Let’s Go To San Francisco
Strangely enough, USA was never really on our radar and didn’t feature at all on the travel wish list we initially drew up as we approached retirement, despite being on just about everybody else’s wish list and having just about everything to offer travellers. I had been to New York previously but until calling in to see my daughter in LA earlier this year, Michaela hadn’t visited the States at all.
Our five days in and around LA started us thinking about a California road trip though, plus of course I want to see my daughter Lindsay again. Then the more we started to think about it…
So now here we are with a set of plans and a route booked which will take us around California, will include San Francisco, and will eventually take us across the state line into Arizona and to the Grand Canyon, after which our plan is to head down to Mexico City and…ahh…whatever we feel like from there.
Having taken advice from several people whose opinions we trust, our first job was one of elimination: we would need a fair bit longer than four weeks to do justice to every place which has been recommended. So in the end we’ve settled on a route which starts and ends near LA and looks something like this…
Of course, there’s going to be the nervy COVID bit given that the USA hasn’t yet joined the growing number of countries dropping the need for a negative test, so we’re going to have to go through the tension of an antigen test the day before departure. Aside from that, planning this trip has been an excitement all of its own despite our earlier reticence regarding America.
As long as we don’t fall at the antigen fence, this trip will last about 12 or 13 weeks, returning to England in early September. So far in 2022 we’ve managed 116 days of travel, taking our total to 416 days since we retired at the end of 2019 – in spite of the obstacles thrown in everyone’s way in the intervening years.
For two people who weren’t overly attracted to America, we intend to give this the big one and throw ourselves into whatever culture we encounter. But then we always end up doing that. And we have some exciting days planned in order to max the California experience.
So…let’s go to San Francisco, where the flowers grow, up to the sky…
45 Comments
leightontravels
Should be a blast. Be sure to wear flowers in your hair.
Phil & Michaela
Might have to be a very small flower given the lack of hair!
mochatruffalo
That looks like an pretty good tour of California. One suggestion, if I may, is to drive through Yosemite on Tioga Pass and end up on the east side of the Sierra Nevada Range, and head south on 395. The West side of the Sierra Nevada isn’t as scenic, and Bakersfield is a nothing burger. As you head South on 395, cut across Death Valley, Las Vegas, and connect onto to 40 to get to Grand Canyon. Or if you have a few extra days and want to see the other jewels of the South West, you can head up 15 from Las Vegas up to Utah where Zion National Park is, then head east towards Page through Kanab to see Antelope Canyon before looping south toward the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Either way, have fun and stay cool & hydrated!
Phil & Michaela
Thanks so much for this advice guys, much appreciated. It wasn’t easy to plan the route, in as much as we just can’t fit everything in without being always on the move and not staying long enough everywhere. So with the best will in the world some things had to drop off. 395 was absolutely our original plan, we may still do that by following your advice. Also, with my daughter living in California, we can afford to leave some for a second visit! Thanks again.
mochatruffalo
This highlights how much there is to see around all of us, and how little time we all have to see it. At least you guys are doing it! Hopefully, you guys will enjoy your California trip to convince you to come back for more!
Phil & Michaela
I have a feeling that’s exactly what will happen!
mochatruffalo
Great news! The US will drop the pre-departure COVID testing requirement starting Sunday!
Phil & Michaela
Wow!! Is that a certainty? I haven’t seen it anywhere here yet.
mochatruffalo
The news just came out over an hour ago. You can check the US CNN website.
Phil & Michaela
Oh yes I’ve found it and oh yeeeeeesssssss!!!!!! Thank you so much for letting us know, and for thinking of us. That’s so nice of you, so thoughtful, thank you!
mochatruffalo
You guys are most welcome! This pre-departure testing has been a major thorn on our side, so naturally I thought of all the travelers who will be headed over here this summer.
Lookoom
I’ll be happy to follow you on this trip, I’m sure I’ll discover a lot of places I haven’t seen or haven’t seen well during my stays in California. I have many good memories of California and also some family connections… Have a good trip!
Phil & Michaela
Thank you my friend – stay tuned!
Heyjude
12 – 13 weeks is a, long time! I’ve done a lot of this route in a few days at a time over several trips. You really shouldn’t miss Bruce Canyon and Zion if you are going to the Grand Canyon, and Sedona is amazing. My US road trips are on my travel blog if you fancy a read. I shall certainly enjoy following your adventures.
Phil & Michaela
Will definitely take a look! Bryce was on our original list, but we just couldn’t fit everything in and do justice to everywhere so some things had to bite the dust. Of the 12/13 weeks we’ll be in USA for 5 and then on to Mexico etc. Plus, with my daughter living in California, we will be back for another helping, I’m sure.
Heyjude
We did the Canyon circle in 6 days so you don’t need long, add a few extra if you want to hike etc though in the summer that might not be advisable, it gets hot there!
Phil & Michaela
We are intending to do quite a bit of hiking but obviously that might be limited if the heat is extreme (or “brutal” as one of our other followers put it!)
Heyjude
*Bryce of course. Damn autocorrect!
Mike and Kellye Hefner
You have an ambitious itinerary, and we are a smidge bit envious! We are also travel bloggers who only travel the U.S. visiting the national parks. We have information on our blog, so feel free to use it as a resource if you would like. Welcome (back) to the U.S. and happy travels!
Phil & Michaela
Thank you so much guys for commenting, and for following. Will definitely check out your info.
Alison
Sounds like such a fun adventure Phil and so many places to visit. It’s great you can be flexible. Hope you manage to pass the Covid fences!
