California: SO much to do, how do you pick

[piealhxiprshl]

4 of us (2A, 2 "c" 15 and 12- so probably adults!), 2 weeks in May (not this year!), can probably go up to 15-16 nights, but budget will likely cap us.

We want to do Disney and Universal, plus Hollywood (happy to do 1 day in each theme park don't want to get too consumed with theme parks but kids are keen). I know San Diego is a good location too. But I love the look of the north of the state San Fran, Monterey and Yosemite but is that at all feasible in a week if doing a week of theme park/Hollywood/LA stuff? Happy to drive but will the visits be too short?

We could fly into LA and out San Fran which might help, I guess we could ditch San Diego and Yosemite, would that make it more feasible?

I'd be grateful for itineraries!

@WhatWouldTheDoctorDo how much are you budgeting for spending money? I always find we spend so much less than others when discussing this in forums etc.

Booking.com can charge more than the actual property charges. Always compare and definitely check rooms. I think £12,000 for 4 is ok if your flights are Avios. There’s quite a wide variety of accommodation available but those theme park costs would kill me!

I think we pencilled in about £4K. I'll tell you in July how realistic that is

Agreed on booking.com @TizerorFizz though we found for ours booking.com was comparable with genius discounts and ours are all cancellable/pay later which was important. I think we've booked one direct. The other thing to watch out for are resort fees and parking fees, but it sounds like you'll know that already OP.

We use Hotels.com if it’s around the same price as booking direct as you get one night free after 10 stays. Not keen on Booking.com, we’ve had issues on arrival several times when booking through them.

Are you going in early May or late May?

There has been massive snowfall in the Sierra Nevada mountains this winter, and the timing might affect accessibility of some parts of Yosemite.

Elevations of up to 7000 feet are usually melting by mid May. If you like waterfalls, you won't be disappointed.

Yosemite is really magnificent. I wouldn't miss it.

YY to driving south (on the right) for the coastal experience.