Your part of the world

[markmoloney]

Heading over from Ireland with the wife (45) and two kids (11 and 15) who all bore very easily to your part of the world in early June for 3 weeks vacation, Landing in San Francisco and leaving from Las Vegas. Any must sees ?, I will have a car so can travel around. Any place you could recomend that I should stay for a while to chill out beside a pool etc for a few days at a time in between travelling around ?

[meese]

That's like saying "Is there anything worth seeing between Edinburgh and Brighton? ;)

With 3 weeks and a car, you could get almost anywhere in the west. The most obvious suggestion is to head down Pacific Coast Highway. It's one of the most interesting scenic drives on the planet. Spending time in Yosemite National Park is always good. In fact, I'd look at all the National Parks (http://www.nps.gov/), including the Grand Canyon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Canyon) (which isn't that far from Vegas).

And the San Francisco Bay area itself is loaded with things to do and see. Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, ride a Cable Car, and that's just in the city itself. Look here (http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/california-san-francisco-bay-area-us-ca-sfs.htm) for more options.

The kids might enjoy some theme parks, such as Great America in Santa Clara, or closer to Los Angeles you have Magic Mountain, Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios, Disneyland, etc. Or if they're into animals, we have world class zoos all across California, as well as Marine World, Aquarium of the Pacific, and the La Brea Tar Pits.

There are lots more options at this link (http://www.touringca.com/catourists.htm). As I said, it's a huge area with tons of things to see and do.

[sorchilla]

Ken is absolutely correct. People live her al all their lives and never see it all. Let's us know your family's interest and we might be more helpful. Once you got a rough itineary we can suggest places of interest and those to avoid. Enjoy your vacation & let's us know if you need any assistance while your in this part of the world.

[sanjaun2]

In addition to Kens good ideas, If I wanted to lounge around a pool in that area, I would head over to Lake Tahoe. Going thru Yosemite on the way. Your whole family will love Tahoe. Especially the kids.

[cfell]

Swing by Austin, Texas... it's probably a day trip...=)... a day is 24 beers....er, hours.

Just kidding.. you don't want to put that many miles on...

Yeah... swing by Yosemite... beautiful..

Take them by the Grand Canyon... you can take a "donkey" trip to the bottom and back... that might cure their "boredom"...

You could rent some jetski's on Lake Tahoe, etc...

[markmoloney]

Thanks guys, keep them coming.
As far as my kids interests are concerned, the girl is interested in boys, make up and clothes. The boy is interested in breaking things, video games and swimming pools.
Ooops, methinks 3 weeks is going to be too long.

Mark

[XMagnaRider]

Mark,

Ken's suggestions are excellent. Yosemite and Grand Canyon are world class and not to be missed if you have come that far. Death Valley is another possibility that hasn't been mentioned.

Based on your descriptions, your children may enjoy a day in Hollywood, including a visit to Universal Studios (previously mentioned). They would also enjoy a day or two at Disneyland, too.

Here are few general comments:

Be forewarned about Las Vegas. You will see huge billboards, taxicab signs, and more, advertising many types of adult entertainment. The advertisements are not explicit, but they push the boundaries of appropriateness for children. I make no value judgements, but I don't want you to be shocked, either.

Be prepared for a wide range of weather. The city of San Francisco is likely to be cool, moist, and breezy, not unlike Ireland. In early June, the Los Angeles area is often overcast in the morning. It often turns sunny later in the day, but sometimes not. Locals call it "June gloom". Other places you are going (e.g., Las Vegas, Grand Canyon) can easily get as hot as 110 F or more (45 C) and will not cool off until very late at night. But it is a "dry heat". :)

The distances involved can be deceiving. The highways are wide, but be prepared for several full days of driving, which may be boring for your kids.

'Hope this helps!

[Rush1517]

You must must must see the GRAND CANYON!! I would plan on at least two or three days there... it's amazing!

Other things to see... spend some time in San Fran, there is plenty to see and do there... Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fishermans Wharf, Haight Ashbury, you have to DRIVE down Lombard Street, etc. Then take Pacific Coast Highway down to LA... maybe stop at Hearst Castle... then Hollywood (Beverly Hills / Rodeo Drive) is pretty cool (your wife and daughter will love it). I'm kind of a San Diego guy myself... plenty to do and see down here.

Don't worry about the shock factor in Vegas... Coming from Ireland there isn't anything that will shock you. Most Americans don't realize how not uptight the rest of the world is. But once you get to Vegas go check out Red Rock Canyon... it's only a few miles outside of the city but it's amazing!

