SF to LA to Vegas/GC
Apr 15th, 2003, 06:41 AM
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SF to LA to Vegas/GC
I'm in the beginning stages of trip planning. Looking for some help on transportation planning. Do I need a car in LA? Would it make more sense to fly LA to Vegas rather than drive (probably won't have time to make many stops on the way)? Then drive to GC or take a flight there? I know it's far, but I'd also like to see Hoover Dam so we'd need a car. We are on a budget and I don't want to be paying to park a car that I'm not driving (in the city). I have AAA and I've heard that I can get good car rental rates through them. I have never rented a car before; do you have to pay by the week? When we vacation in Europe we use the trains and stay in pensions, if that gives you an idea of what kind of travellers we are!
Here is a rough idea of what we might do:
SF - 3 days (no car)
Pacific Coast Highway (Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Santa Barbara) - 3 days (need car)
LA - 3 days (need car??)
Vegas 2 days (need car??)
GC 2 days (need car??)
Back to Vegas for 1 night and fly home
Also want to see Redwoods. What's better: daytrip to Muir Woods or can I see them at one of the Big Sur parks? Is it possible to find a vineyard near the PCH? No time for wine country on this trip. Also worried that the PCH drive is really long and that the places I plan to stop are too close to one another (chose Santa Barbara only because it's further down the coast and I figure we can spend an afternoon relaxing on the beach). We can probably spare 1-2 more days in there somewhere (although we may need to eat them up just for travel time). Unfortunately we only have 2 weeks vacation and it has to be in August.
Any advice would be appreciated!
Here is a rough idea of what we might do:
SF - 3 days (no car)
Pacific Coast Highway (Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Santa Barbara) - 3 days (need car)
LA - 3 days (need car??)
Vegas 2 days (need car??)
GC 2 days (need car??)
Back to Vegas for 1 night and fly home
Also want to see Redwoods. What's better: daytrip to Muir Woods or can I see them at one of the Big Sur parks? Is it possible to find a vineyard near the PCH? No time for wine country on this trip. Also worried that the PCH drive is really long and that the places I plan to stop are too close to one another (chose Santa Barbara only because it's further down the coast and I figure we can spend an afternoon relaxing on the beach). We can probably spare 1-2 more days in there somewhere (although we may need to eat them up just for travel time). Unfortunately we only have 2 weeks vacation and it has to be in August.
Any advice would be appreciated!
Apr 15th, 2003, 08:07 AM
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Let's see:
Car in LA? - yes
Fly from LA to Las Vegas? - I would, unless it was significantly cheaper to keep the same car rather than flying and renting another car in Las Vegas AND time wasn't critical.
Fly to the GC? I believe LAS and PHX are the closest commercial airports to the GC. If you don't want to drive, you may be able to charter a small plane and fly into a municipal airport.
General car rental info: You pay by the day but many rental companies give you a discount if you rent the car for an entire week. Check into 1 way rental rates since it is often more expensive to rent and return at different locations than to rent and return at the same location. Different companies have different policies. Also, check with your auto insurance company to see what kind of coverage they provide for rental cars, and check with your credit card companies because they may also offer coverage. This way you know what if any coverage you should purchase from the rental car company.
Redwoods: The best redwoods, IMO are in the Santa Cruz mountains - Big Basin State Park would be my first choice, followed by Henry Cowell State Park. Muir Woods is nice too. You will see redwoods in Big Sur, but they aren't as magnificent as the ones in the Santa Cruz mountains, so if you can make the time, I'd highly recommend stopping there.
Driving Hwy 1 from Monterey to Santa Barbara will take the better part of a day. The distance isn't that long, but the road is curvy so your average speed will be about 35-40 mph, and you will want to stop often to see the views. I wouldn't plan to drive any further south than Santa Barbara in one day, in fact, I'd probably stop for the night in Cambria or Morro Bay, that way you wont be rushed to get to your hotel and miss sightseeing opportunities.
Car in LA? - yes
Fly from LA to Las Vegas? - I would, unless it was significantly cheaper to keep the same car rather than flying and renting another car in Las Vegas AND time wasn't critical.
