Please advise on itinerary for 21 days south California driving trip with 3 year old in tow.
Jul 26th, 2008, 07:00 AM
#21
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 10,556
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ruth, I think POIson gives you a good plan, given your husband has been to S.F. and San Jose often. Staying at least three nights in each place would be my preference, too.
Since your child is so young, I don't think I'd drive to San Diego just for the zoo, because a toddler can be so easily entertained anyplace in southern California. Unless you and your husband want to see San Diego in general? If so, what else do you want to see there?
There is so much to see in California that I can understand your confusion. You're smart to plan this far in advance. I'm personally not a fan of Las Vegas, unless you're dying to see it and you enjoy the desert. In April, it should be pleasant weather.
I would add Santa Barbara to POIson's itinerary, on your way back to L.A. (SLO is San Luis Obispo, in same post above.)
You probably can't go wrong with your plan, so long as you don't tire your toddler with too much moving around and driving. If you toddler isn't happy, you won't be happy, either!
Since your child is so young, I don't think I'd drive to San Diego just for the zoo, because a toddler can be so easily entertained anyplace in southern California. Unless you and your husband want to see San Diego in general? If so, what else do you want to see there?
There is so much to see in California that I can understand your confusion. You're smart to plan this far in advance. I'm personally not a fan of Las Vegas, unless you're dying to see it and you enjoy the desert. In April, it should be pleasant weather.
I would add Santa Barbara to POIson's itinerary, on your way back to L.A. (SLO is San Luis Obispo, in same post above.)
You probably can't go wrong with your plan, so long as you don't tire your toddler with too much moving around and driving. If you toddler isn't happy, you won't be happy, either!
Jul 27th, 2008, 10:20 AM
#22
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If youre considering driving down the coast from SLO back to LA... why not spend a few hours at the Santa Barbara Zoo?
It the perfect size for your daughter and is NOT overwhelming or out of your way, as it wouldbe to go to San Diego. it would make a perfect stop a long the way.
Welcome to CA!
It the perfect size for your daughter and is NOT overwhelming or out of your way, as it wouldbe to go to San Diego. it would make a perfect stop a long the way.
Welcome to CA!
Jul 27th, 2008, 12:42 PM
#23
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Since you have extra days at the end, don't go to Disneyland on a weekend day. It's madness, especially in spring, and if that's Spring break, forget it altogether.
A 3 year old would like Legoland better anyway.
A 3 year old would like Legoland better anyway.
Jul 27th, 2008, 12:45 PM
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow, this has been realy helpful! I'm definitely thinking not San Diego now, it seems like a detour in the wrong direction and there's so much else to do.
POIson, your itinerary looks great, although we might save Disney until the end, not sure about tackling it with a jetlagged three year old and anyway anticipation is part of the fun! Your suggestions for LA are fantastic, there are some things our daughter would love there, especially the Kidspace museum.
Peaceout and Onemoneygirl, Santa Barbara looks like a definite stop, the zoo looks great and more manageable than San Diego and it looks as if there's lots more to see there as well.
Thank you so much for all your help, it's really making planning easier.
POIson, your itinerary looks great, although we might save Disney until the end, not sure about tackling it with a jetlagged three year old and anyway anticipation is part of the fun! Your suggestions for LA are fantastic, there are some things our daughter would love there, especially the Kidspace museum.
Peaceout and Onemoneygirl, Santa Barbara looks like a definite stop, the zoo looks great and more manageable than San Diego and it looks as if there's lots more to see there as well.
Thank you so much for all your help, it's really making planning easier.
Jul 27th, 2008, 01:48 PM
#25
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Without San Diego, I would suggest the following:
Ths. April 9: Fly into LAX, drive to Pasadena;
April 9 - 12 (Ths - Sun, 3 nights) -get over jetlag while exploring Pasadena and surroundings, Huntington Gardens, Kidspace, LA Zoo, Griffith Park, Gene Autry Western Museum, old town Pasadena for dining, shopping, Gamble House (if you like craftsman architecture)
Sunday - wake up, enjoy liesurely morning, drive to Fresno during naptime (or all the way to Yosemite).
April 12 - 16 (Sun - Ths, 4 nights): Yosemite
April 16 - 20(Ths - Mon, 4 nights): Coast drive - pick two places for overnight stops, maybe Monterey (3 nights) and SLO (1 night); leave Monterey early and plan for lots of stops along the way)
April 20 - 23 (Mon - Ths, 3 Nights): Santa Barbara (Zoo, beaches, wine country, shopping, and if you have a little solo time maybe go horseback riding or to the spa)
April 23 - 26 (Ths - Sun., 3 nights: Los Angeles - relax at the beach; see west side sights such as Beverly Hills, farmer's markets)
April 26 - 30 (Sun - Ths., 4 nights) Anaheim: plenty of time for both parks at a leisurely pace, maybe some shopping at the Grove or Costa Mesa. Depending on time of flight maybe move last night to closer to airport.
You could flip the last two but then you would be hitting the parks on the weekend.
Have a great trip!
Ths. April 9: Fly into LAX, drive to Pasadena;
April 9 - 12 (Ths - Sun, 3 nights) -get over jetlag while exploring Pasadena and surroundings, Huntington Gardens, Kidspace, LA Zoo, Griffith Park, Gene Autry Western Museum, old town Pasadena for dining, shopping, Gamble House (if you like craftsman architecture)
Sunday - wake up, enjoy liesurely morning, drive to Fresno during naptime (or all the way to Yosemite).
April 12 - 16 (Sun - Ths, 4 nights): Yosemite
April 16 - 20(Ths - Mon, 4 nights): Coast drive - pick two places for overnight stops, maybe Monterey (3 nights) and SLO (1 night); leave Monterey early and plan for lots of stops along the way)
April 20 - 23 (Mon - Ths, 3 Nights): Santa Barbara (Zoo, beaches, wine country, shopping, and if you have a little solo time maybe go horseback riding or to the spa)
April 23 - 26 (Ths - Sun., 3 nights: Los Angeles - relax at the beach; see west side sights such as Beverly Hills, farmer's markets)
April 26 - 30 (Sun - Ths., 4 nights) Anaheim: plenty of time for both parks at a leisurely pace, maybe some shopping at the Grove or Costa Mesa. Depending on time of flight maybe move last night to closer to airport.
You could flip the last two but then you would be hitting the parks on the weekend.
Have a great trip!
Jul 27th, 2008, 04:56 PM
#26
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 10,556
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When you're ready for hotel recommendations, we can help with that, too. For instance, in Santa Barbara, we liked the Fess Parker Doubletree because the rooms are large, it's a nicely kept resort-type property, and you can get rooms with oceanviews.
You will love California. It has a little bit of everything!
Are you really in Holland? We visited Amsterdam once and absolutely loved that charming and friendly city.
You will love California. It has a little bit of everything!
Are you really in Holland? We visited Amsterdam once and absolutely loved that charming and friendly city.
Jul 27th, 2008, 09:33 PM
#27
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,496
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I know everyone is saying to skip San Diego but I think it's a great place to go with a 3 year old. I do agree it's a little out of the way but there's the zoo, Sea World, Legoland and the The Wild Animal Park, not that you have to go to all of those.
Definitely skip Joshua Tree and Bakersfield and although Yosemite is amazing, 4 days with a 3 yr old might be one day too many. One thing no one has mentioned is that the weather in Yosemite could still be pretty cold in April. April is one of those months where it could be nice and warm or all of sudden you get snow.
I like POlsen's itinerary. If you decide not to go to San Diego then make sure you find things to do with your daughter on the way back down the coast.
Definitely skip Joshua Tree and Bakersfield and although Yosemite is amazing, 4 days with a 3 yr old might be one day too many. One thing no one has mentioned is that the weather in Yosemite could still be pretty cold in April. April is one of those months where it could be nice and warm or all of sudden you get snow.
I like POlsen's itinerary. If you decide not to go to San Diego then make sure you find things to do with your daughter on the way back down the coast.
Jul 30th, 2008, 03:28 AM
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That's a fantastic itinerary POIson, much less ambitious than my original plan but with loads for us all to do. It's funny, the general view of LA in Europe is beaches, Disney and Hollywood, we forget there are vibrant communities with lots to see and do. I'm so excited about this trip already, I'll be completely over the top by April!
We'd love any hotel suggestions, particularly for places with large rooms/suites. We'd probably go to about $250 a night, maybe a bit more for something special, especially at the beach. We generally like fairly modern places and it would be great to have a pool and to be in walking distance of at least some restaurants/sights.
PeaceOut, yes, I am really in Holland, I've lived in The Hague, about 30 miles south of Amsterdam, for the past nine years. I'm glad you had a good time in Amsterdam, it's a beautiful city with a great atmosphere.
We'd love any hotel suggestions, particularly for places with large rooms/suites. We'd probably go to about $250 a night, maybe a bit more for something special, especially at the beach. We generally like fairly modern places and it would be great to have a pool and to be in walking distance of at least some restaurants/sights.
