NFT: Vacation Ideas in the Contiguous 48 States

Sept is the perfect time to go to SF and Yosemite is gorgeous.

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- California wine country. - Wine, sun, food and scenery. Do I need to say more?

- Grand Canyon. - Yes, it is a hole in the ground. Yes, it is in the desert. Yes. I have done a shitty job in selling it. But it is gorgeous

- Any of the assortment of beaches in the Mid-Atlantic. Carmel corn, custard and sunburns. Yippee.

- Detroit. - Cheap as hell. Homes you can probably literally squat in for a week for free.....

Giants away games.

1. Fly to Denver for a few days and drive around the southwest to see national parks and the mountain towns.

2. New Orleans.

3. San Francisco, Napa Valley, and the redwood forests.

and where you've been.

just one suggestion is Seattle would be cool (I loved it) and you can get to Vancouver from there and do other things.

Rent a convertible, drive down Pacific Coast highway down to Monterrey. Maybe stay at the Ritz-Carleton in Half Moon Bay.

the scenery is beautiful

When we lived in Yuma, my wife kept pestering me to go. I didn't want to - "It's a big hole in the ground that I've seen a million pictures of!" - but I eventually relented to drive seven hours to see the damned thing. And....it was awe-inspiring. No matter how many pictures you've seen, you can't imagine the scale of the place. Plus, there are some gorgeous places within a relatively short drive to make a tour of - the San Francisco Peaks, the Painted Desert, the Petrified Forest, Sedona.

Awesome and not crowded and touristy. At least it wasn't the last time I was there.

Denver would be cool, too. Try some edibles.

Mt. Rushmore and the badlands. It was great. You need reservations for the popular National Parks, I think, so that may be a factor for you.

Newport, RI has lots of everything. Sightseeing, restaurants, shopping, sailing, the seashore.

The drive down PCH between SF and LA truly is breathtaking.

In comment 12306391 BillT said:

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Mt. Rushmore and the badlands. It was great. You need reservations for the popular National Parks, I think, so that may be a factor for you. Newport, RI has lots of everything. Sightseeing, restaurants, shopping, sailing, the seashore.

I second this. I almost added it to my first post but was too lazy.

1. Flew into Phoenix and rented a car. Stayed at the Camalback in, then drove to sedona, then drove north to Flagstaff, then saw all of the grand canyon attractions.... then continued to Vegas and finished the vacation there.

2. Flew into San Diego and rented a car. Stayed in San Diego for a day and then took our time driving a long the pacific coast highway. Planned all of the stops along the way. Stayed 1-2 days in some choice locations. Did China Town in San Fran, Alcatraz.... Ended up in NAPA.

In comment 12306384 Cam in MO said:

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Awesome and not crowded and touristy. At least it wasn't the last time I was there. Denver would be cool, too. Try some edibles.

I was in Tybee last August. Great beach town. Hardly any crowds. Never had to wait to eat and its only 15 minutes into Savannah

Leaving Carmel, we drove across the San Joaquin farmlands (interesting) to Yosemite. After a couple of nights, we drove to Napa and stayed a coupl of nights and spent three nights in San Francisco. We also hit Muir Woods and this amazing restaurant in Sausilito on the way in. Lots of fun but anywhere you want to go can be that. Long Island and Newport is nice in September. Enjoy.

In comment 12306433 EricJ said:

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1. Flew into Phoenix and rented a car. Stayed at the Camalback in, then drove to sedona, then drove north to Flagstaff, then saw all of the grand canyon attractions.... then continued to Vegas and finished the vacation there. 2. Flew into San Diego and rented a car. Stayed in San Diego for a day and then took our time driving a long the pacific coast highway. Planned all of the stops along the way. Stayed 1-2 days in some choice locations. Did China Town in San Fran, Alcatraz.... Ended up in NAPA.

You finished your trip in an auto parts store?

And do the Alaskan cruise

... 10 minute flight. I hear that tourism is down and you'll have the whole place to yourself.

Do "The Wire" tour - I heard it's especially good after midnight.

Win/Win - and yes, your welcome...

Lots of great beer places and Voodoo donuts. Rented a car and saw Multnomah Falls etc around the Portland area, then drove south to Eugene and cut over to the coast. The drive up the Oregon coast is really nice - sea lion caves, Haystack etc. Spent a few nights on the drive up, then continued to Mount St Helen's and then on to Seattle. Spent a few days there and took a train to Vancouver. Rented another car there and took a day trip to Whistler before taking an Alaskan Cruise.