Fly to the GC? I believe LAS and PHX are the closest commercial airports to the GC. If you don't want to drive, you may be able to charter a small plane and fly into a municipal airport.
General car rental info: You pay by the day but many rental companies give you a discount if you rent the car for an entire week. Check into 1 way rental rates since it is often more expensive to rent and return at different locations than to rent and return at the same location. Different companies have different policies. Also, check with your auto insurance company to see what kind of coverage they provide for rental cars, and check with your credit card companies because they may also offer coverage. This way you know what if any coverage you should purchase from the rental car company.
Redwoods: The best redwoods, IMO are in the Santa Cruz mountains - Big Basin State Park would be my first choice, followed by Henry Cowell State Park. Muir Woods is nice too. You will see redwoods in Big Sur, but they aren't as magnificent as the ones in the Santa Cruz mountains, so if you can make the time, I'd highly recommend stopping there.
Driving Hwy 1 from Monterey to Santa Barbara will take the better part of a day. The distance isn't that long, but the road is curvy so your average speed will be about 35-40 mph, and you will want to stop often to see the views. I wouldn't plan to drive any further south than Santa Barbara in one day, in fact, I'd probably stop for the night in Cambria or Morro Bay, that way you wont be rushed to get to your hotel and miss sightseeing opportunities.
Apr 15th, 2003, 08:33 AM
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Hi Monique, it sounds like you have a great trip planned! You're doing a lot in two weeks but it sounds great. Now let's see if I can help you.
First, yes you do need a car in LA. LA is VERY spread out and you would waste too much time getting around using public trans.
It really is a lot cheaper to rent a car by the week than by the day. You might as well rent a car for two weeks instead of takng time to turn in a car and pick another one up, cheaper too. If you have a Costco membership you can get 20% off at Avis, which is better than AAA discount. There also are lots of coupons in those Entertainment books. 2 weeks for a mid size car should cost around a $500.
If you have a car in SF you'll be able to see a lot more but if you are staying in a downtown hotel parking is expensive. If cost is an issue I'd recommend staying on Lombard at the Cow Hallow Inn , great price and free parking. You could take a day trip to Muir Woods or stop at either Big Basin State park or Henry Cowell on your way down the coast. They are both located in Santa Cruz. Yes you will see redwoods in Big Sur too but they aren't quite as impressive. But if you're pressed for time they will still be lovely.
As far as vineyards go there are plenty of winerys in the Carmel Valley and it is a beautiful drive. The tasting rooms charge around $5, much cheaper than Napa.
Yes Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur are close together. I'd pick 1 or 2 and then maybe stay a night in San Simeon or Cambria. (Carmel and Big Sur would be my pick) Santa Barbara is a great place to stop. Make sure you stay close to the beach.
The drive from LA to Las Vegas is great. The desert is so beautiful.
Also be prepared for a big variety of temps. For SF and the coast you will need jeans and sweatshirts and for LA and Vegas shorts and tank tops.I hope this was helpful. If you need any lodging ideas just ask.
First, yes you do need a car in LA. LA is VERY spread out and you would waste too much time getting around using public trans.
It really is a lot cheaper to rent a car by the week than by the day. You might as well rent a car for two weeks instead of takng time to turn in a car and pick another one up, cheaper too. If you have a Costco membership you can get 20% off at Avis, which is better than AAA discount. There also are lots of coupons in those Entertainment books. 2 weeks for a mid size car should cost around a $500.
If you have a car in SF you'll be able to see a lot more but if you are staying in a downtown hotel parking is expensive. If cost is an issue I'd recommend staying on Lombard at the Cow Hallow Inn , great price and free parking. You could take a day trip to Muir Woods or stop at either Big Basin State park or Henry Cowell on your way down the coast. They are both located in Santa Cruz. Yes you will see redwoods in Big Sur too but they aren't quite as impressive. But if you're pressed for time they will still be lovely.
As far as vineyards go there are plenty of winerys in the Carmel Valley and it is a beautiful drive. The tasting rooms charge around $5, much cheaper than Napa.
Yes Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur are close together. I'd pick 1 or 2 and then maybe stay a night in San Simeon or Cambria. (Carmel and Big Sur would be my pick) Santa Barbara is a great place to stop. Make sure you stay close to the beach.
The drive from LA to Las Vegas is great. The desert is so beautiful.
Also be prepared for a big variety of temps. For SF and the coast you will need jeans and sweatshirts and for LA and Vegas shorts and tank tops.I hope this was helpful. If you need any lodging ideas just ask.
Apr 15th, 2003, 10:56 AM
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Monigue, may I suggest: check Amtrak schedule, the bus ride LA-Vegas is under 6 hours, no worries, it may stop on the way for lunch, and the price is $34, Amtrak always has some sales, for example now for 2nd person it would be 50% off, so if you don't want to rent a car in LA (can it be rented so you can drop it off in Vegas??) for about $50 you'll be driven to Vegas with no hussle. And Amtrak buses are usually on time unlike the trains.
There are many tour buses to take you to the Dam, from 2 hour express trip to a longer one visiting other places on the way. Do you need help searching for them?
There are many tour buses to take you to the Dam, from 2 hour express trip to a longer one visiting other places on the way. Do you need help searching for them?
Apr 15th, 2003, 12:11 PM
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A car is a must have in LA, without a doubt. A car in SF may be helpful as viamar suggested to be able to see as much as you can in 3 days. From LA to Las Vegas I would recommend flying instead of driving, gieven the limited amount of time that you have for your trip.
Also, in light of your time constraints, I'd advise picking up Highway 1 (PCH) in the Santa Cruz area along the northern Monterey Bay (280 south to 17 south to Highway 1 south), as the stretch of Highway 1 from the Monterey Bay going south is by far more scenic than the PCH north of there. It will also save you a good deal of driving time. In addition, Big Basin (www.bigbasin.org) and Henry Cowell parks http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=546
are fairly close to Highway 17. Big BAsin would be my first choice for the redwoods followed by Henry Cowell.
On the way to Big Basin and Monterey, there are a number of wineries in the San Jose and Santa Cruz Areas if you are interested being that you do not have time for the Napa Valley. The following links have more information.
http://www.guidedsolutions.net/
http://www.scmwa.com/
You can do without a car in Las Vegas as you will spend most of your time walking. There are also monorail train that operate between some of the casinos. You can take the 301 bus (Citizens Area Transit or CAT) city that runs along the strip to go to Fremont Street Downtown. The Fremont Street Experience (free light and sound show) is really nice to see at night. I would also recommend a car in the Grand Canyon as well.
Also, in light of your time constraints, I'd advise picking up Highway 1 (PCH) in the Santa Cruz area along the northern Monterey Bay (280 south to 17 south to Highway 1 south), as the stretch of Highway 1 from the Monterey Bay going south is by far more scenic than the PCH north of there. It will also save you a good deal of driving time. In addition, Big Basin (www.bigbasin.org) and Henry Cowell parks http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=546
are fairly close to Highway 17. Big BAsin would be my first choice for the redwoods followed by Henry Cowell.
On the way to Big Basin and Monterey, there are a number of wineries in the San Jose and Santa Cruz Areas if you are interested being that you do not have time for the Napa Valley. The following links have more information.
http://www.guidedsolutions.net/
http://www.scmwa.com/
You can do without a car in Las Vegas as you will spend most of your time walking. There are also monorail train that operate between some of the casinos. You can take the 301 bus (Citizens Area Transit or CAT) city that runs along the strip to go to Fremont Street Downtown. The Fremont Street Experience (free light and sound show) is really nice to see at night. I would also recommend a car in the Grand Canyon as well.
Apr 16th, 2003, 05:09 AM
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Thank you so much for the replies!
J_Correa: thanks for the info on car rental and one-way fees. I had no idea. I will check into the insurance and credit cards to so what I am covered for. I'm thinking about stopping at Big Basin instead of Muir Woods, but maybe Muir would be more convenient as a daytrip from SF.
