My aunt,uncle and myself are coming to California, from Scotland, in September for a 17 day road trip and would really appreciate any advice,comments,you can give on our suggested itinerary.
The second part of trip is pretty much locked in as we booked rooms in Yosemite onwards, (except for Las Vegas).
Anyway here it is ;
day 1: arrive LAX about mid afternoon, looking for a nice hotel in Santa Monica (try to recover from jet lag)
day 2:tour beverly hills/hollywood, spend some time in Santa Monica
day 3: Universal Studios
day 4,5,6: drive up Pacific Highway to San Francisco ; suggestions? (thinking of breaking journey at San Simeon or Monterey?)
day 7:first prebooked day, Yosemite Lodge
day 8wiss Chalet, Mammoth Lakes
day 9tovepipe Wells, Death Valley
day 10,11,12: Las Vegas, hotels? (luxor?)trips? sights to behold?
day 13,14alm Springs (staying with relatives)
day 15,16: San Diego, hotel?(zoo, sea world, suggestions?)
day 17: Anaheim, for Disneyland.
day 18: fly home (if arms are still up to it!)
Really looking forward to this trip and any comments welcome.
thanks in advance

George,

You have the makings of a good trip here, but only if you're willing to make some changes, including in the "locked in" half (bookings can be canceled/changed, after all!). I'm wondering if you've thoroughly researched the distances/driving times involved here? Because as it stands, your itinerary will involve many days of driving and not much else. California is a large state, and you're talking about covering major distances.

The biggest problem is with your days 7-9. As you have it planned, you will spend a huge amount of time driving, and will have a few hours at most to see the sights. If this itinerary is even posssible, it is an awful mistake. Yosemite is not a one-afternoon place! I would recommend trying to book accommodations in or near Yosemite for all three nights and skipping the other two entirely. Mammoth Lakes is pretty, but does not compare to Yosemite in September. Death Valley is a worthwhile stop, but you will see plenty of desert landscape in your travels to and near Las Vegas and Palm Springs. Plus, Death Valley is so hot, even in Sept., that you need to plan your visit carefully. SF-Yosemite is a four-hour drive, not counting any stops. Yosemite-LV is a long haul that will take up much of your day, leaving you enough time to actually see Yosemite and not spend so much of your vacation on the road. Or perhaps someone could suggest a stop on the Yosemite-LV route for that final night--though I think you'd value the time in Yosemite.

I'm not sure why you've planned three full days in LA and in LV and two in SD, but only one in SF; I think you're really shortchanging SF. (Just to be clear, driving the coast route LA-SF is a two-day deal, and even then it will be long hours in the car, as it is mostly a two-lane highway and slow going. Part of the southern half could be done on Rte. 101 to save a little time and still give you the best scenery. San Simeon is a better stop than Monterey, as it is closer to midpoint. Monterey is quite near SF. Even wih two days for this drive, you won't have a great deal of time for stops to do things).

If you're intent on generally preserving the essence of your very ambitious itinerary (you will still spend tons of time on the road) and sticking to that first night's booking at Yosemite Lodge, I'd recommend spending only one day in the LA area after the day you arrive, going right up the coast to SF, spending two days there, and proceeding to Yosemite and skipping the other parks; at the tail end, cut down to one day in SD and finish up with two days in LA.

Better, in terms of pacing, would be to cut out SF altogether (it's my favorite city in California, but I'm trying to be realistic), and just do southern CA, Yosemite, and Las Vegas.

Try www.mapquest.com to get an idea of driving times and distances--and good luck!

George,
Wow! You certainly have 'a lot on your plate', as they say. I know there is a strong urge to see and do everything possible in just one trip (have learned the hard way), but remember that even those places you were not able to squeeze-in this time around only add to the incentives to return for more.

Including travel (air) days and cushioning in a couple of down-days, you are looking at about 2 full weeks, As a Californian, I would suggest thinking of this state as two states - 'Northern California' and 'Southern California' as most of the natives do anyway (quite often in a snide fashion). You being a Scotsman (does 'Scotsman' also apply to females?) I somehow think you can relate to this notion. To traverse one of these 'states' might be akin to driving from Inverness to London - without consideration of horrible traffic conditions and some rather substantial mountain ranges. (I got so PO'ed last Tuesday when it took me 1h 10m to drive just 7 miles across town to an important appointment that my blood pressure probably went off the scale. Naturally, this was during a record heat-wave; was 40m late).

Based on these factors, I would suggest doing only one of these 'states'.

The 'south' would encompass Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs, Las Vegas (maybe the Grand Canyon if at all possible), Santa Barbara, Catalina Island - with San Simeon/Hearst Castle being the northern-most point.

The 'north' would be San Francisco, Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur, Sonoma/Napa valleys (wine country), Mendocino coast, Sierra gold country, Lake Tahoe/Reno, Sacramento, Yosemite - with Lake Shasta, Del Norte coast and southern Oregon being the most far-flung northern extremites.

Almost every one of these individual locations contain enough places/things to do to keep you busy for days on end.

As you are flying to LA, and those plans are probably firm, perhaps it's best to do only the 'south'. I'm not saying your present itinerary is absolutely impossible but rather doesn't allow enough time to soak-in the many sights at a leisurely pace in order to fully enjoy and get the full flavor of all that's here.

Even though you have pre-booked Yosemite Lodge (and maybe other places), cancellations are usually never a problem as the demand is always high. There is still plenty of time to adjust plans before September.

Should you accept the proposed idea to explore only the southern area and then find not enough to do (extremely doubtful), consider a little excursion into Mexico (just don't take your hire-car without absolute sureness of 100% insurance coverage for all possibilities).

In conclusion, I want to say how much I love Scotland. The friendy citizens, green scenery, great cities, lovely towns, history (and, of couse, your charming accent) are to name but a few reasons why. I try to get over there as often as possible (last 3 years running) and enjoy it more each time.

I hope you find California the same kind of place in your heart. We Californians have a reputation here in the US of being a ding-batty, laid-back sort -- overall, I think we are really a pretty nice lot.

Hope you will have wonderful journey whatever you decide.

Paul

PS -- Be prepared for intense, unrelenting sun - nothing puts the damper on a fun vacation like a severe sunburn.

Hi George,
I have just returned to New Zealand after a 3 week road trip and I would advise trying to see as much as you can in as short a time as possible. I think your itinerary is pretty good, we did the trip from L.A. to San Francisco via the Pacific Coast Highway and its definitely worth it.The road is pretty well maintained and we had a stop for roadworks but I got to watch the sea-otters while we waited which was extra special.We left Six Flags around 3:00pm, drove as far as Pismo Beach where we had no trouble finding a motel. The next day we went as far as Santa Cruz and the following day got into San Francisco mid morning.We spent 2 nights in San Francisco, absolutely fell in love with the city, I'm sure you will too.We found a place to stay about an hour out of Yosemite,another place that will take your breath away, it's stunning.We left Yosemite around 4:00pm that afternoon. Sadly the Tioga pass was closed so we over-nighted somewhere around Fresno.Drove to Las Vegas the next day, wonderful scenery through the Mojave desert.Arrived in Las Vegas late afternoon, spent 2 nights there.I would trade one of your Las Vegas days for another day in San Francisco as a couple of days is plenty unless you are into serious gambling.We veered off your track at this stage and spent a week driving through Utah, Colorado and Arizona before getting to the Grand Canyon which you should try to see, it can't be too much of a drive from Las Vegas, I'm guessing 3-4 hours.We went to San Diego via Phoenix and spent the last 3 nights there. We did the zoo and seaworld, both worthwhile just for the underwater viewing tanks alone.We went to Tijuana but as I am used to being left to shop in peace I found the constant harrassment annoying to say the least.I'm sure your trip is attainable and even though there's lots of driving time you will enjoy the scenery on the way.The roads are good, lots of long straight stretches so it's not too tiring even on the longest of driving days.Have a ball and remember to KEEP RIGHT.

George, you've gotten some very good advice from Paul with which I totally agree (another resident of California) Some of us would even further divide the state into thirds, those being from north to south: Logville, Fogville, and Smogville--whatever.Assuming that you are firm in flying to LA,and that you must visit relatives in Palm Springs, I also would just drive the coast and spend time in SF before Yosemite. Actually, at Ventura, CA, you are forced to take 101 as there is no coast road at that point. You will pick up Hwy 1 again at Pismo Beach/Morro Bay (and up here it is not called Pacific Coast Hwy, but rather Hwy 1.)The really beautiful part is through Big Sur roughly from Cambria(the town closest to Hearst Castle) to Monterey. Yosemite is out of this world--plan to stay there the whole time and forget Mammoth. Do you have to go to Universal Studios?? You could use this day to drive north and you're going to Disneyland as well. IMO three days in Las Vegas is one too many and although you have relatives there, Palm Springs can get pretty boring unless you're an avid golfer.Hope this helps a bit. Good luck, but realize that this is a pretty ambitious itinerary.

