Susan

My husband and I have never been out West.

Would love to visit both California and Scottsdale, Sedona and of course the Grand Canyon.

We can get away mid March for a short 5 day get away.

What would be the best spot for a quick getaway?

California or Arizona?

We are hoping to find some good weather for swimming (either in the pools or ocean), and nice scenic spots as well.

Please give us some suggestions.

Thanks

darren

Hi...funny thing,my wife and i(30's)...were deciding the same trip..either az or cal..??...we have been to both. For 5 days,and you like swimming and nice sights ...my choice...Arizona. 5 days in California(LA i presume)can be hectic. you need a vacation from a vacation!!...having said that,we will be going to LA...but for 2 weeks. We were there for two weeks before and felt rushed...this time,will plan better and fly in. BUt i loved arizona..was there for 7 nights in jan..and it was great!!!Restful,nice weather,decent restaurants,lots of nearby sights to see. oh,one more thing...it may be hot in march in arizona???...maybe someone else can help you there...but coming from Canada to the heat in march is nice,,,,and hey.most hotels have air...have a safe trip....

darren

hi again...ideas for arizona for 5 days:...drive to sedona for the day...swim and lounge at your hotel pool,golfnearby...visit Mill avenue...nice shops,Scottsdale has niceshops and stores...catch a hockey/bballor baseball game/driveand hike superstition mtn...gives you a sense of the landscape...drive for the day,maybe stay overnite in tuscon...you can go into mexico and check out some stuff...some nicemalls on phoenix areaif you are into that...drive to lake havasu,if you have a bit more time on your hands...lots there...it will keep you busy...truly one of my favorite USA destinations..and in 4 years been to Chicago,San fran,LA,MInny,Dallas...so its not too bad...sorry for being long winded...hey after typing this stuff...i feel like changing our sept trip to AZ(no,dont work for aztravel!!)...have fun,Susan

darren

ok last thing...lol...i ,we ,decided against travelling to the grand canyon in our 7 day trip...because of time ,travel...i think its a 6 hour drive if not more...so probably a day or two trip...and we found the pheonix/sedona area had alot to see/do...i know..its the grand canyon.."we came all this way...."...but there will be another day....again Rand R,in a 5 day stay is vital...ty

Susan

Darren - thanks for all of your advice. Lots of good pointers. We will definitely consider them.

You are right, California is very overwhelming. If we do go to California, we have to stay in one area, so we can get some relaxation in...but then we'll be in this big beautiful state, and how can you NOT venture out and explore it.

Did you take any whale watching boat tours in California?

Thanks

darren

hmmm...now i see...you guys want to see the ocean....and why not!well whale watching in california..no,that is only because we live on Vancouver island(victoria bc)..and have seen them alot...but it is worth it...you know...California is great too...the ocean,movie sets,lots of traffic...i still think you may be rushed...hey,have you ever considered Victoria BC,Canada...cheaper dollar,friendly,ocean,great scenery,and a relaxed 5 day trip...flying in .???Arizona,is different...coming from the east you would be amaze d at the desert feel and dry heat...the scenery can be impressive too...serious,ask hubby about Victoria Canada...you could also see seattle for 2 days...just a thought ..let me know

fly61

If you are looking for warm weather, go to Arizona. Even Southern California can be cool in March, and Northern California is rarely ever warm, except in August and September. But if temperature isn't such a big deal, and you're looking for purely wonderful settings, go to California. You should do a Lake Tahoe-Yosemite jaunt.

sunshine

Thanks. It sounds like Arizona is the better choice of the two.

We'll wait until we have more time to spend in California...and when the weather is better!

kkj

The Grand Canyon is a four hour drive from Phoenix and is one of the most popular day trips to take. What a shame to come to the Grand Canyon State and not take the time (even a small amount) to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

bigtyke

The ocean is too cold to go into before June.

If you are baseball fans, you might catch a spring training game in the Phoenix area.