Planning a trip to US - Need help (1 Viewer)

[jemfernandez]

Hey Everyone,

So I'm planning a trip with the wife to the US this November. It'll be our very first time visiting America and I know it's still far away, but we've just booked the tickets and are currently planning our itinerary and hotel bookings.

Flying in to LAX on the 10th and leaving on the 28th.

Was wondering if you could help us out with recommendations on which areas to stay, what to do, where to go, what to see, what to eat, etc - in and around the area.

Our current plan so far is
LA - 7 days - 10th - 17th
San Fran - 7 days - 17th - 23rd
Las Vegas - 6 days - 23rd - 28th

The wife loves to shop, Universal Studios and Disneyland are a must for her and she loves the sights, so the Grand Canyons, Parks and Golden Gate, also the shows in Vegas, Celine Dion, Cirque, David Copperfield. I love to eat. And poker. And chips.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[slisk250]

Hi,

That is a great time of the year to go to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Do not attempt a trip to the North Rim from Vegas as it will be closed due to snow pack. You should be looking for lodging near the South Rim now. Nothing up there is 5 stars. For a rustic adventure try to book the cabins that overlook the rim at Bright Angel Lodge (I think).

Parking a car in San Francisco will cost you about $50 bucks a night (even at your hotel) Be ready to pay a premium for everything in downtown SF. It is a wonderful place, just very expensive...kind of like Manhattan. I'm going in August so I've been planning and have traded my timeshare points for the Sheraton at Fisherman's Wharf. The seafood is exceedingly expensive in the area. If you have a car, drive across the Golden Gate bridge to Muir Woods National Monument and check out the tallest trees on the planet. Then do a self guided Wine tour in Sonoma and/or Napa. If you want to book a tour to do those activities without driving, many options exist.

I love Disneyland as I grew up in Riverside before moving to Arizona. If you like rides, Knott's Berry Farm is also a great park. I feel like you could spend a bit less time in SF and LA and explore a bit but I've been there so many times it's hard for me to give more advice without knowing what you love to do.

Have a great trip!

 

[dickzapper]

I've only been to the west coast once. I drove over the Golden Gate to see Giants vs. Dodgers since it was going on but I dunno if would go out of my way to see the Golden Gate. Bridges to me just mean potential time-sinks.

Then again once in awhile I like to walk over some of NY East River bridges at night if I'm up for some urban hiking/mind clearing. Best view = Manhattan Bridge.

That's really all I can add to this discussion, this is sort of a say-nothing post. Oh yeah, but Napa Valley at sunset was probably the most breathtaking landscape I've seen in the U.S. Recommended.

 

[slisk250]

I've only been to the west coast once. I drove over the Golden Gate to see Giants vs. Dodgers since it was going on but I dunno if would go out of my way to see the Golden Gate. Bridges to me just mean potential time-sinks.

Then again once in awhile I like to walk over some of NY East River bridges at night if I'm up for some urban hiking/mind clearing. Best view = Manhattan Bridge.

That's really all I can add to this discussion, this is sort of a say-nothing post. Oh yeah, but Napa Valley at sunset was probably the most breathtaking landscape I've seen in the U.S. Recommended.

I only mention the Golden Gate Bridge because that is the only way to get to Sonoma/Napa and Muir Woods via car...unless you drive all the way around the Bay. The lookout for the bridge is on the way back anyway. They are no toll booth anymore so be prepared to pay it electronically before or after. There is a website. SF traffic is horrid so plan ahead.

 

[jemfernandez]

Thanks Slisk and dickzapper. I'm not too sure if I'm going to be driving out there. Is it recommended to drive between cities? Or fly between cities and get a rental car when I get there. Plus Malaysia we drive on the 'wrong' side of the road. So moving to a left hand drive might take some adjusting.

Googled Napa Valley - pretty awesome view. South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Muir Woods. Check.

 

[slisk250]

I would fly between cities. You will only need a car to go to Grand Canyon for sure. You may also want a car in LA but I would not rent in SF as you. An join a tour to go to Napa and Muir. I remember driving in Ireland and it was wide open country roads. It is a challenge but you can do it. (Right side driving)

 

[dickzapper]

Good question. Has Uber driven down the price of rental cars yet? Been awhile since I checked.

Personally I would rent a car for Cali then fly to LV. Cali is so huge and 2 weeks is pretty long. I hate to be without my own vehicle but perhaps being chauffeured makes it feel more like vacation. But I'd definitely fly to LV, thats a boring drive through the desert and I don't think you'll need a car there.

 

[Godzilla28]

Let me know if you want to check out a home game with some Chippers or if you want to stop by some of the cardrooms in the Bay Area.

 

[Poker Zombie]

Check out apps like Uber or Lyft. They will save you a bundle on cab fares.

As for trips...
San Francisco
You can rent bicycles and pedal around town, see Alcatraz from the shore, and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Napa valley is a win if you are into wine at all. Beautiful country, lots of wine tasting opportunities (most are free), some of the best restaurants in the United States (and on par with the world's best restaurants) are located here. It can get really expensive quickly though.

Las Vegas
Grand Canyon is at least a 2 hour drive from Vegas, and that just gets you to the "skywalk" observation point. If you just want to see the canyon, there are helicopter tours that are reportedly amazing that will take you into the canyon. Discounts from MyVegas (a Facebook app that comes up repeatedly in my Vegas Trip Reports) can save you money on the flights. It can even get the price down to free, but you need a million points, and that's more dedication to a free game than I'm willing to spend. Still' I'd be remiss if I didn't mention it.

There are a million things to do in Vegas, so I will give you my last 2 trip reports. I break each day down individually so it's not such a long read, but there's a lot if info in there. But you're not leaving until November, so you have time.

2015 Trip Report
2016 Trip Report

 

[BooRayUSA]

As a frequent visitor to Disney/Universal as a DVC member I have a plethora of info I can share regarding a trip to these parks. If your plan definitely includes these parks hit me up in a pm and I can direct you to sights and information to help you plan for these as a good plan is needed to get the most out of touring these parks

 

[Mental Nomad]

So much depends on what you and your wife are into seeing and doing. For example, California and Nevada natives will often say you should fly between San Francisco and Vegas. Who wants to drive for hours in the desert?

But you are from Malaysia. Probably like you, I'd never been in the desert. I drove from Las Vegas to San Francisco, and driving through the great open desert was one of the most unique experiences of my life, and not one I would want to miss. In November, it's not likely to be hot. You can stop, wander around, marvel at the life and lack of life around you... And then hop back in your car and keep driving. Different places made it look like is gone to different planets... We drove through many different terrains.

Also, I'm into history, especially the history of industry and technology... I really enjoyed spending time at the Hoover Dam and learning a bit about how it was made. But it wouldn't qualify as a destination on its own. I think it's best taken as a stop on the way to or from Las Vegas.

 

[AK Chip]

Day hikes in Vegas at Red Rocks and Valley of Fire are both things my wife and I like to do while we are there.

 

[trever]

Drive to Vegas, part of the US experience is to understand just how big this country is. Driving across the American southwest is an experience you will remember and share. Dragging your luggage through LAX isn't.

Flagstaff and Sedona are both worth a visit if you are close enough.

Also be sure to overnight at the grand canyon - and be sure to stay up late or set an alarm for 2am. You only THINK that you have seen stars before.

 

[pltrgyst]

....I would fly between cities.....

Partial disagreement on this one -- I would definitely drive from LA to SF, probably with an overnight stop. IMO the Pacific Coast Highway is gorgeous -- Santa Barbara (and its wineries), SLO, San Simeon, Big Sur, Monterey and Salinas, Santa Cruz, Big Basin Redwoods, Ridge and Bonny Doon wineries, a sniff of Gilroy.

As is the coast north of SF -- Bodega Bay up to Mendocino and Fort Bragg (beer haven).