Viamar: thanks for your input. I didn't realize how spread out LA was! I'm still worried about driving around, though, since I don't even drive into little old Boston at home! Don't have a Costco membership, but it's just me and my husband so we can rent a cheaper economy car. I will need lodging ideas but I haven't really done my research yet. Young and on a budget!
FainaAgain: I am big on train travel and public transportation. We have spent the past 5 vacations backpacking in Europe, but it's time for a change! A lot of the reason we haven't travelled in the US much is because of the transportation issue. We are on a budget, but I wouldn't blink at spending a little more money to fly and save myself 6 hours of time on such a short vacation. I am interested in the Dam tours, but I haven't figured out if we'll have a car yet.
DavidDJ: Okay, I am sold on the car in LA since everyone is suggesting it! I can't imagine where everyone parks, though. Does one just drive around to sites, for example to the 'Walk of Fame' to park and then get back in the car to go somewhere else?? I am very used to using Metros and my feet to see big cities, so this will be very different. Thanks for the short cut suggestions; I think we will definitely do that.
A few more questions:
How long is the entire drive from SF to LA? Wondering if I can cut it down to 2 stops (maybe Big Sur and Morro Bay). Also, are 2 nights in LA enough? I think we need the 3 nights in SF because we lose the first half of the first day for travel. Thinking about taking some of the time to do a whirlwind 'Grand Circle' tour. Is this nuts?? http://www.grandcircle.org/destinations/utah/routes/utah_natl_park5day.htm
I think we will fly LA to Vegas. I found Southwest for less than $70 each, which would be cheaper than a car, gas, food, lodging, etc. Even on our budget, time is money. Maybe I can find it even cheaper if I look harder. Then we could pick up a car in Vegas if we do the grand tour out there. My parents flew from Vegas to GC, so it is possible.
J_Correa: thanks for the info on car rental and one-way fees. I had no idea. I will check into the insurance and credit cards to so what I am covered for. I'm thinking about stopping at Big Basin instead of Muir Woods, but maybe Muir would be more convenient as a daytrip from SF.
Viamar: thanks for your input. I didn't realize how spread out LA was! I'm still worried about driving around, though, since I don't even drive into little old Boston at home! Don't have a Costco membership, but it's just me and my husband so we can rent a cheaper economy car. I will need lodging ideas but I haven't really done my research yet. Young and on a budget!
FainaAgain: I am big on train travel and public transportation. We have spent the past 5 vacations backpacking in Europe, but it's time for a change! A lot of the reason we haven't travelled in the US much is because of the transportation issue. We are on a budget, but I wouldn't blink at spending a little more money to fly and save myself 6 hours of time on such a short vacation. I am interested in the Dam tours, but I haven't figured out if we'll have a car yet.
DavidDJ: Okay, I am sold on the car in LA since everyone is suggesting it! I can't imagine where everyone parks, though. Does one just drive around to sites, for example to the 'Walk of Fame' to park and then get back in the car to go somewhere else?? I am very used to using Metros and my feet to see big cities, so this will be very different. Thanks for the short cut suggestions; I think we will definitely do that.
A few more questions:
How long is the entire drive from SF to LA? Wondering if I can cut it down to 2 stops (maybe Big Sur and Morro Bay). Also, are 2 nights in LA enough? I think we need the 3 nights in SF because we lose the first half of the first day for travel. Thinking about taking some of the time to do a whirlwind 'Grand Circle' tour. Is this nuts?? http://www.grandcircle.org/destinations/utah/routes/utah_natl_park5day.htm
I think we will fly LA to Vegas. I found Southwest for less than $70 each, which would be cheaper than a car, gas, food, lodging, etc. Even on our budget, time is money. Maybe I can find it even cheaper if I look harder. Then we could pick up a car in Vegas if we do the grand tour out there. My parents flew from Vegas to GC, so it is possible.
Apr 16th, 2003, 06:18 AM
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The drive from SF to LA on the coastal route would probably take about 8 hours, accounting for the slow traffic and stops along the way. Of course, if time is your main issue, then the 5 or 101 would be the way to go. It would take about 6 hours, depending on the traffic.
