Hi. We are currently planning our first trip to the Us from the UK . This is what we have planned so far. Arrive in San Francisco 1/10/15. Stay at the king George hotel 4 nights.
Pick up the car and drive to Yosemite and stay at the cedar lodge hotel for 3 nights. Drive to LA and stay at best western sunset plaza hotel for 4 nights then on to the Hilton waterfront hotel for 2 nights before driving to las Vegas for 2 nights, staying at the Luxor las Vegas then heading back home. We are planning on dropping the car of when we get to Vegas. We would like to visit Alcatraz while in SF and while in LA universal studios, still looking at other things any suggestions would be great.

Thanks

It all sounds like the usual, nothing wrong with it. Las Vegas would not be on my list but I realize it is for many. That being the case, I'd opt to drop the car at LAX (airport) and fly to Las Vegas, saving yourself an exceptionally long and boring drive.

Regarding Yosemite, if there's snow there may be road closures. I'd have a plan B just in case, maybe a drive down the coast to LA.

Unlikely to have snow in Yosemite in October, but reservations must be made as soon as possible.

If you have a car in San Francisco, drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and then drive on the road that follows the coast going west. It's a little complicated to get there: take the Sausalito exist and then make an immediate left going under the highway as if going back to San Francisco, but stick to the right (the highway entrance back to SF is on the left) to take the spectacular road all the way to Pigeon Point lighthouse (just stay as close to the coast as possible). You'll want to stop quite often to take in the view. Here it is from Pigeon Point: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...57624668777412 The road I am recommending is visible on the hills on the left.

I read 1-10-15 as January. Possibly best to actually write the month to avoid confusion when asking about the US. So October?

Thank you. MmePerdu will look into dropping the car at LAX and flying to Las Vegas. is there anything you might suggest that's not the usual that you think would be good to visit as we can change our plans. Michael we hadn't planned on picking the car up till we were leaving SF .

Thanks

Please clarify -- is your date in 'Brit speak' October 1, or in 'Yank speak' January 10?

This could make a huge difference - especially for Yosermite.

To add to Michael's suggestion of Pigeon Point Lighthouse, a recent blog of mine:

http://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/coas...t-lighthouse-1

we were all posting at the same time -- do clarify WHEN the trip is . . .

October 1st 2015 sorry for the confusion.

I read January also and Yosemite in January will be 30-40 degrees and probably snowy so roads could be closed.

Sorry. Just saw it is October

OK -- glad that is cleared up (Two countries divided by a common language and all )

Note -- when booking things in the States do take care - we put the month first.

Have you booked your flights yet? Is flying home from Vegas set in stone? Because if not, you could drive over Tioga pass and down to Vegas, drop the car and then fly to LA and home from there. Just another option to consider.

Have you pre-paid the Cedar Lodge in El Portal? If not, I'd definitely try to book at Yosemite View Lodge in the same area. It is a much nicer property. Then after you have your booking, keep trying for rooms at Yosemite Lodge at the Fall right IN Yosemite Valley. That would be the very best place to stay, w/ Yosemite View Lodge being a decent alternative. Cedar Lodge would be down the list a bit.

Agree with janisj above, The Yosemite Lodge inside the park is the very best place to stay. We could see the Falls from our room and were able to walk to the Mountain Room for a nice dinner. Make reservations and ask for a window with view of the Falls. http://www.yosemitepark.com/yosemite-lodge.aspx There is also a café for lighter fare. But if not possible, I would take Yosemite View Lodge

Correction: I meant the Point Bonita lighthouse

I would keep the car in Vegas for convenience. It is an easy place to drive and you can see more of the city in less time that way.

That gives you an idea about how closely I read, Michael. To tie this up, it's nice going south from SF to Pigeon Point, too.

Pity you do not have time for the spectacular Highway 1 drive or time to fit in an overnight at Grand Canyon National Park (the helicopter tours from Vegas do not go to the National Park).

There is a HI hostel at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. They have separate mens and womens dorms (shared bathroom). They have wifi and an adequate kitchen.
There is a HI Hostel at Point Montera Lighthouse (never stayed there).
I would stay a night or 2 at Santa Barbara and skip Las Vegas.

>> take the Sausalito exist and then make an immediate left

I agree with Janis. Do not stay at Cedar Lodge. It would be cool to drive over Tioga Pass, then down to LV, passing Death Valley. Finish the trip in LA.