BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July

Subject: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 11:56 AM

California, here I come!


I'm heading across the continent, with my daughter, son in law and grandson, for a couple of weeks, flying into San Francisco for a few days and then driving down Highway 1 to Los Angeles and then over to Las Vegas.

We have hotel accommodation in SF but I am wondering if anyone can recommend reasonably priced hotels/motels in the LA region or on the journey between LA and LV.

I'd also be interested in knowing what there is to see in the cities and en route that might be of interest to my non-folkie family and, in particular, a 9 year old boy.

I would also like to try and meet up with Mudcatters in the areas we will be traveling through, if possible.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Ebbie
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:06 PM

Have a great time, Jacqui!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:06 PM

That line is from a movie about the Great California Earthquake. LOL

Disneyworld.
SF Pier
Sf gets chilly at night even in the summer. Bring a sweater.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:23 PM

Darn thing didn't post before.

I have friends and family in the LA area, but that statement is rather meaningless, because the area is so huge and they don't have guest rooms (the cost of real estate in California means that some of these folks live in very tiny expensive houses). But I'll email my friend in Ventura and see what she recommends. When she wants to get away, she heads up the coast to Cambria, south of the San Simeon area. She might have a nice stopping over place to recommend.

You're picking a very hot time to visit Las Vegas. Hotels there tend to be fairly attractively priced because they want people to hang around and gamble. Avoid the gambling and enjoy the food and the relatively "reasonable" hotel prices, if that's what you end up doing.

Hopefully Amos and a couple of the others out there will see this thread and have distinct recommendations (or invitations to stray from your original plans and make a visit!)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:25 PM

Not that it's reasonably priced, but The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo is famous for its unusual rooms. Check out the website at least: http://www.madonnainn.com/index.php. Be sure ancd click on the rooms for pictures. In general, the San Luis Obispo/Morro Bay/Oceano part of the central coast will probably be better for your budget than the more upscale Carmel/Monterey and Santa Barbara areas.

Mind you, I haven't stayed in hotels on the west coast for many years...I camp, or drive home. So my info may be way out of date.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:30 PM

Hearst Castle, the house William Randolph Hearst had California arts&crafts period architect Julia Morgan design for his lover Marion Davies, is right near Cambria (just north of where I was just talking about)...it's a tourist Mecca, and definitely non-folkie. Do your research; I think you may have to reserve a tour time in advance.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: kendall
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:30 PM

...I'm all alone in the world...

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: pdq
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:39 PM

After arriving in San Francisco, visit the Maritime Museum and drive around enough to see a few landmarks like Coit Tower and Golden Gate Park, the get the heck out of town.

Do not stay in The City for even one night.

Try Half Moon Bay the first night, then drive down Highway 1 and enjoy the scenery.

Later on the trip, drive through Cannery Row and the Carmel area, perhaps visit the Montery Bay Aquarium or see a butterfly tree. Also the area known as 19 Mile Drive.

The idea of staying in Morro Bay is a good one.

Everything south of Pacifica and north of Santa Barbara is nice.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:47 PM

Pick up lunch fixings at Bruno's Market in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and then head south on Hwy 1 and stop at Point Lobos (home of the world's most photographed cypress tree) for a quick seacliff hike. Lovely spot for a picnic!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:53 PM

If you have time, the meandering coastal highway from SFO down (US 1) is well worth the windy driving.

Now listen, you COULD swing through San Diego, Jacqui--it's only a couple hours more and MUCH more temperate than Las Vegas. If it is gambling you are set on we have several excellent casinos (as long as you don't get kidnapped by Red Injuns). (Just kidding...).

And you get free floor space in town!!

Think about it. The boy might like Sea World, our world-famous Jail for Whales, and we have the best zoo on the Western Half of the country. And there's Wild Animal Park where the animals roam wide-open spaces and the people stay on board the train. Awesome!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: pdq
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:56 PM

It's actually called 17 Mile Drive, but due to inflation...

