Western USA Road Trip Honeymoon - Recommendations?
Discussion
We're thinking about having a bit of an adventure for our honeymoon, and quite fancy a road-trip seeing some of the sights, sounds and shootings of the US West Coast.
We're going from 31st August - 14th September, and have split our route down as follows:
Starting and finishing in LA; each marker would be an overnight stay - not sure how exactly to split the time down yet.
We're not sure whether there will be too much driving involved, as we of course want to see as much of the good stuff as we can.
If anything was to go in the name of saving time, it'd be Vegas, as we've been before and plan to go again in a couple of years anyway.
So, any recommendations/changes you'd make to the above? If there's anything worth seeing, or indeed anything on there that's not, we're all for changing the itinerary! Additionally, likewise with any hotels, bars, sights etc worth seeing...
Also looking at a Mustang convertible for the whole journey; Hertz will rent us one for 14 days for around £650 - does this sound reasonable?
Thanks in advance, virtual card behind the bar etc...
We're going from 31st August - 14th September, and have split our route down as follows:
Starting and finishing in LA; each marker would be an overnight stay - not sure how exactly to split the time down yet.
We're not sure whether there will be too much driving involved, as we of course want to see as much of the good stuff as we can.
If anything was to go in the name of saving time, it'd be Vegas, as we've been before and plan to go again in a couple of years anyway.
So, any recommendations/changes you'd make to the above? If there's anything worth seeing, or indeed anything on there that's not, we're all for changing the itinerary! Additionally, likewise with any hotels, bars, sights etc worth seeing...
Also looking at a Mustang convertible for the whole journey; Hertz will rent us one for 14 days for around £650 - does this sound reasonable?
Thanks in advance, virtual card behind the bar etc...
Edited by mozza42 on Saturday 16th January 21:41
Done that region a few times. Fourteen nights for that route will be a bit whistlestop, lots of driving and not much chance to take in so many decent sights. If I had two weeks, I certainly wouldn't be going anywhere near LA. SF and surrounds would be good to start, then drive over to Yosemite, down to Death Valley and in to Las Vegas, then out to the coast and up the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping in Big Sur. Spend two to three nights in each location, so you can take day trips out. We did pretty much that journey last year, but over a few more days with a couple of extra stops. It was fantastic.
Hertz is OK, but we've never had a totally trouble free rental (over half a dozen). Other places do rent Mustangs, and Avis have Camaros, but they're a bit more excpensive.
Hertz is OK, but we've never had a totally trouble free rental (over half a dozen). Other places do rent Mustangs, and Avis have Camaros, but they're a bit more excpensive.
I'm just going to add a few thoughts to my OH JulianHJ's comments...
I can't offer any thoughts on LA as I've never been, personally I would avoid LA and spend more time in San Francisco if you are wanting the city experience.
In 2007 we stayed for 1 night in Death Valley, which was plenty of time to see most of the standard sights in a low-clearance car (Badwater, Artist's Drive, Zabriskie Point etc). We drove in from Las Vegas in the morning and had the afternoon/evening before leaving at sunrise the following day. We didn't have time for Scotty's Castle though in that timeframe. Last year we spent 4 nights there with an SUV and had a much more exciting time as we were able to visit places off the beaten track and get away from other people (The Racetrack, Titus Canyon, Charcoal Kilns etc).
We also spent 4 nights in Yosemite, and could definitely have spent more time there. Avoid being here at the weekend!
Adding Monterey/Big Sur (2 nights, say) leaves only 4 nights, which I would throw at San Francisco...
Your route really is squeezing a lot in to 2 weeks, and based on what you've said about Las Vegas, I'd definitely advise dropping it this time (I'd possibly also leave Death Valley until you visit Vegas next time). To put it in perspective, we spent 19 nights going from Las Vegas to San Francisco via Death Valley, Yosemite, Sequoia and Big Sur. We didn't spend any time in San Francisco and could have done with longer in Yosemite and Monterey. If you have to go to LA, maybe drop down to 2 nights in Death Valley and 3 in Yosemite? What about Lake Tahoe (beautiful) and/or Sequoia?
You'll certainly see some amazing sights, but be warned you will only want to go back next year to see everything you didn't have time for this year. We're shortly making our 3rd trip out there since 2007!
I can't offer any thoughts on LA as I've never been, personally I would avoid LA and spend more time in San Francisco if you are wanting the city experience.
In 2007 we stayed for 1 night in Death Valley, which was plenty of time to see most of the standard sights in a low-clearance car (Badwater, Artist's Drive, Zabriskie Point etc). We drove in from Las Vegas in the morning and had the afternoon/evening before leaving at sunrise the following day. We didn't have time for Scotty's Castle though in that timeframe. Last year we spent 4 nights there with an SUV and had a much more exciting time as we were able to visit places off the beaten track and get away from other people (The Racetrack, Titus Canyon, Charcoal Kilns etc).
We also spent 4 nights in Yosemite, and could definitely have spent more time there. Avoid being here at the weekend!
