AboutErnest Tufft Expertise I am knowlegeable about most all parts of California, but am most knowlegeable about San
Diego, San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas, Wine Country regions, North Coast, Yosemite,
Mother Lode, Tahoe, and Central California.
Experience I'm a fourth generation Californian and know the history, culture, and geography of the state very well. Born and raised in the Francisco Bay Area, I lived 8 years in San Diego, and now reside in Stockton, CA. I worked 6 years in the Napa/Sonoma wine industry. I have also traveled to 19 different countries, on all continents of the world except Australia and Antartica
Organizations I'm a gold star member at VirtualTourist.com.
Publications Virtualtourist.com
Education/Credentials I have a Master's degree in English, and have teacher's credentials for grades K through 12. I currently teach at the community college level.
Past/Present clients I have helped many visitors from all over the world appreciate the great state of California, and I have also helped Californians visit other parts of the world.
Expert: Ernest Tufft Date: 7/22/2008 Subject: driving tour
Question Hello
Ok, need some advise please. I am going to San Francisco on the 29th August this year with me boyfriend, where i will be collecting a car on the 31st. Once we have the car we need to end up in L.A by the 11th Sep. We would like to visit Yosemite national park, Death Valley, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, San Diego and Long Beach and also L.A once we get there. Could you please help me as to where we start off as i do not have a clue as to what is the best route for us to take in the car. We would also like to drive down the coast and stop off at some nice beaches on the way, where we could stay on some nice hotels. We both do like a drink and like some good night life, is there any place that is good for a drink and a boogy. Hope i am not asking for too much but i just don't know where to start our plan from and we only have a few weeks to go.
Thanks
Zoe
Answer I'd put off getting that car for at least one more day because San Francisco is the best city on the west coast in my opinion. But, let's see 12 days. I recommend going to Yosemite (2 days), and then returning by way of Merced and the Pacheco Pass to the Monterey Bay Area (2 days). Santa Cruz is the swinging beach action place to go in the north, although the wealthy prefer the meditative rocky shoreline of Monterey and Carmel. Then, take Hwy 1 south past Big Sur to cross over at Paso Robles and head for Death Valley, Las Vegas (2 days in Vegas), and on to Grand Canyon (2 days). From Grand Canyon, consider taking Hwy 95 south, as it skirts along the California/Arizona border at the Colorado River, take 95 south to I-8. Then i-8 to San Diego (2 days) and then take I-5 north to Long Beach/LA. Hope this helps. If you have more questions, don't hestitate to ask. About hotels for example, I can't recommend, but I can tell if the hotel is in the right place. Get reservations for Yosemite, San Francisco, and Las Vegas RIGHT NOW! Good luck. More information at Virtualtourist.com I have many images and recommendations there for most of these places.