PeaceOut, yes, I am really in Holland, I've lived in The Hague, about 30 miles south of Amsterdam, for the past nine years. I'm glad you had a good time in Amsterdam, it's a beautiful city with a great atmosphere.
Jul 30th, 2008, 05:38 AM
#29
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here are a few hotel thoughts. I am sure others will be able to give you more choices.
Pasadena: - The Huntington (used to be a Ritz Carlton now its run by Langham). Venerable old hotel with gorgeous grounds and pool. One of my favorites for a local retreat. You can often find specials for around $200 - 225. Otherwise can be pricey. Other Pasadena hotels: The Courtyard by Marriott - good location, great for families. The Westin and the Sheraton are other favorites of our visitors.
Yosemite: loads of advice on this site. We stayed at Tenaya Lodge (on the south end) which I thought was wonderful, especially with the kids. Close to Wawona, and my kids enjoyed the nearby train ride - Sugar Pine Railroad. Others will recommend that you stay in the Valley to avoid the longish drive. We went in late May and didn't find it too bad. Be sure to arrange to eat at least one meal at The Awhanee.
Coast: many years ago we stayed at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa and simply loved it. I remember it being very expensive. You should be able to get lots of other recs for Monterey and the coast portion of the trip. Be sure to visit the Aquarium. We also really like Carmel and 17 mile drive (maybe at naptime?). We've not returned with our kids so I can't help much on the child friendly activities other than to say find a few parks (Dennis the Menace playground for one) and plan to walk alot.
Santa Barbara: lots of my friends have recommended Fess Parker Doubletree. I also thought Pacifica Suites looked interesting but I have no personal knowledge of either. We mostly like to walk on the beach or do solo activities in SB. A good place to get a little "me" time.
Los Angeles beaches - I would focus on Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach areas.
Anaheim - we like to stay at the Disney hotels for convenience, it is especially nice to take the kids back to the hotel for naps and pool time. I think the Grand Californian is nicer and a great location but the pool at the Disneyland Hotel is more fun. My kids love the character breakfast at Storyteller Cafe (at the Grand Californian). Off property we've stayed at Ayers and thought it was good, especially with the large rooms and breakfast buffet.
I know it is tempting to pack in alot of cities and sights but I think it will be more enjoyable if you spend more time at each place and have a chance to see what each area offers, including long walks on the beach and relaxing afternoons at the cafe. Everything moves at a much slower pace when travelling with a little one. But some of my fondest memories of trips with our little guys are the things we did that I never would have thought to do pre-kids, like visit a farm or buy yummy pastries and hang out at a local park for a morning. In Ireland my daughter loved our lunch stops at pubs - so that is one thing that didn't change. Have a wonderful trip.
Pasadena: - The Huntington (used to be a Ritz Carlton now its run by Langham). Venerable old hotel with gorgeous grounds and pool. One of my favorites for a local retreat. You can often find specials for around $200 - 225. Otherwise can be pricey. Other Pasadena hotels: The Courtyard by Marriott - good location, great for families. The Westin and the Sheraton are other favorites of our visitors.
Yosemite: loads of advice on this site. We stayed at Tenaya Lodge (on the south end) which I thought was wonderful, especially with the kids. Close to Wawona, and my kids enjoyed the nearby train ride - Sugar Pine Railroad. Others will recommend that you stay in the Valley to avoid the longish drive. We went in late May and didn't find it too bad. Be sure to arrange to eat at least one meal at The Awhanee.
Coast: many years ago we stayed at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa and simply loved it. I remember it being very expensive. You should be able to get lots of other recs for Monterey and the coast portion of the trip. Be sure to visit the Aquarium. We also really like Carmel and 17 mile drive (maybe at naptime?). We've not returned with our kids so I can't help much on the child friendly activities other than to say find a few parks (Dennis the Menace playground for one) and plan to walk alot.
Santa Barbara: lots of my friends have recommended Fess Parker Doubletree. I also thought Pacifica Suites looked interesting but I have no personal knowledge of either. We mostly like to walk on the beach or do solo activities in SB. A good place to get a little "me" time.
Los Angeles beaches - I would focus on Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach areas.
Anaheim - we like to stay at the Disney hotels for convenience, it is especially nice to take the kids back to the hotel for naps and pool time. I think the Grand Californian is nicer and a great location but the pool at the Disneyland Hotel is more fun. My kids love the character breakfast at Storyteller Cafe (at the Grand Californian). Off property we've stayed at Ayers and thought it was good, especially with the large rooms and breakfast buffet.
