Planning Trip to the West!

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Just wanted to say hi to everyone!!

I haven't been on this board before (am usually on the Florida ones!!) but we are planning a trip to the West Coast next June for our wedding anniversary so hopefully I will be on here much more! We are hoping to have 16 nights - 3 in San fFrancisco, 2 in Yesomite, 3 in LA, 4 in Anaheim (dedicated Disney time!) and 4 nights in Las Vegas (which will have to incorporate the Celine Dion concert - laugh away!!).

I'm sure I will be asking you all for hints and tips along the way We are hoping to book our flights next week at the dates will be released!

 

[Ang1e]

You are in for an amazing trip! We took our trip this time last year - San Francisco, Yosemite, Las Vegas, Anaheim & Santa Monica. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.

I have posted a trip report on another board so if you're interested in reading it pm me and I'll let you have the details.

 

[GrandBob]

Sounds like a great trip, and you should have lots of fun!

One tip -- make reservations for your stay in Yosemite far, far in advance. The in-park accommodations for summertime get filled up very quickly.

Have fun!

-Bob

 

[Jtrent21]

I am planning a trip next June too, to do Cali, and Las Vegas. I am trying to figure how I can I get from Vegas to lets say Anaheim CA. I would like to drive a car, but can you rent a car from Vegas to Anaheim Ca?

 

[GrandBob]

I am planning a trip next June too, to do Cali, and Las Vegas. I am trying to figure how I can I get from Vegas to lets say Anaheim CA. I would like to drive a car, but can you rent a car from Vegas to Anaheim Ca?

Sure. One-way rentals usually involve a drop fee, but there are some companies and/or routes which don't have such a fee. You just need to check around.

You may also want to consider flying. Southwest flys LAS to SNA, and for non-busy times purchased in advance, you can get airfare as low as $69 one way.

HTH,
Bob

 

[skiingfast]

Just wanted to say hi to everyone!!

I haven't been on this board before (am usually on the Florida ones!!) but we are planning a trip to the West Coast next June for our wedding anniversary so hopefully I will be on here much more! We are hoping to have 16 nights - 3 in San fFrancisco, 2 in Yesomite, 3 in LA, 4 in Anaheim (dedicated Disney time!) and 4 nights in Las Vegas (which will have to incorporate the Celine Dion concert - laugh away!!).

I'm sure I will be asking you all for hints and tips along the way We are hoping to book our flights next week at the dates will be released!

I'd really suggest 3 days/night in Vegas, 4 is a bit much. Also if you are arriving at the same airport you are leaving from, spend a day driving up or down the coast between LA and SF.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Thanks everyone!

 

[sharon78]

How wonderful, we went to California April this year, Amazing.

We started in SF 3 nights, then drove along the coast to Pismo Beach 2 nights, Universal Sheraton Hollywood 3 nights, Hyatt regency Anahiem 7 nights. Then another FREE 7 nights at Santa Monica (thanks to Virgin Holidays) because of the ash cloud!!

Enjoy your planning

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Thanks again everyone! Can I just ask one question . . . we were originally looking at June, but now the trip may have to be in September instead. Do you know what the weather is like in LA / Vegas / Yosemite at that time of year? From what I've seen of San Fran its always a bit cooler so I'm prepared for it there! Generally though we like it HOT!!!!! Thanks!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

September will be noticably cooler in LA/Vegas/Yosemite than June. The evenings will be cooler in LA and Yosemite.

 

[skiingfast]

Vegas will be almost bareable in September. Don't worry it will be hotter there than in the UK.


I like September also because it is dryer. June can be dry but has a higher chance of the odd storm coming through.


SF is rarely super hot because it is off of a mild ocean current that regulates the temps. It goes from light Jacket to T shirt temperatures.

The PP is right thow the evening will be cooler and Yosemite might feel cold at night or early morning.

The main thing will be thatDL will be different. Kids start school the first week of September and get out the first week of June. It may be much quieter and have shorter hours of attractions in rehab because of this.

 

[GrandBob]

SF will be warmer in Sept than in June. The summer gloom will be gone, and it should be beautiful. Sept/Oct are a couple of the nicest months of the year to visit SF and Monterey.

-Bob

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Oh no - will the schools have broken up already by June? That puts a different perspective on it!! I was thinking it was July, like over here.
The other thing that worries me is I read Yesomite is not as good in Sep due to the waterfalls being almost dried up. Too much to consider!!!!!!!

 

[sndral]

My favorite time to visit Yosemite is early fall. It is quieter and there is some autumn foliage color - there's a stillness about Yosemite in the fall - the beauty just seeps into you. Summertime is crazy full with people which distracts from the majesty of the place IMO. There will be waterfalls in Sept., Bridalveil, Vernal and Nevada falls flow year round. The best time to see max. water flow is probably May, although Horsetail fall may already be dry by May. How impressive the falls are even in the spring is very dependent on the snowpack/melt and varies from year to year.

 

[skiingfast]

My favorite time to visit Yosemite is early fall. It is quieter and there is some autumn foliage color - there's a stillness about Yosemite in the fall - the beauty just seeps into you. Summertime is crazy full with people which distracts from the majesty of the place IMO. There will be waterfalls in Sept., Bridalveil, Vernal and Nevada falls flow year round. The best time to see max. water flow is probably May, although Horsetail fall may already be dry by May. How impressive the falls are even in the spring is very dependent on the snowpack/melt and varies from year to year.

Well put. Also depending on snowfall and spring temperatures there can be some flooding in and around the park.

Missing the crowds in Yosemite and DL is something I personally would try to plan.

 

[ScooterL]

Yosemite is beautiful at any time of year, but I think for many people, they equate Yosemite with "waterfalls." If that's the case for you, then you might be disappointed if you visit in September rather than June. Yes, some of the waterfalls are still flowing, but there's a drastic difference in the water flow, and they don't look that impressive. It is less busy, though. But, even on a busy day you can get away from people if you know where to go. And if you are actually staying in the valley, if you get up early and wander around you'll be surprised at how quiet it is - I've walked along the main road in the valley in the mornings between 6:30 and 7:00 and not seen any cars go by for a couple of minutes! And I've had the Lower Yosemite Falls viewing area all to myself. It's an amazing experience.