Any hidden gems on our trip route?

[oceanrose]

I am taking my nephews on a month long vacation in June. They think we're going to Seattle, which is where I'm originally from but in reality, we're detouring through California on the way, as we're hoping to move to the bay area in 2012.

We will have approximately a week in CA, driving in from spending the night in Vegas. We'll get to Anaheim on Saturday, and spend Sat-Monday there. We plan to leave early on Tues AM and drive up the coast to SF, spend Weds in SF and then drive up to Arcata where we're spending the night Thursday before booking it to Seattle on Friday. We have to be North of Seattle by 7:00 Fri evening, so we're going to leave Arcata probably with the sunrise .

Being from the coast I've spent some time in SF, and we'll be doing the really 'touristy' things there, but I've never been to Monterey, or the redwoods etc.

In Anaheim area we're planning on going to DL, but probably only Sunday/Monday. We may go late Saturday night for awhile. So that'll leave us with quite a bit of time on Saturday to kill. Anything to do from Vegas to there? Is it worth driving into LA? These kids are DVC kids so have been to WDW a ton of times, but never to DL, I haven't been there myself since I was 10.

The kids are 11, and also on the trip will be my Mom, and my boyfriend (who has never been to CA) along with our 2 travel-wise dogs. I'm really excited to go to Carmel, and Monterey, especially because of the beautiful dog friendly beaches, which they will love.

Anyone have anything we just shouldn't miss? I am counting the days down at this point . Ok, not really, we're not leaving for 19 weeks but anyway.

 

[PHXscuba]

After a long drive from Vegas, your dogs might enjoy Dog Beach in Huntington Beach. Your dogs and nephews could run themselves silly for awhile and you could also stroll around the downtown area.

http://www.dogbeach.org/

PHXscuba

 

[skiingfast]

You won't find much between Vegas and LA other than grand views. It should take under 4 hours.

Maybe go to Hollywood Blvd.

I would definately go to DL on Saturday night too. Try to get in all three night shows. Remember fireworks, F! and World of Color. These shows are not in WDW, and are better done.


If you go up highway 1 you could see Hearst Castle.

Plan on 4 hours or more at the aquarium in Monterey.

 

[itsalebeau]

The redwoods about an hour south (Humboldt Redwoods SP/Avenue of the Giants) and an hour north (Prairie Creek Redwoods SP) of Arcata are beautiful. A great place to stop. I went to college in Arcata...I love that town! Clam beach and Trinidad (just north of Arcata) are nice beaches.

 

[Pucka1378]

In Monterrey if the dogs and the kids need to get some energy out there is Dennis the menace park with lots of fun stuff there to do for the kids. Right across the street right alongside the cemetery is a dog park which is very nice!

 

[Kidztheater]

I'm from California and I recently did one of my FAVORITE THINGS ever in the state on a trip to San Francisco. Just north of SF in Marin County is a place called Muir Woods with BEAUTIFUL redwoods. From there you can drive to Stinson Beach (be sure to stop off at the Muir woods overlook) its one of THE MOST beautiful drives I've ever done and I've driven all over California and the coast. Hope you can do it!