West Coast - help

[Mrs_Dazzle]

We've decided next year to visit somewhere else in the US other than Florida, which we've visited the last 5 years.

DD (10) and I so want to visit the West Coast, but given her school situation (won't be able to take her out) it looks like the only time we would be able to go would be Easter (best time for all of us) or last week July, first week August (after that DH's away a lot of the time until October with his job as normal:( ). I don't really want to go summer holiday time because it will be busy.

Now here's the problem. DH is a sun worshipper. I've looked at all sorts of different sites and the weather looks slightly chilly in the LA area in April (compared to Florida), but this is really when we want to go.

I'm having difficulty in getting to grips with the sheer size of the west coast in miles, since we'd be happy doing a fly drive and booking hotels ourselves, or there are a couple of reasonable tours with pre-set hotels around. Other problem here is we don't want too much time spent in the car since DH does over 45,000 miles per year on business and doesn't want a busman's holiday (yes, I CAN drive, but he would be really stressed out:rolleyes: ).

What I have in my mind for places to visit are:

A week in Los Angeles for Disney, Universal, San Diego, Hollywood etc. Maybe a couple of days Las Vegas or San Fransisco. The rest of the two weeks is open to suggestions, but I've discovered Palm Springs, 100 miles from LA, is reasonably warm - DH liked the sound of that! But what is there for us to go nosey at - can't sit around all day, I like to get out and about. As long as the hotel has a pool DH and DD will be happy.

Has anyone any tips of travel companies to use, airlines (fed up with Virgin after our St Lucia and Orlando trips this year) and can anyone help with an idea of travelling distances and times.

Any suggestions most gratefully received - I'm at the pulling hair out stage now - I know what I want, just can't figure it all out:confused2

[jjcollins]

We used United Airlines a few years back on our trip to Vegas. It was a direct flight from Heathrow to L.A and found it very good. Vegas was very good and if you were driving there - theres a great shopping mall just outside Vegas in the Desert -- now whats the name of it.



jj......... :light:

[monkeehanger]

We went to LA a few years ago and had a great time. All the parks you mentioned but also Knotts Berry Farm.

I think it would be very hard to try and fit all the cities in. They aren't exactly close to each other. We stayed in Southern Califonia and had more than enough to fill our time. LA, San Diego and a brief trip into Mexico.

The hotel was in Annaheim opposite Disneyland and had a fantastic roof top pool to chill out in.

I would definitely think carefully about the mileage before attempting to 'do' California in one fortnight holiday though.

[jjcollins]

Ok Annie found it lol - Primm is the name of the town - and heres what it has lol http://www.fashionoutletlasvegas.com/



jj........ :light:

[Astrid]

Another vote for Knotts Berry Farm and also the outlet place that JJ mentioned - fab!

Can't answer you on Palm Springs I'm afraid Flower, however, personally I'd spend a day or two longer in Las Vegas (and you've got the weather there) so you can take in the Grand Canyon, and give S.F. a miss. San Diego is lovely, and obviously being a bit further south, but only 2 hours drive, still warm.

Are we really confusing you further here??!! :)

[Hellie]

Having been a few times to the West Coast I would say that you won't need a week in LA, to be honest it is not that great a place, especially Hollywood which I think is quite seedy. When we go to LA we normally stay in Santa Monica or Marina Del Ray both with beaches, we have been in April and the weather was hot enough. We stayed in Anaheim this time and found it easier with getting to DL and Knotts Berry Farm and it is about a 1 hour drive to Universal depending on traffic.

It is easier to get to Sea World if you are staying in San Diego as it can be a bit of a long drive, and I would highly recommend San Diego. Apart from Sea World there are two shopping malls called teh Horton Plaza and The Fashion Valley Mall both are brilliant and open air. We always take a trip over teh border to Mexico and you can get some really good bargains, the Clinique is half the price and there is the bartering :jump:

I would certainly go to San Francisco as well as there is lots to see, with Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown and the Ghiradelli chocolate factory.

Vegas is not to be missed I think about 4 days would be good to take it all in and have maybe a day at the Grand Canyon.

We normally fly between places and hire cars as and when we need to, to give you some idea of the driving times, LA to Vegas is about 6 hours, LA to San Francisco is about the same but you could always drive along Pacific Highway and make stop offs at Carmel or Monteray both really lovely places.

In San Francisco, San Diego and Vegas you can easily get around on public transport or taxis and there is really no need for a car, oh and of course the cable cars in San Francisco which are amazing.

I have never been to Palm Springs but from what I have read in guide books there does not seem a great deal to do.

Let me know if you want any more info and I will be pleased to help.

[eeyore88]

I've been to the west coast twice, first time to LA and Mammoth(it's up in the mountain's and the most beautiful and peaceful place on earth) second time to Mammoth and San Fransisco (oh how we loved Alcatraz).

Jean

[Mrs_Dazzle]

Hi everyone - and thanks so much for all the advice, it's really been very useful.

Off to France for the day tomorrow, but hopefully we'll find time to sit down on Sunday to thrash through exactly what we each fancy.

Ooh - planning, I love planning!

Thanks again
Annie

[jue]

Hi Annie
What about some natural things
We visited the Joshua Tree National park last year it is spectacular. You can see the San Andreas fault from there. San Diago is definately worth a visit too. :jump: