2 weeks CA need advice please!!
Mar 23rd, 2004, 03:32 PM
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2 weeks CA need advice please!!
I am starting to plan a trip to CA for August and have LOTS of questions. I will be traveling with my husband and two kids (9 and 12). We are probably more city people than great outdoors types, though we're obviously planning a bit of a mix. (Last year the kids loved Chicago.)
We are looking for hotels (except SF), restaurants, ideas, must-sees, itinerary-debugging....Any suggestions you have would be wonderful!
My current plan is:
2 nights Yosemite
4 nights San Francisco (already booked via priceline)
2 nights driving down coast
2 nights Los Angeles area
4 nights San Diego
1 night Los Angeles nearish airport
I can change everything except the flights and the SF hotel.
Also, we have somewhat incompatible hotel desires:
* We all want 2 rooms or a suite, with 3 beds total.
* My kids dream about a swimming pool
* I dream about someplace lovely
* My husband dreams about spending <$150/night!
The priceline booking and Yosemity (Curry Village tent is all that's available) are winning me some price slack and in any case I'm owed some splurge on the trip....
Please help!
We are looking for hotels (except SF), restaurants, ideas, must-sees, itinerary-debugging....Any suggestions you have would be wonderful!
My current plan is:
2 nights Yosemite
4 nights San Francisco (already booked via priceline)
2 nights driving down coast
2 nights Los Angeles area
4 nights San Diego
1 night Los Angeles nearish airport
I can change everything except the flights and the SF hotel.
Also, we have somewhat incompatible hotel desires:
* We all want 2 rooms or a suite, with 3 beds total.
* My kids dream about a swimming pool
* I dream about someplace lovely
* My husband dreams about spending <$150/night!
The priceline booking and Yosemity (Curry Village tent is all that's available) are winning me some price slack and in any case I'm owed some splurge on the trip....
Please help!
Mar 23rd, 2004, 04:21 PM
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Hi, brie! LOL! You sound like me! My family also likes to go in all four directions at once - LOL!
You didn't say where you are leaving from, so you'll probably have to supply more details as this thread progresses.
1) If you want to get to Yosemite immediately upon arrival in California, then the best airport to fly into would be Sacramento. If there are no flights for you into Sacramento, then the next best airport would be Oakland. You'll probably have some kind of flight into Oakland, either Jetblue or Southwest. The entire Terminal 2 at Oakland is a Southwest terminal, so look at their flights first.
Assuming you get into Yosemite midday or late afternoon the first day, you'll have all of the next day, plus part of the third day - a grand total of two full days at most at Yosemite.
2)You need to plan your return to San Francisco to avoid rush hour. If you stop somewhere midway for dinner, you should be driving into SF AFTER peak traffic hours.
By the way, where are you staying? Union Square? Fisherman's Wharf?
3) In San Francisco, there is plenty for kids to do. Exploratorium. The Cable Car Museum. Riding the Cable Car. The Metreon on Fourth and Mission (your big kid, the Dad, will like this one too). Golden Gate Park, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge - and back! - drive up to Twin Peaks for the panoramic view. Between now and August you will have worked out all the sights that you want to go to. Fodorites are very helpful and, if you give a few hints on what you and your family are interested in, the suggestions will come pouring in!
4) 2 nights for driving down the coast is not enough. I'd take a day from San Diego and make it a 3 night trip.
5) First night: Monterey/Pacific Grove/Carmel
Second night: Cambria
Third night: Santa Barbara
If you start out early for the Monterey Peninsula, you can do the 17 mile drive, explore downtown Carmel on foot and have dinner at the Hog's Breath Inn or some other recommendation for kid-friendly restaurant.
Night on the Monterey Peninsula. Next day go to the Aquarium in the morning. Then start driving for Big Sur. Definitely go to Point Lobos and you can stop off at another State Park along the way too. The drive to Cambria is over one of the most gorgeous coastal roads you'll find anywhere in the world, so go slow and plan to have a number of view stops.
Night in Cambria. If you arrive early, you can do an evening tour of Hearst Castle, otherwise, do a morning tour.
After the tour, continue down along the coast and, near Lompoc, if you haven't seen a California Mission yet, stop off to see La Purisma Mission. Then on to Santa Barbara for the next night.
I'm certain someone can recommend kid-friendly things to do around Santa Barbara. Then on to Los Angeles.
