Family trip - West Coast - Summer 2017
Nov 27th, 2016, 02:59 PM
#21
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I am not an Airbnb person. But I would stay in Union Square or fisherman's wharf areas for SF and somewhere near the beach for LA. I stayed in Santa Monica and really liked how pedestrian friendly it was, but it can be expensive.
Nov 28th, 2016, 03:36 AM
#22
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For Grand Canyon I really prefer staying in the park, to be there for sunrise/sunset without having to drive after dark where there are lots of deer and elk sharing the roads.
The nicest hotel is elTovar. If that isn't available, book any of the lodges in the park and call back to switch to elTovar if there is a cancellation.
Thunderbird and Kachina are right next to elTovar but are typical motel type places. Yavapai and Maswick are a bit back from the rim but an easy walk to it. Bright Angel is on the rim and has a lodge and small cabins, some of the lodge rooms share a bathroom. Go to the NP web site to find the phone numbers for the lodges, Yavapai is a different number. The price of these is for the location, the lodges are quite basic, but clean and comfortable. .
If you can not get lodging inside the park look in Tusayan for one of the chain type motels or in Cameron for Cameron Trading Post. I've stayed at elTovar, Thunderbird, Yavapai, Bright Angel cabin and Cameron Trading Post and would go back to any of them if I were near by.
The nicest hotel is elTovar. If that isn't available, book any of the lodges in the park and call back to switch to elTovar if there is a cancellation.
Thunderbird and Kachina are right next to elTovar but are typical motel type places. Yavapai and Maswick are a bit back from the rim but an easy walk to it. Bright Angel is on the rim and has a lodge and small cabins, some of the lodge rooms share a bathroom. Go to the NP web site to find the phone numbers for the lodges, Yavapai is a different number. The price of these is for the location, the lodges are quite basic, but clean and comfortable. .
If you can not get lodging inside the park look in Tusayan for one of the chain type motels or in Cameron for Cameron Trading Post. I've stayed at elTovar, Thunderbird, Yavapai, Bright Angel cabin and Cameron Trading Post and would go back to any of them if I were near by.
Nov 28th, 2016, 10:17 AM
#23
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Analyze your route.
It would appear that your optimum driving route would be to visit North Rim Grand Canyon - really same canyon but FAR less people and massive congestion. Also cheaper. There is lodging in North Rim park and two lodges outside the park. OF those two, I prefer Kaibab lodge as it is quaint/rustic. The other is Jacobs Lake (both are on internet). Of course, you can stay in Kanab where all tourist services are offered.
Selecting this option. it would be a drive from LV through Zion to North Rim Grand Canyon then north to Bryce.
Personally Page is a waste of time other than Big John's BBQ and tour of of the dam. Antelope Canyon is extremely crowed. It is essentially a crowded narrow hallway operated by Navajo Indian who only want money. If you want to hike a slot canyon, Buckskin Gulch is THE best slot canyon in US. It is located between Kanab and Page.
The first three rows are pictures of that slot except for The Wave are shown. That photograph that is the 6th picture to the right on the first row.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q...ah&FORM=IARRSM
Vaga
PS.
Austria is one of our most ideal European countries. Absolutely beautiful and exceptionally friendly people. We will never - never forget seeing an opera at the Vienna Opera House.
It would appear that your optimum driving route would be to visit North Rim Grand Canyon - really same canyon but FAR less people and massive congestion. Also cheaper. There is lodging in North Rim park and two lodges outside the park. OF those two, I prefer Kaibab lodge as it is quaint/rustic. The other is Jacobs Lake (both are on internet). Of course, you can stay in Kanab where all tourist services are offered.
Selecting this option. it would be a drive from LV through Zion to North Rim Grand Canyon then north to Bryce.
Personally Page is a waste of time other than Big John's BBQ and tour of of the dam. Antelope Canyon is extremely crowed. It is essentially a crowded narrow hallway operated by Navajo Indian who only want money. If you want to hike a slot canyon, Buckskin Gulch is THE best slot canyon in US. It is located between Kanab and Page.
The first three rows are pictures of that slot except for The Wave are shown. That photograph that is the 6th picture to the right on the first row.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q...ah&FORM=IARRSM
Vaga
PS.
