Going to the USA!!

[Case_1983]

My bf and I are going to the west Coast in September, mainly California but are also planning to go to Nevada for Vegas, Utah Salt lake city, perhaps Wyoming for Yellowstone national park. We intend to start in Los Angeles, Vegas,travel up to SLC, Yellowstone then head back down through Los Angeles again. Any tips? Must sees? We have 5 weeks and have hired a dodge! Thanks heaps!!

 

Edit. We've planned to go to Disneyworld, Universal Studios, Hollywood, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Alcatrass (mispelled?) Death Valley, Grand Canyon, San Diego Safari park, Newport Beach (closet OC fan

[renaissancewoman101]

How many days are you out in in LA area?

 

Go by the beach, go to Disneyland. Check out Beverly Hills and Hollywood. Lots of good food and sights out here.

[camus154]

If I were you I'd ditch L.A. and go to San Francisco. Much better city. But regardless, you'll have a blast!

[Case_1983]

We don't have definite plans, so we can stay however long we like I meant to meantion that we are arriving at LAX and staying at Venice beach on our first night. I'm a bit confused by the geography in the USA lol! I've dreamt my whole life of going to the USA. Really wanted to go to Memphis but don't have enough time

[rosephase]

Just be aware that you are going to be driving A LOT.

[tjcalif]

We don't have definite plans, so we can stay however long we like I meant to meantion that we are arriving at LAX and staying at Venice beach on our first night. I'm a bit confused by the geography in the USA lol! I've dreamt my whole life of going to the USA. Really wanted to go to Memphis but don't have enough time

 

I would sugest San Fransisco as well.. You will have fun. Also, if you are going to NV. If you are driving you have to go to Lake Tahoe! It is absolutly beautiful ! Just went to a wedding there and I alway love goimg there.

[chitown9]

While you are in L.A. you could make a trip out to Laguna Beach and go to the Sawdust Festival which is going on now. The Sawdust Festival is on facebook and it gives the dates etc. I recall that it is going on for several weeks more. There are many eucalyptus trees to keep you cool and also waterfalls and streams. This event features crafts such as pottery, handmade jewelry, stained glass, as well as paintings. I still wear the toe ring that I purchased there. Laguna Beach features a trolley that runs through out the city and it is free at this time of the festival. I would make a day of it and go to the beach during the day and have lunch in town and go to the festival at night. It is open until 10 p.m., I believe. Check facebook. The reason why I would go at night is because there are lights in the trees and it looks just beautiful. You will enjoy the day if you go!....chi

[Case_1983]

Thanks Chitown, Laguna Beach sounds awesome. I will check out the sawdust festival fo sho!

@Rose: yes I know, it's something like 4000 miles so were probably going to scrap Yellowstone.

 

 

I really appreciate all your tips and advice, thanks heaps

[Case_1983]

Tj - yes! Lake Tahoe. I saw that on the map and google and it looks amazing! Definitely road tripping it! Thanks!

[FreeFallFeelin]

I would definitely scrap LA and go to San Francisco instead. San Fran is waaaaaay nicer. As for Vegas, it probably isn't going to be like what you imagine. It has been turned into a family vacation spot, more or less, and there ain't nothing special there, unless you feel like tossing your money away and eating questionable food. Salt Lake City is another one that I'd pass on by.

[pl3asehelp]

If you do SF, you can always drive 2.5 hours over to Yosemite - it's not Yellowstone, but it's amazing and a must see in my opinion.

[chitown9]

Now, let's talk about Vegas! There are many beautiful casino/hotels there. New ones are opening up all the time. The casino in New York New York has a replica of Central Park New York in the casino. The dealers deal cards beneath trees and the walk is a brick path with streams of water running through out. New York New York also has a roller coaster that runs around the outside of their building. It is closed sometimes, though, if it is too windy. Just be sure to set a limit on how much you will spend gambling and don't go over your limit. Vegas is known for their scrumptious buffets and you will need to ask for a recommendatiion of who is running the best one in town right now. It used to be the Rio as they have an international buffet: one island is Japanese, so they have sushi, one island is Italian, so they have spaghetti and pizza, one is American, so they have meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Anyway, you get the idea. There may be a different recommendation now for the best buffet. Be sure to see a show while you are in Vegas. I would research what shows are going on in Vegas now and reserve a place for a show in advance. I saw a Motown revue at Cesar's Palace. Just loved it! Don't miss the experience of a show. Las Vegas is known as the town that never sleeps, and it is true. Everything is open 24/7.

 

I now live a 5 hour drive from Las Vegas. I am looking forward to having my mother-in-law visit me next summer. She lives in Hawaii, and has never been to Vegas. I am looking forward to taking her.

 

Well, have a happy vacation! Bring sun screen. Please come back and give us a full report of your visit. ......chi

[RoxyGril]

If you do manage to get to see San Francisco...Check out Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk) and Monterey as well.

[Seraphim]

We just finished a "driving" holiday. My advice to you is to spend a week in one place or more because all you will be doing is driving if you want to see everything under the sun. I can tell you even after TWO weeks of that we needed a holiday after the holiday.

[PaintWithLight]

I agree with the posters who urge moderation and to keep the driving to a manageable amount. You want to be able to enjoy some extended stays while you are in California. If you pull up and off to the next stop, you will not get to really get into the atmosphere here. Whatever you accomplish will be amazing. You can have a great road trip vacation but schedule in some long weekends where you just explore the area a little. I would suggest multiple days in Yosemite, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe. Other stops might be more of a long afternoon as you pass through. Just try to keep from getting burned out on the driving. You are always welcome back for a 2nd visit!

[MasterPo]

Hey, amazing trip you have planned. I would figure out the cities or places you want visit in your first week and most of us can give you the lowdown on the cool places to visit. Keep in mind we are facing in some serious forest fires this season so keep a plan B and well stocked Dodge just in case.

[Case_1983]

Thanks guys for your amazing tips.

 

@Freefallfeelin. You mentioned scrapping SLC and LA. What are your reasons? I think we will still definitely go to San Francisco too. I wrote my first few posts on my phone last night and didn't have my lists with me.

 

04.09.2012 -. Arrive at LAX

Our plan is to travel down to San Diego (we might even go to Tijuana if we have time) Then up to Las Vegas - Chi it sounds wonderful, just the way I imagined it in my mind, I’m sure I’ll come back 10kg heavier.. lol. I’ll def try to see a show if we can be sure we can make it there on the right day. After Vegas, we have a big GAP where we have to find which interesting places that on the way). Then up to SLC and perhaps Yellowstone, but it’s something like a day’s extra drive so I don’t think we will go there, although it looks amazing! We might just go to Yosemite (thanks Pleasehelp). Then Sacramento, San Francisco (would love some tips of what’s going on there in September-October) I’ve googled Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey and am definitely putting them into our plans, thanks Roxy! Then LA again to drop off the car and hop on the plane. Total 5 weeks. I know we don’t have that much time and I hope we don’t get fed up with driving (thanks for the tip Victoria).¨

 

What I’m really interested in are Markets. Beach markets, hippie markets, anywhere you can buy trinkets. I looked up the Sawdust festival and it unfortunately will be over by the time we arrive (ends Sep. 2) I also love country music. LIVE! I don't care if they're stars or singing karaoke, LOVE IT Any ideas where to go in LA or California?

[renaissancewoman101]

Not sure if you are into touristy stuff, but go to Disneyland when you are up in the LA area