Annie Berger
My two cents’ worth would also be to follow Mochatruffalo’s suggestions if you can. The national parks in southern Utah are just phenomenal but I understand that even with such a long trip planned you may not be able to add in Bryce or Zion or Death Valley in Nevada. We were at the latter park about 18 months ago and think you’d find it extraordinary if you can tweak your itinerary.
Keeping my fingers crossed that you safely pass the Covid requirements prior to having another visit with Lindsay in LA. Safe and fun travels!
Phil & Michaela
Thank you Annie. Yes Bryce was on our original list but we just couldn’t fit everything in and have a decent amount of time in each place. So I think Bryce, Zion, Death Valley will have to wait till next time – and with Lindsay living where she does, there’ll definitely be a next time!
Phil & Michaela
Cheers Ali, hope things are looking better with you in Malaysia
Alison
That’s another story Phil!
Phil & Michaela
No doubt you’ll be filling us in on that soon…
Alison
I have to think of the appropriate wording without too much detail 🤣
Phil & Michaela
Ah, I get the gist!
Andrew Petcher
Don’t go to Vegas. Dreadful place.
Phil & Michaela
Ah well, nothing we’ve heard about Vegas particularly makes us want to go, so it’s not on the agenda for this trip.
Terrie
Have a fab trip. That’s a LOT of driving and as a Nevadan now Oregonian a wide range of geography. Looking forward to your postings and your own bit of Route 66. As the old Motel 6 slogan said, “we’ll keep the lights on for you.” See you on September!
Phil & Michaela
Thanks Terrie, stay tuned!
Toonsarah
We absolutely loved California – it got us hooked on US road trips! I’m envious of your plans and will be excited to follow them 🙂 I would echo the suggestion above to try to squeeze in the Tioga Pass which shows you a quieter side to Yosemite. When you get through you’re only a stone’s throw from Mono Lake which is an amazing sight!
Phil & Michaela
Tioga is becoming a regular recommendation….we’ll have to see what we can do…
Brian Tucker
Hi There
Here are a couple of ideas, that may help
I can really recomend this hotel ,worth the diversion for! Near there is Solveig, a complety Danish Town!
Santa Barbara is lovely too.
Fess Parker Wine Country Inn | 2860 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Do go to the Napa valley and dont bother with Bakersfield!
Stay outside of Yosemite as the hotels inside are not great but Yosemite is fantastic
Also stay outside the Grand Canyon park as hotels there are not great either
If you can fly from Phoenix,Fry airfield I think, to Mohave for the day over the Grand Canyon,very fantastic and again if it works go to Meteor crater,the biggest hole i have ever seen!
Have a great trip!
Brian
Phil & Michaela
Thanks so much, Brian – will definitely keep a note of these.
grandmisadventures
This is going to be an amazing trip for you! Youll have such a diverse mix of culture and people in this loop. San Fransisco is lovely and the Grand Canyon is stunning. Cant wait to see where you discover 🙂
Phil & Michaela
Thank you Meg….we are getting very excited now!
Latitude Adjustment, A tale of two travelers!
We lived in San Francisco for almost 18 years, ( many years ago ) and yes actually in the city. We advise staying at least a week or more in San Francisco.
A few things you must do:
Alcatraz Island,Golden Gate park,The Presidio, Lands End for a great view of the Golden Gate bridge, Walk around North Beach/Washington Square, visit Coit Tower, Marina district, (Nob Hill, the only area that was not affected by 1906 earthquake.) ride the cable cars but go very early to avoid the crowds. Rent bikes in the Fisherman’s Wharf area and bike across the Golden Gate to Tiburon, have lunch at Sam’s Anchor Cafe and take the ferry back to SF. Great day trip. Visit Angel island by ferry for a great hiking and photo ops of SF.
Favorite restaurants: Trattoria Contadina in North Beach, Kokkari near the Embarcadero. Fog City diner, Drinks and views at the Top Of The Mark, in the Mark Hopkins Hotel. Drinks at The Big Four in the Huntington Hotel. These two hotels were two of the 4 big old mansions on Nob Hill.
See the Painted Ladies (homes ) on Steiner Street, that’s the street we used to live on by Japan Town.
Visit Wine Country in Santa Barbara, Sonoma, Gloria Ferrer Winery in Sonoma has great views of the valley and great wines. and Amador counties. Amador county has fabulous Zinfandel wines! The Carneros wine area of Napa is the best and not as touristy in upper Napa. Visit the Redwoods, ( mind blowing ) in Muir Woods National Monument. Sausalito and Muir Beach are a must. Oh and bring a big wallet, your going to need it! You will have a fantastic time.
If you are going in July that is usually the foggiest and coolest month. Cheers, John and Susan
Phil & Michaela
Wow loads of info – thank you, guys , incredibly useful!
WanderingCanadians
We’ve been meaning to visit California, but the timing has never quite worked out. I’ve heard the scenery along the coast is gorgeous. Sounds like you have an ambitious road trip planned. Looking forward to following along on your adventures 🙂
Gilda Baxter
How exciting!! We have been to the US a few times, but only for short visits. A road trip will be the perfect way to explore some of what California has to offer. I am looking forward to following along.
wetanddustyroads
That looks like a great road trip … if there is one reason why we would like to go the USA, it will be for a fabulous road trip! And yeah, we can’t wait to see what your 13 weeks will deliver 😁.
Joe
You have planned an exciting route. I am happy to see that you included my hometown of San Francisco, as well as San Luis Obsipo/Morro Bay, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Joshua Tree. It also looks like you are heading to the Napa Valley to do some wine tasting I presume. I am glad you have decided to visit my home state and look forward to reading about you adventures.
Phil & Michaela
Hi Joe, yes we’re well underway now. If/when you catch up on our next posts, you will find that yes we did indeed stay in Morro Bay. We’re currently in Monterey and absolutely loving it.