Hi!

We're a family of Canucks doing a coastline road trip from San Diego to Seattle during the month of May. We have a total 17 days and would like some ideas in terms of timing per area, where to spend the most time, whether or not it's important to lock in hotels for this time of year or can we play it by ear, etc. Any responses would be greatly appreciated!!

Sounds like a great trip - you will see some really terrific stuff along the way.

Since hotels along the coast, esspecially southern and central California coast, can fill up quickly, I would definitely make reservations ahead of time. This will decrease your flexibility, but it will eliminate the risk of spending vacation time hunting down a room and paying too much for substandard lodging away from where you want to be.

For time spent per area, I would probably spend 8 days in California, then 4 or 5 days each for Oregon and Washington.

What a great drive. Have travelled the whole coastline, and have never booked before hand, but you may want to check out the Bandon, Oregon area as we only got one of the last few rooms. It is also an area to stay. Great, great scenery. If you wish look at our personal travel web site at http://two-friends-travels.com/ for some great pics and even some short video clips of the drive. You will enjoy.

Thanks to both of you for your great advice! I will check out your website now. Best wishes!

I have to tell you that one of the most memorable vacations I had as a child (13yrs) was our family's month long road trip from Southern CA to Canada up the CA, OR and WA coast. We camped and stayed in hotels. Have a wonderful time!