Itinerary Help- 8 Days USA West Coast
Apr 12th, 2013, 08:27 AM
#122
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OK, so much for keeping quiet!!
I love sharona's proposed itinerary. Along with the Paso Robles area wineries, Los Olivos (near Solvang) has some beautiful wineries. One small winery in town (Saarloos Winery) even has an option to pair wine with cupcakes...yummy!
Paragkash, I know you want to maximize your sights in California and the Las Vegas area. Sometimes less is more. You will return. Have fun. We expect a trip report!
I love sharona's proposed itinerary. Along with the Paso Robles area wineries, Los Olivos (near Solvang) has some beautiful wineries. One small winery in town (Saarloos Winery) even has an option to pair wine with cupcakes...yummy!
Paragkash, I know you want to maximize your sights in California and the Las Vegas area. Sometimes less is more. You will return. Have fun. We expect a trip report!
Apr 13th, 2013, 08:35 PM
#125
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks a lot to all of you who have taken efforts and replied with true concern... I almost needed a slap to know what I was thinking was weird.... It is priceless, as no guide book in the world does what Fodors Forum does..
Apr 15th, 2013, 12:50 PM
#126
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,667
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BarbAnn has a great point with the "less is more." The less rushed and harried your itinerary, the more likely you are to relax and enjoy your vacation, and the less likely you are to be simply exhausted.
Apr 15th, 2013, 05:32 PM
#127
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm coming in late to congratulate you on your hard work and the great plan you've come up with.
I just want to say that among my favorite sights in my entire life are the Grand Canyon by moonlight, and Big Sur. I've been to Big Sur three times, and hope to go again in the lifetime. I don't know if it is still good, but lunch at Nepenthe in Big Sur is lovely, with famously vegetarian options.
http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/
I would trade the aquarium in Monterey for the mission in Carmel. Aquariums are all over the world, but the Carmel Mission is unique and beautiful and a very important part of US and California history.
I'm not going to Las Vegas (that I know of) but I would be tempted to try one of the great restaurants there.
You are going to have a great trip.
I just want to say that among my favorite sights in my entire life are the Grand Canyon by moonlight, and Big Sur. I've been to Big Sur three times, and hope to go again in the lifetime. I don't know if it is still good, but lunch at Nepenthe in Big Sur is lovely, with famously vegetarian options.
http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/
I would trade the aquarium in Monterey for the mission in Carmel. Aquariums are all over the world, but the Carmel Mission is unique and beautiful and a very important part of US and California history.
I'm not going to Las Vegas (that I know of) but I would be tempted to try one of the great restaurants there.
You are going to have a great trip.
Apr 16th, 2013, 03:21 AM
#129
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Very well said BarbAnn
>
And I know I am packing too much in too little time.. not too happy with it. Would have loved to just restrict myself to California. But don't want to miss Las Vegas as it is my DW's choice. Still not too happy with the itinerary.
Am seriously thinking of...
Day-1- SFO
Day-2- Las Vegas
Day 3- Drive via Red Rock Canyon and Death Valley to Lee Vining. Mono Lake at the Sunset. Nice hotels with view of Mono Lake. (or overnight at Mammoth lake or Bishop- would like to cover more distance and be closer to Yosemite on this day- as the itinerary on this day is only a scenic drive without getting down much- may be just some photo stops and Lunch)
Day 4- Yosemite
Day-5- Yosemite sunrise - drive to Paso Robles/ San Simeon
Day 6- Highway 1 to Monterey
Day 7 & 8- San Francisco
Day 9- Fly to Vancouver
Thinking of keeping Grand Canyon for the next trip along with Bryce, Zion and wave Canyon.
Have been studying the Forum for the scenic route through Death Valley and a possible overnight destination...
Have never been so indecisive about things, especially when it is only the 1st 8 days of my 33 Days tour. The rest is almost sorted out.
I hate it myself and have confused and troubled many on this thread... Need more help...
>
And I know I am packing too much in too little time.. not too happy with it. Would have loved to just restrict myself to California. But don't want to miss Las Vegas as it is my DW's choice. Still not too happy with the itinerary.
Am seriously thinking of...
Day-1- SFO
Day-2- Las Vegas
Day 3- Drive via Red Rock Canyon and Death Valley to Lee Vining. Mono Lake at the Sunset. Nice hotels with view of Mono Lake. (or overnight at Mammoth lake or Bishop- would like to cover more distance and be closer to Yosemite on this day- as the itinerary on this day is only a scenic drive without getting down much- may be just some photo stops and Lunch)
Day 4- Yosemite
Day-5- Yosemite sunrise - drive to Paso Robles/ San Simeon
Day 6- Highway 1 to Monterey
Day 7 & 8- San Francisco
Day 9- Fly to Vancouver
Thinking of keeping Grand Canyon for the next trip along with Bryce, Zion and wave Canyon.
Have been studying the Forum for the scenic route through Death Valley and a possible overnight destination...
Have never been so indecisive about things, especially when it is only the 1st 8 days of my 33 Days tour. The rest is almost sorted out.
I hate it myself and have confused and troubled many on this thread... Need more help...