If you make it to San Diego, let me know...

[markmoloney]

Thanks Jeff.


Mark

[Lare]

Aww shucks, Rush beat me to it. Since you'll be using Las Vegas as your final destination, you most assuredly want to drive over to Red Rocks State Park. (Get on Charleston and head west.)

Céad mile fáilte!

[markmoloney]

Go raibh maith agat Lare.
Any Irish blood there ?

Mark

[Lare]

A wee bit. :)

What little I know of the language is thanks to my supervisor who works in Dublin and occasional internet perusal.

[markmoloney]

Need additional help if possible. Think we would like to chill out in the middle week by renting a 4 bed house for a week. It must have a pool. Location wise after visiting Los Angeles and San Diego I intend heading East and I suppose Arizona direction or thereabouts would be a good location. Ideally reasonable close to amenities/towns. Any websites you could recommend ?

Thanks in advance

Mark

[markmoloney]

Bump

[Lare]

Hi, Mark,
I think your bump was necessary because of the non-specivity of your request. Arizona is a big state! Just one part of it--Metro Phoenix--is closing in on a couple million people spread over quite a few square miles and you didn't indicate exactly where you wanted to be. That means a starting point of www.arizonaguide.com.

[markmoloney]

OK, message understood. I will take a look and refine my request.

Thanks all

Mark

[markmoloney]

Darn, its a big state and I dont know the area at all to establish a decent itinerary myself. Any suggested routes or stopovers?, basically I am landing in SF heading to LA then across to Arizona and leaving from LV. Where to stopover/visit along the route in California and Arizona ? I know, look at the across and tourist reviews but there are just too many. I would preferable hear it from some locals if possible. May even like to hire a bike for a few days also to get away from the family for a while. Sorry for not being specific but I am open to suggestions.


Mark

[wa1200lt]

+1 on the Grand Canyon. One of my favorite places of all. The burro trip to the bottom of the canyon is great. You might want to make a reservation to stay a night at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon or maybe Havasupi Falls also at the bottom of the canyon. Real honest to goodness Native American Indians.

When in Phoenix (Scottsdale just east of Phoenix) you must go to Pinnacle Peak's Patio for an excellent mesquite grilled steak. The steaks are cowboy sized and they also stage gunfights in the streets!

There is a water park in Phoenix called Big Surf where you can ride surfboards in the desert.

Hoover Dam is worth a visit if they still give tours after 911.

You should probably spend a night in San Diego as the weather is always great and the beaches are nice.

Have a great time on the "left coast" of the US. Wish I could take a trip to Ireland to help balance trade!

Loren

[markmoloney]

Looking at possibly renting a house with a pool in Sedona - Arizona. Whats Sedona like ?

Also anyone suggest a similar small town base within range of Las Vegas, Boulder Dam, Grand Canyon, or therabouts ?

[wa1200lt]

Sedona is BEAUTIFUL! It is part of the Red Rock Country and is at a high elevation(cool temps). Just a beautiful part of the state. There is a great place to ride motorcycles just out side of town. Oak Creek Canyon. It has been over 20 years since I've been to the Sedona area but I vividly remember how wonderful it was.

As far as a small town close to G Canyon about all I remember is Flagstaff. Not too touristy last time I was there but it is very high so nice and cool. It's very close to the canyon.

[markmoloney]

Ther appers to be no end of web sites available but could any of you local guys suggest a good web site to investigate good value holiday home rental aroung California. Arizona or Nevada ?

Mark

[neurodoc]

Hi there,
last October a group of friends and me rented 3 bikes to make a 9 day tour in northern California. After driving 1,000 miles (see map) we rented a car and drove 1,500 miles more trough the rest of California and part of Nevada. The first part of the trip was scheduled by the bike rental company having to spend the night at hotels that where reserved in advance for us. The second part of the trip was much more fun as we did not´t have any reservations and just stayed where we were pleased to do so. Some days we drove a many miles and others we fooled around or just enjoyed life at the hotel pool. Next October we will repeat the experience in some other area of the US, but this time I will take a motor home for the second part of the trip. Two tips: get a GPS for you (you´ll save a lot of time NOT getting lost!) and get a DVD player for the kids: youngsters tend to get bored on long trips... and start arguing.

[markmoloney]

Suggestions please. I am landing in San Francisco airport and whilst I intend to stay in the area for 3 nights I dont neccessarily need to stay in the city but would want to be within 40 minutes or therabouts of it by car. Ideally I am looking for a hotel/motel that has two bedroom suites or units close to restaurants shops etc.

The same applies to Los Angeles and San Diego later in my visit

Thanks in advance

[XMagnaRider]

Suggestions please. I am landing in San Francisco airport and whilst I intend to stay in the area for 3 nights I dont neccessarily need to stay in the city but would want to be within 40 minutes or therabouts of it by car. Ideally I am looking for a hotel/motel that has two bedroom suites or units close to restaurants shops etc.

The same applies to Los Angeles and San Diego later in my visit

Thanks in advance
Whenever I travel in San Francisco, I leave the car behind. Public transportation is very good, and parking is very expensive. I recommend arranging the car for when you leave San Francisco.

I can't help much with hotels. When I travel with my family, we often stay at Embassy Suites, a chain of hotels that matches some of your requirements, but not all of them. Your options are many, and you haven't set any price expectations.

[dshealey]

When I lived in SoCal, my wife and I went to San Francisco many times. We eventually found the place we liked to stay better than any other, a few miles out of San Francisco, but very nice. Right on the coast. http://www.bestwesternlighthouse.com/

A great visit is to Alcatraz, but make your ticket reservation at least a couple days ahead of time. Gone are the days when you could just get a ticket when you get there.

Drive south through Big Sur, Monterey (Great aquarium), Carmel, and further south go to Hearst Castle.

If you get as far south as San Deigo, where I lived for 14 years, go to the Wild Animal Park near Escondido. It is part of the famous San Diego Zoo, but we liked it better than the Zoo itself.

The LA area has many things to offer, but most are always very crowded, with lines for everything. I lived in LA for 6 years, was happy to move to San Diego! Still a bit crowded, but easier going than the LA area.

[markmoloney]

Now looking at various holiday house rentals around Arizona. Seen a few that match what I am looking for in Tucson and Phoenix but I would rather been a bit more North of these, but not Flagstaff or Sedona (they seen a bit too touristy). Any recommendations of nice towns etc in Northern Arizona ?

Mark

[Lare]

If you want to be between Phoenix and Flagstaff, the larger communities are Prescott and Camp Verde. Prescott is very nice this time of year, but I should tell you it's also very tourist-centric.

If you can handle that, and want something different, then look into Jerome. It's got a special appeal all its own and I can pretty much guarantee you've not run across anything like it.

However, we aren't really in "Northern Arizona" unless you go north of Flagstaff. Are you thinking of doing so?

[markmoloney]

Lare, trying not to be too far from the Grand Canyon etc. However I am looking for a property with a private pool and whilst there are plenty of them in Tucson and Phoenix there are few and far between the nearer you get to Flagstaff.
Incidentally what are the areas around Tucson and Phoenix like ?

[Lare]

I would think that most of the larger hotels would have pools.

The areas around Phoenix and Tucson are about what you would expect of a desert setting. They are both large metropolitan areas surrounded by arid landscape that is a lot greener than the Roadrunner cartoons you may have seen. :)

That said, my suggestion would be to use a website like Travelocity.com to specify the types of features you would be most interested in (pool, golfing, etc.)

I've stayed in several hotels in the Flagstaff area that had pools. My personal recommendation would be to map anything you're considering and note its distance from the railroad tracks that go through the middle of town. That rail line runs all night!

[markmoloney]

Thanks again Lare.
For those of you down LA and San Diego direction. I intend to visit both cities but do not necessarily want to stay in them. Can you recommend nice towns etc that are within no more than an hours drive or thereabouts from each of them ?

[markmoloney]

bUMP

[glenn]

Have you checked
www.VRBO.com

I've used it successfully twice for San Diego, also Hawaii, Paris, Madrid. If you can deal with minimum stay requirements it is a great way to go.
One thing to think about is traffic in large metro areas. You mentioned staying outside the cities, but that could be rather inconvenient at times.

[markmoloney]

Currently enjoying San Francisco and will depart from here towards LA on Tuesday.
Will stop more or less half way down the coast for a night. Any suggestions where to stopover that has good value hotels.
Also as stated before after LA I will head towards San Diego. Looking for some good suggestions there also, preferable a 2 bedroom suite type place.
Websites ?, Hotwire seems popular but I do not like it as you have no idea what hotel you are booking until you have paid for it.
Thanks in advance

Mark

[markmoloney]

Having a good time so far. Enjoyed San Fran, not too pushed with LA, loving San Diego and will be heading to Tucson on Monday. I have a house booked there for a week. Whats worth seeing in or around Tucson.
One thing that surprises me over here is that compared to Europe there are very few bikes on the road.

Mark

[meese]

One thing that surprises me over here is that compared to Europe there are very few bikes on the road.Over there, bikes are affordable transportation, especially with petrol running over £1 a litre (close to $10/gallon). Over here bikes are mostly toys. There are a lot more bike here, but a lot less of them see any significant road time, especially during the working week.

Glad you're enjoying the trip so far. And I agree - L.A. is like London - good to see the sights (Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey), but there's no point in spending too much time there or else it just becomes another big, busy city with terrible traffic.

[markmoloney]

Tucson, is this still part of the South West region as far as this forum is concerned ?

My daughter is into the paranormal big time. Loves hauted houses, ghost towns etc.
Anything like that near Tucson.
Also I fancy seeing a Rodeo.
PS. How the hell do you guys live with this heat?
Thanks
Mark

[Shogun54]

I am not a local, but you are not too far ( in LT terms ) from Sedona, which has its fair share of mystical and magical sites. There are probably sites similar to the ones there nearer Tucson. Google is your friend!

As far as the heat, I believe the locals will tell you that it is a "dry" heat. I'm not sure how that makes it more bearable, but I can tell you that here in Texas we get more humidity with our temperature extremes, which causes the heat index ( what it feels like over the actual temperatures) to rise to crazy levels. One learns quickly to stay in the shade, drink lots of liquids and cherish air conditioning! The same techniques probably apply in Arizona.

[XMagnaRider]

Tucson, is this still part of the South West region as far as this forum is concerned ?

My daughter is into the paranormal big time. Loves hauted houses, ghost towns etc.
Anything like that near Tucson.
Also I fancy seeing a Rodeo.
PS. How the hell do you guys live with this heat?
Thanks
Mark
It's warm, but not hot yet. Wait 'til summer really hits. It can get up to 50 C (over 120 F) easily.

There are plenty of ghost towns and nearly deserted towns throughout the desert areas. If you go off the beaten track ("exploring"), bring plenty of extra water and let someone know where you are planning to go and when to expect your return. A breakdown can be very serious out there, and cell phone access is often unavailable. I wish I could recommend specific ghost towns near you, but I can't. Ask around.

[meese]

My daughter is into the paranormal big time. Loves hauted houses, ghost towns etc.
Anything like that near Tucson.The first two Google hits for "Tucson ghost tours" are TucsonGhostTour.com (http://www.tucsonghosttour.com/) and OldBisbeeGhostTour.com (http://www.oldbisbeeghosttour.com/). Bisbee is about 2 hours from Tucson, and you could always stop in Tombstone on the way.

PS. How the hell do you guys live with this heat?We don't. :) We live near the coast where it almost never gets over 80° F. :D

[desertlizard]

Hi Mark,
You might want to check out Hotel Congress, Dillinger stayed there and was forced out by fire. There are rumored to be ghosts there. Many a weekend night I have witnessed paranormal people in Club Congress. The Tap room used to be particularly interesting. http://www.hotelcongress.com/

There are some ghost towns down by Patagonia. I had a bit of a creepy experience in the Harshow cemetary, but it was just fire ants in my pants. Really more creepy for my wife. Do be carefull, drug runners may use that road. Some suggested reading for that area: http://www.legendsofamerica.com/az-patagoniaghosts.html

The Desert Museum is an excellent introduction to the Sonoran Desert. For local Mexican restaurants the obvious choice is Mi Niditos (Bill Clinton reportedly sampled most of the menu there.) I like Guillermos across the street, and really like Michas on S. 4th Ave.

I don't think there are any rodeos this time of year. The big one is in February when the weather is much more pleasant. They say one will get used to the heat. I've been here since 1986. I'm hoping next year is the year that happens.

Dale

[markmoloney]

Thanks for all the great input folks.

M

[wa1200lt]

Mark,

I lived in Phoenix, AZ for 6 years 7 summers and 3 lifetimes and never got used to it!

Most peole have no concept of 105 degrees F at 1:00 in the morning. Dry heat my a$$. 113 degrees in the daytime chilling down to 93 degrees is HOT. Period!!!

The happiest day of my life was the day I moved back to the Pacific Northwest! (Oregon)

Would never leave this corner of the country again. Life for me will always exist above the 45th parallel.

Loren

[mjordans2000]

'Originally Posted by markmoloney
PS. How the hell do you guys live with this heat?'

'We don't. We live near the coast where it almost never gets over 80° F.'

And we get to ride year round. The most we have to do is get out the rain gear a couple of times a year.

[markmoloney]

Currently in Las Vegas. Can someone recommend a good motorcycle clothing store in the area ?

Mark