Again, you need to plan your arrival in Los Angeles to avoid peak traffic hour. Traffic on the freeways in LA is busy all the time, but peak traffic hour is horrible, so plan to arrive either before or after.
You didn't say if you had any preferences for what to do and see in LA, but there are tons of things: the Getty Museum, La Brea Tar Pits, Universal Studios are all kind of in the northern parts of Greater LA. In the southern parts are Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, and funky Venice Beach.
San Diego: the world famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Old Town, Coronado, Balboa Park and its many fun museums... you are going to be VERY tired after this trip! But happy!
Have fun!
You didn't say where you are leaving from, so you'll probably have to supply more details as this thread progresses.
1) If you want to get to Yosemite immediately upon arrival in California, then the best airport to fly into would be Sacramento. If there are no flights for you into Sacramento, then the next best airport would be Oakland. You'll probably have some kind of flight into Oakland, either Jetblue or Southwest. The entire Terminal 2 at Oakland is a Southwest terminal, so look at their flights first.
Assuming you get into Yosemite midday or late afternoon the first day, you'll have all of the next day, plus part of the third day - a grand total of two full days at most at Yosemite.
2)You need to plan your return to San Francisco to avoid rush hour. If you stop somewhere midway for dinner, you should be driving into SF AFTER peak traffic hours.
By the way, where are you staying? Union Square? Fisherman's Wharf?
3) In San Francisco, there is plenty for kids to do. Exploratorium. The Cable Car Museum. Riding the Cable Car. The Metreon on Fourth and Mission (your big kid, the Dad, will like this one too). Golden Gate Park, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge - and back! - drive up to Twin Peaks for the panoramic view. Between now and August you will have worked out all the sights that you want to go to. Fodorites are very helpful and, if you give a few hints on what you and your family are interested in, the suggestions will come pouring in!
4) 2 nights for driving down the coast is not enough. I'd take a day from San Diego and make it a 3 night trip.
5) First night: Monterey/Pacific Grove/Carmel
Second night: Cambria
Third night: Santa Barbara
If you start out early for the Monterey Peninsula, you can do the 17 mile drive, explore downtown Carmel on foot and have dinner at the Hog's Breath Inn or some other recommendation for kid-friendly restaurant.
Night on the Monterey Peninsula. Next day go to the Aquarium in the morning. Then start driving for Big Sur. Definitely go to Point Lobos and you can stop off at another State Park along the way too. The drive to Cambria is over one of the most gorgeous coastal roads you'll find anywhere in the world, so go slow and plan to have a number of view stops.
Night in Cambria. If you arrive early, you can do an evening tour of Hearst Castle, otherwise, do a morning tour.
After the tour, continue down along the coast and, near Lompoc, if you haven't seen a California Mission yet, stop off to see La Purisma Mission. Then on to Santa Barbara for the next night.
I'm certain someone can recommend kid-friendly things to do around Santa Barbara. Then on to Los Angeles.
Again, you need to plan your arrival in Los Angeles to avoid peak traffic hour. Traffic on the freeways in LA is busy all the time, but peak traffic hour is horrible, so plan to arrive either before or after.
You didn't say if you had any preferences for what to do and see in LA, but there are tons of things: the Getty Museum, La Brea Tar Pits, Universal Studios are all kind of in the northern parts of Greater LA. In the southern parts are Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, and funky Venice Beach.
San Diego: the world famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Old Town, Coronado, Balboa Park and its many fun museums... you are going to be VERY tired after this trip!
But happy!Have fun!
Mar 23rd, 2004, 06:13 PM
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You mentioned that you are more city than outdoors. The Curry Village Tents are somewhat primitative and far from any suite!
From Yosemitepark.com: "These canvas-covered tents are wood-framed on a raised wooden platform and will accommodate up to five people. They are equipped with beds with linens and electrical lights, but do not have electrical outlets, telephones, televisions nor plumbing. Two central shower and restroom facilities are within a short walking distance. Daily maid service not provided."
If you want more civilized accommodations, I'd keep calling the Yosemite Lodge or Curry Village Cabins and hope to get in on a cancellation.
Utahtea
From Yosemitepark.com: "These canvas-covered tents are wood-framed on a raised wooden platform and will accommodate up to five people. They are equipped with beds with linens and electrical lights, but do not have electrical outlets, telephones, televisions nor plumbing. Two central shower and restroom facilities are within a short walking distance. Daily maid service not provided."
