Wow, this is a very ambitious trip but I salute you! I went from Massachusetts to Australia and only had two weeks to spend so I understand wanting to see it all :) Some thoughts:

1. Do you really need more beaches on vacation? I can tell you from personal experience, Australia has some of the best beaches in the world. If you really want to experience more beaches, I'd definitely take Hawaii but on the way back - just relax!

2. Some facts about the U.S. weather in Nov/Dec (which some others have mentioned). Yes, the Northeast is colder than the rest of the country (Boston, NYC, Toronto) and can possibly create weather delays. However, it could also be very mild such as last year, definitely cheaper and less crowded to travel during that time - except Christmas, when everything is expensive.

3. If you could narrow down your travel interests, that would be helpful. Do you like museums, amusement parks, hiking/nature, gambling, drinking, etc? I am still trying to figure out why you are stopping in Santa Barbara :)

4. If I was recommending to a friend from Australia to come and experience as much "America" as he could get, I'd recommend these general tips:

Day 1: Fly into LAX, stay in airport hotel and rest.
Day 2: Fly to Boston, spend two days walking the city and seeing New England Aquarium.
Day 5: Amtrak train to NYC
Day 6-8: See a Broadway show, Statue of Liberty, 9/11 memorial, NYC library, Central Park, etc.
Day 9: Amtrak train to Washington DC
Day 10-15: Explore DC, all museums and monuments are free (or nearly free) and a wonderful walking city to enjoy.
Day 16: Fly to Vegas, rent car
Day 17-21: Party in Vegas! Drive to Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam (about 5 hours away), see Red Rock Canyons (just 30 minutes away) and see the shows in town.
Day 22-29: Drive to California and pick up Pacific Coast Highway all the way to SF.
Day 30: Fly to Hawaii to rest up!

I realize this is a bit "east coast" heavy and there are many variations but just my two cents :)

Yo Vivid: A "bit" East Coast heavy? Really? :) Looks like you have 15 days there?

Hey - I am partial to California - and there is a reason it's the most populated state in America with almost 38 million.

It has something for everyone - including great beaches!!!! Double :)

However - it's not a bad idea to consider getting to the East Coast while the weather is better there, and I always liked Boston. Spend a couple days there, then 3 or 4 in NYC - and then a couple in DC? - and then do the Miami/Bahamas cruise and then head west?

Certainly doable - but then again, driving the beautiful Cal Coast in October is a real treat. Nice weather without the throngs of tourists. Triple :)

I think putting Hawaii at the end, instead of the beginning, is a great plan. A relaxing end to the trip, instead of "relaxing" before you even get going! So like my post above but in reverse order, good idea guys!!

I like Vivid's route with one exception. If you rent the car in Las Vegas, drive to all of the places mentioned including California but return the car to Las Vegas and fly to Hawaii from Las Vegas. Allegiant recently started to fly from Vegas to Honolulu. Rental cars are much cheaper in LV compared to CA. You should not drop off a Las Vegas rental car anywhere but Las Vegas.

Here is my 2 cents:

L.A. / Orange County is NOT a beach destination in Nov/Dec.

Skip Dallas.

Skip Boston if you are only going to spend 1 night.

Three nights in Las Vegas is enough.

The Thanksgiving holiday is Nov 22. Driving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles the following Sunday, the 25th, would be a bad idea.

Airfares should be relatively inexpensive between L.A or Long Beach and Las Vegas at that time of year. You don't really need a car there, unless you make day trips out of the city in which case a fourth night might make sense.

You should get good hotel rates in Las Vegas at that time of year, especially mid-week. But it will be pretty dead mid-week. In the beginning of December, Las Vegas hosts the National Finals Rodeo. It is Dec 6-8 this year. It would be one of the more lively weekends in L.V. in Dec. and fun. Some interesting characters then, unlike the usual cast.

An airplane (not helicopter) and ground tour to the Grand Canyon South Rim (not North Rim) is a fun half-day trip from Las Vegas. Pickup at your hotel, flight out at 6AM and back by 2PM.

Because you are old enough to drive I would say that 3 days for Anaheim (Disneyland and other stuff) is too long. Up to 3 days too long.

Fly, not train, between Florida and the Northeast (NY or Boston).

Hopefully, you are over 26 years old - for renting a car.

Tomsd,

What can I say? I'm partial :) The PCH trip is one that I want to do for myself - so I am envious of that as well. The only reason I suggest Boston/NYC/DC is because many of my international friends want to see some historical (early American) stuff as well as the "Big Apple". I know there are TONS of awesome American places to see but just my two cents :)

I'd love to hear more about what the travelers like to do - that would help us all narrow it down better :)

Tomfuller gave you misinformation about car rental prices, they are no cheaper in Las Vegas than in California. Besides, Aussies pay completely different rates than U.S. citizens and there are generally no one-way drop fees at least with Hertz, National, Alamo and sometimes Avis.

Does the 8k budget include the two round trip tickets from Australia? Does that leave you with about 5.5K? Or 4.5 k after taking into consideration fast food for 5 to 6 weeks? So, about $900 per week budget including hotels, and all this air-travel for two persons around the country?

Re-think

I have never rented a car in California for less than $19/day (base rate). Several times I have rented in LV for 14 to 18 with lower taxes/fees than CA airports.
Glad that Brits and Aussies can drop off in CA without penalty.
Does this also work in Las Vegas?

What Americans can get rental car-wise really has no bearing on what foreign visitors can . . .

Several international brokers specialize in renting to foreigners (just as we can get better rates when visiting their countries)

And insurance is an issue since their own car insurance does not cover them here (as ours wouldn't overseas). So any $19 rental rate could be three+ times that when insurance is tacked on.

These international brokers often quote low, all inclusive rates including ins. and any drop off fees (or there are no fees)

BTW - if you are in Southern California - ideally San Diego :) - by mid to late October - you can still find some very good beach weather and the water hasn't really chilled that much from the summer. It's not Hawaii warm - but still should be in the upper 60's.

On weekends - you can still find families at the beach on the warmer days. And during the week - while school is in - you have a very peaceful setting. :)