awesome budget hotel just minutes from Sea World, the zoo, etc. It's on a quaint little street known for its weekend night life and antique shops. It's literally right across the street from Ocean Beach.
Option 2 if you can't make it to SD, take a 20 minute drive south of Tucson on I19 from the I10 to the Rex Ranch in Amado, Arizona. http://rexranch.com/ Nice out of the way relaxing atmosphere with huge pool, ping pong, horseback riding, etc.
2 - When in San Diego I'd suggest Belmont Park http://www.belmontpark.com/ instead of the zoo and Legoland. It's got everything a kid could want to do including the beach and good restaurants for the parents. It's practically right next to Sea World too. Sea World is very fun and lots for the kids to do and see. The parents can also relax while the kids play in the ENORMOUS play structure. Fireworks every night during the summer.
The Wild Animal Park is a bit disappointing. IMO the animals were still kept in closed cage like structures except for the Giraffes and lions (which we could hardly see since they were resting in the shade under a remote tree).
3 - Anaheim - Disneyland is nice and now that they've add the second theme park there's more for the kids to see, but it's expensive. We love Knott's Berry Farm and Camp Snoopy is so much fun for the kids! Try Knott's Soak City for a cooling off end of the day family water activity.
4 - Hollywood - Unless you absolutely have to get out of the car and search for a specific celebrity's star or want your photo taken (for a "donation" of course) with a very shabby looking Bart Simpson, Spiderman, Pirate of the Caribbean, etc., don't. Hollywood is very "touristy" and the glamour of old (even the 90's) is gone. Mann's Chinese might be the only worthwhile stop, but it will probably so crowded you'll have to ask people to move in order not to get their shoes in your photo of John Wayne's boot prints.
Drive through it and know that there will be no stars "hanging out" there as most of my visitors tend to think.
Universal should be great fun for the kids and the City Walk is nice for the parents too.
5 - San Simeon - I wouldn't spend too much time here (a few hours tops). Kids may be bored quickly. If you've got time head up to either Monterey Bay Aquarium or on to Santa Cruz and the Beach Boardwalk as mentioned by montereybob. So much to do and on the beach too!
6 - San Francisco - Fisherman's Wharf is fun and don't forget to visit the Ghirardeli Chocolate store for yummy ice cream and free chocolate samples. You can see Alcatraz from the Wharf, but if you must visit the island then sobeit. I'd suggest driving the Golden Gate bridge and definitely riding the trolley as much as possible. Kids LOVE that! Also, if you've ever watched the 90's sitcom Full House you can visit Alta Plaza http://noehill.com/sf/alta/default.asp where they filmed some of the opening sequence. (my daughter just HAD to see this) Awesome views of the city too!
After crossing the Golden Gate we headed to Fairfield which is en route to Sacramento. We stopped at the Jelly Belly Factory and took a tour. My daughter absolutely loved this! Free jelly beans too! You could head to Sac then hit the I5 south to I15 and on to Las Vegas.
7 - Las Vegas - Not much to say here except my daughter loved Circus Circus and any Cirque du Solei show. I'm not a big fan of LV so would keep driving before the day is over unless you need a sleepover at this point.
8 - Flagstaff, I lived here for three years. It's a quaint little town that's growing and changing. Maybe walk around old town and then head to Sedona. It is very touristy, but it is one of the 7 vortexes of the world and very beautiful red rocks. Read more on vortexes here http://gosw.about.com/od/sedonaarizo...donavortex.htm
9 - Albuquerque - If you don't need to see Sedona then I'd head to NM, but wait! Maybe take a northerly trip to the Four Corners and stand in four states in one day! From Flag take the I40 to Albuquerque then north on route 491, there's another route switch in there to hit the four corners I think its route 160. We had a lot of fun there and there were some Native American artisans selling their handmade pieces.
I don't know much about Albuquerque, but I'm sure you've got a lot of ideas. If you had more time I'd say head south to Alamogordo to the White Sands. See the home of the Stealth bomber and watch them in the sky. Then head to the white sands with your plastic sled and "sex wax." Wax it up and take a ride down one of the many huge mountains of white sand. Hours of fun, but wear your sunscreen.