Adding Monterey/Big Sur (2 nights, say) leaves only 4 nights, which I would throw at San Francisco...
Your route really is squeezing a lot in to 2 weeks, and based on what you've said about Las Vegas, I'd definitely advise dropping it this time (I'd possibly also leave Death Valley until you visit Vegas next time). To put it in perspective, we spent 19 nights going from Las Vegas to San Francisco via Death Valley, Yosemite, Sequoia and Big Sur. We didn't spend any time in San Francisco and could have done with longer in Yosemite and Monterey. If you have to go to LA, maybe drop down to 2 nights in Death Valley and 3 in Yosemite? What about Lake Tahoe (beautiful) and/or Sequoia?
You'll certainly see some amazing sights, but be warned you will only want to go back next year to see everything you didn't have time for this year. We're shortly making our 3rd trip out there since 2007!
I am so tempted to do something similar to this later in the year. However, after my last holiday to NZ/Aus i am going to have to have a budget 
Do you think a 2 week trip around similar areas to what you are suggesting (but probably avoiding LA), would be achievable for 1 person on a £2k budget (inc car hire and flights)?
Do you think a 2 week trip around similar areas to what you are suggesting (but probably avoiding LA), would be achievable for 1 person on a £2k budget (inc car hire and flights)?Just done most of that in November and December.
My thoughts?
Forget LA and concentrate on San Fran, a superb place. My favourite spot however was Carmel by The Sea, absolutely superb, this being where a certain Mr Eastwood has an interest. You MUST do the 17 mile drive. Drive in from Salinas via Carmel Valley.
Have fun, it is a wonderful playground.
My thoughts?
Forget LA and concentrate on San Fran, a superb place. My favourite spot however was Carmel by The Sea, absolutely superb, this being where a certain Mr Eastwood has an interest. You MUST do the 17 mile drive. Drive in from Salinas via Carmel Valley.
Have fun, it is a wonderful playground.
I did much of the same route in December (not the Las Vegas to San Francisco bit). Been around the San Francisco bit a lot over the past 10 years. I would suggest heading over the Golden Gate a couple of miles to Muir Wood - a lovely, peaceful place to walk for an hour or 2. Also, Unless you have a reason to take in Sillicon Valley, I would head south out of San Francisco straight through Daly City and Pacifica on Route 1, there are a lot of very nice quiet beaches on the way down to Santa Cruz. Head for the pier in Santa Cruz, parking is cheap on the pier and there are Seals you can watch underneath. Leguna Seca Raceway is between Salinas and Monteray - Take the coast road around Monteray and Pacific Grove back to Carmel. Some nice places to stop and watch the sea. Further down, a few miles north of Hearst Castle, there is a Beach that at some times in the year is absolutely jam packed with Elephant Seals.
Hi - this is the soon to be Mrs Mozza!
Thank you all for your posts - they've been a massive help. We've dropped the final leg of the journey from LV to LA, and have decided to fly into LA, and fly out of LV, which frees up a day.
We're going to start off with a night in Santa Monica, just to say we've seen the bright lights of Hollywood! Then head off up the coast with a night in Monteray, then onto San Francisco. We will certainly take in some of your recommended sights, including the 17 mile circular route.
With 3 nights in San Francisco, this will leave us 4 nights for Yosemite, and Death Valley. Then we'll head to LV to pay for the holiday!!
Matt - We think it would be possible for one person to do it on £2k if you're careful with accommodation. The flights are good value at the mo - in the region of £400 return.
Further ideas gratefully received!
Mrs Mozza x
Thank you all for your posts - they've been a massive help. We've dropped the final leg of the journey from LV to LA, and have decided to fly into LA, and fly out of LV, which frees up a day.
We're going to start off with a night in Santa Monica, just to say we've seen the bright lights of Hollywood! Then head off up the coast with a night in Monteray, then onto San Francisco. We will certainly take in some of your recommended sights, including the 17 mile circular route.
With 3 nights in San Francisco, this will leave us 4 nights for Yosemite, and Death Valley. Then we'll head to LV to pay for the holiday!!
Matt - We think it would be possible for one person to do it on £2k if you're careful with accommodation. The flights are good value at the mo - in the region of £400 return.
Further ideas gratefully received!
Mrs Mozza x
mozza42 said:
Hi - this is the soon to be Mrs Mozza!
Matt - We think it would be possible for one person to do it on £2k if you're careful with accommodation. The flights are good value at the mo - in the region of £400 return.
Further ideas gratefully received!
Mrs Mozza x
Flying out of LV is the right thing to do. From this thread I found this link for Hotel deals in Las Vegas. I got a fantastic room for the 4 of us on the 37th floor in the Four Seasons for just $189 per night. The extra flight and car rental costs will be minimal. I was with my family (wife and 2 kids) and average nightly hotel rates were $180 (remeber they add state and local taxes to the advertised prices). I was mostly staying at Marriot Hotels. Fuel is $3 a gallon on average in California at the moment. My SUV averaged 15mpg on my trip - I did about 2000 miles, taking is San Diego as well (was not worth it - so don't bother).Matt - We think it would be possible for one person to do it on £2k if you're careful with accommodation. The flights are good value at the mo - in the region of £400 return.
