First time to the US - comments on itinerary

[rock86]

Hi all,

Mrs Rock & myself have decided that after a number of trips catching up with family in Europe and some neighbouring Asian/Pacific getaways, that is time to finally visit the US of A! This time round the kids are staying on property with their grandparents, which they love to do so we're very lucky in that regard!!

We have secured EK F flights for both the outbound/inbound, but are yet to fully commit to the internal travel as we haven't decided on how many nights we'd like to spend at each location (although SWMBO seems to adamant about 7 nights in NYC). So our current proposed itinerary is as follows:

BNE-SEA: Depart 19 Nov - Arrive 20 Nov
Seattle: 2 nights
Los Angeles: 3 nights
Las Vegas: 3 nights
San Francisco: 3 nights
New York: 7 nights
EWR-BNE: Depart 8 Dec - Arrive 10 Dec

Of all the places, we're not too sure whether we need 3 nights in LA as there's not too much that appeals to us and whether 3 nights in Vegas is overkill (well I don't think this ). And I'm not sure whether 7 nights is too much time in NYC .

The decisions!!

 

[maccaisking]

At the risk of upsetting SWMBO, my favourite cities in America are Boston (a lovely city, friendly people, good vibe) and Washington. I could spend a month visiting the different museums, etc in Washington. As these are both on the East Coast it would make sense to take a chunk out of NYC time to see them.

MrsMac is similar to your wife tho in that she is a big fan of shopping, eating, window shopping and then more shopping in NYC. Whatever you decide, have a great trip

 

[opusman]

Personally I would spend more time in LA and less in Vegas. 7 nights in NYC is a minimum

 

[bigjobs]

you will fill 7 nights in NYC easily if it's your first time ... LA is surprisingly good in my opinion.

 

[andye]

The Grand Canyon is a good trip from Vegas but really need an overnight to do the drive there and back comfortably.

 

[bigjobs]

Vegas - day trip to red rock canyon is good. also, hoover dam in something else, but you're won't be allowed on the dam wall these days. when we went a while back we could go across the top of the dam wall to the other side.

 

[dajop]

, but you're won't be allowed on the dam wall these days. when we went a while back we could go across the top of the dam wall to the other side.

We were there in 2017 and both drove and walked across the top of the dam wall. Still can be visited.

 

[Pushka]

We took a one day return train trip to Washington from NYC. Sounds crazy but it was a real highlight of our trip. Outside the train station is the HOHO tour that stops at all the iconic locations, plus we had time for a pop in to the Smithsonian Space Museum. Honestly, it was a real highlight to see all the places you see on the News and TV.

Boston is wonderful if you are into USA history. I’d not spend much time in LA unless you want to go to Disneyland.

 

[Lynda2475]

7 nights minimum for NY and possible to do day trip to Philadelphia from there too, which is much less travel time on the train than heading to DC (which I feel needs more than a day).

I personally loathe LA and do everything I can to avoid spending time there - when it comes to California San Francisco wins hands down. I can also take or leave Vegas but if you do trips outside of the strip to Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam then it is ok.

 

[rock86]

Thanks for all the replies everyone!

MrsMac is similar to your wife tho in that she is a big fan of shopping, eating, window shopping and then more shopping in NYC. Whatever you decide, have a great trip

That certainly sounds like Mrs Rock also!!

The Grand Canyon is a good trip from Vegas but really need an overnight to do the drive there and back comfortably.

Vegas - day trip to red rock canyon is good. also, hoover dam in something else, but you're won't be allowed on the dam wall these days. when we went a while back we could go across the top of the dam wall to the other side.

I've only quoted the 2 replies, but in regards to Vegas one of those days was more then likely going to be a tour of the Grand Canyon. Haven't yet decided on a Helicopter Tour of the Western Rim (a bit over half day), or a Plane/Bus combination tour of the South Rim (full day).

We took a one day return train trip to Washington from NYC. Sounds crazy but it was a real highlight of our trip. Outside the train station is the HOHO tour that stops at all the iconic locations, plus we had time for a pop in to the Smithsonian Space Museum. Honestly, it was a real highlight to see all the places you see on the News and TV.