If you want more civilized accommodations, I'd keep calling the Yosemite Lodge or Curry Village Cabins and hope to get in on a cancellation.
Utahtea
Mar 24th, 2004, 07:12 AM
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Wow, thanks for all the replies so far (and keep them coming!)
A few answers and a few more questions:
We are flying into SFO sat mid-day and out of LAX sun mid-day (15 days later). Those are booked already.
In SF, I booked 2 rooms on priceline because I knew we couldn't count on satisfying enough of the family members otherwise. We're in Union Sq.
In Yosemite, CV tents are not what I would have picked, but they're what's available. Continuing to look aggressively for cancellations is an excellent suggestion. (The positives: They *are* cheap, it's the first two nights so we have plenty of time to recover, and the idea of a tent and a shared shower is driving my early adolescent daugther insane. I suppose you have to live with the sometimes unreasonableness of an early adolescent daughter to believe that the third is a positive....)
Now a question: I don't think that this thread made it into the California topic. Is that true? Should I repost there? (I *swear* I hit that button....)
Thanks again!
A few answers and a few more questions:
We are flying into SFO sat mid-day and out of LAX sun mid-day (15 days later). Those are booked already.
In SF, I booked 2 rooms on priceline because I knew we couldn't count on satisfying enough of the family members otherwise. We're in Union Sq.
In Yosemite, CV tents are not what I would have picked, but they're what's available. Continuing to look aggressively for cancellations is an excellent suggestion. (The positives: They *are* cheap, it's the first two nights so we have plenty of time to recover, and the idea of a tent and a shared shower is driving my early adolescent daugther insane. I suppose you have to live with the sometimes unreasonableness of an early adolescent daughter to believe that the third is a positive....)
Now a question: I don't think that this thread made it into the California topic. Is that true? Should I repost there? (I *swear* I hit that button....)
Thanks again!
Mar 24th, 2004, 07:22 AM
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Yes, it's under the California topic. Please don't repost, because EVERY post goes under the general US board, and the locals get restless when there are duplicates.
You may have difficulty sorting out info for the Bay Area on this forum as a lot of it has been deleted (long story), but there is some great info about Los Angeles and San Diego here. Just use the search box in the upper left corner.
Have a great time!
You may have difficulty sorting out info for the Bay Area on this forum as a lot of it has been deleted (long story), but there is some great info about Los Angeles and San Diego here. Just use the search box in the upper left corner.
Have a great time!
Mar 24th, 2004, 09:34 AM
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Brie:
Bring TENT stuff for your time in Yosomite or else it will become one of those "Travel Memories"...Go to their web-site for the packing list.
Your 2 nights drive will be memorable...Keep this as is. Possibly stay in Carmel or Monterey.
Your one night in LA near the airport is admirable but, stay somewhere else like in Santa Monica which will be fun for all and it is not far (15 minutes) from the airport.
For the two room suites contact Embassy Suites and see what they have where.
Oakland is the beat airport to fly into.
Sac is hours away and out of the way.
Your itinery is doable and allows you time to NOT rush.
You should not hurry to get to Yosomite...the ride is part of the experience...enjoy it. Stop, take photos, breathe the air...you have time.
You can get to LA from SF in 7 hours driving. Your coastal route for two nights is great,as I already endorsed.
The Hearst Castle is a lovely idea but the time involved will alter what you have significantly.
Get a AAA TripTik to veryify road conditions, road work, detours and the exact time and mileage.
ENJOY, you have planned a lovely and evenly paced trip to California.
Oaktown Traveler
Bring TENT stuff for your time in Yosomite or else it will become one of those "Travel Memories"...Go to their web-site for the packing list.
Your 2 nights drive will be memorable...Keep this as is. Possibly stay in Carmel or Monterey.
Your one night in LA near the airport is admirable but, stay somewhere else like in Santa Monica which will be fun for all and it is not far (15 minutes) from the airport.
For the two room suites contact Embassy Suites and see what they have where.
Oakland is the beat airport to fly into.
Sac is hours away and out of the way.
Your itinery is doable and allows you time to NOT rush.
You should not hurry to get to Yosomite...the ride is part of the experience...enjoy it. Stop, take photos, breathe the air...you have time.