Further ideas gratefully received!
Mrs Mozza x
I hope this helps.
I've been to Cali a few times and I've got to say that it's one of my fave places in the world. My thoughts would be the following.
I'm going to go against the grain and say that LA is one of the best cities in the world, however, it's not the sort of place that you can just turn up to and go explore. It's too big, doesn't really have a centre and is best if you know somebody there to show you around. However, if you are only there for one night Santa Monica is the best place to go, there are plently of bars / restaurants etc. Also there is the pier which is nice to watch the sun go down on. Santa Monica Main Street is nice, it's got lots of small more independent shops / eateries to pop in.
From there I'd head north as you are doing, and if you fancy something a little different just near the B stop you have planned is the Madonna Inn, which is very different if a little tired, but fine for a one night stop. All the rooms are themed, but if you want something with a waterfall shower you need to book early. I can't remember there being anything of note in Morro Bay for a nice stop over.
Just north of the Madonna Inn is Herst Castle which was once owned by a printing magnate and is well worth an afternoon nosing around. However, bear in mind the drive up along Big Sur will take a little while, so use your time around here wisely. Both the Castle and Big Sur can be done in one day, but it's quite a long day.
However, if you are feeling flush, why not treat yourself to a night at The Post Ranch Inn. I've never stayed, but one day I'll have the money to splash on it!
If you like theme parks, there is Six Flags which isn't too far off your route http://www.sixflags.com/magicMountain/index.aspx
Monterey is lovely, and allow plenty of time for the drive between B & C as you will want to keep stopping to take photos, Big Sur is simply stunning. Also around there is 17 mile drive, which is again something you will never forget. If you like the sea the Aquarium is very good in Monterey.
From there my knowledge starts to run dry, I've never been the biggest fan of San Fran, but a 3 night stop should allow you to do plenty. Make sure you do all the main things, Alcatraz, Fishermans Wharf, The Golden Gate, ferry over to Salsalito and Coit Tower. There are loads of different districts to wander round, and the architecture is diverse.
I'm sure I'll think of something else, but if you want any more info / photos / thoughts on the drive north along the coast drop me a line.
I'm going to go against the grain and say that LA is one of the best cities in the world, however, it's not the sort of place that you can just turn up to and go explore. It's too big, doesn't really have a centre and is best if you know somebody there to show you around. However, if you are only there for one night Santa Monica is the best place to go, there are plently of bars / restaurants etc. Also there is the pier which is nice to watch the sun go down on. Santa Monica Main Street is nice, it's got lots of small more independent shops / eateries to pop in.
From there I'd head north as you are doing, and if you fancy something a little different just near the B stop you have planned is the Madonna Inn, which is very different if a little tired, but fine for a one night stop. All the rooms are themed, but if you want something with a waterfall shower you need to book early. I can't remember there being anything of note in Morro Bay for a nice stop over.
Just north of the Madonna Inn is Herst Castle which was once owned by a printing magnate and is well worth an afternoon nosing around. However, bear in mind the drive up along Big Sur will take a little while, so use your time around here wisely. Both the Castle and Big Sur can be done in one day, but it's quite a long day.
However, if you are feeling flush, why not treat yourself to a night at The Post Ranch Inn. I've never stayed, but one day I'll have the money to splash on it!
If you like theme parks, there is Six Flags which isn't too far off your route http://www.sixflags.com/magicMountain/index.aspx
Monterey is lovely, and allow plenty of time for the drive between B & C as you will want to keep stopping to take photos, Big Sur is simply stunning. Also around there is 17 mile drive, which is again something you will never forget. If you like the sea the Aquarium is very good in Monterey.
From there my knowledge starts to run dry, I've never been the biggest fan of San Fran, but a 3 night stop should allow you to do plenty. Make sure you do all the main things, Alcatraz, Fishermans Wharf, The Golden Gate, ferry over to Salsalito and Coit Tower. There are loads of different districts to wander round, and the architecture is diverse.
I'm sure I'll think of something else, but if you want any more info / photos / thoughts on the drive north along the coast drop me a line.
Done a lot of that area as well. First trip started in San Fran but avoided going all the way down to LA before cutting across to Vegas. As others have said it's a lot of miles so it looks good that you've cut the final leg out.
Not a huge fan of LA itself so usually stay at Newport Beach a bit further out.
Last time we stayed in Carmel we stayed at The Normandy Inn was very nice. I'm sure you'll also get loads more ideas.
It's a fantastic part of the world, enjoy the trip. Just don't be surprised if it's a bit damp and foggy in San Fran.
Not a huge fan of LA itself so usually stay at Newport Beach a bit further out.
Last time we stayed in Carmel we stayed at The Normandy Inn was very nice. I'm sure you'll also get loads more ideas.
It's a fantastic part of the world, enjoy the trip. Just don't be surprised if it's a bit damp and foggy in San Fran.
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