Expert: Ernest Tufft - 3/4/2008

Question
Hello
I am 25 and me and a friend are going to America on the 24th August. We are starting off in new york which is all sorted out and then we fly to San Fransico. We are staying there for 4 nights then we have a car hire for 12days. I would really like some help as to what is best to do once we have the car. We need to end up in L.A as that is where we fly back to London from. I have not arainged any accomadion yet as just do not know where to start.  Places we would like to go to would be San Diago, Las Vagas, Death Vally, Long Beach, Queen mary rose boat, and ending in L.A. What would you advise to see fist where to start from, what is good to see. We are both young and do like a drink a good nights outs. Would really like your help.
zoe


Answer
Hi Zoe,  First I would have to say that you will have a very busy 12 days and won't afford a morning squandered due to the previous night's drinking :-) Be sure to get the rental car AFTER visiting San Francisco, as the hassle of parking in the city is so great the public transportation is highly recommended.  Get a MUNI map as soon as you arrive.  Bear in mind that during August, temperatures in the desert regions of Las Vegas and Death Valley will soar so high that you won't be able to spend much time outside.  Las Vegas casinos will be fun, but Death Valley will be limited to a drive through.  With that in mind, I recommend a visit to Yosemite, Santa Cruz/Monterey/Carmel, and/or the Napa/Sonoma wine country.  There is no better place to dine and drink than in San Francisco and Napa Valley combined.  If you choose to see the wonders of Yosemite, then the wine country could be seen in a loop starting from San Francisco, and then taking Hwy 12 from Napa across through the Sacramento River Delta region to I-5 at Lodi (use Mapquest to understand this further).  If you choose to skip Yosemite, I recommend driving south from San Francisco to Santa Cruz through the redwood studded Santa Cruz mountains.  Come to think of it, for young people, Santa Cruz is king, as it is the surf capitol of California.  In August, the water should be warm, and the nightlife in the downtown will be filled with life.  Monterey is also worth a visit, although it tends to be more touristy, but the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must see place, located as it is on the largest marine sanctuary in the USA.  Continuing south, walk through quaint Carmel, and see the Mission there, before driving through Big Sur along the spectacular coastal Hwy 1 route.  If you decide to take in Yosemite, it's still possible to appreciate Monterey/Carmel, because there's a route that goes through the Pacheco Pass from the Central Valley.  In August, Yosemite Valley is very much alive with things to do, and young people able to hike a bit will not want to miss this place.  Now, I've got to go for the moment, but I want to warn you that traffic within LA and San Diego can be very time consuming.  If you only have 12 days, think carefully how important San Diego really is, as it is quite a ways south.  If you have more specific questions, please feel free to ask again.