Austria is one of our most ideal European countries. Absolutely beautiful and exceptionally friendly people. We will never - never forget seeing an opera at the Vienna Opera House.
Nov 28th, 2016, 12:10 PM
#24
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Let me first say that I was thrown by the initial post, in that other spots were highlighted, but "LA" was not, so I nearly missed the "LA" up there.
I love the mystique of Death Valley, but the main thing you'd get there in July is the reason why they call it DEATH Valley.
I would just plan a route from one place to another driving through Death Valley. (making obligatory stops at Badwater, and perhaps in the center of all that goes on in Death Valley). Just seeing/feeling Death Valley will likely be enough for your wife. I doubt she'll REally need to spend the night there, in July at least.
It was a mere 99 degrees in April there when I went, and I only stepped out of the car in a couple of spots... and I KNOW I wouldn't want to be there for 2 days when it was 115 degrees (46 celcius) or above.
And I don't even know about making kids suffer through four days in Vegas. (you can only spend SO many hours at the M & M store) And it won't exactly be cold in Vegas in July.
While it might be grand fun for you, your wife, and your mom to be gambling at all hours... somebody is going to have to be entertaining the kids during much of that time, and that is gonna slow things down.
As described, your itinerary presents lots of fun and interesting things, but while going at that break-neck pace, it might wear you down a bit (just when you want to be able to absorb all of the good times and memories that you can.
No doubt you've been thinking about this, and committing yourselves, for months now, but I think the western part of Southern California might deserve more time than you've allotted, and some of those other spots are best targeted for one night, in transit, rather than two.
I can see nudging the "LA" part up to 8-ish days, with 4 spent at a hotel somewhere perhaps just north of central LA, convenient to Hollywood, etc... and the other 4 nights spent at a single spot south of LA, convenient to Disneyland, etc. (you can create plenty of day trips from such locations)
Even San Diego is worth more than a mere day trip.
Oh, if you're in the area of San Simeon, on the California Coast, it is probably worth it to take the family on a tour of Hearst Castle.
As for some of the rest of the destinations listed, you've got yourself driving all over the American southwest, practically, but it is going to be uncomfortably hot, and that will limit what you can gain from some of those spots.
Lake Tahoe for 3 days... might be just the right getaway for somebody who lives in Colorado, but surely you can find better use for precious time on this western U.S. vacation, after coming all that way to get (here).
If you lived in Colorado I could see spending SIX NIGHTS between San Fran and LA (maybe ONCE, in your life), but for you it should be two nights along that path with the time before and after better allocated to things your kids have actually heard of.
Plus, with a 30-day schedule like that, the idea of fewer(and longer) home bases (with more time in them) will be of great comfort. You could add a day in San Fran and make Santa Cruz/Monterey a Day Trip from there.
I love the mystique of Death Valley, but the main thing you'd get there in July is the reason why they call it DEATH Valley.
I would just plan a route from one place to another driving through Death Valley. (making obligatory stops at Badwater, and perhaps in the center of all that goes on in Death Valley). Just seeing/feeling Death Valley will likely be enough for your wife. I doubt she'll REally need to spend the night there, in July at least.
It was a mere 99 degrees in April there when I went, and I only stepped out of the car in a couple of spots... and I KNOW I wouldn't want to be there for 2 days when it was 115 degrees (46 celcius) or above.
And I don't even know about making kids suffer through four days in Vegas. (you can only spend SO many hours at the M & M store) And it won't exactly be cold in Vegas in July.
While it might be grand fun for you, your wife, and your mom to be gambling at all hours... somebody is going to have to be entertaining the kids during much of that time, and that is gonna slow things down.
As described, your itinerary presents lots of fun and interesting things, but while going at that break-neck pace, it might wear you down a bit (just when you want to be able to absorb all of the good times and memories that you can.
No doubt you've been thinking about this, and committing yourselves, for months now, but I think the western part of Southern California might deserve more time than you've allotted, and some of those other spots are best targeted for one night, in transit, rather than two.
I can see nudging the "LA" part up to 8-ish days, with 4 spent at a hotel somewhere perhaps just north of central LA, convenient to Hollywood, etc... and the other 4 nights spent at a single spot south of LA, convenient to Disneyland, etc. (you can create plenty of day trips from such locations)
Even San Diego is worth more than a mere day trip.