In SF, especially without a car in the city, the ferry past Alcatraz to Tiburon and Sausalito is great. Lunch in Tiburon (great seafood, but you have to fight off the gulls (literally!). Shopping and then dinner in Sausalito. Then the views of the bridges (Golden Gate and Bay) and the city on the ferry back. It makes for a terrific day.

Downtown SF: Union Square (art galleries, shopping), Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Twin Peaks (incredible views), strolling the ethnic shops on Polk St., strolling Columbus Ave. from Coppola's restaurant past the Stinking Rose up to North Beach (Caffe Greco, Caffe Puccini, Caffe Roma, and Rose Pistola recommended) and Washington Square Park, the Coit Tower for the view, even riding the bus out California St. to Point Lobos and Cliff house.

The BART to Berkeley and the Gourmet Ghetto is worth it. (Skip downtown Oakland.)

SF is my favorite city in North America (sorry, NYC).

LA has great beach areas -- Newport Beach, Santa Monica, etc.-- but as far as the actual city goes, I prefer downtown San Diego, and you can easily hop across to Tijuana if you want to.

You'll have plenty to do. And don't worry about the driving -- just remember to position yourself as driver in the left part of the lane, look left first instead of right, and you'll be fine.

 

[jemfernandez]

Awesome advice. I have plenty of time and we're a pretty laid back couple. I total Wouldn't mind driving to SF then fly to Vegas then drive back to LA from Vegas with stops along the way to see some of the less touristy stuff.

 

[chipjoker]

^^^I agree with @pltrgyst completely....

Driving will get you around better and LA X sucks... In your OP you have stated a few things that you are doing in LA area, your on a good start...When at Disney the Disney walk has some good eats..House of Blues, Rain forest cafe, and many others..

 

[Poker Zombie]

I'll just put this out there...

I've driven from Las Vegas to SF on Vacation before. I stopped in Carson City for a night and flew a mini-plane over Lake Tahoe the next morning. Even though Mrs Zombie isn't a "thrill seeker", she loved flying on her own (with instructor of course). Just another option to consider.

 

[AK Chip]

My co-worker suggested camping out at Joshua tree. I've never been so I can't confirm this would be fun but it sounds cool.

 

[moose]

I went to SF two years ago.

We flew into Oakland and stayed here:
Executive Inn And Suites Embarcadero Cove

1755 Embarcadero Drive
Oakland, CA 94606
510-536-6633

They treated us great and picked us up from the airport and shuttled us around town. They provided a nice breakfast too. They won't take you into SF but they will drive you to the BART station and you can take the public transit into SF, which is quite easy. You can find them on priceline for a lower rate than booking directly.

*** Book your tickets to Alcatraz now *** It sells out months in advance, there is only one place to order your tickets online direct, anyone else is just a reseller. http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/
The cruise out into the bay will be cold. Dress warmly.

The Aquarium in SF is nice. If you do stay in Oakland the USS Hornet museum is great.

After a few days in SF we rented a car and did the drive across the Golden State bridge to see the redwoods, that others have recommended. Then we drove to Lake Tahoe,then then Las Vegas. However at this time of year the Lake Tahoe drive could be dangerous because of snow, especially if you have no experience driving in snow.

 

[jemfernandez]

Thank you all for the suggestions. Please keep it coming. I'm going to go through all these with the wife and I think we can get a rough plan done in terms of how long to stay at each place and travel arrangements.

 

[moose]

Forgot to mention I got the Hornet museum and aquarium tickets through groupon.

 

[jemfernandez]

Let me know if you want to check out a home game with some Chippers or if you want to stop by some of the cardrooms in the Bay Area.

I would absolutely love this!

 

[Godzilla28]

I would absolutely love this!

The Bay Area is not Vegas but we have:

Lucky Chances - where Phil Helmuth and Antonio Esfandiari started out playing.
Bay 101 - home of the WPT Shooting Stars
Matrix - the newer glitzy Vegas style cardroom.

And also smaller or farther off casino's like Oak's in Emeryville, Thunder Valley in Roseville and Graton in Rohnert Park.

Sounds like you're going to have a pretty busy schedule.

