First timers, San Fran to LA. Does this sound doable

[HairyPotter]

Hello,

We are planning a west coast trip next year with our two daughters (20&16) and have roughly planned it out. We would appreciate any feedback or suggestions. Our must sees would be Alcatraz, Disneyland, Universal and San Diego zoo. We are really looking forward to the drive down the coastal road.

Fly to San Francisco

3 nights San Francisco
1 night Monterey
1 night Cambria
1 night Santa Barbara
2 nights Hollywood (Universal)
3 nights Las Vegas
1 night Palm Springs
2 nights San Diego
3 nights Anaheim

Fly back from LA

Thanks in advance

[cornishfrogboy]

it looks a busy, but achievable 17 nights or so. I can help with the coastal(ish) bits, but not Las Vegas, which I have researched, but never visited. you have not stated what time of year you intend visiting.

I am pretty much in agreement on the number of nights spent at all locations, bar 2.
1. San Diego was very much the highlight of our recent trip and 2 nights would in no way do it justice. it is an Oasis and quite the best US city that I have ever visited. I would happily spend a fortnight in the San Diego area and nowhere else!
2. Many would say that 3 nights in Vegas is a lot, but then again, I have never been.

I would guess that you have read a lot of California trip reports. They were invaluable in formulating, planning and executing my own, rather similar vacation.

If you havent, then you may consider reading my all in one, single thread trip report.. 'California N to South at Easter'. It covers many of the items on your list. 'Aims' sticky on San Diego is also very good.

Please feel welcome to ask any questions you like by thread or personal message.

[jdouds]

Hi we have done 2 trips and all sounds good to us, only trouble we find is we wish we could do 25/6 days

[pad406]

Would defo try and extend San Diego if possible.

Your trip down the PCH is very leisurely , only 2-2.5hrs driving per day, you could, if you wanted, easily take a night out of there and add one to SD. SD is one, if not only, place I'd consider living in the US. Would also 2nd Aims's Sticky.

LV, 3N sounds about right to me. Time to do a few shows, see Freemont st, even some light gambling if you like. Take a trip out to Hoover Dam, possibly even the West Rim of the Canyon.

We did 18N on our trip, and as jdouds said, a few more would have been nice. But 17 is ok to get a feel, after all you're only doing a small part of California, lots more to see

For Alcatraz I'd highly recommend the night tour, fabulous. Also the Disney Museum is well worth a 1/2d, possibly even more.

[stardoman]

I've been to California 3 times and have also visited Las Vegas 3 times. Its a very long drive from LA and is a bit out of the way when you're mainly doing California. Personally, I'd cut Las Vegas and add the nights to San Diego.

We've visited San Diego twice, the first time for 3 nights and the second time for 7 nights. Both times we could have stayed longer.

I'd also second the Alcatraz by night tour. Buy the tickets online as soon as they come out as they sell out very quicklyl.

[jdouds]

LA vegas isn't that long a drive 4.5 hour so not to bad and with a snack stop easy enough.

[Mary A]

Too many 1 night stops for me, 2 would be my absolute max

[jdouds]

Hi would add as others have also said with number of stops. For us we would highly recommend 2 n Monterey and drop cambria. There is so much to do in Monterey ,aquarium fantastic and easily 2/3 hours, 17 mile dr, pebble beach, Carmel beach and village, and our HIGHLIGHT whale watching just awesome . 11 humpback whales at close quarters,dolphins,great whites etc

[tinytots]

We did similar trip, except we finished in Vegas after San Diego/Coronado. I would drop the Cambria and do 2 in Monterey. I agree with jdouds, 1 night is not enough in Monterey. Our only regret of the holiday was we did not have more than 1 night in Monterey.
We drove from San Diego to Vegas in a day, took about six hours or so, so should be very roughly close to two hours quicker from LA. It was totally doable with a stop at Peggy Sue's on the way. Was also going to do Calico on the way but is was almost 50 degrees and way too hot to be in the sun!
Our 16 year old loved Alcatraz. It was one of the best parts of the holiday

[mouli1]

Monterey is lovely .2 nights would be good. The aquarium is fab .a trip to Carmel is a must too