All,
Looking for some guidance -
Family looking to head on a quick trip out west over memorial day weekend (San Francisco), and then stop at the aforementioned locations on the way back to NYC for a few days.
Two questions:
1) We have never been - is there stuff to do in these cities during this time of the year? Obviously big ski towns, but hopefully hiking/other activities? Are the cities pretty lively or dead?
2) Between the two of these, which would you visit? Seems like Aspen has more options in terms of things to do...
We're a family of (4) - my parents and a younger mid-20s brother.
Interested in golf, tennis, hiking, spa, etc.
Thanks!
Both Aspen and Vail will be busy, although having been to both in the summer several times, my preference would be to go to Vail. Aspen is somewhat isolated and while there is no shortage of things to do, being in Vail opens up easier access to a wider array of options for golf, rafting (will be good this summer due to the above-average snowpack), fishing, biking, hiking, camping, etc.
Vail is within easy driving distance of Frisco, Breckenridge, Minturn, Avon, Beaver Creek, Edwards, Eagle and Glenwood Springs. I'm not sure of your price point, but neither Vail nor Aspen will be particularly cheap. If you're more budget-conscious, consider Frisco, Avon, Edwards or Eagle. In any event, you'll be driving, and I-70 makes access to all of the above very easy.
If you are willing to consider other places in Colorado, take a look at Crested Butte and Steamboat Springs, too. Fantastic places in the summer. I won't say underrated, since they are popular destinations in their own right, but I don't think enough people on the East Coast are aware of how outstanding the Colorado ski towns are in the summertime.
If you're going to be in the Bay Area, and you're into the touristy stuff, then you'll probably want to check out Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, Lombard Street at Russian Hill (most crooked street in the world). Your wife might want to see the Painted Ladies (Victorian style homes features in the opening credits of Full House). Golden Gate, etc
But in my opinion, here's what I'd tell you to do:
1) Muir National Forest - Thousand year old Redwood trees. Can easily spend an entire day there just hiking. Or just a few hours. Simply awe inspiring.
2) Jump on to the Pacific Coast Hwy and just drive. The sights are amazing.
3) Continue on down to Santa Cruz/Half Moon Bay. It's a resort town. Where the big surfing competitions are held. It you catch it at the right time od dat you can see Orcas from the shore.
4) Drive up to Napa Valley. About an hour or so from San Fran.
Each of these choices are better than spending your day in SF. Just my opinion
If you're going to be in the Bay Area, and you're into the touristy stuff, then you'll probably want to check out Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, Lombard Street at Russian Hill (most crooked street in the world). Your wife might want to see the Painted Ladies (Victorian style homes features in the opening credits of Full House). Golden Gate, etc
But in my opinion, here's what I'd tell you to do:
1) Muir National Forest - Thousand year old Redwood trees. Can easily spend an entire day there just hiking. Or just a few hours. Simply awe inspiring.
2) Jump on to the Pacific Coast Hwy and just drive. The sights are amazing.
3) Continue on down to Santa Cruz/Half Moon Bay. It's a resort town. Where the big surfing competitions are held. It you catch it at the right time od dat you can see Orcas from the shore.
4) Drive up to Napa Valley. About an hour or so from San Fran.
Each of these choices are better than spending your day in SF. Just my opinion
Thank you. We are likely staying with friends just outside of SF, and spending most of our time in Napa...
Both Aspen and Vail will be busy, although having been to both in the summer several times, my preference would be to go to Vail. Aspen is somewhat isolated and while there is no shortage of things to do, being in Vail opens up easier access to a wider array of options for golf, rafting (will be good this summer due to the above-average snowpack), fishing, biking, hiking, camping, etc.
Vail is within easy driving distance of Frisco, Breckenridge, Minturn, Avon, Beaver Creek, Edwards, Eagle and Glenwood Springs. I'm not sure of your price point, but neither Vail nor Aspen will be particularly cheap. If you're more budget-conscious, consider Frisco, Avon, Edwards or Eagle. In any event, you'll be driving, and I-70 makes access to all of the above very easy.
If you are willing to consider other places in Colorado, take a look at Crested Butte and Steamboat Springs, too. Fantastic places in the summer. I won't say underrated, since they are popular destinations in their own right, but I don't think enough people on the East Coast are aware of how outstanding the Colorado ski towns are in the summertime.
Thank you! Seems like the best option is to fly into Denver then drive to either location?
By far my favorite place in CA.
For Aspen, it's more like 4 hours' drive. It's a nice ride, but that's approaching my limit. ASE has an airport with pretty frequent service but again, expensive.
I loved the drive from Denver to Aspen. We stopped in Leadville for lunch and drove through Independence Pass - I'd only been to Aspen in the winter previously, and the Pass is closed all winter, so that was new to me. It was a scenic/fun drive.
There's a Four Seasons in Vail and Denver and we've both always want to go out thee. Not interested in skiing at all, more hiking and just being out doors.
Yeah if you prepay you can get some great deals. Just trying to figure out the activities we would do in early September. The Four Seasons is right in town for food/shopping and seems close to all the trails in the area.
The ride to Aspen from Colorado can be a harrowing experience for some as can the landing into their small airport.