Oh, if you're in the area of San Simeon, on the California Coast, it is probably worth it to take the family on a tour of Hearst Castle.
As for some of the rest of the destinations listed, you've got yourself driving all over the American southwest, practically, but it is going to be uncomfortably hot, and that will limit what you can gain from some of those spots.
Lake Tahoe for 3 days... might be just the right getaway for somebody who lives in Colorado, but surely you can find better use for precious time on this western U.S. vacation, after coming all that way to get (here).
If you lived in Colorado I could see spending SIX NIGHTS between San Fran and LA (maybe ONCE, in your life), but for you it should be two nights along that path with the time before and after better allocated to things your kids have actually heard of.
Plus, with a 30-day schedule like that, the idea of fewer(and longer) home bases (with more time in them) will be of great comfort. You could add a day in San Fran and make Santa Cruz/Monterey a Day Trip from there.
Dec 4th, 2016, 05:24 AM
#25
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Hi everyone,
Thanks a lot for all the valuable comments. We took most of your inputs into consideration and below is our new schedule. Any comments are welcome:
Day 1-4 Las Vegas (we will arrive late evening the first day and leave early morning the 4th day, so actually 2 full days to enjoy LV and relax at the pool to beat the jet-lag)
Day 4-6 Springdale for 2 nights (on route to Springdale we will see Valley of Fire) viewing Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, Riverside Trail, West Rim/Angels Landing and Scouts Landing.
Day 6: we plan to leave Springdale early to drive to Bryce Canyon with a stop in the Canyon Overlook Trail and in Orderville for late breakfast/early lunch at the Bäckerei Forscher. Stargazing late evening and sleeping in Bryce.
Day 7: get up early to be able to do some light hiking: Bristlecone Pine Trail, Navajo/Queens Garden Loop, Bryce Point and Inspiration Point. After a late lunch we would drive to Page and stop for fotos at the Wahweap Overlook.
Day 8: get up early (again) to hike and view Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, Horseshoe Bend Overlook and Rainbow Bridge. After a late lunch we continue to Grand Canyon Village, relay at the pool and have dinner. Sunset viewing at the Grand Canyon is also an option - whoever is up to it. We couldn't find yet a hotel in the Park/Grand Canyon Village, still looking for one.
Day 9: Use the shuttle bus in the Grand Canyon Village to get to the best look out points and after the day at the Grand Canyon drive back to Las Vegas to spend the night in the hotel.
Day 10: A long drive passing through the Death Valley via Pahrump, stopping in Dante's View, Zabriskie Point, Devil's Golf Course and Furnance Creek area. If there is enough time also Mosaic Canyon. We will arrive probably late at Lone Pine where we will stay the night.
Day 11: We continue our way to Lee Vining, viewing on the way the beautiful landscape and stopping for pics along the Tioga Road, entering Yosemite at the Tioga Pass Entrance and head down to Yosemite Valley. Meanwhile we made reservations in Oakhearst, which is not the best option since it is one hour drive from the Yosemite Village. We will try to find a closer place to stay the next 2 nights (everything inside is fully booked at the moment).
Day 12: Yosemite Village will be our starting point, discovering all highlights with the help of the free shuttle service in the Park. Probably it would be good to enter the park with the YARTS (Public Transit To Yosemite) since there might be heavy traffic in the morning. Anyway we have the whole day in the park, returning evening to our hotel.
Day 13: After breakfast we plan a trip to Mariposa Grove to see the giant Sequoia trees close up. We heard that this part of Yosemite is being remodeled and will open new in early 2017. After lunch we will be leaving to San Francisco.
Day 14 to 17: Spending time in San Francisco!
Day 18: Leaving SF early to Monterey. There we plan to do a whale watching tour, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, spend time on the beach. We plan to sleep one night in Monterey or in a close by town on the way to LA.
Day 19 to 23: Spending time in Los Angeles!
Day 24: Leaving back to Austria.