 

[Chicken Rob]

I'm going to echo a few things here. I lived in Berkeley, and have visited CA a bunch, and the things that I enjoyed most while there:

Big sur is beautiful, and the pacific coast highway is awesome.

Coit tower is a great spot, as mentioned, look for a walking tour of the city that includes coit tower.

Alcatraz is a fun visit. As mentioned, book tickets well in advance.

Muir Woods is breathtaking.

Monterey and Santa Cruz are charming towns, but I'm not sure how much fun they'd be in November.

Oakland may save you some money over SF, but I'd personally spend the extra and stay in SF.

LAX has the best quality airport food I've ever had. Fresh and organic ingredients.

SF is a food Mecca. I had local friends who knew where to go when I first moved there. It's been a while for me, so others will have to recommend the current best food places. Food in CA in general is higher quality than most places I've been.

My sister is in Monterey for work this week. They are eating here tonight. I've been. It's great.

http://www.rockypointrestaurant.com

If you're gonna drive up the coast and be near Monterey for dinner, this is my recommendation. Reservation a couple days in advance highly recommended.

Monterey also has a nice aquarium. Great jellyfish section. Great otters.

Go to downtown Vegas at least one evening in Vegas. The street performers and Fremont light show are probably worth the effort if you've already gotten to Vegas. Take the zip line down Fremont street.

I wouldn't spend more than a single evening downtown. See the pictures on the wall at Binions.

My poker room experiences are a couple years out of date, but I liked the Wynn, disliked Bellagio, haven't played at Aria. I once loved the Mirage, but it seems to have fallen on harder times after Black Friday.

While in LA, you have the biggest card rooms in America. The Commerce and The Bicycle are both quite famous. I've never played in LA, but my pro poker idol (Limon) plays there. Live at the Bike is pretty cool. I've had a friend play on live at the bike.

That's what I have off the top of my head. Enjoy the trip.

 

[jemfernandez]

Wow! Thank you so much. There's so much information. I'm cataloguing all this now. Looks like the pacific coast highway and big sur are simply stunning, I'm most certainly going to drive now.

 

[jemfernandez]

I'll just put this out there...

I've driven from Las Vegas to SF on Vacation before. I stopped in Carson City for a night and flew a mini-plane over Lake Tahoe the next morning. Even though Mrs Zombie isn't a "thrill seeker", she loved flying on her own (with instructor of course). Just another option to consider.

Thanks! Lake Tahoe and flying a plane sounds super interesting, but looks a bit off the way if I try and drive there by the Pacific Coast Highway.

 

[Poker Zombie]

Thanks! Lake Tahoe and flying a plane sounds super interesting, but looks a bit off the way if I try and drive there by the Pacific Coast Highway.

Agreed. If you're going to drive SF-LA-LV or LV-LA-SF then it wouldn't work.

 

[jemfernandez]

Any idea if I take that route would there be an interesting place I should stop/see or stay over for a night?

Edit - oh wait! I found lots of blogs with lots of different options for this road trip

 

[Irish]

Day hikes in Vegas at Red Rocks and Valley of Fire are both things my wife and I like to do while we are there.

My wife & I did Valley of Fire last time we were out in Vegas and it was awesome. Get there for sunrise one day, it's still nice and cool so you can take a few small hikes, and the sights are just amazing. Given all the city stuff you'll likely do in San Fran, LA & Vegas, this will be one spot where you can get away from the hustle & buzz for a morning of peace and quiet:



And +1 to doing some driving, the Joshua Trees & Alcatraz. I'd also +1 Sedona Az (another one of my favorite spots) but that'll be a hike from Vegas.

I personally would rather go back to San Diego vs San Fran or LA, but given yours and your wife's interests LA/San Fran makes sense. Enjoy the trip, it sounds like a lot of fun.

 

[Poker Zombie]

My wife & I did Valley of Fire last time we were out in Vegas and it was awesome. Get there for sunrise one day, it's still nice and cool so you can take a few small hikes, and the sights are just amazing.

They have sunrise in Vegas? I just thought the sun started at mid-point in the sky.

I should probably drink less while in Vegas... :coffee: