San Francisco - Vegas
Discussion
Afternoon all. Was hoping for guidance re a trip I want to start planning for, for next year. Wifey and I both turn 40 and we want a holiday of a lifetime. Always fancied Vegas - never been - so was thinking:
Fly in to San Francisco - nice hotel - Alcatraz (worth it?) - other trips?
Drive from SF to Vegas - was thinking of going via Yosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley and ending up in Vegas.
Was thinking maybe 2 nights SF, 3 days traveling to Vegs (enough time?) and then 3 nights Vegas. And then fly out of Vegas.
Will want to stay in niceish hotels - especially in Vegas. Now, is this holiday 'doable' in the time frame without being a massive rush? What should I budget? Am I missing something glaringly obvious? Oh, we plan on going around October - weather seems ok this time of year. And kids will be with Grandparents - so just the two of us.
Any tips, guidance, pointers will be gratefully received!
Edited to add: do I book this independently or use a specialist company - if so any recommendations
Fly in to San Francisco - nice hotel - Alcatraz (worth it?) - other trips?
Drive from SF to Vegas - was thinking of going via Yosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley and ending up in Vegas.
Was thinking maybe 2 nights SF, 3 days traveling to Vegs (enough time?) and then 3 nights Vegas. And then fly out of Vegas.
Will want to stay in niceish hotels - especially in Vegas. Now, is this holiday 'doable' in the time frame without being a massive rush? What should I budget? Am I missing something glaringly obvious? Oh, we plan on going around October - weather seems ok this time of year. And kids will be with Grandparents - so just the two of us.
Any tips, guidance, pointers will be gratefully received!
Edited to add: do I book this independently or use a specialist company - if so any recommendations
Edited by chrismcg1 on Thursday 8th July 14:35
I've recently done a bit of this....we flew to SF, drove down the coast to San Diego, then got an internal flight to Vegas before coming home.
We really enjoyed SF and had 4 nights there. Alcatraz is definitely worth it, but should be booked before you go. We also went to Golden gate park, walked over the bridge and the caught a ferry back. Plenty for you to do in 2 days. We stayed at the Hyatt at Fisherman's wharf, due to a recommendation from someone off here and it was very nice, plus they were doing decent deals at that time. They have an excellent concierge service and do killer Bloody Mary's
I can't comment on the route you want to take, as I haven't done it myself, but I've heard great things about it from a few friends. I'd just check that when you plan to travel the weather will still be ok, and it's not during an American national holiday.
We really enjoyed Vegas, but it is a fairly mental and full on place, and not for everyone...but if you want to celebrate/party, then its perfect. Things you need to do, is the helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon and go to one of the cirque de soleil shows.
Hope that helps. If you have any questions or queries, then message me....I did loads of geeky research for our trip.
We really enjoyed SF and had 4 nights there. Alcatraz is definitely worth it, but should be booked before you go. We also went to Golden gate park, walked over the bridge and the caught a ferry back. Plenty for you to do in 2 days. We stayed at the Hyatt at Fisherman's wharf, due to a recommendation from someone off here and it was very nice, plus they were doing decent deals at that time. They have an excellent concierge service and do killer Bloody Mary's
I can't comment on the route you want to take, as I haven't done it myself, but I've heard great things about it from a few friends. I'd just check that when you plan to travel the weather will still be ok, and it's not during an American national holiday.
We really enjoyed Vegas, but it is a fairly mental and full on place, and not for everyone...but if you want to celebrate/party, then its perfect. Things you need to do, is the helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon and go to one of the cirque de soleil shows.
Hope that helps. If you have any questions or queries, then message me....I did loads of geeky research for our trip.
Firstly, book independently.*
My g/f (now wife) and I did this drive back in 98 when my brother lived in Thousand Oaks, CA.
We spent a couple of days in Frisco, but couldn't get to Alcatraz as the trips were full.
We left for Vegas and spent 1/2 in Yosemite before heading on. Leaving Yosemite (at altitude) I was amazed how cold it was (it was September).
Plan your route well* (we didn't have t'internet & SatNav waaaay back then!), and please, please, avoid Tonopah, NV. We stopped at some rickety motel there and that, coupled with the suspect local bar, really proved it was THE pits.
*If you use a route planner like Viamichelin.com, you can select places to stop and find hotels along the way, and also check the driving timings/distances too.
Enjoy Vegas .... I wouldn't/couldn't spend too much time there. 1 1/2 days is/was more than enough for me!
My g/f (now wife) and I did this drive back in 98 when my brother lived in Thousand Oaks, CA.