We look forward to hear from you.
thanks,
Sonja and Eylon
Thanks a lot for all the valuable comments. We took most of your inputs into consideration and below is our new schedule. Any comments are welcome:
Day 1-4 Las Vegas (we will arrive late evening the first day and leave early morning the 4th day, so actually 2 full days to enjoy LV and relax at the pool to beat the jet-lag)
Day 4-6 Springdale for 2 nights (on route to Springdale we will see Valley of Fire) viewing Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, Riverside Trail, West Rim/Angels Landing and Scouts Landing.
Day 6: we plan to leave Springdale early to drive to Bryce Canyon with a stop in the Canyon Overlook Trail and in Orderville for late breakfast/early lunch at the Bäckerei Forscher. Stargazing late evening and sleeping in Bryce.
Day 7: get up early to be able to do some light hiking: Bristlecone Pine Trail, Navajo/Queens Garden Loop, Bryce Point and Inspiration Point. After a late lunch we would drive to Page and stop for fotos at the Wahweap Overlook.
Day 8: get up early (again) to hike and view Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, Horseshoe Bend Overlook and Rainbow Bridge. After a late lunch we continue to Grand Canyon Village, relay at the pool and have dinner. Sunset viewing at the Grand Canyon is also an option - whoever is up to it. We couldn't find yet a hotel in the Park/Grand Canyon Village, still looking for one.
Day 9: Use the shuttle bus in the Grand Canyon Village to get to the best look out points and after the day at the Grand Canyon drive back to Las Vegas to spend the night in the hotel.
Day 10: A long drive passing through the Death Valley via Pahrump, stopping in Dante's View, Zabriskie Point, Devil's Golf Course and Furnance Creek area. If there is enough time also Mosaic Canyon. We will arrive probably late at Lone Pine where we will stay the night.
Day 11: We continue our way to Lee Vining, viewing on the way the beautiful landscape and stopping for pics along the Tioga Road, entering Yosemite at the Tioga Pass Entrance and head down to Yosemite Valley. Meanwhile we made reservations in Oakhearst, which is not the best option since it is one hour drive from the Yosemite Village. We will try to find a closer place to stay the next 2 nights (everything inside is fully booked at the moment).
Day 12: Yosemite Village will be our starting point, discovering all highlights with the help of the free shuttle service in the Park. Probably it would be good to enter the park with the YARTS (Public Transit To Yosemite) since there might be heavy traffic in the morning. Anyway we have the whole day in the park, returning evening to our hotel.
Day 13: After breakfast we plan a trip to Mariposa Grove to see the giant Sequoia trees close up. We heard that this part of Yosemite is being remodeled and will open new in early 2017. After lunch we will be leaving to San Francisco.
Day 14 to 17: Spending time in San Francisco!
Day 18: Leaving SF early to Monterey. There we plan to do a whale watching tour, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, spend time on the beach. We plan to sleep one night in Monterey or in a close by town on the way to LA.
Day 19 to 23: Spending time in Los Angeles!
Day 24: Leaving back to Austria.
We look forward to hear from you.
thanks,
Sonja and Eylon
Dec 4th, 2016, 07:02 AM
#26
After you have spent 4 days in Las Vegas, you won't want to come back for another night (9). Spend a night in the Hoover Dam Lodge and see the dam before going back through Las Vegas on the way to Death Valley.
I would drive the rental car back to Las Vegas after seeing Los Angeles but that is just my preference.
I do like Las Vegas more than Los Angeles - but not 4 days worth of either.
I would drive the rental car back to Las Vegas after seeing Los Angeles but that is just my preference.
I do like Las Vegas more than Los Angeles - but not 4 days worth of either.
Dec 4th, 2016, 08:03 AM
#27
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The drive down Hwy 1 from Monterey is spectacular and you will want to make a lot of stops, so I would really take away one day in LA and make an additional stop along the way. With the ages of your kids I would probably stop in Pismo Beach.
Definitely see Point Lobos, McWay Falls, and go hiking at Limekiln State Park. The hikes there are short but you will see redwoods, the limekilns, and a nice waterfall. There's also a nice little beach area, but stay out of the water, which can be very dangerous all along this part of the coast.
Just north of San Simeon (where Hearst Castle is located), you should stop at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. You'll see some HUGE seals. I would also stop in Morro Bay...can't miss the rock.
Definitely see Point Lobos, McWay Falls, and go hiking at Limekiln State Park. The hikes there are short but you will see redwoods, the limekilns, and a nice waterfall. There's also a nice little beach area, but stay out of the water, which can be very dangerous all along this part of the coast.
