February 24, 2009
Planning a West Coast USA summer travel plan
Reader submitted question: I am planning to go the the west coast this July. I have been to NY, Philly, DC and Miami. Loved all the cities.
I want to see as much of the west coast as I can in about 15-20 days. What would you suggest? My initial idea was to go with # 1, but now I am thinking more of # 2 because of transportation (I will not rent a car - just bus or train, which doesn´t bother me that much.)
# 1: Las Vegas-Los Angeles-San Francisco-Seattle
# 2: San Francisco-Los Angeles-San Diego-Las Vegas/Phoenix(Grand Canyon)
Am I way off in my selections? Will it be too much? is 4-5 days too little in the different locations?
Are there any hidden gems on the west coast a danish guy needs to see?
Answer 1: I'd go with option 1 because San Fran is a must, Seattle is worth it but faaaaaaaaaaaaaaar from the others. LA you're going to want some time, it's all sprawl. Vegas is Vegas, don't spend a ton of time there ($$) but by all means go. If you want to know what Phoenix is like in July, go ahead and preheat your oven to about 350, and then open the door and stand there. When the heat rushes over you, envision desert and strip malls, and you are in Phoenix. The Grand Canyon is very nice, but also very boring.
I'd consider San Francisco to be far and away the best of that bunch, it's the only west coast city I really like. I'm extremely biased, and strongly prefer the East Coast with a few exceptions: San Fran, Chicago, New Orleans.
Answer 2: San Diego is one of the nicest cities I have ever been to, definately a better scene than Seattle. But honestly I'd do I'd do San Fran and Napa. Trying to do SF-LA-SD will tie you up too much driving. Make LA-SD another trip, where you can spend more time in each city. SF is my favorite US city, and if you like wine, Napa is great.
Answer 3: I'd go w/ #1. There is no better city than Seattle in the summer. It's sunny all the time and its right on the water and the mountains are right there too. That and San Fran will be phenomenal that time of year. The Southwest will be HOT but at least when you're in LA/SD there are beaches to go to. Spend as little time in Vegas as possible.
While the Grand Canyon is AMAZING (probably the coolest natural phenomenon ive ever seen), Phoenix blows and the canyon is way out of the way. Probably not worth the travel time. Stick to the coast and you'll have a great time.
Answer 4: I vote #1. The flight from San Fran to Seattle will be quite cheap but honestly, the drive is BEAUTIFUL. I would try to stop in the Red Wood Forest (amazing) and maybe Crater Lake although that might be a little bit out of your way if you're taking public transportation.
If you want to walk around, stay away from Southern Cal. San Fran is much easier to get around. Seattle doesn't have great public transportation but there are good places to walk around by the water.
Answer 5: I'd go Las Vegas-San Diego-Los Angeles-San Francisco-Seattle and spend a few days in each place. You could also spend two weeks in San Francisco. I think it depends on how each city appeals to you when you get there.
Answer 6: Heres how I would rank the cities you have and have not mentioned
1. San Fran
2. Seattle
3. San Diego
4. Portland
5. Vegas
6. Phoenix
Some things to keep in mind. There is a TON to do in Northern Cali, not just San Fran. There is Napa Valley and the rest of wine country, if you're into that at all. There's the Red Wood National Park in the very northern part of the state. There's Yosemite to the east. There's the beautiful coast. Basically you could spend a week+ easily in just the norther half of the state rushing around from site to site.
Answer 7: Regarding the parks, Grand Canyon is the best, but too far out of the way for you. It's a pain to get to even if you rent a car. I just don't think its quite worth all the travel time even though its the one place in the world where i literally stopped breathing when I first saw it.
In California, I'd definitely recommend Sequoia National Park. It's just as beautiful as Yosemite w/o the crowds. Lake Tahoe is incredible but a pricey. Death Valley is cool, but not as beautiful as Red Woods, Sequoia or Yosemite. Joshua Tree is awesome too in the southern part of the state. This is related.
Posted by James Trotta at February 24, 2009 9:49 PM
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Hi
I am thinking about planning a trip to San Francisco for my husband and I. Probably a 5 day, 4 night is good for us (good for our budget). Not sure when yet, but possibly next spring or maybe this fall. I have reading quite a bit about SF and it sounds like a nice place to visit. We love to visit large cities to explore, eat good food and great nightlife. I have been reading about the Fillmore street area and their jazz clubs. Is this area really a good place for jazz bars/clubs/restaurants. We are late 40's couple, and love old-school, and jazz. If we wanted to stay near this area, what are some good, affordable hotels to look at?
Also, I read a few comments here about Arizona in July. We will be in Chandler Arizona at the Sheraton Wild horse pass (got a fantastic deal on this place, we could not pass it up), and I know it is going to be hot (we will be there the last week in June) Looking for good suggestions on places to eat outside the resort that is affordable.
Thanks
Take a jacket with you to SF because it gets very cold after the sunset(all around the year).
Maybe you want to buy a cheap tourist jacket with 'SF' logo on it. ;-)
You don't want to miss Haight Ashubury in SF.
Tourists just skip it or take a bus tour because many people consider this area not safe.
There's many interesting shops, excellent coffee shops and pizza places.
When you walk all the way up to the Haight street, you will reach the Golden gate park. And then you will get to see the ocean after the long walk crossing the park. (AMAZING VIEW)