The Carmel area, Point Lobos and Big Sur areas area must.

Also redwood trees, if you will likely see California only one time.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 01:08 PM

pdq has a point about the redwoods. You could go north to Muir Woods from San Francisco to see them, or make a side trip to Big Basin in my neck of the woods -- which might actually make staying near Santa Cruz a good idea. In which case, I know just the place (see PMs)!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: gnu
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 01:09 PM

Kendall... make a list and prioritize. Just keep the list where she can't find it.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 01:12 PM

while still in SF
redwood forest


does he like dinosaurs?
la brea tar pits

different stuff on
santa monica pier

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 01:24 PM

links to all below found here

GO Los Angeles


Attractions available exclusively on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Universal Studios Hollywood (Bonus Choice exclusively with 3, 5, and 7 Day Cards)
Starline Tours: Hollywood Trolley Tour
Kodak Theatre Guided Tour
Warner Bros. Studio VIP Tour
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
Los Angeles City and Movie Stars Homes Tour
Paramount Pictures Studio Tour
Six Flags Magic Mountain
LEGOLAND California
Knotts Berry Farm
Aquarium of the Pacific
Autry National Center Museum of the American West
Belmont Park
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
California Heritage Museum
California Science Center
Discovery Science Center
Hammer Museum
Harbor Excursions: North and South Bay Tours
Harbor Excursions: Whale Watch
Heritage Square Museum
Hollywood Museum
Japanese American National Museum
K1 Speed Indoor Karting
LEGOLAND California
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
MOCA Grand Avenue
Museum of Tolerance
NEW! Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Petersen Automotive Museum
Queen Mary
Red Line Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Santa Monica Historical Society Museum
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
Skirball Cultural Center
Sony Pictures Studios Tour
Spirit Cruises: Long Beach
Spirit Cruises: San Pedro
Spirit Cruises: Super Circle Cruise
Spirit Cruises: Whale Watch
Spokes N Stuff Rentals
Spokes N Stuff Rentals Griffith Park
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
Wild Rivers Waterpark
Zimmer Childrens Museum

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: maeve
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 02:55 PM

Have wonderful trip, Jacqui. Come home safe and sound. Shall we take turns dumping yard sale treasures in your garage to keep Himself entertained in your absence?

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Ebbie
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 03:01 PM

I'll second Amos's recommendation(s) of the San Diego Zoo, and especially the Wild Animal Park a few miles out of town. The open-air train circles the property and one watches the animal herds roam around, from cheetahs, lions, elephants, springbok, antelope, hippos and rhinoceros, exotic goats and sheep. And more. It is quite a place. Oh, and don't miss the butterfly pavilion.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Dave Swan
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 03:01 PM

If I can get off duty I'll be happy to play tour/music guide in the SF area. I'm just across the bridge in Oakland.

I'll PM you w/details within the next day or two.

Hope to see you. It's been fun w/every other M'cat I've been able to host.

Cheers,

D

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 03:17 PM

Hell, just go visit him at the Fire House. If you're lucky he'll let you slide down the pole...


A

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 06:57 PM

Will you be in SF July 3rd? If so, come to the monthly chantey sing aboard the ship Balclutha, Hyde Street Pier, fisherman's wharf, which runs from 8pm to midnight. PM me to trade contact info, if you'd like. If not that night, if you visit San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park during the day, please ask for me at the ticket booth on Hyde Street Pier. I'm a park ranger there, and the booth will call me on the 2-way radio. If the timing doesn't work out, have a great time in SF!

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 07:19 PM

Thanks for all those suggestions.

We will be flying into SF on July 8th for four days and then start down south - no plans set as yet except that both my daughter and son in law want to spend a couple od days in Las Vegas, where I will be the babysitter while they check out the casinos.

I emailed Sharon the web address for this thread and, when they get bak from Florida at the weekend, we will be working on an itinerary for the rest of the trip.