Apr 16th, 2013, 05:27 AM
#130
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ah, so I see you're determined to go to Yosemite on this trip! Okay. Well, you really won't have much time for sightseeing on the way from Las Vegas to Yosemite. You will find some nice lodging options in Mammoth Lakes and I think that's the only place in the immediate vicinity you'll have the opportunity for nice lodging. We opted to stay right in Lee Vining. It was fine for one night when we were there just to sleep and get a jump on getting to Yosemite as early as possible.
We took the shortest distance through Death Valley and that was plenty for us. It was really hot (mid-June last year) and I had 2 teenagers with me. Enough said! We left Rt. 95 in Beatty directly through the middle of Death Valley. As my mother said, "I'm glad we did it but I don't want to do it again."
I don't believe Yosemite had its usual snowfall this winter so the waterfalls won't be as dramatic but they'll still be beautiful. And you're getting there early enough in the season to see them at their best.
We took the shortest distance through Death Valley and that was plenty for us. It was really hot (mid-June last year) and I had 2 teenagers with me. Enough said! We left Rt. 95 in Beatty directly through the middle of Death Valley. As my mother said, "I'm glad we did it but I don't want to do it again."
I don't believe Yosemite had its usual snowfall this winter so the waterfalls won't be as dramatic but they'll still be beautiful. And you're getting there early enough in the season to see them at their best.
Apr 16th, 2013, 07:18 AM
#131
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sharona, I did a lot of tossing around between Grand Canyon and Yosemite. I found Yosemite more inviting. The driving through desert is more or less both ways. In fact, instead of 6 hours to and fro, I will be driving towards Yosemite.
Plus, I found Bryce and wave Canyon equally interesting as Grand Canyon, which I shall miss if I just see one. It is probably more famous because of its proximity to Las Vegas and the wild west movies.
I would like to see the sun set and sun rise over mono lake and will almost get 1 1/2 days in Yosemite Park.
Plus, I found Bryce and wave Canyon equally interesting as Grand Canyon, which I shall miss if I just see one. It is probably more famous because of its proximity to Las Vegas and the wild west movies.
I would like to see the sun set and sun rise over mono lake and will almost get 1 1/2 days in Yosemite Park.
Apr 16th, 2013, 08:00 AM
#132
Paragkash- you are driving yourself crazy. Stick with a plan and don't look back. And don't look at this thread any more. Everyone has a different plan for you and it is just adding to your anxiety. Make a plan, put it in place, then relax. Then enjoy your trip!
Apr 16th, 2013, 09:40 AM
#135
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<Everyone has a different plan for you and it is just adding to your anxiety.>
After Paragkash gave his latest itinerary I didn't try to dissuade him from it. It's clear he wants to visit Yosemite on this trip and in fact, I gave him some helpful information. Or at least I hope I did. I agree that he should now stop with the tinkering and get down to the serious business of making plans and reservations.
Paragkash, I'll look forward to your trip report. I know you're going to have a wonderful trip and when you come back to see some of our beautiful canyons you'll have a wonderful trip then, too.
After Paragkash gave his latest itinerary I didn't try to dissuade him from it. It's clear he wants to visit Yosemite on this trip and in fact, I gave him some helpful information. Or at least I hope I did. I agree that he should now stop with the tinkering and get down to the serious business of making plans and reservations.
Paragkash, I'll look forward to your trip report. I know you're going to have a wonderful trip and when you come back to see some of our beautiful canyons you'll have a wonderful trip then, too.
Apr 16th, 2013, 10:03 AM
#136
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sharona, thanks for all the encouragement...
To tell you all the truth, I have become too dependent on you all... Couldn't just freeze my itinerary unless I got positive vibes from you all.. Feeling good now.
Have booked the flight to Vegas, Car for a week starting Vegas.. Hotel at Vegas. Rest are already done. Also need to cancel Yavpai Lodge at Grand canyon..
Booking at Lee Vining/ mammoth lake balance..
To tell you all the truth, I have become too dependent on you all... Couldn't just freeze my itinerary unless I got positive vibes from you all.. Feeling good now.
Have booked the flight to Vegas, Car for a week starting Vegas.. Hotel at Vegas. Rest are already done. Also need to cancel Yavpai Lodge at Grand canyon..
Booking at Lee Vining/ mammoth lake balance..
Jun 1st, 2013, 02:42 PM
#138
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dera Friends, I am starting my month long vacation to USA west cosat, Canadian Rockies and Part of USA east coast, in next 8 days.. Am very excited about it. Special thanks to all those who gave suggestions on Yosemite accommodations. Today I luckily got reservation at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, against last minute cancellation. I have cancelled my EL Portal reservation and have moved closer to where the action is. I can cover most attractions on foot and by the shuttle.
I am driving From Las Vegas via Death Valley to Mono Lake for a night. Entering Yosemite via Tioga Pass and will stay there for 1.% days. Then drive to Monterey for 2 nights. Planning to drive till Big Sur and also do some wine tasting.
Am driving to San Francisco for 2 days. Flying out to Vancouver after that. Thanks to all of you who have helped me planning a better trip. Shall revert when I come back in July... Ciao..
I am driving From Las Vegas via Death Valley to Mono Lake for a night. Entering Yosemite via Tioga Pass and will stay there for 1.% days. Then drive to Monterey for 2 nights. Planning to drive till Big Sur and also do some wine tasting.
Am driving to San Francisco for 2 days. Flying out to Vancouver after that. Thanks to all of you who have helped me planning a better trip. Shall revert when I come back in July... Ciao..
