Driving Vacation In California
 

Hi

We plan to spend four weeks driving around California and some of the surrounding states in July/August 2005. Any suggestions of places that are unmissable? Are Phoenix or Tijuana worth visiting?

Maggie

It may be crowded, and advanced reservations are needed, but try not to miss Yosemite. Also, whale watching out of Monterrey: I recommend http://www.montereybaywhalewatch.com/trips.htm The Monterrey Aquarium--that whole area is lovely--PCH 1, Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, etc. And don't forget San Francisco, Point Reyes, and we especially love the Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa. If you like wildlife viewing, you'll miss mating season with tons of elephant seals on the beach, but you can still see some on the beach at Ano Nuevo State Park during the summer. Head north to the Redwood Nat'l Forest, too.

Hope this helps! Four weeks . . .you will have the trip of a lifetime!

Also, try searching for similar threads on this forum. You will find wealths of information on just about any place you are interested in visiting. "2 good bases along the Californian coastline?" is a recent thread that may be of help to you.

Good luck!

Skip Phoenix in July and August. All the residents are in San Diego/LaJolla.
M

Given the amount of time, you should plan more carefully on your own; then we can offer our own preferences. I believe that there is a Michelin Green Guide for California. You should also plan your accomodations. If you have done tent camping in Europe, I suggest that you invest $250 to $300 for camping equipment (tent, sleeping bags, air mattress, stove, cooking equipment etc.) purchased at a local Target, K-Mart or similar store upon landing and camp when not in large urban areas.

I agree, Yosemite is wonderful. I know they open up their campground reservations 5 months in advance - and they fill up within a few days. I'm not sure about other lodging.
Napa is nice.
Disneyland :)
Universal Studios
Tijuana is yucky.
San Diego is nice.
San Francisco is fun.
Sequoia NP is great.
Drive the PCH.
Monterey is nice.

Hi

Thanks for all your help. I have one more question. We plan to visit Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell and Zion NP in late July, is it necessary to book accommmodation in advance or can we leave it until we arrive in the area?

Thanks

Maggie

Maggi you absolutely have to make reservations in advance, especially if you want to stay inside the parks. It's likely too late now but there may be cancellations so you might want to call often. Lodging outside of the parks also fills up very quickly so regardless where you'd like to stay, make reservations NOW.