Amos - if it is at all possible I would like to get to San Diego. What's the distance from LA and to LV from you?

Chanteyranger - won't be there for the 3rd, but might take you up on the park - I would think that there will be stuff there to interest the youngest member of the party!

Maeve - what a lovely idea! I'm sure that Kendall would be delighted to see you and any 'treasures' that you might bring.

Dave - that sounds like a great idea - it is always useful to have a local guide to some of the hidden places in a city.

I'm getting quite excited about this trip!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 07:28 PM

El Swanno is a GREAT idea! How can you pass up a tour guide who is also a founding partner in Lane, Fielding, Patterson, and Swan---Layabouts-At-Large and For Hire. Ya' know, he used to do this high-dive act in fishnets and half a gorilla suit where he lands in a fire helmet filled with lime jello....Maybe your grandson would dig it. I dunno' if it is part of the tour but.................


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: kendall
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 07:39 PM

For that I'd come along too.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 07:58 PM

Jacqui, I'm free Saturday (July 10) until about 4pm and could come to The City (with Martin in tow), if you'd like yet more company in San Francisco and/or if it doesn't work out to come meet us in Santa Cruz.

C

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 08:06 PM

Sounds like a plan Claire - I'd love to meet up and it wil be good for Lewis to have some company his own age.

Spaw - I'm not sure if Lewis would dig that, but I would love to get video for YouTube.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 08:31 PM

Have FUN Jacqui ! And say Hi to the Family

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 08:49 PM

Jacqui:

Los Angeles is about 95 miles, perhaps two hours. Las VEgas is about 320 NE of here, a straight shot on I-15.

But the Barona Casino can take your money and feed you just as well as the Strip, and the zoo is better for the yonker!!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: open mike
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 11:03 PM

HOW OLD IS THE KID?
The exploratorium is a great hands-on
science museum for kids of all ages..
and there is an aquariaum at pier 39
and an even better one in Monterey.

there may even be one near golden gate
park...i remember a round-a-bout donut
shaped tank with a current that flows
and the fish and sharks swim "up-stream"
it is at the CA academy of science.

i am 3-4 hours from the bay area,
and not likely to be there during
your visit.

have a good one!

Gilroy is a bit inland,but iam
fascinated with the circus trees
at the Gilroy gardens amusement park.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: My guru always said
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 04:11 AM

Have a fantastic trip Jacqui, safe journeys!!

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: open mike
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 07:51 AM

http://geejay.newsvine.com/_news/2009/02/16/2431781-review-the-new-california-academy-of-sciences-san-francisco

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: pdq
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 08:59 AM

http://www.calacademy.org/

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: ClaireBear
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 09:11 AM

Martin adores the Exploratorium -- and the Monterey Bay Aquarium as well. Great recommendations! I haven't been to the new Academy of Sciences since its rebirth, but I'm sure that'd be grand as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 06:16 PM

Sounds like Jacqui should take the kid to San Diego (and hold onto some rescue money in case the parents loose their shirts) while the parents head to Vegas. Vegas does have things for kids, but frankly, tagging along at Circus Circus just doesn't strike me as interesting compared to the San Diego Zoo and Sea World. And Amos's floorspace. (Amos, Jacqui is Mudcat Royalty. Can you upgrade the offer to a sofa?)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Bobert
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 06:21 PM

Yo, Jacqui... My buddy, Amos, don't sound like he's gonna bring me a bag of weed to the Getaway??? I know, sounds unbelievable seein' as there are weed stores on every corner in California so...

...heck, I figured that seein' as yer there that you could just pick me up a few Oz's??? Okay, maybe just one Oz... I gladly repay ya' fir yer expense at the Getaway and maybe even roll us up one for after the Capt'n nods off...

Whaddayathink???

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 07:48 PM

How many state lines will she cross with something only legal in California, Bobert? Isn't there anything growing up in those woods of yours, up near those fancy mushrooms you go hunting? We need to send you to the cellar, for even thinking of putting our Jacqui through that!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 08:36 PM

Actually, while we're in Vegas it's likely that we'll head out to see the Grand Canyon one day - I think that the evenings will be when Sharon and Steve head for the casinos and then Lewis and I will be looking to see what kind of scary or Sci Fi films we can find to watch on TV.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Bobert
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 08:46 PM

Yeah, just ignore my simple request... Sheesh!!!

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Genie
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 08:56 PM

Jacqui, if you do make it down to San Diego, I recommend Chez Amos - and Balboa Park for jamming too! Them geetar and banjo pickin' animals is sumthin' to see (& hear) too.

Heck, you might even take a side trip south of the border down Tijuana way - if you don't mind long lines at the border. There are also some nice Pacific Coast beaches, such as Torrey Pines Park, in the SD area. No cost to hang out there.
And if you go to the beach at LaJolla (very near Chez Amos) you can watch the seals and sea lions who have usurped the "children's wading pool" area on the beach there.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 09:02 PM

Jacqui-

The Grand Canyon is well worth a look. It's amazing what Nature can sculpt over a few thousand years, without our help!

Of course if someone filled it full of concrete it would make a very nice parking lot or air field, not to mention a casino or two.

Good luck on your trip.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 09:04 PM

Hmmm. If I were taking VIPs to the California Coast, I'd walk with them across the Golden Gate Bridge. I can't think of many things more spectacular. And Muir Woods in Marin County (just north of SF) is a great place to see redwoods.
My favorite park in California is Point Lobos State Park, just south of Carmel. Lots of tidepools, sea lions, and sea otters - probably the best place in the world to see sea otters.
If you have passengers likely to get carsick, stay off Highway 1 - but otherwise, it's a wonderful drive (easier if you go south to north because then you're not on the outside edge of the cliff).
And the Wild Animal Park in San Diego is even more interesting than the zoo.
Have a nice trip, Jacqui.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 09:17 PM

Jacqui, you should go to LA and relive the glory days of last January....

More seriously, take your nine year old to San Francisco's cable car museum. It's very small - the true joy is in the cable cars themselves - but it's a lot of fun.

We'll talk soon.

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Amos
Date: 03 Jul 10 - 12:08 AM

Wal, we can make it a futon in a private room with detached full bath, or an air mattress in another room. All the comforts of home except a couple. :D


A

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 03 Jul 10 - 11:50 AM

Umm, you [New] English folks really do have a hard time getting a handle on the scale of the American west... happy driving!! :-)

(It's 5 hours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.)
(It's 5.5 hours from Las Vegas to San Diego.)
(It's 8.5 hours from San Francisco to San Diego, on the BOOORRRINNG route.)
(And all of that's without stops.)

~ Becky in Long Beach
(who drove the 8 hours from Tucson yesterday)

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 03 Jul 10 - 11:52 AM

Well, we've got about two and a half weeks for this trip.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 03 Jul 10 - 01:49 PM

That's a good length of time.

Sorry that we don't have the space to offer for an L.A. stop...

~ Becky in Long Beach

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: pdq
Date: 03 Jul 10 - 03:20 PM

Not to be a downer, but it seems that this trip is not planned well, especially involving the huge distances and the extreme temperatures of the southwest deserts in mid July.

Desert Dancer (note desert) is right when she said "you [New] English folks really do have a hard time getting a handle on the scale of the American west...".

Also, the area people usually think of when they say Grand Canyon is close to the center (east-west) of Arizona and is reached by going north from Highway 40 (old Route 66). The best you can do, within a reasonable drive from Las Vegas is perhaps Meadview, about 100 mile drive from the Vegas strip, and that is not the exiting part of the Grand Canyon. The Vegas-Meadview trip goes over the Hoover Dam, a great experience in itself, but that area is probably the second hottest part of the US, behind only Death Valley. Expect temps near 120 F.

