San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas
Discussion
Considering doing this with the other half.
Proposed 2 weeks. 4 or 5 days in each location. Which is the best way to travel between them? Flying or driving? I'm happy to drive it for the enjoyment factor / cost saving although if it's going to be a massive hassle (hiring cars, getting lost etc.) I'd prefer to fly.
Anyone done it or have any advice?
Proposed 2 weeks. 4 or 5 days in each location. Which is the best way to travel between them? Flying or driving? I'm happy to drive it for the enjoyment factor / cost saving although if it's going to be a massive hassle (hiring cars, getting lost etc.) I'd prefer to fly.
Anyone done it or have any advice?
I'd want a little bit extra in SF as it's a really nice place, but it really depends what you're interests are and what you plan on doing. LA is such a big place with so much to do that you can spend weeks there and barely scratch the surface, while others are keen to get out ASAP.
I wouldn't drive into LA though, the traffic is horrendous most of the time and the drive from Vegas is boring as hell IMO, I've done it a couple of times there and back and while the first had novelty value because I was in a vette I was still bored out of my mind for the large part. San Fran hate cars with a passion, so getting out of there in one is easy, getting in is the hard part
Vegas is easy.
Drive SF > LV, then get a plan from LAS to LAX if you're short on time. There's loads of little commuter flights. If you do fancy driving it there's a couple of interesting places to stop on the way, and one or two good eateries, but for the large part it's like watching paint dry, so take your ipod.
I wouldn't drive into LA though, the traffic is horrendous most of the time and the drive from Vegas is boring as hell IMO, I've done it a couple of times there and back and while the first had novelty value because I was in a vette I was still bored out of my mind for the large part. San Fran hate cars with a passion, so getting out of there in one is easy, getting in is the hard part
Vegas is easy.Drive SF > LV, then get a plan from LAS to LAX if you're short on time. There's loads of little commuter flights. If you do fancy driving it there's a couple of interesting places to stop on the way, and one or two good eateries, but for the large part it's like watching paint dry, so take your ipod.
Stu R said:
I'd want a little bit extra in SF as it's a really nice place, but it really depends what you're interests are and what you plan on doing. LA is such a big place with so much to do that you can spend weeks there and barely scratch the surface, while others are keen to get out ASAP.
I wouldn't drive into LA though, the traffic is horrendous most of the time and the drive from Vegas is boring as hell IMO, I've done it a couple of times there and back and while the first had novelty value because I was in a vette I was still bored out of my mind for the large part. San Fran hate cars with a passion, so getting out of there in one is easy, getting in is the hard part Vegas is easy.
Drive SF > LV, then get a plan from LAS to LAX if you're short on time. There's loads of little commuter flights. If you do fancy driving it there's a couple of interesting places to stop on the way, and one or two good eateries, but for the large part it's like watching paint dry, so take your ipod.
Interesting than you suggest driving SF > Vegas, which is a good days worth of driving, much of which through the Nevada Desert, but not driving the fours hours between Vegas and LA?I wouldn't drive into LA though, the traffic is horrendous most of the time and the drive from Vegas is boring as hell IMO, I've done it a couple of times there and back and while the first had novelty value because I was in a vette I was still bored out of my mind for the large part. San Fran hate cars with a passion, so getting out of there in one is easy, getting in is the hard part
Vegas is easy.Drive SF > LV, then get a plan from LAS to LAX if you're short on time. There's loads of little commuter flights. If you do fancy driving it there's a couple of interesting places to stop on the way, and one or two good eateries, but for the large part it's like watching paint dry, so take your ipod.
Personally I'd go t'other way around. Peggy Sue's 50's Diner is pretty much slap bang half-way between LV and LA, so breaks the journey up nicely.
I drove LV to SF via Sacramento in March, and was physically drained at the end of it.
Friends of ours have done this, and only a few years later did San Fran, Las Vegas and Hawai for pretty much the same price, their opinion was don't bother with LA.
We did San Fran, Las Vegas and Palm Springs, and it was simply superb, so two elements of your propsal I could wholeheartedly recommend
We did San Fran, Las Vegas and Palm Springs, and it was simply superb, so two elements of your propsal I could wholeheartedly recommend
It is a good slog to vegas from SF I grant you. Time taken was about 7 hours if memory serves, perhaps a touch more. I stopped briefly in Fresno and Bakersfield. You're not actually that far out of LA from Bakersfield. Nice drive though, again touch boring but all of them are once you're off the coast IMO.
Personally I'd fly them all, but if you're driving one leg SF to LV isn't bad, especially if you're arriving in Vegas at dark, feels rather movie-esque
Personally I'd fly them all, but if you're driving one leg SF to LV isn't bad, especially if you're arriving in Vegas at dark, feels rather movie-esque
I'm doing this later this year and here is my itinerary if its of help...
We fly out Friday and spend the weekend in LV then...
Monday
Car delivered to the hotel, Drop off LAX Tuesday 18th 5pm
Las Vegas to Artists Drive (Death Valley) (154miles, 3hrs 30mins)
Artists Drive to Furnace Creek (9miles, 20min) for lunch.
Furnace Creek to Bishop (163miles, 3hrs 2mins)
Total = 326miles / 7hrs
Tuesday
Bishop to Sonora (via Yosemite National Park) (181 Miles, 3hrs 30mins)
Wednesday
Sonora to (downtown) San Francisco (via Golden Gate Bridge) (140 Miles 2hrs 39mins)
Thursday / Friday
SF
Saturday
San Francisco to Monterey Bay (113 Miles 2hrs 11mins)
Sunday
Whale Watching – Sanctuary Cruises £30, 4/5 hrs from 10am.
Monday
Monterey Bay to Santa Maria (166miles 3hrs 30mins)
Tuesday to Friday
Santa Maria to LA (169 miles 3hrs) via Mulholland Drive
Wednesday to Friday
LA
Friday
LAX – LAS 1430hrs – 1545 American Airlines
Times and Distances are from Google maps.
We fly out Friday and spend the weekend in LV then...
Monday
Car delivered to the hotel, Drop off LAX Tuesday 18th 5pm
Las Vegas to Artists Drive (Death Valley) (154miles, 3hrs 30mins)
Artists Drive to Furnace Creek (9miles, 20min) for lunch.
Furnace Creek to Bishop (163miles, 3hrs 2mins)
Total = 326miles / 7hrs
Tuesday
Bishop to Sonora (via Yosemite National Park) (181 Miles, 3hrs 30mins)
Wednesday
Sonora to (downtown) San Francisco (via Golden Gate Bridge) (140 Miles 2hrs 39mins)
Thursday / Friday
SF
Saturday
San Francisco to Monterey Bay (113 Miles 2hrs 11mins)
Sunday
Whale Watching – Sanctuary Cruises £30, 4/5 hrs from 10am.
Monday
Monterey Bay to Santa Maria (166miles 3hrs 30mins)
Tuesday to Friday
Santa Maria to LA (169 miles 3hrs) via Mulholland Drive
Wednesday to Friday
LA
Friday
LAX – LAS 1430hrs – 1545 American Airlines
Times and Distances are from Google maps.
Did it in '94. Flew to LA, stayed there a while then went to Vegas for a long weekend and then up to SF for a few days and back down the Pacific Highway.
It's a good trip, but make sure you get a decent car, we upgraded for a minimal amount to a V8 Cadilac from some rubbish Ford and it made all the difference to the trip, having something powerful and comfortable.
It's great driving into the desert and seeing Vegas looming with Elvis playing on the radio.
It's a good trip, but make sure you get a decent car, we upgraded for a minimal amount to a V8 Cadilac from some rubbish Ford and it made all the difference to the trip, having something powerful and comfortable.
It's great driving into the desert and seeing Vegas looming with Elvis playing on the radio.
Edited by vixen1700 on Thursday 5th May 16:16
Fantastic choice!
In 2009 we stayed in San Francisco (great city!)... then drove down the Pacific Highway for a few nights in the Post Ranch Inn at Big Sur. Stopped in Carmel, Monterey and Santa Cruz along the way. Fantastic area for a bit driving, wandering around the small towns, generally chilling out in the places along the way.