Sorry for the long post. I hope you've gotten some great ideas. Whatever you do, just relax and have fun!
Jun 28th, 2009, 01:00 PM
#23
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With only two weeks, I'm not sure you really have time to do everything you've listed for this trip, much less add in all the suggestions others have given.
Since most of what you want to do is in California, have you considered flying from Dallas to San Diego? Southwest has great fares - and honestly, there is a whole lot of nothing between Dallas and California besides Carlsbad Caverns. It will also be an incredibly hot drive, even with AC.
Having said that, Albuquerque has a really nice zoo and a great children's museum, both fun on a summer's day. If you come here, please be sure to wear hats and sunscreen and drink a *lot* of water.
I haven't spent much time in Flagstaff, but the observatory there is pretty interesting; I took my kids there a few years ago and we all enjoyed it.
Lee Ann
Since most of what you want to do is in California, have you considered flying from Dallas to San Diego? Southwest has great fares - and honestly, there is a whole lot of nothing between Dallas and California besides Carlsbad Caverns. It will also be an incredibly hot drive, even with AC.
Having said that, Albuquerque has a really nice zoo and a great children's museum, both fun on a summer's day. If you come here, please be sure to wear hats and sunscreen and drink a *lot* of water.
I haven't spent much time in Flagstaff, but the observatory there is pretty interesting; I took my kids there a few years ago and we all enjoyed it.
Lee Ann
Jun 28th, 2009, 01:15 PM
#24
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Lee Ann brings up a good point about flying Southwest and enjoying the 2 weeks since there really isn't that much to see and do in between Dallas/SD..you can pack a lot of fun things to see and do in 2 weeks..it won't be like an oven either..makes for no fun for road trips with kids..
Keep us posted!
Keep us posted!
Jun 28th, 2009, 02:16 PM
#25
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Lee Ann has a great point there - it'll take you at least two days to drive from Dallas to San Diego - at least. If you plan on spending any time enroute, like Carlsbad Caverns, factor in another day or two.
Thus, realistically you're looking at a one week made dash across half the continent and back with scant time to enjoy the places in between.
That leaves one week to make another mad dash along the California coast and then to Yosemite.
It's probably better if you planned on spending one week in Southern California and one week in Northern California. Or don't come to California at all but enjoy the Southwest - Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada (Las Vegas).
California and the Southwest are both enjoyable but are two very different types of destinations. You'll have to decide whether you want to see a lot of nature, things Indian, and do a good bit of hiking or go for theme parks and big city offerings. You really can't do justice to both together on a short two week trip.
Thus, realistically you're looking at a one week made dash across half the continent and back with scant time to enjoy the places in between.
That leaves one week to make another mad dash along the California coast and then to Yosemite.
It's probably better if you planned on spending one week in Southern California and one week in Northern California. Or don't come to California at all but enjoy the Southwest - Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada (Las Vegas).
California and the Southwest are both enjoyable but are two very different types of destinations. You'll have to decide whether you want to see a lot of nature, things Indian, and do a good bit of hiking or go for theme parks and big city offerings. You really can't do justice to both together on a short two week trip.
Jun 29th, 2009, 01:44 PM
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Yup - I was thinking of a miserable trip we made in May from Dallas to El Paso a few years back. Normally we wouldn't go that way, but my father-in-law was with us, and he had to pick up his car in El Paso. We left early in the morning, spent the night in Pecos, and didn't get to El Paso until around 1:00 the next afternoon. It was hot and no fun at all.
Lee Ann
Lee Ann
Jun 29th, 2009, 03:52 PM
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I agree with easytraveler. You could easily spend all your time in Southern California (San Diego, Disneyland, Universal Studios, and you can always go over to Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon.
