California adventure-advice please?

[AmericanAdventure]

We are thinking of going to California in the summer. Wondering if anyone else has done anything similar and has any advice or ideas to pack in loads of great experiences.

We have 3 weeks. Will fly there from the Heathrow and hire a car.. Would definitely like to see San Francisco, Disney, Grand Canyon (not Cal but close enough).

Looking for places to stay, areas to avoid, activities not to miss, car hire recommendations, best route to take etc.

Thanks to anyone who can share any I formation.

Yes, agree with Oakland. We found eating out very expensive. Couldn't sit down for even lunch for under $100, that added up two or 3 times a day for 3 weeks, that why we like Airbnb/self catering. If there are 4 of you often worth using Uber/Lyft (get a local SIM), it will be cheaper than public transport.

Another Griffith Park Observatory fan here - the view of the LA basin night time lights from the terrace is unforgettable

Don't be tempted by "Stars' Homes" tours unless they're from the air; you see next to nothing behind the huge hedges and walls, so much better to drive some of the avenues around Rodeo Drive (and perhaps stop for some shopping )

For SF, I also agree that booking ahead for Alcatraz is a must; in the summer, seats on the boat sell out several days ahead
And don't be too disappointed if you don't get to see the Golden Gate Bridge; once the summertime marine layer (fog) rolls in, it disappears. Ditto Big Sur and much of the coastline drive below SF - the views are stunning if you get a clear day, but pick wisely

The Monterey Bay Aquarium's brilliant, and nearby Carmel's good for a wander round and the amazing views. Hearst Castle's lovely too, and being on a hilltop it'll be sunny

For eating, don't miss Shakey's Pizza in LA - the original and best, they're at 7001 Santa Monica Boulevard and other locations
For SF you can't go wrong with Chinatown; with the largest Chinese community outside of China, the choices are endess. For all your take-home gifts, the souvenir shops also cost much less then elsewhere, and the haggling's fun

I'll no doubt think of other bits, but am green with envy; you'll have the most amazing time

We flew into LAX in October and drove down to Palm Springs ( the Wilderness above the cable car there was my favourite part of the whole trip).

We then drove up to SF via Cambria, Monterey and Yosemite and the Redwood National Park

I admit to hating SF which surprised me as I thought I'd love it but we had a much nicer time in LA. In fact we cut our time there short.

Eating out is seriously expensive in California and I struggled also being veggie - you'd think it would be a lot easier for us than it is. The Huntington in LA (which is amazing) could only offer me a peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwich.....

We also liked a trip to the Vasquez Rocks which are a staple of many of the old Western movies.

Oh, and since you have kids I'd personally trade Santa Barbara for a morning in Huntington Beach. The original Surf City, it's a huge amount of fun - though if over 40 you'll feel ancient!! Breakfast outside at the Park Bench Cafe in Central Park on Goldenwest Street, surfer-watching from the vast pier and a wander along Main Street (trust me on this one )

A treasured memory, being there during the US Surfing Open, was cranking up the Beach Boys on the car CD and having what felt like half the town dancing around us - even the police!!

Meanwhile, if you take the lovely drive through Rancho Palos Verdes (the big peninsula just south of LA), try to take in the Wayfarers Wedding Chapel. Utterly ethereal, you'll understand why it's one of the most popular wedding venues in LA

And while south of LA, try to take in Laguna Niguel and Newport Beach (especially the part of Newport called Balboa Island). True California Dreaming, this is how the other half live - and at least it doesn't cost anything to walk around it

I'll jump in with a food recommendation for LA. Phillipe The Original just along from Union Station make THE BEST sandwiches.

There’s a Cheesecake Factory in Marina del Ray too Madison. God bless their meatloaf.