We spent a couple of days in Frisco, but couldn't get to Alcatraz as the trips were full.
We left for Vegas and spent 1/2 in Yosemite before heading on. Leaving Yosemite (at altitude) I was amazed how cold it was (it was September).
Plan your route well* (we didn't have t'internet & SatNav waaaay back then!), and please, please, avoid Tonopah, NV. We stopped at some rickety motel there and that, coupled with the suspect local bar, really proved it was THE pits.
*If you use a route planner like Viamichelin.com, you can select places to stop and find hotels along the way, and also check the driving timings/distances too.
Enjoy Vegas .... I wouldn't/couldn't spend too much time there. 1 1/2 days is/was more than enough for me!
Edited by 5potTurbo on Thursday 8th July 18:42
We did Vegas - San Francisco a few years ago.
Did a whole round trip, LA, Vegas and ending up in SF.
After Vegas, We drove North on the (95) to Beatty, then turned down through Death Valley.
Death Valley was spectacular, some nice places to stop and would recommend it.
Straight through Death Valley on the (190) to a small town called Lone Pine.
Then North on the (395) to Bishop. We stayed the night in the Best Western. Very nice little hotel. Not much to see in Bishop, but it was just an overnight stay.
We then carried on up the (395), until we reached Mono Lake. Then taking the exit left onto the (120), which is Tioga Pass. This is a spectacular road, loved every minute of it. We stayed two nights in Yosemite national park. it was brilliant. recommend at least a night here!
After Yosemite we drove we took the (120) out of the park, and along the (108) to Manteca. Then North on the (99), to Sacramento. Stayed the night in Sacramento before heading across highway 80 into San francisco. traffic was terrible for like 15-20 miles into San francisco.
you could do it in reverse order
But enjoy!
Andy.
Did a whole round trip, LA, Vegas and ending up in SF.
After Vegas, We drove North on the (95) to Beatty, then turned down through Death Valley.
Death Valley was spectacular, some nice places to stop and would recommend it.
Straight through Death Valley on the (190) to a small town called Lone Pine.
Then North on the (395) to Bishop. We stayed the night in the Best Western. Very nice little hotel. Not much to see in Bishop, but it was just an overnight stay.
We then carried on up the (395), until we reached Mono Lake. Then taking the exit left onto the (120), which is Tioga Pass. This is a spectacular road, loved every minute of it. We stayed two nights in Yosemite national park. it was brilliant. recommend at least a night here!
After Yosemite we drove we took the (120) out of the park, and along the (108) to Manteca. Then North on the (99), to Sacramento. Stayed the night in Sacramento before heading across highway 80 into San francisco. traffic was terrible for like 15-20 miles into San francisco.
you could do it in reverse order
But enjoy!
Andy.
It's years since I went to SF but I would definitely recommend Alcatraz...didn't have to book in those days. I have never been but I would definitely recommend Yosemite...it is on my list of "to do's"...I know a few people that have been there and rave about it. I'd agree that Vegas is a a 1 1/2 day kind of place unless you are really into gambling or going to shows...depends on you as a person. If you go to Vegas you obviously have to do the Grand Canyon and by helicopter.
Tioga Pass is THE route. I went from San Francisco to Las Vegas in May 2008. Tioga Pass had just opened and there was still lots of snow. It has been known to close in october.
I think you'll need more time travelling or it will be a rush. In Yosemite, you will want to keep stopping to admire the views.
I think you'll need more time travelling or it will be a rush. In Yosemite, you will want to keep stopping to admire the views.
Beardy10 said:
If you go to Vegas you obviously have to do the Grand Canyon and by helicopter.
Ohhhh, I'd also recommend that! Although it's not cheap!Worth it though. Flew over the grand canyon. Also see Hoover dam by air, and I landed at a ranch and had a meal and did cowboy type activities!
We stayed in San Fransisco a couple of years ago. I recommend the Ritz but the prices are normally quite high and it is near the top of one of the famous hills. Another place to look at is The Clift. Normally an expensive hotel but currently on sale at Jetsetter.com for $135/night which is a bargain.
In Vegas I have stayed at the Four Seasons and the Venitian. Both good hotels. If you don't want to walk through casinos to get to your room then go Four Seasons as it is probably the only hotel were you don't have to. But, this wouldn't be the Vegas experience. That's why I would stay at "The Hotel", Bellagio, Wynn or Venitian, in a decent sized suite.
prices vary massively for hotels in Vegas. In April 2009 we paid $150/night in the four Seasons which at the time was the only 5 star hotel on the strip. Normally this room would have been many hundreds of dollars more but Vegas was hurting.