El Paso Texas,

You can stay in my yard (bring tent/supplies) and I will show you how to get over to Mexico town. From there you are on your own, but I think you'll have a great time!

from California and it was amazing. Saw huntington beach, santa monica, balboa island and a bunch other places. The beach houses along the peninsula of balboa island are crazy. Irvine/LA/Laguna is amazing. great hiking, great views, great beaches and great entertainment. Was very happy with my trip there.

1. glacier. prettiest place on earth, and glaciers melting make it a soon not later trip. Good trails.

2. Utah. Fly into vegas,or rent a condo in Mesquite, hang poolside in 110(comfortably), then rent a car and drive to Bryce, Zion, Arches,etc. Fabulous, best scenery anywhere.

The pictures I've seen are amazing.

If you haven't been out here, you've got to visit SF and then head up to Napa.

If that's what you decide, shoot me an e-mail and we can help out with recommendations.

I agree that this area is generally a good vacation area but there are a few things you should know.

On the coast, including SF itself, September can be the warmest month of the year. In June through August there is a strong sea breeze which makes the weather such that "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in SF". But in September the see breeze lets up so the weather is generally mild to hot until the rains come in late October. This is a particular good time for wine country or taking a drive down the Pacific coast and Monterey.

As for Yosemite, August and September are Forest Fire season and this year we're expecting a bad one. Even if you're no where near the fire the haze and smoke can be seen and smelled for hundreds of miles. They will also restrict activity if the fire danger is particularly bad.

The best time for Yosemite is May and June. Its late enough so that the snow has been cleared from the mountain passes and its early enough to see snow capped peaks, waterfalls and raging rivers. Also the fire danger is low. The middle of the winter is also good. Low crowds and fresh mountain air, however the high sierra will be inaccessable .

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Lake Powell Houseboat - ( New Window )

Went to SF and stayed at Fishermans Wharf....what a great city...good eats too.....we did Sonoma which was very cool...drove down to Monterey and Carmel...all beautiful...then we drove across the state through Sacramento and stayed in Lake Tahoe for a few days....beyond words.....

NOLA, Portland, OR & Austin TX.

In comment 12306393 Greg from LI said:

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The drive down PCH between SF and LA truly is breathtaking.

You are quite literally the only person I have ever met that "despises" San Fran. It's one of the great cities in the world.

anywhere from Eureka to San Diego is great (different advantages in different place; Redwoods, Wine Country etc.)

The Sierra Nevada Mountains are wonderful places to hike, camp and backpack in the Summer. No humidity, no bugs at higher elevations.

If you've never been to Yellowstone National Park, that is a "bucket list" trip.

If you like deserts and mountains, lots of great areas in Utah.

The Rockies are also beautiful (e.g. Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park). You could spend some time in Denver too.

Lots of hidden gems. Traverse City is gorgeous with about 40 small wineries of good quality. Mackinac Island is spectacular. Lots of other pretty towns along the lake as well.

Our family loves La Quinta, great weather, relaxing, beautiful and it may be under 100 in September or it could be 115. Either way use sunscreen...Sonoma coast...Bodega Bay, Russian River, Petaluma...I'm biased though since its where I live...Yosemite, Tahoe, Portland, Bend OR, Seattle, Port Townsend, Sun Valley Idaho, LA, Taos, Santa Fe...so many choices...

What is more important to her - scenery, culture, cuisine...?

In comment 12306369 Reb8thVA said:

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Rent a convertible, drive down Pacific Coast highway down to Monterrey. Maybe stay at the Ritz-Carleton in Half Moon Bay.

This. And make sure you hit Big Sur for a couple days. Absolutely top 3 most beautiful area in our country.

Pick one and have a blast

The Grand Canyon is great, and maybe you can include it in your trip. But Canyonlands in Moab is almost as good, plus you get Arches. Then head west to Bryce, which may be the most beautiful place I've ever seen, and Zion. Then you can go south to the Grand Canyon, or north to Yellowstone/Jackson Hole.

go northwest: Bozeman Montana, enter Yellowstone from that side. See Big Sky. Camp out a few nights.

or do San Diego. If you haven't been to the towns north of SD, they are spectacular.

lots of great ideas here --

bc - she like museums, spas, "different" cultural experiences, rural scenery, good food, wine and interesting churches

In comment 12306994 gidiefor said:

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lots of great ideas here -- bc - she like museums, spas, "different" cultural experiences, rural scenery, good food, wine and interesting churches

San Fran and Napa. Done and done.