We've been twice. Same route!
Fly into SF, stay one night, pick up hire car and drive to Yosemite, staying just outside the park for 3 nights. Drive to Las Vegas and stay for 2 nights (it's amazing but not very child friendly though as children aren't allowed in the casinos or bars at all). Stayed at MGM Grand here for next to nothing. Drive over to Grand Canyon and stay 2 nights (you need to book accommodation here well in advance). Drive through Joshua Tree national park down to LA. Lots of options here. My DD learned to surf in St Luis Opisbo. Stay 2/3 nights on the coast then drive back up to SF stopping in Monterey on the way. Finally 3 nights in SF. Alcatraz is a good trip but again needs very early booking.
It shouldn't cost you as much as you think. Maybe £3k for flights, £1k car hire and fuel, £100 a night accommodation (£2k) and £2k spending money. Most places you'll only need one room as they hotels usually have two king sized beds in them. They have some good chain hotels that are nice, with pools and laundry facilities. (I ended up doing all the laundry the day before we flew home 🤣)

I meant to attach this route map.

Wow... I'm getting so excited now. We're definitely going to look at the smaller airports.

Thank you everyone.

Is there anything for kids in LV?

Also, if we fancy camping in one of the national parks can we hire equipment/lodge when we are there?

the most stunning parts of the Grand Canyon cannot be seen from the air, as the aircraft are banned from the central bit due to the annoyance factor.

go to Tusayan and use the shuttle bus to the rim. You don't have to walk far, you don't even have to leave the paved road - you can just stop and stand and STARE. You could even walk a little way down (but not too far because it will be bloody hot in the summer)

just don't go beyond the handrails, they are there for a reason and there have been a lot of Darwin awards for people who ignored them.

www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/sr-tips.htm

We ended up planning lunch stops by plotting the locations of Chipotle restaurants (hungry teen boys).

You might also want to get a US parks card for $80 if you’re planning to do lots of National parks - you can buy one at the first park you go to.

www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm

TSSDNCOP God bless the Cheesecake Factory full stop!

OP, here's a link showing some things to do in Vegas for kids
www.visitlasvegas.com/experience/post/things-to-do-in-las-vegas-with-kids/

There are a few zip lines around the city too, not sure of there are age or size restrictions though but we did the Slotzilla one the last time we were there.

You will never visit a more beautiful and awe inspiring place than Yosemite.
It's just breathtaking. I would definitely add it to you itinerary, you won't regret it!

Chilis are also good as a bargain restaurant chain (they sell a lot more than just chili), and of course there's always good old Dennys too

Not to mention the supermarkets for picnics; the deli sandwiches are often just as good as in a cafe, much cheaper, and you can also pick up a supply of drinks and snacks in no time at all

We ate out each evening, mostly in diner type places. We bought a cool box on our first day and filled it with ice and food for lunches and snacks (lots of drinks) and topped up the ice whenever it got low. It made it a bit cheaper - we got breakfasts in most of the motels.
We went to one air BnB (we've done loads across Europe) and it was awful. We left after one night. There was goat poo all over the house and there was one plate, one fork and one knife in the kitchen. (Not kidding). It made us glad we hadn't booked any others though I'm sure it was just bad luck.

Goat poo😯🤮

I live in a beach town in San Diego county. Definitely recommend this area. Inland areas like Palm Springs and Joshua Tree are fabulous but be prepared for it to be very hot in summer. I would stick to the coast as much as possible for a summer trip. California is wonderful, so much to love! You’ll have a fantastic time.

I would use motel/hotel chains rather than Airbnb. The price difference between groceries and eating out is much smaller than in the UK so self catering isn’t really worth it, especially when you’re road tripping.
For accommodation, weekend prices will be a lot higher than mid week so aim to be expensive places (like San Fran) sun-thurs.

We did it last year, flew into SF and flew out of LAX. Highlights were cycling the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz, Monterey (whale watching), Yosemite, Big Sur drive, dinner overlooking the sea in Malibu. helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon. We enjoyed Las Vegas. be prepared for a lot of time in the car !

I'm jealous, I want to go back !

Puzzled I take your Danny’s (good call) and raise you....IHOP!!!!!

Cheesecake Factory San Francisco union square. It’s got a balcony with a great view. Get there early for brunch and you should get a seat with a view.

You're right, TSSDNCOP, that's another good 'un for a bargain meal - though the menu's a bit more restricted

For burgers, I confess I'm pretty fond of Carl's Jr too

I Always recommend the Warner Brothers Studios Tour on these Cali threads
It was fabulous.

If you get to San Diego, the kids will love the Museum of Man - really great exhibitions, lots of interactive stuff

Have fun!