The trip planning goes on - for our summer family (including 2 teenagers)trip to Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, we figure a reasonable place to stop en route to San Diego is in Yuma area. Anything to see there? We will probably be hiked out after 3 national parks, so something else would be nice. Anyplace interesting to stay, eat. We are from Boston area and have never been to Southwest, so it will all be an experience for us - even things that locals would avoid.
Also, what is with London Bridge (the original) being moved to this area - is it worth seeing? Thanks in advance.

The London Bridge is in the Lake Havasu area - not Yuma. Yuma has absolutely nothing to offer. My guess is that most Southern Californians have never been there - no reason to go there. Find a decent motel with a pool and plan on fast food and swimming for an evening activity before heading on.

Gail, I went to see London Bridge in Lake Havasu a couple of years ago and I was surprised to see that there really isn't anything distinguishable about it, except of course, for its history. Lake Havasu is not very big, but since it's the only real body of water around for recreation it gets so jam packed with boats that you can literally walk from one boat to another at certain times during the year. The only other place I remember in the area is a shopping center with a market, cafe, and a few other stores. Yuma is a stop off the interstate that has many fast food restaurants and motels.

How totally disappointing - so now the question is: if we want to stop between Grand Canyon and San Diego, is there anyplace roughly 1/2 way that is worthwhile or do we just do what first response suggests and travel on after a night. Am not opposed to that - we find that seeing local area, including watching local news, reading local paper in a part of the country we have never been to is sometimes interesting.

As far as London Bridge - didn't expect much, but I think it is so bizarre that they moved it to our Southwest, that I wanted to at least drive by it - especially since we had friendly family arguments about whether or not our trip this summer would be London or this one. (I lost - we are going to Grand Canyon)

Although it isn't very far from Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona, south of Flagstaff, might be worth a stop. The reality is, it's one of those long, non-stop drives.

Consider changing your route a little and drive along the 10 freeway instead. Stop overnight in Palm Desert and then take the back route to San Diego. You could drive by the Salton Sea on the way. Anza Borrego is another nice park to see on the vacation.

Yuma is possibly the most characterlss, soulless place in the US. I've been to 47 of the 50 states. It's right up on top of my list of places to never visit again.

Gail, I've done this trip a few times because I have family in Tucson who also have a vacation home on Coronado. Anyway, how about driving from the Grand Canyon to Tucson, which should take between 6 to 7 hours depending on traffic and breaks. From Tucson it's about 8 hours to San Diego. You'll be on 8 west into 125 south to 94 west (probably). Tucson is not a hot spot, but it is a very nice place to take a break. For very casual fun, you could take in one of the very kooky shows at the Gaslight Theater and have dinner at the adjacent Little Anthony's 50's restaurant. Great burgers, shakes, fries, blue plate specials. Or, you could eat at the casual Hidden Valley Inn, which serves burgers, chicken, ribs, steak, etc. in an old west atmosphere. They have a display of handcarved miniatures that depict different scenes of life in old west that run throughout the restaurant. They also have a dinner theater on the premises. On your way out of town you could stop at the Mission San Xavier del Bac, which is affiliated with the Tohono tribe. As for a place to stay in Tucson, there's a Sheraton Suites and Hotel on Grant. You can get a 1 bedroom suite with a pullout couch in the livingroom area and there's also a kitchenette area. Included in the price is a full cooked to order buffet breakfast that's served in a nice room overlooking the pool. Grant is a busy avenue, but you'll be near many stores and restaurants.

The suggestion for Palm Springs/Palm Desert isn't a bad one. Some great resorts where your family could get a good summer rate and have fun.

Driven through Yuma many time. Best bet is to stay on the road. Don't even bother getting out of the car. Flagstaff is fun. So is Prescott. Lots to do in San Diego. Love the Wild Animal Park. Get a book on tape and make the long drive THROUGH Yuma. Or take a bit longer route and see something interesting. PS--Zion is beautiful!

In order to avoid unpleasantry during your trip it is always necessary to maintain a sense of Yuma. Especially in the summer in Arizona.

Thanks to all - being from the east I am readjusting my thinking to encompass the great distances one must travel with not much inbetween. Since we have spent a lot of time researching either end of the trip (National Parks and San Diego), my guess is we can tolerate some boredom between the two. I'll make sure we rent a comfortable car, since we are flying into Las Vegas and out of San Diego.