Michelle
Indiana
We are doing a family summer vacation with 3 teenagers across the west coast. We are flying into Vegas and spending a day at the grand canyon and a day on the strip, then driving up to Merced and staying the night there and spending the next day at Yosemite and then back to Merced for the night again. Then we are driving into San Jose to see family and going to San Francisco for 1-2 days. Then we thought we would continue up the coast along 101 through the redwoods and stopping at a city along there for the night, possibly Eureka. Then up to Eugene to see family for a couple days then up to Seattle to fly out. We are trying to save money where we can on the activities and site seeing. Any hotel or restaurant suggestions, must see places, any tips on what to do or not to do, or general advice about the trip. Thanks
Las Vegas (Nevada) Yosemite National Park (California) Merced (California) San Jose (California) San Francisco (California) Eureka (California) Eugene (Oregon) Seattle (Washington)
The kids will love In n Out Burgers, but they're only as far as SF. Look up their "Secret Menu" online as they're not listed inside the restaurants.
Everything you've picked will be great for the kids. The Oregon Coast will be great (although not as nice as the CA coast you're missing. ;-) ) Are you spending any time in SEA? If so, the Seattle Center with the Museum of Pop Culture and the Experience Music should hold their interest. Also, the Ducks Tour is a fun way to see the city. Ivars restaurant(s) downtown is an institution and can be very inexpensive.
I'm assuming you're coming this summer? We came through Merced yesterday. It was 106F. Bring appropriate clothes, but be aware that it *could* be cold along the coast and if you're going to SEA anytime other than Aug, the chance of rain is about 75%.
If you don't use WAZE app, check it out. It not only gives directions, but also traffic conditions and alternative routes if there's a problem. We never leave home without it now. Also GASBUDDY app for the least expensive gas. We saved $.25/gal yesterday by going 2 miles off of Hiway 99 thanks to the info and the driving directions to get there.
PS-get into Yosemite Village (California) as early as you can. It will be CROWDED. If you don't have a National Park Pass yet, look to get one before you go. It will save you both time and money.
Have a great time.
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Freemont Street light show is free evening entertainment. The Las Vegas Revue show is the most family friendly. Film clips and imitators of famous performers give an overview of Vegas history. Some original improv with audience participation makes for a good evening. Boulder Dam Hotel charges for parking but worth it. The walking tour into the power house may not be worth the time. In Bakersfield, soon after you hit hwy 99, will be Buck Owens' Crystal Palace. It might be a good rest stop with a few things about country music.
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Why don't you spend the night at Redwood National Park. They have campgrounds where you can spend the night and it's a gorgeous park. I would also try Sunset Bay State Park which is near a lovely place called Coos Bay and I know they have camping. I think you can even stay in a yurt there which I would think a bunch of teenagers would love!
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