We are 4 active pensioners travelling to the west coast next year. Probably Fly Drive for three weeks. We want to see The Grand Canyon , San Francisco, Ocean Drive, Maybe a Park or Two. Most organised fly drives seem to pack in way too much driving and sight seeing each day. Any suggestions or advice gratefully received.

and the fact that you are virgins is relevant how?

Virgins as in we have not visited the West Coast before.

If renting a car and doing the driving yourself is an option for you, you can definately plan an enjoyable trip that allows you to travel at your own pace. For instance, you could fly in to SF, stay for few days (or however long you feel like), and then head south. Carmel and Monterey are lovely. Hurst Castle in San Louis Obispo is definately worth a visit. Yosemite and Muir Woods are gorgeous. Then you could head over to the Grand Canyon. 2-3 days at the GC is probably long enough. They have wonderful shuttle buses that stop at each of the look-out points along the South Rim and you can hop on and off as you like. If you're feeling adventurous, Grand Canyon Tours offers an incredible day long tour that begins with a flight over the canyon and in to Pace, AZ, then you receive a nice boxed breakfast before your jeep ride to Antelope Canyon, which is amazing. After touring Antelope Canyon, you board the bus for Glen Dam, where you take a relaxing motorized raft ride along the Colorado River. (A delicious boxed lunch is provided.) After the ride, the bus takes you back to the Grand Canyon airport. You can fly home from Flagstaff, Phoenix, or anywhere else you feel like visiting.

Many thanks for your advice. The temptation is to try and do too much I think.
Murray

You're very welcome Murray. Hope you have a great trip!

Hearst Castle is actually in San Simeon - 45 miles north of San Luis Obispo.

Stu Dudley

Oh you're right Stu, thanks.