San Diego, San Francisco, Orlando, Las Vegas or Reno?????
Mar 13th, 2005, 07:21 PM
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San Diego, San Francisco, Orlando, Las Vegas or Reno?????
My son and daughter-in-law have a chance for a free weekend in one of the cities mentioned above (San Diego, San Francisco, Orlando, Las Vegas, or Reno).
Which would you recommend, and why???
Which would you recommend, and why???
Mar 13th, 2005, 10:06 PM
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If you live on the west coast, I would recommend Las Vegas. There is enought to do, to fill a weekend and you don't have to spend the weekend getting there. I been to San Francisco and I don't get the attraction. I spent 2 full days there. They have a bridge, they have a hill. Maybe it's me but it is my least favorite city. San Diego would be my 2nd choice.
Mar 14th, 2005, 03:34 AM
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Well it obviously depends on what your kids enjoy and I agree, for just a weekend, where you live may also be a factor. By a free weekend, does that include spending money??? Rental Car???? Need more info to help.
Mar 16th, 2005, 10:11 PM
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Wow! My computer crashes and I'm off line for a couple of days, and my question sinks to oblivion!! Found it though 
!!
Good questions FainaAgain. My son and daughter-in-law are almost 30, prefer hiking and running not gambling, love food (eating out), my son is a photographer so scenery is important(both urban and natural). By "free" I mean that travel and accommodation are covered.
Any other suggestions or recommendations?
!!Good questions FainaAgain. My son and daughter-in-law are almost 30, prefer hiking and running not gambling, love food (eating out), my son is a photographer so scenery is important(both urban and natural). By "free" I mean that travel and accommodation are covered.
Any other suggestions or recommendations?
Mar 16th, 2005, 10:25 PM
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I've never been to Orlando, but have been to all the rest. As far as photography is concerned, I think SF has the rest of the cities beat. They could make a day trip out of Yosemite (a pretty long day) or drive up or down the coast for outdoor ocean scenery.
Las Vegas would be my second choice of cities to photograph. Nearby are Red Canyon National Conservation Area and Valley of Fire State Park. Zion National Park can be made in a long day trip.
With your criteria I would put Reno back in the running because a drive around Lake Tahoe would make a great day trip. Also nearby is Pyramid Lake, which is a little know but very scenic area.
Utahtea
Las Vegas would be my second choice of cities to photograph. Nearby are Red Canyon National Conservation Area and Valley of Fire State Park. Zion National Park can be made in a long day trip.
With your criteria I would put Reno back in the running because a drive around Lake Tahoe would make a great day trip. Also nearby is Pyramid Lake, which is a little know but very scenic area.
Utahtea
Mar 17th, 2005, 07:42 AM
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SF has a lot to offer - very scenic, is relatively compact, so you can see a lot in a few days, has good transportation so they wouldn't need to rent a car. There are plenty of good places to eat.
SD is also very scenic. It is more laid back than SF and is more about the beach culture. It is easy to get around in and there are plenty of things to see and do as well as plenty of places to hang out and do nothing. A car is more of an asset in SD than in SF - things are more spread out and the public transportation isn't as good. Navigating SD is very easy. Good places to eat here too, plus the Gaslamp District has plenty of bars, pubs, and clubs for nightlife.
Reno has the advantage of being close to Lake Tahoe, which has some great photo opportunities and lots of places to hike. Reno itself is pretty uninspired though.
Las Vegas doesn't seem to meet their interests, although they might like it. I know several people who were pleasantly surprised with LV.
I've never been to Orlando, so I can't comment on that.
SD is also very scenic. It is more laid back than SF and is more about the beach culture. It is easy to get around in and there are plenty of things to see and do as well as plenty of places to hang out and do nothing. A car is more of an asset in SD than in SF - things are more spread out and the public transportation isn't as good. Navigating SD is very easy. Good places to eat here too, plus the Gaslamp District has plenty of bars, pubs, and clubs for nightlife.
Reno has the advantage of being close to Lake Tahoe, which has some great photo opportunities and lots of places to hike. Reno itself is pretty uninspired though.
Las Vegas doesn't seem to meet their interests, although they might like it. I know several people who were pleasantly surprised with LV.
I've never been to Orlando, so I can't comment on that.
Mar 17th, 2005, 11:34 AM
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San Fransisco is certainly the most cultural of the 4 you mentioned. I would not recomemnd Vegas- unless your son and daughter-in-law love gambling. I found the hotels cheap immitations of the originals. The shows were mediocre and overpriced.
Mar 17th, 2005, 12:08 PM
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I'll agree also to cut Reno first (even thought you could use that as an excuse for Tahoe).
But did I miss where they live? A free weekend, would mean getting the most bank for your buck. If they live in Napa, I'd hardly suggest San Francisco. And if they live in Tampa, I certainly wouldn't choose Orlando.
From what you say, I'd go for San Francisco -- a photographer's dream, great urban and park running and even hiking, and you can't eat better anywhere.
But did I miss where they live? A free weekend, would mean getting the most bank for your buck. If they live in Napa, I'd hardly suggest San Francisco. And if they live in Tampa, I certainly wouldn't choose Orlando.