Just north of San Simeon (where Hearst Castle is located), you should stop at the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. You'll see some HUGE seals. I would also stop in Morro Bay...can't miss the rock.
Dec 4th, 2016, 09:48 AM
#28
Just one quick comment: >>Meanwhile we made reservations in Oakhearst, which is not the best option since it is one hour drive from the Yosemite Village. only two areas that are convenient to the Valley. You really don't have time for more than Yosemite Valley (LOTS of walk/hiking possibilities) and maybe Glacier Point.
Then keep trying for a cancellation in the Park -- which are VERY frequent because people book so far ahead and often have to change plans.
Then keep trying for a cancellation in the Park -- which are VERY frequent because people book so far ahead and often have to change plans.
Dec 4th, 2016, 11:22 AM
#29
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You really need another night between Monterey and LA especially if you plan to do both whale watching and visit the Aquarium. You will want to spend 3-4 hours at the Aquarium (it's not cheap but is very good).
Take one night away from Las Vegas or maybe LA to free up another night for the coast.
I agree with AustinT about staying in Pismo Beach. Morro Bay could also work.
No reason to drive all the way back to Las Vegas to return the rental car, Tom has a major hangup about oneway drop fees.
Take one night away from Las Vegas or maybe LA to free up another night for the coast.
I agree with AustinT about staying in Pismo Beach. Morro Bay could also work.
No reason to drive all the way back to Las Vegas to return the rental car, Tom has a major hangup about oneway drop fees.
Dec 11th, 2016, 01:46 AM
#30
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Hi all,
Thanks again for all your replies, it helps us so much and our schedule looks so different than how we planned it initial, before reading all your great comments and suggestions......
One quick comment about LV, while it seems like we are there for 4 days it is actually only 1 day. Reason is that we arrive in the evening, one day in LV, one day Helicopter tour to GC and 4th day leaving in the morning.
it will be great if you could advice us on the following:
1. Helicopter tour from LV to GC - Any specific recommendations for vendor to use and where can we get cheaper prices?
2. SF - We noticed there is a "SF City Pass" or, "Go Card" which will not be cheap but covers many attractions within the card. Would you recommend buying this?
3. LA - Same as point 2, same cards, would you recommend?
4. LA - Universal studios - While the VIP card is extremely expansive my wife and kids are pushing to it. Would you think it worth the very high price they charge for it?
5. We prepare our budget for the trip and one big question mark for us is the food. We will travel for 24 days. We are not sure, for a family of 6, what we should calculate per day. We are not fancy or anything like that, just a regular family so no luxury restaurants and as such (we prefer to spend where it's worth it). Any advice on this topic will be great.
We thank you again for all your efforts.
Sonja and Eylon from beautiful and freezing cold Vienna....
Thanks again for all your replies, it helps us so much and our schedule looks so different than how we planned it initial, before reading all your great comments and suggestions......
One quick comment about LV, while it seems like we are there for 4 days it is actually only 1 day. Reason is that we arrive in the evening, one day in LV, one day Helicopter tour to GC and 4th day leaving in the morning.
it will be great if you could advice us on the following:
1. Helicopter tour from LV to GC - Any specific recommendations for vendor to use and where can we get cheaper prices?
2. SF - We noticed there is a "SF City Pass" or, "Go Card" which will not be cheap but covers many attractions within the card. Would you recommend buying this?
3. LA - Same as point 2, same cards, would you recommend?
4. LA - Universal studios - While the VIP card is extremely expansive my wife and kids are pushing to it. Would you think it worth the very high price they charge for it?
5. We prepare our budget for the trip and one big question mark for us is the food. We will travel for 24 days. We are not sure, for a family of 6, what we should calculate per day. We are not fancy or anything like that, just a regular family so no luxury restaurants and as such (we prefer to spend where it's worth it). Any advice on this topic will be great.
We thank you again for all your efforts.
Sonja and Eylon from beautiful and freezing cold Vienna....
Dec 11th, 2016, 07:42 AM
#31
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What a wonderful trip you are planning.