Boston is wonderful if you are into USA history. I’d not spend much time in LA unless you want to go to Disneyland.

I'd love to go to Washington/Boston, but I think first time round will see us spend the West Coast time in NYC, sounds as though based on the replies we'll certainly have plenty to do (can;t wait!). With LA, we're thinking about a day at Disneyland, but without the kids seems weird to do!!

 

[Pushka]

Hollering out to @mrs.dr.ron who knows everything “shopping” in NYC.

 

[Denali]

Why 3 nights in LA? I understand if theme parks are your thing but whats in LA?

And is that the direction you have to go in? I would do Seattle, San Fran, LAX, LV, NY if I could.

If I had a wish list, I would spend less in LA and visit Yosemite or spend an extra day or 2 in Seattle (but I love Seattle).

When we head to NY again, I would be visiting Boston.

Enjoy your planning!

 

[Ausbt]

I went from being an LA hater to a lover. You really need to work out what appeals, but you might find it there. Like the outdoors? Hike in the canyons and check out the view. Theme parks? Universal, get a front-of-line pass and do 24 attractions in one day (I did). Obscure and cult movie nerd? Do your research and recreate some of the great (?) scenes on actual location from films no one has ever heard of, but you (I have). Skater? Ride from Santa Monica to Venice. GTA5 fan? ...hmmm, maybe don't go too wild on this one. A visit to the Whisky Au Go Go (aka Tequil La La) might fit the bill here. Foodie? Chase down as many Bowls of Chilli as you can find.

Accom recommendation: Mama Shelter, West Hollywood.

 

[dajop]

I've only quoted the 2 replies, but in regards to Vegas one of those days was more then likely going to be a tour of the Grand Canyon. Haven't yet decided on a Helicopter Tour of the Western Rim (a bit over half day), or a Plane/Bus combination tour of the South Rim (full day).

Time pressed these might be the best options. Although, when I've been to Grand Canyon, stayed overnight in nearby town, and visited both for sunrise and sunset over the canyon, and it was quite amazing, I loved seeing it in the different lights, and I thought better than having the extra night in Vegas.

Second time I visited (with my mother) we did a circuit from Phoenix to Monument Valley to Grand Canyon to Vegas. Also stayed overnight at the GC, and glad we got the opportunity to see it in the light on the first afternoon and at sunrise, before the snow reached (it was May as well!), as from about 7am it was covered in mist, and soon snow. If you'd done a day trip that particular day would have been so out of luck.

 

[Ausbt]

Boston is a great city, visiting the USS Constitution is a must. The M&S stores surprised me, I wonder if any other US cities have them?

7 days in NYC? Well better than 6 days I guess. Too much to do. Good thread here somewhere on the more obscure things, I'm planning on being there in mid-Feb and it's going to be cold. Haven't been to Russ & Daughters so better do that I guess. Naturally a trip or two to Century21, my annual wardrobe update. Chopped salads, lots of chopped salads.

 

[rock86]

Why 3 nights in LA? I understand if theme parks are your thing but whats in LA?

And is that the direction you have to go in? I would do Seattle, San Fran, LAX, LV, NY if I could.

If I had a wish list, I would spend less in LA and visit Yosemite or spend an extra day or 2 in Seattle (but I love Seattle).

When we head to NY again, I would be visiting Boston.

Enjoy your planning!

The route that you have suggested was what I had originally planned, then SWMBO said she'd rather not be in Vegas for Thanksgiving (even though we don't celebrate it...) hence the direction in my OP.

I went from being an LA hater to a lover. You really need to work out what appeals, but you might find it there. Like the outdoors? Hike in the canyons and check out the view. Theme parks? Universal, get a front-of-line pass and do 24 attractions in one day (I did). Obscure and cult movie nerd? Do your research and recreate some of the great (?) scenes on actual location from films no one has ever heard of, but you (I have). Skater? Ride from Santa Monica to Venice. GTA5 fan? ...hmmm, maybe don't go too wild on this one. A visit to the Whisky Au Go Go (aka Tequil La La) might fit the bill here. Foodie? Chase down as many Bowls of Chilli as you can find.

Accom recommendation: Mama Shelter, West Hollywood.