Having lived in San Diego all my life, I would avoid the Wild Animal Park in summer. It is way too hot-the animals all hide in the shade. Sea World and the zoo are great. The zoo used to allow you to bring food in but they were thinking of changing that policy. Check it out because there aren't that many places to eat near the zoo. The zoo is also located in Balboa Park-home to many great museums. Mission Bay is near Sea World and is good for a picnic dinner.
I would also avoid Hearst Castle. I think the kids would be bored.
Disneyland is expensive but what is a trip to California without seeing Disneyland?
The Grand Canyon is worth making the trip-2 days there is enough. If you stay right outside the Canyon, accomodations are cheaper and it is an easy drive into the park. It is about 8 hours from San Diego.
Las Vegas is fun for 2 nights max. The kids would enjoy Circus Circus or Ex Calibur. It is about 6 hours from San Diego or 4 from LA
Lake Powell in Arizona is another alternative for 1-2 days. It has wonderfully warm water where you rent a ski boat and take either a jet ski or rent an innertube-great fun but filling up the boat with gas is expensive.
Northern CA has San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. You could easily spend 2-3 days in each place.
Having lived in San Diego all my life, I would avoid the Wild Animal Park in summer. It is way too hot-the animals all hide in the shade. Sea World and the zoo are great. The zoo used to allow you to bring food in but they were thinking of changing that policy. Check it out because there aren't that many places to eat near the zoo. The zoo is also located in Balboa Park-home to many great museums. Mission Bay is near Sea World and is good for a picnic dinner.
I would also avoid Hearst Castle. I think the kids would be bored.
Disneyland is expensive but what is a trip to California without seeing Disneyland?
The Grand Canyon is worth making the trip-2 days there is enough. If you stay right outside the Canyon, accomodations are cheaper and it is an easy drive into the park. It is about 8 hours from San Diego.
Las Vegas is fun for 2 nights max. The kids would enjoy Circus Circus or Ex Calibur. It is about 6 hours from San Diego or 4 from LA
Lake Powell in Arizona is another alternative for 1-2 days. It has wonderfully warm water where you rent a ski boat and take either a jet ski or rent an innertube-great fun but filling up the boat with gas is expensive.
Northern CA has San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. You could easily spend 2-3 days in each place.
Jun 29th, 2009, 04:00 PM
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There are a lot of good suggestions here. However, if the OP and his kids have seen the bat flyout from under the bridge in Austin, Carlsbad might be so much of a "must". For kids the amusement and water parks tend to be more successful than scenery. Been there, done that. Swimming also is a winner with 9 year olds. I would stay at a nice hotel/resort with a pool and or beach access and center my trip there. You could take a trip out of the resort every other day to balance what the parents want to see with what makes the kids happy. "If you behave at the Mission this morning, we will go to the beach in the afternoon."
Any parent knows the drill. Occasional ice cream cones go very well as bribes.
Any parent knows the drill. Occasional ice cream cones go very well as bribes.
Jun 29th, 2009, 08:49 PM
#30
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Carlsbad is more than the bats flying out. My niece and nephew (the age of the OP's children) recently enjoyed visiting a much smaller cave system back east, so I imagine the OP's children might like Carlsbad - especially when they turn out the lights! I'm assuming Carlsbad still does that as part of the trip. I visited there probably 15 years ago.
Jun 29th, 2009, 10:23 PM
#32
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We've been to Carlsbad Caverns at least three times and have never seen the bat flight. We're there for the cave formations.
Cranachin, they turn out the lights on the King's Palace tour, which costs a little extra - but it's fun.
I hope the OP will come back and give us some more input.
Lee Ann
Cranachin, they turn out the lights on the King's Palace tour, which costs a little extra - but it's fun.
I hope the OP will come back and give us some more input.
Lee Ann
May 23rd, 2010, 11:21 PM
#33
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this is the exact trip we are planning for our family this year but with 1 7yr old girl and 4 mimi schnauzers. wanted to see how your trip turned out and exactly what routes you took there, what you visited and what route you took back home hopefully w/o not just straight driving back. we are hoping to turn ours into about 2-1/2 wks though. also, if you don't mind about how much did this trip cost your family, just approx. we are planning on renting a van for the trip - did you take your own vehicle?
thanks
thanks
May 24th, 2010, 07:19 AM
#34
baker_goestoca,
What are you going to do with the four mini schnauzers while you see the sights? Leaving them in your vehicle in California, where it's hot, may result in the dogs going to the pound and you being cited for animal cruelty.
What are you going to do with the four mini schnauzers while you see the sights? Leaving them in your vehicle in California, where it's hot, may result in the dogs going to the pound and you being cited for animal cruelty.
May 24th, 2010, 07:33 AM
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Depending on how long you want to drive each day and how much sightseeing you want to do on each travel day, if you are going I-10 and I-8 to San Diego, then consider the following:
Chiracahua National Monument, Tombstone/Bisbee (copper queen mine tour).
I know those are somewhat out of the way from a direct route. It just depends on whether you 'see things along the route' or 'get somewhere and then do things.
While Yuma is not the dump some on this forum seem to think, I think it would be better to stay in Tucson, seeing sights there such as Saguaro National Monument, ride the trolley downtown (weekends), hike Sabino Canyon, visit San Xavier del Bac, and see the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum (only if you can go early when the animals are active)
Coming back on I-40, there are lots of things to see in the Flagstaff area. In town I would recommend the Lowell Observatory. Walnut Canyon (Indian ruin) is just outside of town. Meteor Crater and Painted Desert/Petrified Forest are just off I-40 on the way to Albuquerque.
Search on this forum for Flagstaff and there will be plenty of info on places both north and south of Flagstaff.
Regarding Legoland, I would skip it unless the kids are really into Legos. I went the first year it was open with my two kids who were of the right age and liked legos, but it was boring both for the kids and the adults. And it was then (and I'm sure now) very overpriced.
Chiracahua National Monument, Tombstone/Bisbee (copper queen mine tour).
I know those are somewhat out of the way from a direct route. It just depends on whether you 'see things along the route' or 'get somewhere and then do things.
While Yuma is not the dump some on this forum seem to think, I think it would be better to stay in Tucson, seeing sights there such as Saguaro National Monument, ride the trolley downtown (weekends), hike Sabino Canyon, visit San Xavier del Bac, and see the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum (only if you can go early when the animals are active)
Coming back on I-40, there are lots of things to see in the Flagstaff area. In town I would recommend the Lowell Observatory. Walnut Canyon (Indian ruin) is just outside of town. Meteor Crater and Painted Desert/Petrified Forest are just off I-40 on the way to Albuquerque.
Search on this forum for Flagstaff and there will be plenty of info on places both north and south of Flagstaff.
Regarding Legoland, I would skip it unless the kids are really into Legos. I went the first year it was open with my two kids who were of the right age and liked legos, but it was boring both for the kids and the adults. And it was then (and I'm sure now) very overpriced.
May 24th, 2010, 09:48 PM
#36
<B>Bigtyke</B>: It seems you are responding to the OP. This thread is nearly a year old - their trip was last year.
<B>baker_goestoca</B>: The OP has not been back to the forums since last July so he likely won't see your questions. You'll probably do better to start your own, new thread w/ your specific questions instead of tacking on such a long/old thread. Your questions will get lost in the shuffle (and folks will not notice the dates and think they are answering ge_tex).
Your plan will be very difficult if you bring the dogs. It is against the law to leave pets in vehicles in CA when it is hot, cold, etc.
<B>baker_goestoca</B>: The OP has not been back to the forums since last July so he likely won't see your questions. You'll probably do better to start your own, new thread w/ your specific questions instead of tacking on such a long/old thread. Your questions will get lost in the shuffle (and folks will not notice the dates and think they are answering ge_tex).
Your plan will be very difficult if you bring the dogs. It is against the law to leave pets in vehicles in CA when it is hot, cold, etc.
May 25th, 2010, 07:51 AM
#37
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From Tucson if you take I-10 and then i_8 to San Diego, try stopping at the Ostrich Ranch near Picacho Peak
www.roostercogburn.com
www.roostercogburn.com
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