Regarding food cost per day with six people, try to choose lodging with some kind of free breakfast--enough to get you going in the morning. We traveled with a family of five and usually had one main meal each day, eating lighter the rest of time. I would shoot for $100 per day for food, making allowances for special meals when worth it. I like the Yelp app for finding good places to eat.
Regarding food cost per day with six people, try to choose lodging with some kind of free breakfast--enough to get you going in the morning. We traveled with a family of five and usually had one main meal each day, eating lighter the rest of time. I would shoot for $100 per day for food, making allowances for special meals when worth it. I like the Yelp app for finding good places to eat.
Dec 11th, 2016, 08:03 AM
#32
There are some quite good all you can eat buffets in Las Vegas. Among my favorites is the one at the Golden Nugget (upstairs). If you pay before 3PM, it is cheaper.
The Nugget has the world's largest gold nugget on public display (62+ lb.).
The kids might want to try the zip line on the Fremont St. Experience.
The Nugget also has a large swimming pool with a slide that goes through the shark tank.
The Nugget has the world's largest gold nugget on public display (62+ lb.).
The kids might want to try the zip line on the Fremont St. Experience.
The Nugget also has a large swimming pool with a slide that goes through the shark tank.
Dec 11th, 2016, 11:40 AM
#33
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No you do not need the VIP admission at Universal. If you could tell me how many movies Steven Spielberg made or even how many he got Academy Awards for I might say consider it. You may want to also consider a tour of Warner Bros in Burbank which is a real working studio that is not a theme park like Universal.
Dec 14th, 2016, 02:54 PM
#34
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I think you have wonderful looking trip planned. You might not get to every single place you mention (for example each of the stops in Death Valley or Zion) but you might and you'll have a great time anyway.
I see you have included Valley of Fire - don't skip that one, even though it's one of the 'lesser' sites, it was one of my favorites.
You will need reservations for Antelope Canyon - and definitely don't skip that one - one of the most amazing places I've ever been. In the trip report below I explain how to get reservations - you don't even need a credit card, very easy. But if you don't have them you won't get in.
Here are several trip reports that cover the majority of places you are going. It helps me to read trip reports to get a sense of how long things take, etc. There are links to my photos in all of them.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ath-valley.cfm Includes GC, Antelope Canyon, Valley of Fire, Death Valley
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...parks-trip.cfm Includes North Rim Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-the-coast.cfm Includes Yosemite, San Francisco
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...oma-and-sf.cfm Includes San Francisco and the mid coast
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...s-to-vegas.cfm Vegas
Photos - http://www.pbase.com/annforcier
I see you have included Valley of Fire - don't skip that one, even though it's one of the 'lesser' sites, it was one of my favorites.
You will need reservations for Antelope Canyon - and definitely don't skip that one - one of the most amazing places I've ever been. In the trip report below I explain how to get reservations - you don't even need a credit card, very easy. But if you don't have them you won't get in.
Here are several trip reports that cover the majority of places you are going. It helps me to read trip reports to get a sense of how long things take, etc. There are links to my photos in all of them.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ath-valley.cfm Includes GC, Antelope Canyon, Valley of Fire, Death Valley
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...parks-trip.cfm Includes North Rim Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-the-coast.cfm Includes Yosemite, San Francisco
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...oma-and-sf.cfm Includes San Francisco and the mid coast
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...s-to-vegas.cfm Vegas
Photos - http://www.pbase.com/annforcier
Dec 21st, 2016, 10:56 AM
#36
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Days 18 and 19 are very rushed - I would try to add another day for your trip from SF to LA.
Day 18: SF to Monterey is a couple hours without stops, and a whale watching tour will take a few hours. The aquarium deserves another few hours. That will essentially be your whole day, so no time left for exploring Monterey or Carmel, checking out the beach, etc.
Day 19: Monterey to LA is a long drive for 1 day if you want to see the Big Sur coast, which you should. This is 7 hours of driving, not including stops. If you take the inland route, you are looking at more like 5.5 hours. If you can add an extra night here, that would be really good.
Day 18: SF to Monterey is a couple hours without stops, and a whale watching tour will take a few hours. The aquarium deserves another few hours. That will essentially be your whole day, so no time left for exploring Monterey or Carmel, checking out the beach, etc.
