Page 2 | Tips for San Fran- vegas pls

twordle · 2022-07-20T16:13:26+00:00

Off next week.. we are going along the coast road (not Yosemite) & we have lots of the usual tourist bits booked, Alcatraz, Hearst castle, all the LA stuff, show in vegas.. but does anyone have any other suggestions for the less obvious things to see/ do whilst in this part of the world?? Or any wise advice?! Also keen to hear about unusual/amazing restaurants. Travelling with 11&15 year old.. many thanks!

RusholmeRuffian · 21/07/2022 19:27

Driving through the desert is one of my favourite things to do but do make sure you take ludicrous amounts of water just in case you break down. If you're not in a hurry, when you get to Barstow, take the i40 rather than the i15, check out a bit of the old Route 66 at Amboy and then cut up through the Mojave National Preserve to pick up the i15 again. It's a great scenic drive.

bastedyoungturkey · 21/07/2022 22:20

In vegas go to area 15 and visit omega mart. It’s crazy. I can’t explain what it is but the kids will love it.

Alwaystheplusone · 21/07/2022 22:43

The Exploratorium in San Francisco is ace, your kids will love it. It’s very close to where you board the boat to Alcatraz but you should allow a good couple of hours for it. The homeless situation in the city is terrible and is not restricted to the Tenderloin area. It’s very sad to see so you might want to prepare the kids in advance.

If you’re driving Route One along Big Sur you can stop at Nepenthe for lunch and amazing views. I’d also go for Pismo beach over Cambria if you’re looking for a stop along that stretch of coast.

Universal Studios in LA is really good fun and definitely worth visiting.

tensmummy · 21/07/2022 23:30

You do need to understand the homeless and crime situation in SF OP. My friend spent a week there, she's lived everywhere and is very worldly. She was shocked. Many restaurants close at 9, lots of shops have security guards. Fisherman's wharf isn't bustling like it used to be. She said there were no families about in the evening. Apparently a former mayor (or similar) directed funding from mental health services some time ago. She found it upsetting both for the city and those who the cuts have impacted

Original poster

twordle · 22/07/2022 08:14

tensmummy · 21/07/2022 23:30

You do need to understand the homeless and crime situation in SF OP. My friend spent a week there, she's lived everywhere and is very worldly. She was shocked. Many restaurants close at 9, lots of shops have security guards. Fisherman's wharf isn't bustling like it used to be. She said there were no families about in the evening. Apparently a former mayor (or similar) directed funding from mental health services some time ago. She found it upsetting both for the city and those who the cuts have impacted

Such a shame. We're only there for 2 nights & I expect the jet lag will prevent us venturing too far at night time anyway!

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lawandgin · 22/07/2022 08:29

We did this drive in 2015 and it's one of the best holidays we've ever done. Santa Cruz is gorgeous, go to the boardwalk. I can't believe no one has mentioned Carmel and 17 mile drive. It's stunning! Santa Barbara is also nice, we spent a lovely simple day on the beach to refresh after the driving. We also stopped in palm springs to visit a friend and then drove on to Vegas. Someone upthread mentioned driving through the Mojave preserve and this is what we did, singing "I've been through the desert on a horse with no name" 😂 it was great, but you do need to be prepared. The heat is intense, take way more water than you think you need. Make sure the car is full of petrol, we stopped at the infamous Roy's to fill up. The toilets are ..erm... interesting. There is very little phone signal in the reserve too, so I was just praying we didn't break down. We skipped LA as we didn't feel it was for us. I'm so jealous, you'll have the most amazing time!

greenbirdsong · 22/07/2022 08:36

Red rock canyon just outside Vegas was a really great place to visit. Less busy than the Grand Canyon (where everyone goes!) and a really beautiful place. We went on a tour and it was really memorable and enjoyable.

Goesbothways · 25/07/2022 22:40

Such a shame. We're only there for 2 nights & I expect the jet lag will prevent us venturing too far at night time anyway!

Good to hear. I've been this year and was deeply shocked at what the city has become. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. The seals will make you smile though

Original poster

twordle · 27/07/2022 20:35

@Macaroni1924 could you ask your bro what the weathers like in San Fran now?! My weather apps all say diff things & I've no idea what to pack! Thanks. Getting very excited now!!

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Macaroni1924 · 27/07/2022 20:41

twordle · 27/07/2022 20:35

@Macaroni1924 could you ask your bro what the weathers like in San Fran now?! My weather apps all say diff things & I've no idea what to pack! Thanks. Getting very excited now!!

Will txt my sil as he is useless lol get back to you soon. I bet, not long now! I’d definitely pack a light rain jacket as when the mist comes in it gets chilly/wet. I had a wee cheap pack a Mack from Primark that was perfect for it.

Macaroni1924 · 27/07/2022 20:57

@twordle she said it’s been kind of cool and foggy in the mornings and pretty sunny and humid in the afternoons, low 70s. Definitely a jacket for when it’s cooler. I know my brother and when we go we find it way warmer than she does as she’s from LA. A cold day there for them is like a hot day for us 🤣 Have a great trip!

Original poster

twordle · 27/07/2022 21:11

Macaroni1924 · 27/07/2022 20:57

@twordle she said it’s been kind of cool and foggy in the mornings and pretty sunny and humid in the afternoons, low 70s. Definitely a jacket for when it’s cooler. I know my brother and when we go we find it way warmer than she does as she’s from LA. A cold day there for them is like a hot day for us 🤣 Have a great trip!

Amazing, thank you so much @Macaroni1924

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