If you can, stay 3 nights in LA. It is such a huge, spread out city. SF is like a postage stamp in comparison, so 2 nights should be enough time there. The downtown area if fairly compact and easily explored on foot.
If you can, stay 3 nights in LA. It is such a huge, spread out city. SF is like a postage stamp in comparison, so 2 nights should be enough time there. The downtown area if fairly compact and easily explored on foot.
Apr 16th, 2003, 08:00 AM
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As to your question about Big Basin and Muir Woods - Muir Woods is more convinient for a day trip out of SF. There are probably some tours you could take to get there. If you choose Big Basin, the best way would be to go there on your way from SF to Monterey.
Apr 16th, 2003, 08:56 AM
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Hi Monique, yes flying to Las Vegas will save you some time but the drive from LA to LV only takes about 4 to 5 hours so when you factor in getting to the airport, going through security and then the reverse in LV it probably won't save much time at all.It does sound cheaper to fly though. There is something though about the drive through the desert to LV. My husband and I did this drive once when we were 22 and it was great.
In LA parking is pretty easy and cheap. There are plenty of lots on Hollywood Blvd. At the new Hollywood and Highland complex (on the Walk of Fame) there is tons of parking.
A great place to stay in LA is on the Sunset strip. The hotel prices are surprisingly good. Lots to do and lots and lots of people watching. You can take Sunset Blvd. ( very easy drive) all the way to Malibu and then head down highway 1 to Santa Monica. The Getty museum is nearby too. Another great place to stay is the Hollywood Roosevelt across from Grauman's Chinese theater (the place w/ the footprints) the rates are very reasonable and it is full of old Hollywood glamour.They have a great pool area which you'll need in August. The pool was painted by the artist David Hockney.You might want to start thinking about reservations soon, August is a huge tourist season in California.
In LA parking is pretty easy and cheap. There are plenty of lots on Hollywood Blvd. At the new Hollywood and Highland complex (on the Walk of Fame) there is tons of parking.
A great place to stay in LA is on the Sunset strip. The hotel prices are surprisingly good. Lots to do and lots and lots of people watching. You can take Sunset Blvd. ( very easy drive) all the way to Malibu and then head down highway 1 to Santa Monica. The Getty museum is nearby too. Another great place to stay is the Hollywood Roosevelt across from Grauman's Chinese theater (the place w/ the footprints) the rates are very reasonable and it is full of old Hollywood glamour.They have a great pool area which you'll need in August. The pool was painted by the artist David Hockney.You might want to start thinking about reservations soon, August is a huge tourist season in California.
Apr 16th, 2003, 09:28 AM
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Flying or driving LA to Vegas is somewhat of a tossup. By the time you deal with getting to LAX, turning in a car, taking the shuttle to the terminal, checking your bags, going through security, and then a similar routine in LAS, you could have driven the 4.5 hours. In one case you are cooped up in your car, in the other you are waiting in lines and standing around. I would drive it personally, maybe stopping in Palm Springs to take the tram up the mountain for a break.
Car rental for a basic compact car (weekly) is fairly cheap IF you don't need to buy additional insurance from the rental company (which can easily double the cost). There is a lot of competition, it pays to shop around; you can start by looking at web sites for Hertz, Dollar, National etc. Downtown hotels in SF and LA will charge for parking (and be most expensive for the room); places away from downtown normally don't charge for parking. Definitely pick up the CA guides from AAA.
Car rental for a basic compact car (weekly) is fairly cheap IF you don't need to buy additional insurance from the rental company (which can easily double the cost). There is a lot of competition, it pays to shop around; you can start by looking at web sites for Hertz, Dollar, National etc. Downtown hotels in SF and LA will charge for parking (and be most expensive for the room); places away from downtown normally don't charge for parking. Definitely pick up the CA guides from AAA.
Apr 16th, 2003, 08:39 PM
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You are right about not renting a car in San Francisco. It will be your biggest headache in the city, if you do. San Francisco has a feel of a real city (everythng is compact and there is so much to do), and you will have great public transit. LA is a water district that is really made up of lots and lots of towns--more suburban of a feel. I agree with staying in Big Sur or Carmel.
