MaureenB

I definitely agree with others who suggest you skip Death Valley. You'll be in the desert in Vegas, and that may be enough of the August desert heat. It's an oven there.
Your other stops will be marvelous and I'd tack on more time to Tahoe, Yosemite, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Laguna. The desert is beautiful, so maybe explore more of it near Vegas.
Check the San Diego Mission Bay area for a hotel near $100. It's pretty touristy, more family oriented, less expensive than Coronado or La Jolla for sure.
Driving from San Diego to L.A. you might want to see one of the original Spanish Missions. Beautiful architecture and history.
So much to see between Santa Barbara and San Francisco. Two nights in Monterey is plenty.
Re: your question of spending time in San Diego, IMHO it would be better to spend 3 nights there and 2 in Laguna instead of the reverse. Laguna is wonderful, but San Diego has more to do. Either way, you can't lose.
Funny you look forward to relaxing in Hong Kong-- I think of it as pretty hectic. In California you'll be in the laid-back capital of the world! Enjoy your visit, and keep asking questions.

Patrick

Put me on the side of the list that says you SHOULD visit Death Valley if you want. It's not just a desert, it's DEATH VALLEY, and interesting to see, plus can really be on the way.

I'm mainly curious if you've made any modifications to the itinerary based on the above suggestions?

moneygirl

San Francisco is a walking, ride the cablecar town...I never knew you could take a helicopter tour. That being said, you might want to consider walking rather than flying. The charm of SF is really in the neighborhoods... in my opinion, but maybe I'm worrying about this for nothing since no one else has mentioned it. I don't think SeaWorld will keep your interest for a full day... maybe consider a dinner(drive out to see the dsunset) in Coronado, a truly beautiful drive out over the bridge and a neat piece of California. Okay... here is my reason for posting: Your drive from LA to Santa Barbara on Labor Day weekend will be delayed with traffic. Just south of Santa Barbara the 101 always bottlenecks and it add a couple hours to your drive... so plan accordingly. Try to get a room in SB either downtown so you can walk around to shops and restaurants or near the beach! (The Pepper Tree is, as another mentioned, in a residential section of town and you would need to drive everywhere.)

paula1470

Patrick - Besides the fact that Death Valley is so hot in August (and that is to be expected), I think many of us felt that a few of their days were more than a little ambitious concerning driving times, etc. By cutting out Death Valley, they would have more time in San Diego or the LA area. So, yes, I would be interested in seeing if they have changed any of their original itinerary.

Allmoo

Hi thanks for everyones advice. Having red through everyones posts weve decided to drop the day at the zoo and the trip to universal. were also considering dropping san diego all together and travelin to sea world from Laguna beach. Is this feeseble?
That way we can spend more time in Laguna beach (4 nights) and Santa Barbara (3 nights)
Cheers.

babs001

Yes, you could drive in for Sea World while staying at Laguna. However, there is a nice place to stay very close to Sea World called Paradise Point. We stayed there a couple of years ago while visiting San Diego and we could have literally walked to Sea World (long walk). It is an older place, not super deluxe, but nice, quiet, on its oun little island. Nice grounds with stream/lagoon/ducks. Has a nice retaurant and bar overlooking water. You might want to check it out.

hsv

Allmoo,

driving down to San Diego from Laguna is feasible IMO.

On the other hand San Diego is such a nice place and such a cool mixture between a big city and relaxed beach community that I would not suggest skipping it altogether.

Personally, I enjoy staying in the La Jolla/ Del Mar area. Within your price range you would most likely not be able to get a beachside lodging opportunity, but take a look into these well located properties:
- The Doubletree San Diego/ Del Mar
- Hilton North San Diego/ Del Mar
- Best Western Stratford Inn Del Mar
- Courtyard by Marriott Solana Beach.

These places are all located in the Del Mar area and might exceed the US$ 100.- range a bit, but you might luck out at around US$ 120.-.

The Doubletree has an inland location between La Jolla and Del Mar and is right by the I-5 Freeway.

The Hilton Del Mar is right by the race track in Del Mar, just a few blocks from the beach and also with very convenient Freeway access.

The Stratford Inn Del Mar is just steps from the Ocean on the way from Del Mar to La Jolla.

The Solana Beach Courtyard is actually right on the border of Del Mar (I would not venture further North because of driving times, but this should still be fine) and also only steps from the beach.

All of these hotels are within easy driving distance of both, San Diego (about 15 to 20 min. on the Freeway) and La Jolla (about 10 min. on the Coastal route).

Enjoy your honeymoon!
hsv

Gardyloo

I have come late to this thread and have only a couple of comments.

First, ragtop car. As Elmer Fudd would say, be vewwy vewwy caweful. You will be in the desert, Central Valley, and/or at high altitude for the first half or more of your time. Too hot for top down in the desert (cops may actually make you raise the top in some locations, e.g. Death Valley) and the thin air at altitude will broil you like kippers. Maybe reconsider this or think about swapping a fixed-roof car in LV and getting the convertible there.

Second, you can easily see the San Diego sights from Orange County, or vice-versa. Holiday traffic may have unusual peak periods, but it's unlikely to equal ordinary week day traffic in most cases. Especially if you ever set wheels on the M25, you won't be phased by SoCal traffic.

If I think of something else I'll post again.

annetti

Just beware that in Southern Calif. that the traffic is unpredictable. You may get in your car for what looks like a 30-40 minute ride and find yourself sitting in traffic for an hr and a half even on the less traveled holiday weekends. Here's wishing you none of the above and a happy and healthy married life.