You can get to LA from SF in 7 hours driving. Your coastal route for two nights is great,as I already endorsed.
The Hearst Castle is a lovely idea but the time involved will alter what you have significantly.
Get a AAA TripTik to veryify road conditions, road work, detours and the exact time and mileage.
ENJOY, you have planned a lovely and evenly paced trip to California.
Oaktown Traveler
Mar 24th, 2004, 05:35 PM
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The tent cabin at Curry aren't that bad. It's worth it to stay in the Valley. Keep checking though. We always book a tent cabin but usually about 2 weeks before our reservation a cabin w/ out bath opens up. You're still w/ out the bath but it's quieter and you can keep food and toiletries in there w/ you. Keep checking.
The suggestion of a drive down the coast to Cambria is a good one, as is stopping in Santa Barbara.
We stayed somewhere in Santa Barbara near the beach that had 2 rooms. It was called the Franciscan or something, it was nice.
The suggestion of a drive down the coast to Cambria is a good one, as is stopping in Santa Barbara.
We stayed somewhere in Santa Barbara near the beach that had 2 rooms. It was called the Franciscan or something, it was nice.
Mar 24th, 2004, 05:49 PM
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We stayed in the Curry Village tent cabins year before last and it wasn't bad. The only "warning" I have is that the lines for the showers were so long that we just gave up. We were there two nights and when we finally got to our next stop -- at a hotel -- the showers sure felt fine. Someone familiar with the park might know when the best time to catch the showers are....
Also, be aware that any kind of foods, perfumes, etc. must be locked up at night due to bears. You aren't even supposed to leave it in your car. I wouldn't bring any food with me if I had it to do over again.
By the way, Yosemite is awesome!
Also, be aware that any kind of foods, perfumes, etc. must be locked up at night due to bears. You aren't even supposed to leave it in your car. I wouldn't bring any food with me if I had it to do over again.
By the way, Yosemite is awesome!
Mar 24th, 2004, 09:43 PM
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If you can plan Sat & Sun as your LA days, the traffic is tons easier!
www.hibrentwood.com is a good family hotel, and if you're there on a Sat, the Getty down the street is a great place to visit with special program for the kids.
www.hibrentwood.com is a good family hotel, and if you're there on a Sat, the Getty down the street is a great place to visit with special program for the kids.
Mar 26th, 2004, 08:55 AM
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Again, thanks, and keep the suggestions coming. Here's an update on my current thinking and some more questions. I am winding up planning around hotels (see original post for incompatible list of hotel desires), but maybe you can suggest some clever hotel alternatives that will improve things. (Everything except the planes and SF hotels is re-bookable.)
Sat 31 July: Arrive SFO, pick up car, drive to Yosemite. Stay at Curry Village (tent) 2 nights -- though I'm looking for YL openings!
Mon 2 Aug: spend morning in Yosemite, then head back to SF (what to see along the way? where to eat?)
4 nights/3 days in Union Sq via Priceline; Is there somewhere in the SF area where we can leave our car inexpensively if we don't want to use it?
Friday 6 Aug: Begin coastal drive. At this point, I've booked Big Sur Lodge in Pfeiffer Big Sur St Pk ($195 for 2-room 3-bed family suite). If we keep it, how is the restaurant there? Or maybe this is too far south and I should look further north?
Saturday 7 Aug: Drive Big Sur; visit Hearst Castle. For now I've booked Seacoast Lodge in Cambria ($195 for 2-room/3-bed family suite). I'm not sure how long this drive is and whether we should start further north, continue further south, or keep as is. (Originally I thought Sat night Santa Barbara, but the SB hotels seem to want 2 nights if one is a Sat.)
Sunday 8 - Tues 10. I was thinking the first day on the coastal drive to arrive LA after traffic (hah!), the next day and a half in LA, but maybe we want to spend a night in Santa Barbara? Where to stay, where to stay?
Tues 10-Fri 13 San Diego. I currently have Residence Inn Mission Valley for $260/night for a 2br family suite. This is more $ than I'd like and I'm wondering about alternatives (or Priceline?)
Saturday 15 Overnight near LAX; I booked Seaside Inn Manhattan Beach ($195 for 2 room 3 bed family suite)
There are so many good ideas out there, please let me know your suggestions!!
p.s. OaktownTraveler, I couldn't find the Yosemite tent packing list anywhere!
Sat 31 July: Arrive SFO, pick up car, drive to Yosemite. Stay at Curry Village (tent) 2 nights -- though I'm looking for YL openings!
Mon 2 Aug: spend morning in Yosemite, then head back to SF (what to see along the way? where to eat?)
4 nights/3 days in Union Sq via Priceline; Is there somewhere in the SF area where we can leave our car inexpensively if we don't want to use it?
Friday 6 Aug: Begin coastal drive. At this point, I've booked Big Sur Lodge in Pfeiffer Big Sur St Pk ($195 for 2-room 3-bed family suite). If we keep it, how is the restaurant there? Or maybe this is too far south and I should look further north?
Saturday 7 Aug: Drive Big Sur; visit Hearst Castle. For now I've booked Seacoast Lodge in Cambria ($195 for 2-room/3-bed family suite). I'm not sure how long this drive is and whether we should start further north, continue further south, or keep as is. (Originally I thought Sat night Santa Barbara, but the SB hotels seem to want 2 nights if one is a Sat.)
Sunday 8 - Tues 10. I was thinking the first day on the coastal drive to arrive LA after traffic (hah!), the next day and a half in LA, but maybe we want to spend a night in Santa Barbara? Where to stay, where to stay?
Tues 10-Fri 13 San Diego. I currently have Residence Inn Mission Valley for $260/night for a 2br family suite. This is more $ than I'd like and I'm wondering about alternatives (or Priceline?)
Saturday 15 Overnight near LAX; I booked Seaside Inn Manhattan Beach ($195 for 2 room 3 bed family suite)
There are so many good ideas out there, please let me know your suggestions!!
p.s. OaktownTraveler, I couldn't find the Yosemite tent packing list anywhere!
Mar 26th, 2004, 09:04 AM
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In San Diego you could stay at the Embassy Suites.It is in a good location right across from Seaport Village. 2 room suite is a nice size with 2 beds in the bedroom and a pull-out in the living room. You can also request a cot if needed. I think there was an indoor pool ,but not certain.
Mar 26th, 2004, 09:16 AM
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brie:
Looks even better.
Can you return the car when you get back to SF and then when you leave four days later pick up another rental.
Of course calculate the cost. Parking is pricey even if you park at Stockton-Sutter AND you do not want to have your car sitting for days...possible target.
Here is the "short" packing list. They removed there recommendation because so many people had so much to say until they did away with it.
Ask them about bedding and blankets.
You will possibly need sleeping bags which is going to be a challange.
It gets COLD at night.
You need, large flashlights, one per person, to help you see at night.
Ask about Lanterns...also a challange for the simple fact that you are "camping" first and then doing a non camping vacation after.
Ask about towels, washclothes and hand towels...then decide.
Shower shoes, shower caps, shower stuff.
Mosquito and sun stuff.
Pillows?
If you do camp add accordingly.
Try to contact them and get specifics so you will know how to fill in.
Happy Packing/Research!
Oaktown Traveler
Looks even better.
Can you return the car when you get back to SF and then when you leave four days later pick up another rental.
Of course calculate the cost. Parking is pricey even if you park at Stockton-Sutter AND you do not want to have your car sitting for days...possible target.
Here is the "short" packing list. They removed there recommendation because so many people had so much to say until they did away with it.
Ask them about bedding and blankets.
You will possibly need sleeping bags which is going to be a challange.
It gets COLD at night.
You need, large flashlights, one per person, to help you see at night.
Ask about Lanterns...also a challange for the simple fact that you are "camping" first and then doing a non camping vacation after.
Ask about towels, washclothes and hand towels...then decide.
Shower shoes, shower caps, shower stuff.
Mosquito and sun stuff.
Pillows?
If you do camp add accordingly.
Try to contact them and get specifics so you will know how to fill in.
Happy Packing/Research!
Oaktown Traveler
Mar 26th, 2004, 11:17 AM
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Hi, here's my ideas: While in SF take a 1 1/2 hr Bay cruise, go to Pier 39 and Fish. Wharf. Something for you is to go to Sausalito across the Golden Gate Bridge. Two hours or so-nice shops, ice cream, etc. First drive up to Muir Woods and walk around park. It will give you a small sampling of the Redwood trees. Be sure and have someone take a picture of one of you hugging the tree. It shows the enormity in your pictures.