Thanks, something to think about. But really out of your list, Foodie and 'part' outdoors are closest to us. We only really allocated 3 nights in LA, because well in the US and it's LA

Time pressed these might be the best options. Although, when I've been to Grand Canyon, stayed overnight in nearby town, and visited both for sunrise and sunset over the canyon, and it was quite amazing, I loved seeing it in the different lights, and I thought better than having the extra night in Vegas.

Second time I visited (with my mother) we did a circuit from Phoenix to Monument Valley to Grand Canyon to Vegas. Also stayed overnight at the GC, and glad we got the opportunity to see it in the light on the first afternoon and at sunrise, before the snow reached (it was May as well!), as from about 7am it was covered in mist, and soon snow. If you'd done a day trip that particular day would have been so out of luck.

Staying in a town close to the GC sounds great, my brother-in-law and his partner speak highly of it as well - I just think we might be a bit short of time unfortunately.

 

[Ausbt]

Foodie and 'part' outdoors are closest to us

The Getty Museum is worth a look. In-and-Out burger doesn't qualify as 'foodie' but I still think worth a visit - make sure you ask for 'animal fries' a.k.a. loaded fries (not listed on menu, but you might know that already). There's some pretty good vintage clothing shops around West Hollywood.

Don't be scared of the bus or metro-rail, cheap and easy. Uber and similar certainly have been game-changers though in cheap convenient transport.

 

[Lynda2475]

Russ & Daughters

Love Russ & Daughters, the place I stay is just over a block away from the Russ & Daughters cafe (which I prefer over the deli) - but they are different experiences. You can easily spend 7 days in NY just doing different neighbourhoods of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens - eating all the way! But then there is superb theatre, stellar museums and galleries, parks, monuments etc. Im headed back to NYC in June it will be my 8th trip in 20 years and Im still finding new things to do each time I go.

Seattle is a great place for foodies, plus a day trips to Mt Ranier, or ferry up to Victoria (yes this is in Canada but ferry goes from Seatlle), not to mention Boeing tour.

WRT Disneyland (which isnt in LA but rather Anaheim) as an adult I've never been so underwhelmed by anything, having built it up in my head big time as a kid it was all about charcater meets and looks with few rides that would thrill an adult (in fact California Adventures park next door is better than original Magic Kingdom for adults).

If you like thrill rides (i.e. you must be at least this tall to ride) then check out Six Flags Magic Mountain in Ventura (its Wally World from the Vacation movie) whilst it has none of the Disney pagentry, the rides are much better (13 roller coasters on last count). If you want to do theme park, then i agree Universal Studios is better for adults than Disney (and actually in LA).

 

[cjd600]

3 nts in Vegas is fine....and I don't gamble.
If Mrs Rock likes shopping, excellent Outlets there can kill a day (prefer north ones to south) + Fashion Show mall opposite Wynn also has heaps of shops, from the major department stores, to specialty.....could kill a day easily, shopping>
If you don't like shopping, you can park yourself in one of the casino's Sportsbook/Bars and watch a wall of tv's showing whatever sport you can imagine.
Then another day walking the strip up and back wandering in and out of the theme casinos.
See a show, take your choice of top end dining vs buffet, whatver you prefer on the food front.
Theres 3 nts, 2 days.
Could do another couple of days by the pool, but the weather in Nov/Dec wont be so conducive to that.

LA we go for Anaheim/Disney with the kids.
If no kids, we tend to stay a few days in San Diego instead (easy hopover to Tijuana if thats your thing.......hhmmmm, not Mrs CJD's thing,haha).

NYC 7 days is good....any more on a trip this length would be a bit out of balance in my opinion.Not far north to Boston.

San Fran for 3 is pretty good.Book Alcatraz early if you want to tour it. Or just book a harbour cruise if you're happy with going around it on the water, and enjoy some time in the bay (brrrr).
Seattle...not been yet, its on the list for next!

 

[RooFlyer]

I think your itinerary is fine and well balanced.

Lots to see in LA for a first timer. Of the theme parks, without kids, I definitely plump for Universal Studios ! Getty Museum, Hollywood 'because its there', even Hollywood sign. Santa Monica pier. Catalina Island as a nice sea based day trip.