gertyinoz

Hi divineMissM, our drive is on a Tuesday. I've had a look at transport from Santa Monica to LAX and there is a bus service, or the plane option as ktspiv4 suggested. What do you think we should do?

sf7307

Gerty, do you mean bus from Santa Monica (which is about 10 miles from LAX), or bus from Santa Barbara (which is about 100 miles from LAX)?

tomfuller

To get from San Fran to Los Angeles or vice-versa I would take the Amtrak San Joachin (bus from SF to Oakland and bus from Bakersfield to LA) The train part is much nicer than a bus ride the whole way. The Coast Starlight is the other option to get to LA.

janisj

The San Joaquin (note the spelling) or the Coast Stralight are really only good IF one is not on a tight schedule and doesn't have a plane to catch on the other end. Most any long distance Amtrak travel in California is prone to extensive delays.

But in any case -- I'm pretty sure gerty is only talking about a bus from Santa Monica (or a flight from Santa Barbara) to LAX since they are driving the rest of their itinerary

paulhelmick

You will be glad you visited yosemite.We are going again in april.there is one hike i love to take there.we catch a bus in the morning in yosemite village that takes us to glacier point.you are then at an elevation where you can see the high country.you then walk down the trail into the valley.it takes a few hours,is all down hill,and has amzing views of the valley and water falls.

elnap29

Most of my rellies are from Australia, and I can tell you that Yosemite has always been very high on their to-do list. (If you didn't go, you'd probably regret it). Even though they live in gorgeous coastal areas, they love Big Sur and that part of the California coastline. I think that flight from Santa Barbara to LAX is a brilliant idea to investigate. I will tell you, though, that my rellies complain miserably about the transfer between International and Domestic terminals at LAX. I have no details on this, but it's something to check out so that you can make that transfer with less hassle. Perhaps someone on Fodors can advise you. In theory, flying Santa Barbara to LAX should help you avoid traffic headaches, and you will already have seen the prettiest part of the coastline.

ziggypop

Hi again, if you cannot get lodging inside Yosemite we stayed at Tenaya Lodge, its a little bit south of the park. We were there 2 years ago and the price was around $170.00 per night. The Seabreeze hotel in Pacifica was $79.00 per night and Pacifica is a quaint little town with good restaurants and shopping. Enjoy the USA, ziggypop

Dayenu

Late to the party, but count another vote not to miss Yosemite.

Somebody above mentioned Amtrak train? If you take the train, don't go San Joaquin, BORING! Starlight is so much better, goes along the ocean. But either train will take all day, maybe a flight our of OAK airport will be better?

The best if you have time and don't mind driving is going down Hwy 1 stopping often to see and to take photos.

happytrailstoyou

>Do we skip the coast between SF and LA?<

I hope not. Of the beautiful drives in the US, Highway 1 in California is probably #1.

Have you been to California before? If not, there is much to see in and near SF, and LA, and between the two cities without taking a big detour.

I love Yosemite, but I can't in good conscience suggest you should make it the centerpiece of a one-week trip of the kind you describe.

Please go to your local bookstore and study Fodor's guidebook for California.

HTTY

mlgb

In July you may find the coast foggy. Yosemite will be crowded but I would place it #1 on a list of must-sees in California. If you have no luck with Yosemite Lodge, I say go ahead and book a cabin at Camp Curry. The kids will love it.

As far as coastal stops I like Pacific Grove better than Monterey, if there is any chance that Asilomar has space I would try for that, but there are a number of B&Bs and motels in PG. I think I might try to make it all the way to Santa Barbara for the second day. It will take about 2 to 3 hours to Santa Monica (usually there is traffic somewhere).

If the coast is fogged up I might visit a few things around Monterey Bay (Point Lobos great for the kids, you'll probably see some sea otters) and then take Route 101 instead of the Coast Hwy. You will return back to the coast around Pismo Beach and can still overnight in Santa Barbara.

Carrabella

Hello, Gertyinoz - as a fellow Oz, but senior, I vote for Yosemite too. We down under have no high mountain scenery anything like it, and the valley itself must be one of the world's most beautiful. The Tioga Road, to the higher areas, will be open in July, and is amazing, but takes at least an extra day, I think.
We stayed in Oakhurst, reasonably priced, but maybe a bit far, except for Mariposa Grove. Try to get somewhere closer. (Fishcamp?)
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/elephant-seals.html

On the coast, we love the elephant seals at San Simeon.
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/elephant-seals.html