sept trip to california
 

My husband and I are planning a 3 week vacation from the uk to california in sept this year We are staying in SF for 3 nights at the start and we will end our journey in Las vegas. The places I have ear marked for a visit are Yosemite N.P. Carmel/Monterrey or other beach location We would also like to visit death valley. Is this trip possible in three weeks and has anyone got any must see suggestions or places to visit. Also what weather can we expect at this time of year. Any suggestions of places to stay in any of the places Ive listed

The weather should be wonderful. Let's get that out of the way first! Every few years there's a little bit of rain, but ordinarily, especially in Yosemite, it's downright hot. Las Vegas as well. S.F. and Carmel (and Monterey) will also be pleasantly warm, just starting the downturn toward their mild winters.<BR><BR>If you go to Carmel and Monterey, you should consider heading south on highway 1 to Big Sur, about 1/2 hour beautiful drive along the coast highway. It will give you a feel of what the rest of the trip along highway 1 would be if you continued on down to San Luis Obispo.<BR><BR>When we're in Monterey, we usually make this trip, just to have lunch at Nepenthe, at the southerly end of Big Sur. The English love this restaurant, and Phoenix, the shop down below. <BR><BR>Carmel is a neat little down, mostly walking and window shopping, and a pleasant beach. Don't miss the mission there, it's quite beautiful, and you can take the tour for a few $$ and learn about the history of California through the mission slant. The church at the mission houses the remains of Father Serra, the father (no pun intended) of the missions (and settlement of California).<BR><BR>Monterey also has wonderful places to visit, like Fisherman's Wharf, the Aquarium, Cannery Row, as well as a number of historical buildings, like the custom's house.<BR><BR>In Yosemite, the waterfalls that you can see from the Valley floor will be empty, except Bridelpath falls. You should take a hike up to Vernal/Nevada falls, or if you hate to hike, try it half way up to the Vernal Falls bridge. Alternatively, you can drive up to Glacier Point and look down on these two falls, as well as get a bird's eye view of all of the great things Yosemite has to offer.<BR><BR>Have fun!

Oops, a few spelling mistakes. &quot;down&quot; should be &quot;town&quot; and &quot;bridelpath&quot; should be Bridelveil. Sorry, I'm rushing off to work!

You will be coming during what is called our Indian Summer. The weather along the coast is great - sunny, warm weather, hardly any fog. The weather in Yosemite will probably be warm during the day and chilly at night. In the inland valleys it might be pretty hot though - into the 90s so be prepared for that. I imagine LV and Death Valley would be pretty warm at that time too.

The others are right about the weather. And yes, three weeks ought to be fine. A note - in early September the high temperature in Death Valley is typically above 100F. Not a reason to stay away, but don't plan on long strolls across the salt flats.<BR><BR>Book accommodations as early as you can for Yosemite and Death Valley, where they are quite scarce.