Touring the West Coast SF to SD

- Touring the West Coast SF to SD
- SF & Napa
- Touring the Pacific Northwest Coast and taking the train from Seattle to Vancouver

- She also mentioned liking the idea of going to Albuquerque and Santa Fe

You are one lucky man. Congratulations on finding a keeper.

I'd go back to New Orleans. Or the Adirondacks but you don't need a plane for that.

In comment 12306384 Cam in MO said:

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Awesome and not crowded and touristy. At least it wasn't the last time I was there. Denver would be cool, too. Try some edibles.

Second this. Savannah rules

In comment 12306393 Greg from LI said:

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The drive down PCH between SF and LA truly is breathtaking.

I just came back from SF, and I wasn't a fan of the city either.

the wineries in the manic mode of grape crushing and fermenting - a few weeks out of the year when wineries double their work force and when it's make or break time for the wineries's products that will hit the shelves a year or 3 later... And that includes large swathes of Oregon and Washington too, not just CA and Napa/Sonoma...

But the most beautiful seasonal place to tour in the continental US in Sept/Oct is New England or the Mid Atlantic states with it's glorious foliage change. And there are small wineries to visit here and there too in NY, PA, etc. Not to mention fresh apples off the trees.

I once did a week plus in Martha's vineyard late Sept and it was glorious, and dead except for locals.

the wineries in the manic mode of grape crushing and fermenting - a few weeks out of the year when wineries double their work force and when it's make or break time for the wineries's products that will hit the shelves a year or 3 later... And that includes large swathes of Oregon and Washington too, not just CA and Napa/Sonoma...

But the most beautiful seasonal place to tour in the continental US in Sept/Oct is New England or the Mid Atlantic states with it's glorious foliage change. And there are small wineries to visit here and there too in NY, PA, etc. Not to mention fresh apples off the trees.

I once did a week plus in Martha's vineyard late Sept and it was glorious, and dead except for locals.

+/- as soon as it opens after winter. With years of drought, the waterfalls of Yosemite must be in pretty poor shape by this coming Fall...

Yellowstone

Chicago. The science museum and aquarium are very good.


Formula 1 race in Austin at the end of October - ( New Window )

And stare at the hippies. Go to the Biltmore where they also grow their own grapes and sell their wine. Rent a car and take a drive to Cherokee to take in the American Indian history thing. There is also a Casino/Hotel there. Drive through the mountains to Gatlingurg TN., where you can visit Quaint shops and watch various crafts being made. Right down the road is Pigeon Forge where you can take in a show and do some more shopping etc. All amongst the scenic Smokey Mountains. Just a thought.

In comment 12307863 Bones said:

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And stare at the hippies. Go to the Biltmore where they also grow their own grapes and sell their wine. Rent a car and take a drive to Cherokee to take in the American Indian history thing. There is also a Casino/Hotel there. Drive through the mountains to Gatlingurg TN., where you can visit Quaint shops and watch various crafts being made. Right down the road is Pigeon Forge where you can take in a show and do some more shopping etc. All amongst the scenic Smokey Mountains. Just a thought.

I am driving to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge this summer....rented a cabin...never been there

Stayed in the city, went out to Olympic National Park, drove out to the Pacific. Went up to British Columbia and stayed in a cabin. It was a great trip. We liked it so much that we're strongly considering Seattle for our next move.

In comment 12306631 Chris in Philly said:

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In comment 12306393 Greg from LI said: Quote: The drive down PCH between SF and LA truly is breathtaking. You are quite literally the only person I have ever met that "despises" San Fran. It's one of the great cities in the world.

Well....

1)We've never actually met. /radar

2)It's certainly a beautiful city. I'll give it that much.

3)I think it's a fairly safe guess that the group that encompasses your friends and acquaintences is of a very narrow slice of society and culture.

4)I thought they hate it when people call it San Fran or Frisco?

often get radar and Chris in Philly confused.

I'm not getting them confused - the first comment was some radar-style pedantry. That's all.

You'll like it. She'll love it.

In comment 12309263 Greg from LI said:

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I'm not getting them confused - the first comment was some radar-style pedantry. That's all.

I was serious. I can't tell them apart.