For your children have them take a favorite small toy with them (barbie, GI Joe, etc.). Give them their own disposable cameras and have them take a picture of their toy as if the toy is the traveler. I saw this once in a magazine and it makes a great scrapbook. They can put the barbie on a rock, in a chair, on a parking meter, etc.
Monterey and Carmel is a must. The drive from there to Big Sur will be amazing. You'll want to stop the car several times. Hog's Breath in Carmel was good. We even saw Clint Eastwood while having lunch there. Big Sur is a little bit of a drive because of the scenery and the winding roads. It is doable in a day but be sure to leave Carmel with plenty of daylight so you can enjoy the view to Big Sur. I personally wouldn't want to drive that winding road after dusk!
When we toured Hearst Castle we left there and stayed at Santa Maria Inn in Santa Maria. Very, very nice hotel with decent prices. When hotel shopping don't forget about hotels.com, AAA discounts, entertainment book, compareprices.com, even your local travel agent, etc.
Vandenburg Air Force Base is close to Santa Maria. Not sure if you can tour it but it's a nice base.
May I offer some health advice? All of you can start taking some odorless garlic tablets now. They are known to help repell ticks and mosquitos from you. You can buy them at the vitamin stores in the malls or online. One popular one is Garlenase 4000. I have lyme disease so I offer that suggestion alot. Lyme has been found in every state now so education and awareness are key. It's suggested you wear light clothing, spray repellent etc. but I know how I love my sandals. Hope you don't mind that bit of advice. I grew up in California as an army brat so I've tried to offer some of my favorite things from my return trips. I'll be going there this June myself. By the way lots of vacation resorts have room rentals too such as Pacific Grove Plaza in Pacific Grove, California. My notes show 1 bdm. rental fee of $155 and $195 for 2 bdm for your time period. Their number is 831-373-0562 (living room, kitchen, etc. included). My husband and I are Fairfield Vac. Resort owners and we use RCI travel exchange to find other places. Sure have gotten spoiled with condo type rooms. Hope you have a wonderful and memorable vacation! While in San Diego see if a cruise to Catalina Island is close enough. That would be lovely. Best Wishes.
For your children have them take a favorite small toy with them (barbie, GI Joe, etc.). Give them their own disposable cameras and have them take a picture of their toy as if the toy is the traveler. I saw this once in a magazine and it makes a great scrapbook. They can put the barbie on a rock, in a chair, on a parking meter, etc.
Monterey and Carmel is a must. The drive from there to Big Sur will be amazing. You'll want to stop the car several times. Hog's Breath in Carmel was good. We even saw Clint Eastwood while having lunch there. Big Sur is a little bit of a drive because of the scenery and the winding roads. It is doable in a day but be sure to leave Carmel with plenty of daylight so you can enjoy the view to Big Sur. I personally wouldn't want to drive that winding road after dusk!
When we toured Hearst Castle we left there and stayed at Santa Maria Inn in Santa Maria. Very, very nice hotel with decent prices. When hotel shopping don't forget about hotels.com, AAA discounts, entertainment book, compareprices.com, even your local travel agent, etc.
Vandenburg Air Force Base is close to Santa Maria. Not sure if you can tour it but it's a nice base.
May I offer some health advice? All of you can start taking some odorless garlic tablets now. They are known to help repell ticks and mosquitos from you. You can buy them at the vitamin stores in the malls or online. One popular one is Garlenase 4000. I have lyme disease so I offer that suggestion alot. Lyme has been found in every state now so education and awareness are key. It's suggested you wear light clothing, spray repellent etc. but I know how I love my sandals. Hope you don't mind that bit of advice. I grew up in California as an army brat so I've tried to offer some of my favorite things from my return trips. I'll be going there this June myself. By the way lots of vacation resorts have room rentals too such as Pacific Grove Plaza in Pacific Grove, California. My notes show 1 bdm. rental fee of $155 and $195 for 2 bdm for your time period. Their number is 831-373-0562 (living room, kitchen, etc. included). My husband and I are Fairfield Vac. Resort owners and we use RCI travel exchange to find other places. Sure have gotten spoiled with condo type rooms. Hope you have a wonderful and memorable vacation! While in San Diego see if a cruise to Catalina Island is close enough. That would be lovely. Best Wishes.