Last year we drove from LA to Las Vegas, stopped for couple of nights, saw the Hoover Dam then drove through Arizona, Nevada (Death Valley), stayed in Tehachapi, then drove through the California costal range and up the Pacific Highway to Big Sur again. Wonderful mix of ocean, woodland, cliffs, little towns with beach cafes and quirky places such as Hearst Castle.
You'll love it! Pacific Highway takes longer than you think when driving. Allow lots of time.
In 2009 we stayed in San Francisco (great city!)... then drove down the Pacific Highway for a few nights in the Post Ranch Inn at Big Sur. Stopped in Carmel, Monterey and Santa Cruz along the way. Fantastic area for a bit driving, wandering around the small towns, generally chilling out in the places along the way.
Last year we drove from LA to Las Vegas, stopped for couple of nights, saw the Hoover Dam then drove through Arizona, Nevada (Death Valley), stayed in Tehachapi, then drove through the California costal range and up the Pacific Highway to Big Sur again. Wonderful mix of ocean, woodland, cliffs, little towns with beach cafes and quirky places such as Hearst Castle.
You'll love it! Pacific Highway takes longer than you think when driving. Allow lots of time.
Just got back 2 weeks ago from driving LA -> SF over 2 weeks.
2 days in LA was enough for me, quite happy to see the back of it (Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and lunch on Rodeo Drive excepted). Didn't like Hollywood at all (once you've done the touristy Walk of Stars/Kodak Theatre etc). Everyone had their hand out for a buck, be it tour guides, photographers/photo props/beggars.
Loved Santa Barbara, Carmel (especially) etc (PS As a PHer, don't forget to stop off at Leguna Seca
). Monterey was OK (aquarium is a must) but glad we stayed in Carmel and visited from there.
Drove the Big Sur from San Simeon. Twice in fact as the road was closed at Bixby Bridge but I was determined to do it, so turned round and
back down again. Fantastic, but as been said, takes longer than you think.
1 night stop in Santa Cruz. Liked the place although I likened it to a cross between Newquay and Blackpool
4 days in SF was enough for me. Did the usual stuff (Alcatraz tour was excellent, China Town was a disappointment)
Was going to do another trip SF -> LV via Yosemite/Hoover Dam etc in a year or so but for some reason I've now got a hankering to go to Cowboy Country...yeehaa.
2 days in LA was enough for me, quite happy to see the back of it (Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and lunch on Rodeo Drive excepted). Didn't like Hollywood at all (once you've done the touristy Walk of Stars/Kodak Theatre etc). Everyone had their hand out for a buck, be it tour guides, photographers/photo props/beggars.
Loved Santa Barbara, Carmel (especially) etc (PS As a PHer, don't forget to stop off at Leguna Seca
). Monterey was OK (aquarium is a must) but glad we stayed in Carmel and visited from there.Drove the Big Sur from San Simeon. Twice in fact as the road was closed at Bixby Bridge but I was determined to do it, so turned round and
back down again. Fantastic, but as been said, takes longer than you think.1 night stop in Santa Cruz. Liked the place although I likened it to a cross between Newquay and Blackpool
4 days in SF was enough for me. Did the usual stuff (Alcatraz tour was excellent, China Town was a disappointment)
Was going to do another trip SF -> LV via Yosemite/Hoover Dam etc in a year or so but for some reason I've now got a hankering to go to Cowboy Country...yeehaa.
FUBAR said:
4 days in SF was enough for me. Did the usual stuff (Alcatraz tour was excellent, China Town was a disappointment)
Was going to do another trip SF -> LV via Yosemite/Hoover Dam etc in a year or so but for some reason I've now got a hankering to go to Cowboy Country...yeehaa.
Aw hell no!Was going to do another trip SF -> LV via Yosemite/Hoover Dam etc in a year or so but for some reason I've now got a hankering to go to Cowboy Country...yeehaa.
I could easily spend weeks in SF.
The Stinking Rose, Yoshi Japanese Restaurant and Jazz Club, Bourbon and Branch - the 'hidden' speakeasy bar. I love it there.
Seriously pick up a good guide book and gauge what tickles your fancy. I've been to CA twice now and still have much to see (2x 3 week driving holidays).
Drive between SF and LA is awesom (highway 1) drive from LA to LV is boring with the exception of death valley which is a destination worth visiting in itself. Spent a week in Vegas and surrounding areas on a different holiday and it's just not for me really. LA itself I wouldn't stay in but Santa Monica is a cool town, we spent 4 nights there once, spent a day ticking off the LA touristy stuff (walk of fame, Universal, etc) and then spent time on the beach and driving south/general exploring).
Highway 1 between SF and LA can be done in a day but I'd have an overnigth stay to break it up, there are places like Cambria and Big Sur. In addition to SF the Monterey Peninsula is well worth a visit, Monterey, Pacfic Grove, Carmel by the sea are all within 5 mins of eachother.
I love SF nice compact city, easy to explore-lots of tramps though! Also there are hundred of vineyards within a 45 min drive (Napa, Sonoma to name the largest). I'd throughly recommend atleast taking a day trip (coach) or staying over night in Sonoma which is a great little town.
Are you allowing a day that you'll loose travelling? If I were you and I had 2 weeks I'd do something like this:
3nts SF (pick up car on your last morning)
2nts Monterey Peninsula
1 night Cambria
3 night Santa Monica Fly to Vegas
4/5 night Vegas
Drive between SF and LA is awesom (highway 1) drive from LA to LV is boring with the exception of death valley which is a destination worth visiting in itself. Spent a week in Vegas and surrounding areas on a different holiday and it's just not for me really. LA itself I wouldn't stay in but Santa Monica is a cool town, we spent 4 nights there once, spent a day ticking off the LA touristy stuff (walk of fame, Universal, etc) and then spent time on the beach and driving south/general exploring).
Highway 1 between SF and LA can be done in a day but I'd have an overnigth stay to break it up, there are places like Cambria and Big Sur. In addition to SF the Monterey Peninsula is well worth a visit, Monterey, Pacfic Grove, Carmel by the sea are all within 5 mins of eachother.
I love SF nice compact city, easy to explore-lots of tramps though! Also there are hundred of vineyards within a 45 min drive (Napa, Sonoma to name the largest). I'd throughly recommend atleast taking a day trip (coach) or staying over night in Sonoma which is a great little town.
Are you allowing a day that you'll loose travelling? If I were you and I had 2 weeks I'd do something like this:
3nts SF (pick up car on your last morning)
2nts Monterey Peninsula
1 night Cambria
3 night Santa Monica Fly to Vegas
4/5 night Vegas
Just got back from an amazing California 2 week trip ...... We managed the following itinery
3 Nights SanFrancisco
2 Nights Monterey
2 Nights Big Sur
1 Night Morro Bay
2 Nights Sequoia National Park
2 Nights Napa
It didnt 'feel' too rushed, but definately couldve spent more time in then national parks (Point Lobos was particularily good).....
Photographs can be found here if interested
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21614986@N02/sets/721...
Any Questions, feel free to ask (I realise this is only part of the OPs original route)
Rgds
Jonathan
3 Nights SanFrancisco
2 Nights Monterey
2 Nights Big Sur
1 Night Morro Bay
2 Nights Sequoia National Park
2 Nights Napa
It didnt 'feel' too rushed, but definately couldve spent more time in then national parks (Point Lobos was particularily good).....
Photographs can be found here if interested
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21614986@N02/sets/721...
Any Questions, feel free to ask (I realise this is only part of the OPs original route)
Rgds
Jonathan
I'd agree with some of the other posters above. We did SF to LA to San Diego in the car and then flew from SD to Vegas...all done in April last year.
My best advice is research research research. I went on forums like this, emailed quite a few of the people who posted stuff and got loads of great advice and tips....eg. the front desk upgrade tip for Vegas.