What a fabulous trip!
Day 2 if it is on a weekend make sure to include Venice Beach.
Day 4, 5, 6 if you got an early start on day 4 you could make it up the coast. I would stay in Monterey or Carmel, but I am parcial to that area. On the way from L.A. I might consider Hwy 154 out of Santa Barbara and then drive through Solvang, you miss the ocean north of Santa Barbara but you'll see allot of that later on in the drive.
Day 7 if you'd like a nice dinner in the Yosemite Valley and don't mind spending $30/person. Make reservations early at the restaurant in the Ahwanee Hotel. Ask for a window seat. Plan dinner for when the sunsets over the mountains so you can be there when the dinning hall is lite only by candle light.
Day 8 In the town of Mammoth there is a restaurant called The Stove that serves a fabulous breakfast. It does get busy so you will probably have to wait. Take the gondola ride up to the top of Mammoth mountain for an awesome view. (take a jacket it gets cold up there even in the middle of summer).
Day 10, 11, 12 Research Vegas, there is allot more to do there than casinos. Hoover Dam, Ethel M Chocolate factory tour, Outlet Mall if they like to shop. New York, New York has a cheers style bar in their casino that has dueling pianos in the evening, with audience participation. Stopped in briefly and stayed 4 hours.
Day 15, 16 use the trolley (not the bus, but the rail system). Old Town for an evening and mexican food. Casa Bandini is popular. Ferry ride to Coronado in the evening to see the lights of the city. Sea World and The Zoo are good but they could take up a better part of each day. We have relatives there so we never stay in a hotel, but we've always thought we'd like to stay in Old Town.
Day 17 for decent eating in Disney at a resonable price. The Cafe half way up Main Street on the left hand side with patio seating has good sandwiches and soup/salad. If you want a heartier meal the BBQ between Fantasy Land and Big Thunder Mountain serves more food than most for the money and the beef ribs are good. (We haven't tried the others). Skip the Pizza Port by Space Mountain. If you get to Disney early you can have a character breakfast at the restaurant on the right at the end of Main Street. If they are use to wine or beer with their meals you can get these at the Disneyland Hotel or the Pacific Hotel. To get there take the Monorail or Shuttle Bus.
Have a great time!!!!!

George,
What is it about us Scots and California this year? My wife and I have just returned from a 13 day trip which was the same as your itinery for Days 1-12 except in reverse. We started in LV and drove to Grand Canyon; Death Valley; Yosemite; SF and flew home from LA.
I would agree with the other posts that your plans include a lot of driving. I think it depends on whether you want to say you've been somewhere or whether you want to see it - if the latter cut down on the places visited.
For what it is worth - we liked LV and two days were not enough (we hope to go back some time). There is lots to see and do apart from gambling. We stayed at The Mirage which was great but I'm sure there are a lot similar. A workmate stayed at the Luxor and thoroughly enjoyed it. We took in the show 'O' at The Bellagio and I would strongly recommend it. Better to book your tickets well ahead - max. is 30 days but if you are booked into The Bellagio or The Mirage (or Treasure Island?) this is extended to 60 days.
I would suggest you visit the Grand Canyon (South Rim) - photographs don't do it justice. You can drive it in 1 looong day from LV but I would suggest at least 1 overnight stay at the Canyon. You can also take in the Hoover Dam on the drive to or from the Canyon.
Death Valley was great (we overnighted at Furnace Creek) but we missed at lot of sights due to lack of time. The same was true for Yosemite where we only really saw the Valley and Tioga Pass. You could spend 2-3 days in Yosemite alone.
I would also agree that SF probably deserves a longer stay although we were disappointed that the Golden Gate Bridge always appeared fog-bound. A boat trip to Alcatraz is worthwhile. You should note that SF is not very warm unless you are really lucky - pack a sweater!
My biggest disappointment was Hwy 1 from Monterey down to Morro Bay? This was all down to the same sea-mist/fog which hung around SF and meant that we saw nothing from the many vista-points along the route-if you are lucky and get better weather then I'm sure this could be a lovely 3-day drive from LA to SF. Take in Hearst Castle at San Simeon. Tour #1 is recommended for 1st timers and you should also see the film. Had the weather been better for us, I would also have taken in Point Lobos State Reserve.
If I could plan my trip again I would certainly cut down on the places visted but, at the same time, I now know where to go the next time I, hopefully, get to California.
Have a lovely trip.

Ian:

I am sorry about your trip along the coast but unfortunately June is the worst month of the year for fog. That is why it is called the "June Gloom".

George is traveling in September which should be much clearer. September and October are the 2 best months of the year for weather along the California Coast.

Im sorry I've not replied earlier, but I've been working very hard in order to pay for the above dream trip.
I have to keep this reply shorter than I would like for the same reason.
I would like to thank everyone who has replied and would say that any further comments/tips/hints/whispered asides will be gratefully devoured.
I will sit down soon and reply to all the extremely helpful posts that have certainly helped focused our thoughts on our holiday.
thanks.