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: jacqui.c
Date: 03 Jul 10 - 04:55 PM

I know enough to make sure that we have a full tank of gas, an air conditioned car and plenty of bottles of water before setting off for a drive through the desert. Any other tips from those who know?

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Jul 10 - 08:35 PM

Jacqui, I worked a couple of years in Arizona at the other end of the state, as a National Park Ranger in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. That park is a "winter park" and doesn't get much traffic in summer. Grand Canyon is very high elevation so it is cooler than the rst of the state, but it gets much of it's traffic in the summer simply because that is when Americans take vacations and the most foreigners visit. So it's a long (crowded) hot drive to get there to look over the rim, north or south (South Rim is most popular).

Instead of that, I would suggest you find out if there is a flight that tours over the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, and see it that way. You'll see more of it, you'll be more comfortable, and when you consider the time, gas, lodging, and all of that, the flight is probably a reasonable alternative. I just googled it and see $125 air tours from Vegas to Grand Canyon. Take your time now and research these folks - get the names of a few companies and then look them up through the Better Business Bureau: http://southernnevada.bbb.org/checkbusinesscharity.asp. It's worth your time to find out who gets a good rating - don't just go with the lowest price.

The entire trip will be better if you do a few things well versus a bunch of things quickly. I think the visit and singing in San Diego with Amos sounds great - every time a Mudcatter visits him down there they rave about the visit. I think the folks you're planning to see in Oakland or San Francisco sound great - again, they're locals, they'll show you the things they know are the best ones and avoid the tourist traps. I'd think twice about going to Tijuana - I've been there, but in better times. Again, ask Amos (go with Amos!).

Hoover Dam is interesting, a short day trip out from Vegas, and if you want to drive into Arizona a little way along there, you can see some of the Sonoran Desert landscape. But with the time you have, I'd spend time visiting sites en route. Joshua Tree is an amazing place, and though you'd have to detour a bit, take I-10 to see it then take some state highways up to I-40 and over to Hwy 95 north (probably better than driving through the Mojave National Preserve - a lovely area, but few amenities - ask Amos) you'd definitely get a good long look at the American desert southwest. I worked at Hoover Dam very briefly, it doesn't take long to see it but it does, as they say, blow your hair back. :)

Have fun, and I'm sorry you're not coming through Texas!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 04 Jul 10 - 02:31 AM

"Hearst Castle, the house William Randolph Hearst had California arts&crafts period architect Julia Morgan design for his lover Marion Davies, is right near Cambria (just north of where I was just talking about)...it's a tourist Mecca, and definitely non-folkie. Do your research; I think you may have to reserve a tour time in advance."

This is not quite true - two mudcatters (us) live in Cambria! We're less than a mile from Highway One. This highway, from Carmel to Cambria, is probably the most scenic drive in the U. S. so don't miss it. Give it three hours to make the 100 miles.

Hearst Castle is definitely worth a visit but do make reservations on line. Another very nice tour is Piedras Blancas Light Station, a few miles north of the castle. No reservations here. Just show up at the abandoned motel about a mile and a half north of the station any Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday by 9:45 AM. If you show up on Thursday we will be your tour guides if you ask for us. Allow 3 hours total.

Have a great time.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Jul 10 - 01:13 PM

Bev and Jerry, I'm glad you added to this! So is my friend in Ventura right, is Cambria itself a nice destination for a few days away from the chaos that is that whole urban area that stretches out from LA? I'm sure that is the place she mentioned heading to when she wanted to get away.

I loved visiting the Hearst Castle. I had an acquaintance years ago whose father was the supt of that California State Park, and heard a lot of interesting stories about the behind the scenes stuff. I wish there was more time on the tours, and I think there are two or three to choose from. If you're there and there are a couple, you may want to make a couple of reservations and see different parts of it.

SRS