We flew Heathrow to San Fran and had 4 days there. We did alcatraz and a general cruise around the pierfronts on our second day (first full day). Then did Golden Gate park, Japanese gardens and museum (can't remember the name, but it was free to get in, and awesome views over SF) one morning, before walking across the bridge and then down to Sausalito (spelling) for a look round, ice cream and then ferry back to San Fran. I won't bore you with what we did the other 2 days, but still plenty to do and see.
Then we got transport to the airport to pick up the old convertible mustang and headed south (via a trip back into San Fran so I could blast up some hills, and also drive down Lombard street).
First night on the road we stopped in Monterey and then the next day we went round 17 mile drive (private road with loads of famous sights and golf courses) got engaged and had a cruise round Carmel.
Next day we did the aquarium (which I thought was ok, but not amazing) and then had the best drive ever down the Pacific Coast Highway...scenery is stunning and loads of photo opportunities, and lots of opportuities to get your toe down too....That night we stayed at a place called The Madonna Inn, which has to be the most pimp place you can stay in the world, and also does a decent steak.
I'll not go on and on, but we loved Santa Barbara and wished we could have stayed more than 1 night, we weren't so bothered about Santa Monica and LA, but each to their own.
I found that Hertz were as good as anyone to rent from, but I think joining their drivers club helps. Had to wait till the last minute to book it, and managed to get a great deal where the mustang came in at virtually the same price as the generic convertible. Their prices did seem to go up quite a bit if you picked up in one state and then dropped in another...so SF to SD was fine, but going to Nevada made it loads more expensive. We got flights with South West Airlines for about $80 each I think.
If you want any advice, just PM me.
Hope you have an amazing time, whatever you do
My best advice is research research research. I went on forums like this, emailed quite a few of the people who posted stuff and got loads of great advice and tips....eg. the front desk upgrade tip for Vegas.
We flew Heathrow to San Fran and had 4 days there. We did alcatraz and a general cruise around the pierfronts on our second day (first full day). Then did Golden Gate park, Japanese gardens and museum (can't remember the name, but it was free to get in, and awesome views over SF) one morning, before walking across the bridge and then down to Sausalito (spelling) for a look round, ice cream and then ferry back to San Fran. I won't bore you with what we did the other 2 days, but still plenty to do and see.
Then we got transport to the airport to pick up the old convertible mustang and headed south (via a trip back into San Fran so I could blast up some hills, and also drive down Lombard street).
First night on the road we stopped in Monterey and then the next day we went round 17 mile drive (private road with loads of famous sights and golf courses) got engaged and had a cruise round Carmel.
Next day we did the aquarium (which I thought was ok, but not amazing) and then had the best drive ever down the Pacific Coast Highway...scenery is stunning and loads of photo opportunities, and lots of opportuities to get your toe down too....That night we stayed at a place called The Madonna Inn, which has to be the most pimp place you can stay in the world, and also does a decent steak.
I'll not go on and on, but we loved Santa Barbara and wished we could have stayed more than 1 night, we weren't so bothered about Santa Monica and LA, but each to their own.
I found that Hertz were as good as anyone to rent from, but I think joining their drivers club helps. Had to wait till the last minute to book it, and managed to get a great deal where the mustang came in at virtually the same price as the generic convertible. Their prices did seem to go up quite a bit if you picked up in one state and then dropped in another...so SF to SD was fine, but going to Nevada made it loads more expensive. We got flights with South West Airlines for about $80 each I think.
If you want any advice, just PM me.
Hope you have an amazing time, whatever you do
I am very envious.
We did London- SF for 4 days
SF to LV via S West airlines
Hertz V8 Chevy from airport.
3 Days in Vegas ( plenty for me)
Drove to Grand Canyon vis Hoover Dam, then Flagstaff.
Drove to Tucson for 4 days, then 4 days in Phoenix.
Dropped car off and flew back to SF
Then back to London
Wish I could do it all again!!!!
We did London- SF for 4 days
SF to LV via S West airlines
Hertz V8 Chevy from airport.
3 Days in Vegas ( plenty for me)
Drove to Grand Canyon vis Hoover Dam, then Flagstaff.
Drove to Tucson for 4 days, then 4 days in Phoenix.
Dropped car off and flew back to SF
Then back to London
Wish I could do it all again!!!!
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