From what you say, I'd go for San Francisco -- a photographer's dream, great urban and park running and even hiking, and you can't eat better anywhere.
Mar 17th, 2005, 12:27 PM
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bigchefguy's crazy...San Fran is one of America's best cities. One hill? What is he talking about?
Borealis, based on your description of your son/daughter-in-law (I'm about their age-31, urban, love food, hiking, great scenery to photograph, hate gambling etc.), they will LOVE SF. (Agree that Reno, Vegas and Orlando both are definitely out based on their descriptions.
SF is one of the most picturesque and photographed cities in the world...it's downright gorgeous and one of the most unique urban settings with its hills, architecture, the bay, the surrounding mountains, etc.
It's a culture mecca and also lots of fun outdoor activities surround the city. Not to mention it's the eating capital of the country. (Click on my screen name for my many posts on SF restaurants.) It's one of the most fun places I've ever visited. Let us know what they decide.
Borealis, based on your description of your son/daughter-in-law (I'm about their age-31, urban, love food, hiking, great scenery to photograph, hate gambling etc.), they will LOVE SF. (Agree that Reno, Vegas and Orlando both are definitely out based on their descriptions.
SF is one of the most picturesque and photographed cities in the world...it's downright gorgeous and one of the most unique urban settings with its hills, architecture, the bay, the surrounding mountains, etc.
It's a culture mecca and also lots of fun outdoor activities surround the city. Not to mention it's the eating capital of the country. (Click on my screen name for my many posts on SF restaurants.) It's one of the most fun places I've ever visited. Let us know what they decide.
Mar 17th, 2005, 12:29 PM
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As Patrick said, where do they live?
Disregarding that however, my vote would be SF.
Reno would be at the bottom of my list.
And Las Vegas second to the bottom of the list.
San Diego would be second choice.
Disregarding that however, my vote would be SF.
Reno would be at the bottom of my list.
And Las Vegas second to the bottom of the list.
San Diego would be second choice.
Mar 17th, 2005, 08:27 PM
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This is what I like about Fodors forums - everyone always has such good pointers for travel. So it seems that San Francisco is the best choice - yes? - with San Diego second (I think that son and daughter-in-law are leaning to San Diego at the moment - just from "word-of-mouth" advice from various friends).
Thanks TravelDiva for the great suggestion - I will check out your San Fran restaurant posts.
This trip is being planned for the fall (they'll choose one weekend either in September or October).
By the way, they live in western Canada (Edmonton, Alberta).
Thanks TravelDiva for the great suggestion - I will check out your San Fran restaurant posts.
This trip is being planned for the fall (they'll choose one weekend either in September or October).
By the way, they live in western Canada (Edmonton, Alberta).
Mar 17th, 2005, 09:02 PM
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Oh Borealis, tell your son and DIL that September and October are the most beautiful months in San Francisco!
And no, I am not part of the SF Chamber of Commerce. Food, photographty, hiking, running. Well it sounds like San Francisco to me.
But whatever they choose I hope they have a beautiful and fun time.
And no, I am not part of the SF Chamber of Commerce. Food, photographty, hiking, running. Well it sounds like San Francisco to me.
But whatever they choose I hope they have a beautiful and fun time.
Mar 18th, 2005, 03:23 PM
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Looks as though the vote is for SF (good choice), but just had to add one more - not RENO! No offense to anyone who lives in Reno or likes Reno, but I've been there many times over the years to visit the Grandparents (who used to live in SF)and think it is one of the most boring and cigarette smoke filled places I've ever seen. Also I've never seen a place with so many young women who are missing teeth (just an observation).
My vote SF, San Diego, Vegas, Orlando, Reno.
My vote SF, San Diego, Vegas, Orlando, Reno.
Mar 18th, 2005, 04:04 PM
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Definitely go to San Francisco if the trip is in the Fall. That is their "Indian Summer". My favorite time of the year in the city.
Tons of places to run--down on the Marina green is nice.
Hiking--short trip over the bridge to Marin County (where I live).
Eating--There is not enough room in this forum to mention the great eating in San Francisco.
Scenery--awesome!
San Diego is nice...but boring.
Reno is gross. I can say that because I have relatives there and have been MANY times.
Orlando...never been.
Las Vegas is nice if you gamble.
Tons of places to run--down on the Marina green is nice.
Hiking--short trip over the bridge to Marin County (where I live).
Eating--There is not enough room in this forum to mention the great eating in San Francisco.
Scenery--awesome!
San Diego is nice...but boring.
Reno is gross. I can say that because I have relatives there and have been MANY times.
Orlando...never been.
Las Vegas is nice if you gamble.
Mar 20th, 2005, 03:06 PM
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Thanks everyone for the advice.
I'll report back when the "kids" have made their decision. At the moment they are deciding between San Diego and San Francisco, and since they would prefer not to rent a vehicle, staying in SF seems to appeal to them more and more.
I'll report back when the "kids" have made their decision. At the moment they are deciding between San Diego and San Francisco, and since they would prefer not to rent a vehicle, staying in SF seems to appeal to them more and more.