Mar 27th, 2004, 10:25 AM
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Sounds like a great trip! I think you'll enjoy your stay in Big Sur. You can do some hiking and they have a nice pool. I'd recommend dinner at the River Inn. You can eat outside and have a glass of wine in one of the willow chairs in the creek. Plus the food is great. You should also try to stop at Nepenthe, skip the over priced food though and just order a drink and take in the beautiful view. The drive to Cambria is awesome. Plan on making loys of stops along the way.
I haven't heard of the Sea Coast Lodge but if it's on Moonstone beach it should be fine.
As far as staying at Curry Village goes you won't need any sleeping bage or lanterns. They provide all your linens and the tents have electrcity. You may need a flash light or two but the whole Curry Village area is well lit at night. You will need mosquito stuff. It can get cool at night so maybe bring some sweats to sleep in but Yosemite gets really hot in August and the valley doesn't tend to cool down as much at night as the rest of the high Sierra does.
I recommend a raft ride down the Merced river. It's very calm w/ hardly any "rapids" and the scenery is unbeatable.
I haven't heard of the Sea Coast Lodge but if it's on Moonstone beach it should be fine.
As far as staying at Curry Village goes you won't need any sleeping bage or lanterns. They provide all your linens and the tents have electrcity. You may need a flash light or two but the whole Curry Village area is well lit at night. You will need mosquito stuff. It can get cool at night so maybe bring some sweats to sleep in but Yosemite gets really hot in August and the valley doesn't tend to cool down as much at night as the rest of the high Sierra does.
I recommend a raft ride down the Merced river. It's very calm w/ hardly any "rapids" and the scenery is unbeatable.
Mar 27th, 2004, 02:10 PM
#18
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Still working on options....Today's topic is LA hotels. (Tracys2cents, hibrentwood starts at $120/room and I would need two unless the website is hiding something;
I am looking at the Magic Castle and Hollywood Hills Hotels. Any thoughts on either? Or elsewhere I should look?
Also, Seaside Inn in San Simeon is not on Moonstone Beach; it's north, in San Simeon proper, near motel 6 and the Best Western Cavalier. Will I regret Seaside? It's really hard to find a place nearby with a 2-room combo for a reasonable price and no 2-night minimum on Sat.
This board is great! Thanks and thanks!
I am looking at the Magic Castle and Hollywood Hills Hotels. Any thoughts on either? Or elsewhere I should look?
Also, Seaside Inn in San Simeon is not on Moonstone Beach; it's north, in San Simeon proper, near motel 6 and the Best Western Cavalier. Will I regret Seaside? It's really hard to find a place nearby with a 2-room combo for a reasonable price and no 2-night minimum on Sat.
This board is great! Thanks and thanks!
Mar 27th, 2004, 03:21 PM
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I have a question for you all also.. We are going to Yosemite in May. What is a good town outside of Yosemite, 10-50 from the entrance or yosemite with a good resort or nice lodging with maybe some golf? (if i'm lucky)
Thanks,
Greg
Thanks,
Greg
Mar 27th, 2004, 03:57 PM
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I'm sure the Seaside is fine but I' dreally try to stay on Moonstone. It's really nice. Maybe connecting rooms would work. Try www.moonstonehotels.com. Or try the Moonstone Landing , they have really good rates.
I've never stayed at the Magic Castle, but it seems to be pretty popular. In Hollywood I like the Hollywood Roosevelt. The cabana rooms are the best. You have to be kind of careful where you stay in Hollywood, it's gotten better but it's still a little ruff around the edges.
If you want the "beautiful people" Hollywood scene than I'd stay in West Hollywood. Some good choices there are the Grafton on Sunset, the Hyatt on Sunset or the Bel Age on San Vicente right off of Sunset. All the rooms at the Bel Age are suites and they have great roof top pool area. Good luck.
I've never stayed at the Magic Castle, but it seems to be pretty popular. In Hollywood I like the Hollywood Roosevelt. The cabana rooms are the best. You have to be kind of careful where you stay in Hollywood, it's gotten better but it's still a little ruff around the edges.
If you want the "beautiful people" Hollywood scene than I'd stay in West Hollywood. Some good choices there are the Grafton on Sunset, the Hyatt on Sunset or the Bel Age on San Vicente right off of Sunset. All the rooms at the Bel Age are suites and they have great roof top pool area. Good luck.