I know it is tempting to pack in alot of cities and sights but I think it will be more enjoyable if you spend more time at each place and have a chance to see what each area offers, including long walks on the beach and relaxing afternoons at the cafe. Everything moves at a much slower pace when travelling with a little one. But some of my fondest memories of trips with our little guys are the things we did that I never would have thought to do pre-kids, like visit a farm or buy yummy pastries and hang out at a local park for a morning. In Ireland my daughter loved our lunch stops at pubs - so that is one thing that didn't change. Have a wonderful trip.
Aug 3rd, 2008, 01:06 AM
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry about half post above, pressed Post by mistake.
Spent a long time discussing all this great info with my husband last night and came up with this:
Ths. Apr 9: Fly into LAX, drive to Santa Monica
Apr 9-12 (Ths-Sun, 3 nights) Santa Monica. Stay at Fairmont Miramar. Get over jetlag, beaches, pier, 3rd Street Promenade
Apr 12-15 (Sun-Wed, 3 nights) Pasadena. Stay at westin or Sheraton. Explore town, Kidspace, possibly flea market on Sunday.
Apr 15-18 (Wed-Sat, 3 nights) Yosemite. Stay at Lodge at Yosemite to cut driving time (Tenaya Lodge looks great though...) Hike, hire bikes.
Apr 18-21 (Sat-Tue, 3 nights) Monterey Bay area. Stay at Carmel Valley Ranch. Visit Aquarium, Dennis the Menace Park, Point Lobos, tidepools.
Apr 21-24 (Tue-Fri, 3 nights) Santa Barbara. Stay at In of the Spanish Garden or Fess Parker) Beach time, zoo, Kids' World.
Apr 24-27 (Fri-Mon, 3 nights) Carlsbad. Stay at Sheraton or West Inn and Suites. Legoland, beach, outlets, flowers.
Apr 27-30 (Mon-Ths, 3 nights) Anaheim. Stay at Double Tree. Disneyland, Costa Mesa.
Apr 30 Fly home.
What do you think? All the hotels are still tentative, finding it a bit frustrating because some don't have rates for next year yet.
Thanks.
Spent a long time discussing all this great info with my husband last night and came up with this:
Ths. Apr 9: Fly into LAX, drive to Santa Monica
Apr 9-12 (Ths-Sun, 3 nights) Santa Monica. Stay at Fairmont Miramar. Get over jetlag, beaches, pier, 3rd Street Promenade
Apr 12-15 (Sun-Wed, 3 nights) Pasadena. Stay at westin or Sheraton. Explore town, Kidspace, possibly flea market on Sunday.
Apr 15-18 (Wed-Sat, 3 nights) Yosemite. Stay at Lodge at Yosemite to cut driving time (Tenaya Lodge looks great though...) Hike, hire bikes.
Apr 18-21 (Sat-Tue, 3 nights) Monterey Bay area. Stay at Carmel Valley Ranch. Visit Aquarium, Dennis the Menace Park, Point Lobos, tidepools.
Apr 21-24 (Tue-Fri, 3 nights) Santa Barbara. Stay at In of the Spanish Garden or Fess Parker) Beach time, zoo, Kids' World.
Apr 24-27 (Fri-Mon, 3 nights) Carlsbad. Stay at Sheraton or West Inn and Suites. Legoland, beach, outlets, flowers.
Apr 27-30 (Mon-Ths, 3 nights) Anaheim. Stay at Double Tree. Disneyland, Costa Mesa.
Apr 30 Fly home.
What do you think? All the hotels are still tentative, finding it a bit frustrating because some don't have rates for next year yet.
Thanks.
Aug 3rd, 2008, 07:40 AM
#31
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 9,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would only point out that Santa Monica and Pasadena are only 30-60 minutes apart depending on traffic. I'm not sure Pasadena warrants three days in and of itself unless you are just wanting another base for LA. If you wanted to break up the drive to Yosemite, you could take a day from there and stop at San Simeon for an overnight and see Hearst Castle?
I don't know the Sheraton in Carlsbad. It's probably fine but you might want to sign on to some websites and see if some deals come up at these hotels: The Four Seasons in Carlsbad or The Estancia Hotel in La Jolla. I often see sales rates at Estancia for under $200 per night.
I don't know the Sheraton in Carlsbad. It's probably fine but you might want to sign on to some websites and see if some deals come up at these hotels: The Four Seasons in Carlsbad or The Estancia Hotel in La Jolla. I often see sales rates at Estancia for under $200 per night.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
emmynick
United States
16
Jul 5th, 2013 10:51 AM