I would also recommend looking at Sonoma and Napa especially Yountville as there are nice hotels, Fantastic restaurants and Domaine Chandon are based there so you can have a tour of the American take on Champagne. (Domaine Chandon is owned by Moet and use the same vines.
In Vegas I have stayed at the Four Seasons and the Venitian. Both good hotels. If you don't want to walk through casinos to get to your room then go Four Seasons as it is probably the only hotel were you don't have to. But, this wouldn't be the Vegas experience. That's why I would stay at "The Hotel", Bellagio, Wynn or Venitian, in a decent sized suite.
prices vary massively for hotels in Vegas. In April 2009 we paid $150/night in the four Seasons which at the time was the only 5 star hotel on the strip. Normally this room would have been many hundreds of dollars more but Vegas was hurting.
I would also recommend looking at Sonoma and Napa especially Yountville as there are nice hotels, Fantastic restaurants and Domaine Chandon are based there so you can have a tour of the American take on Champagne. (Domaine Chandon is owned by Moet and use the same vines.
For a little romance and culture in a region that is largely devoid of both, I suggest Sonoma/Napa, to the north of San Francisco. There are some utterly gorgeous, privately owned hotels in the region and some of the wine tours (though by no means all of them) are very interesting, sophisticated and entertaining. The contrast between this part of the US and the dirt-ball that is Las Vegas (particularly during daylight) could provide you with two extremes of the American experience.
chrismcg1 said:
Drive from SF to Vegas - was thinking of going via Yosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley and ending up in Vegas.
Was thinking maybe 2 nights SF, 3 days traveling to Vegs (enough time?) and then 3 nights Vegas. And then fly out of Vegas.
Will want to stay in niceish hotels - especially in Vegas. Now, is this holiday 'doable' in the time frame without being a massive rush?
That does sound like a massive rush - you're going to be mainly packing, driving, unpacking and sleeping. 2 nights somewhere means only 1 clear day.Was thinking maybe 2 nights SF, 3 days traveling to Vegs (enough time?) and then 3 nights Vegas. And then fly out of Vegas.
Will want to stay in niceish hotels - especially in Vegas. Now, is this holiday 'doable' in the time frame without being a massive rush?
One other thing that occurs to me is, is there a massive surcharge for leaving the hire car in a different State?
We've done a couple of Ca tours, including taking in Vegas once, but we started in LA and finished in San Francisco and there are no extra car hire charges for doing that.
We stayed 3-4 nights in each place, travelling over 3 weeks, but (for us) 3 days in Vegas was too much. You could spend forever in San Francisco.
Great trip, go for it.
San Fran is probably a lot smaller than you imagine. Definitely book Alcatraz and i would recommend the night tour.
I would then stay 2 night at Yosemite and then head through Death Valley to Vegas. Death Valley is only a few hours away from Vegas so i wouldn't stay here.
Vegas is awesome whether you gamble or not. You will love it. However if you can manage an overnight stay at the grand canyon i would recommend that.
Do not do the helicopter tour to the grand canyon if you have the option of driving and staying overnight.
San Fran is probably a lot smaller than you imagine. Definitely book Alcatraz and i would recommend the night tour.
I would then stay 2 night at Yosemite and then head through Death Valley to Vegas. Death Valley is only a few hours away from Vegas so i wouldn't stay here.
Vegas is awesome whether you gamble or not. You will love it. However if you can manage an overnight stay at the grand canyon i would recommend that.
Do not do the helicopter tour to the grand canyon if you have the option of driving and staying overnight.
Newbey said:
Great trip, go for it.
San Fran is probably a lot smaller than you imagine. Definitely book Alcatraz and i would recommend the night tour.
I would then stay 2 night at Yosemite and then head through Death Valley to Vegas. Death Valley is only a few hours away from Vegas so i wouldn't stay here.
Vegas is awesome whether you gamble or not. You will love it. However if you can manage an overnight stay at the grand canyon i would recommend that.
Do not do the helicopter tour to the grand canyon if you have the option of driving and staying overnight.
The solitude of Stovepipe Wells and the Amargosa hotel are well worth experiencing. Not everyone will love Las Vegas. If you are not going to do something that "Stays in Vegas" then it is tiresome.San Fran is probably a lot smaller than you imagine. Definitely book Alcatraz and i would recommend the night tour.
I would then stay 2 night at Yosemite and then head through Death Valley to Vegas. Death Valley is only a few hours away from Vegas so i wouldn't stay here.
Vegas is awesome whether you gamble or not. You will love it. However if you can manage an overnight stay at the grand canyon i would recommend that.
Do not do the helicopter tour to the grand canyon if you have the option of driving and staying overnight.
Deva Link said:
One other thing that occurs to me is, is there a massive surcharge for leaving the hire car in a different State?
It's a well trodden route so I don't think it is too bad - although make sure you find one where you pay for it in advance, or know how much it will be!I would urge you to go for longer and take more time on route or you will miss so much. We did it the other way around from Vegas to San Francisco via Death Valley, Yosemite and Monterey/Big Sur. Death Valley you can skip through in a day but will need a stop beforehand somewhere like Lone Pine. I would recommend a couple of nights in Yosemite because it is amazing and there is much to see... then skip Sequoia by going over the Tioga Pass (assuming it doesn't close early that year due to snow!)
We did a similar trip in August 2008. Our itinerary was:-
Fly to San Francisco
2 nights in San Francisco (Wharf Inn)
1 night in South Lake Tahoe (Best Western Station House Inn)
2 nights in Yosemite (Yosemite Lodge at the Falls)
1 night in Bishop (Best Western Creekside Inn)
1 night in Death Valley (Furnace Creek Ranch)
2 nights in Las Vegas (New York New York)
2 nights in Grand Canyon Village (El Tovar)
3 nights in Las Vegas (Treasure Island)
Flew home from Las Vegas
Anything I'd have done differently?
Spend an extra night both in San Francisco & South Lake Tahoe. Stay at the Ahwahnee instead of the Yosemite Lodge.
As said before, book Alcatraz well before you travel - it is the No. 1 attraction in SF.
We did 2 helo trips; a 10 minute flight over Vegas at night, and a 45 minute flight from Tusayan all over the most scenic part of the Canyon. I specifically drove to Grand Canyon South Rim because that's the widest & most scenic part - the helicopters on the trips from Vegas don't get that far. The downside is that it's a 275 mile drive from Vegas. It does, however, enable you to watch the sunrise & sunset over the Canyon.
There is more to see in Death Valley than some people realise, and I'm glad we stayed the night there. The scenery is just amazing. It also gave us the chance of being in a swimming pool fed by natural hot springs, at night, in the desert heat, with just the stars above us. One of those unforgettable experiences.
If you want to stay in Yosemite Valley or Grand Canyon Village, I'd recommend booking as early as you can.
If you're going into Yosemite via the 395 & Tioga Pass, don't miss Mono Lake (next to Lee Vining). You can drive along the southern shore, then walk to the waters edge, where you'll see things like this:
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.t...
Whatever your final itinerary, you will have a fantastic time.
If you want any more info, feel free to PM me.
Fly to San Francisco
2 nights in San Francisco (Wharf Inn)
1 night in South Lake Tahoe (Best Western Station House Inn)
2 nights in Yosemite (Yosemite Lodge at the Falls)
1 night in Bishop (Best Western Creekside Inn)
1 night in Death Valley (Furnace Creek Ranch)
2 nights in Las Vegas (New York New York)
2 nights in Grand Canyon Village (El Tovar)
3 nights in Las Vegas (Treasure Island)
Flew home from Las Vegas
Anything I'd have done differently?
Spend an extra night both in San Francisco & South Lake Tahoe. Stay at the Ahwahnee instead of the Yosemite Lodge.
As said before, book Alcatraz well before you travel - it is the No. 1 attraction in SF.
We did 2 helo trips; a 10 minute flight over Vegas at night, and a 45 minute flight from Tusayan all over the most scenic part of the Canyon. I specifically drove to Grand Canyon South Rim because that's the widest & most scenic part - the helicopters on the trips from Vegas don't get that far. The downside is that it's a 275 mile drive from Vegas. It does, however, enable you to watch the sunrise & sunset over the Canyon.
There is more to see in Death Valley than some people realise, and I'm glad we stayed the night there. The scenery is just amazing. It also gave us the chance of being in a swimming pool fed by natural hot springs, at night, in the desert heat, with just the stars above us. One of those unforgettable experiences.
If you want to stay in Yosemite Valley or Grand Canyon Village, I'd recommend booking as early as you can.
If you're going into Yosemite via the 395 & Tioga Pass, don't miss Mono Lake (next to Lee Vining). You can drive along the southern shore, then walk to the waters edge, where you'll see things like this:
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.t...
Whatever your final itinerary, you will have a fantastic time.
If you want any more info, feel free to PM me.
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