Aussies on a California road trip / Vegas side trip (best, hotels, Paris)

[Congenial]

Howdy, we are a family of 6 Aussies coming to the USA in early December 2008. Planning to fly into SF, spend a few days sightseeing in the area then drive to LA via Yosemite, spend a few days in LA & surrounds, fly to Vegas & the Grand Canyon then fly back to LA and drive back to SF via the coastal road. Basically arrive in the USA 7 December and depart 29 December for Aus (we actually lose New Years Eve entirely enroute). Would love some advice on best routes/ stoppover points on the drive both ways and how long we should spend in each location, sightseeing highlights + any accomodation suggestions. Are we trying to fit too much in?? Advice on driving in both LA and SF also welcome. Advice on likely weather & temperatures, etc. (We have been everywhere except the USA... saving the best for last) Happy to reciprocate with tips for Australia. Thanks.

[kensgirl]

Welcome to America! You're planning a big trip. I can't really help you with the SF/LA portion of the trip, but I can offer some suggestions on Vegas/Grand Canyon.

Keep in mind - December is winter here! Vegas is a desert city, so day/night temps will vary greatly. It won't be really hot either. Day time will probably be in the 50's, with nighttime down in the 30's. To really see the sights, you'll want to spend 2-3 days. I prefer staying in one of the hotels on the strip, but there are tons of bargains just off Las Vegas Blvd. My personal favorite is Paris. If you go outside the city, check out the Valley of Fire or Lake Mead. If you drive down to the Grand Canyon, stop and visit the Hoover Dam. Quite impressive engineering and worth the visit.

As to the Grand Canyon, it will be winter, and you are in northern Arizona, which does get snow. Only the Southern Rim will be open, due to snowfall. Check out National Park Service - Experience Your America, which is the website for the National Park Service. This will give you info on visiting the park, and making reservations (now) for mule trips, etc.