Day 19: Monterey to LA is a long drive for 1 day if you want to see the Big Sur coast, which you should. This is 7 hours of driving, not including stops. If you take the inland route, you are looking at more like 5.5 hours. If you can add an extra night here, that would be really good.
Dec 8th, 2017, 09:04 PM
#37
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Hi all,
It has been a while but as we like to say, "better now than never".
I want to thank you all for the great advices you gave me while planning this "once in a life time" trip. It was AMAZING. Your country is amazing, the people are generous, nice and like to help (most of the time ;-)). We had a wonderful 24 days in the west coast covering LV and the parks around, we did drive through death valley (despite some of you recommending not to. by the way, my mom, my kids and myself enjoyed it a lot. My wife was fighting with me to shut off the aircon as she was afraid we will stuck in the middle - by the way, the only fight we had this trip, yay) to Yosemite which was a breath taking (apart of the time my 18yr son took me to a "men trip" which was a 5 hours trip climbing 2.5 hours and coming down 2.5.....I didn't expect that....), from there to SF (while my wife and son went to Hamilton - my god, the prices are insane, I went with my other 2 kids and mom to watch the Giants, our first baseball match) from there to Monterey (wow, the whales) and ended up in LA (you were right, you recommended not to buy the VIP passes which I bought and regret it after.....).
It was, by far, the best trip we have done as a family. We travel a lot (mainly in Austria - you guys should try it once, Austria is wonderful) but this trip I can't compare to any we have ever done before. We were happy, excited, fascinated, cold, warm, surprised and loved every second of it.
This trip wouldn't be possible without the great advices I received from you all and I want to thank you again for helping.
Next trip, 20th anniversary, I look to surprise my wife with an Alaska cruise (any recommendations are welcome). No kids this time ;-)
thanks,
eylon
It has been a while but as we like to say, "better now than never".
I want to thank you all for the great advices you gave me while planning this "once in a life time" trip. It was AMAZING. Your country is amazing, the people are generous, nice and like to help (most of the time ;-)). We had a wonderful 24 days in the west coast covering LV and the parks around, we did drive through death valley (despite some of you recommending not to. by the way, my mom, my kids and myself enjoyed it a lot. My wife was fighting with me to shut off the aircon as she was afraid we will stuck in the middle - by the way, the only fight we had this trip, yay) to Yosemite which was a breath taking (apart of the time my 18yr son took me to a "men trip" which was a 5 hours trip climbing 2.5 hours and coming down 2.5.....I didn't expect that....), from there to SF (while my wife and son went to Hamilton - my god, the prices are insane, I went with my other 2 kids and mom to watch the Giants, our first baseball match) from there to Monterey (wow, the whales) and ended up in LA (you were right, you recommended not to buy the VIP passes which I bought and regret it after.....).
It was, by far, the best trip we have done as a family. We travel a lot (mainly in Austria - you guys should try it once, Austria is wonderful) but this trip I can't compare to any we have ever done before. We were happy, excited, fascinated, cold, warm, surprised and loved every second of it.
This trip wouldn't be possible without the great advices I received from you all and I want to thank you again for helping.
Next trip, 20th anniversary, I look to surprise my wife with an Alaska cruise (any recommendations are welcome). No kids this time ;-)
thanks,
eylon
Dec 9th, 2017, 07:35 AM
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Thanks for coming back and reporting.
The trip for Alaska will be spectacular too, in a different way. Do be aware that the cruise will not be as fast paced as the trip to the southwest. Go to the cruise forum for more specifics on that. DH absolutely hated being on the ship part of the trip because he had no control over where we went and how long (or not) to stop at any place.
I would want to spend time on the land, visit Denali, Kenai peninsular etc. If you use the pull down tab for states at the top of the page and click on Alaska you will find lots of trip reports for the area.
Hope you have a wonderful next trip.
The trip for Alaska will be spectacular too, in a different way. Do be aware that the cruise will not be as fast paced as the trip to the southwest. Go to the cruise forum for more specifics on that. DH absolutely hated being on the ship part of the trip because he had no control over where we went and how long (or not) to stop at any place.
I would want to spend time on the land, visit Denali, Kenai peninsular etc. If you use the pull down tab for states at the top of the page and click on Alaska you will find lots of trip reports for the area.
Hope you have a wonderful next trip.
