CharlesTS

Thanks! Anything I would need to take note of when driving from LV to SD?

janisj

Just do it as fast as possible

tomfuller

Anything you want to see outside of cities like Joshua Tree NP or maybe Palm Springs?
Consult and actual paper map.

doug_stallings

While I think Joshua Tree is probably the most noteworthy place to see between LV and San Diego, I-15 doesn't go anywhere near there. Maybe Lake Arrowhead or for a longer detour Big Bear? You also go fairly close to Mojave National Preserve, and that's an interesting, although fairly vacant, desert landscape.

MichelleY

I don't know about detours such as mentioned with very young children. Make the rest of the trip about them and have fun in San Diego and LA area.

simpsonc510

Friends from Switzerland love to spend time in Death Valley when in southern California! They are totally intrigued by the desert, having camped there on their honeymoon years ago.

CharlesTS

Thanks guys! You've been very helpful! I post again when there are new developments.

tomfuller

My advice would be to drive "The Strip" (Las Vegas Blvd.) and then head out of town on US 93 and stay at the Hacienda which is two miles from Hoover Dam. Visit the dam and the new high bridge above it. There is a walkway on the new bridge that can be accessed from the road down to the dam.
Leaving Hoover dam you can take the highway on the west side of Lake Meade and get to Valley of Fire State Park (if it is not too hot).
Next to the Hacienda parking lot on the hill there are helicopter rides to see Hoover dam and Lake Meade.

tenthumbs

It's really easy on your first trip anywhere to get greedy and overbook because there is so much you want to see and do. I'm guilty of it myself. The problem I see is that you're spending an awful lot of time in the car and not much time in the destinations........

The Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon, both of which are amazing, are doable (long) day trips from LV, but I don't believe the time to get there will be worth it, especially with small children (who will not appreciate it). I think you'd be better off sticking to just California for this trip and saving the Grand Canyon for another trip.