Places to go, things to do in a week, anywhere in the U.S.?

[cab591]

I'm in Phoenix, and it's been in the 100's for the past 2 or 3 weeks here. Last week, it brushed 114 degrees in some parts! Keep that in mind if you decide to come out this way. There's beautiful places to hike (Grand Canyon definitely being one of them), but it's hot. Granted, your profile says you're from New York -- the heat here is a dry heat. 105 in Arizona is NOTHING like 105 in New York. It feels more like what 85-90 in New York would feel like. So, basically, don't let the triple digits scare you away. Your wife's pregnancy is definitely something to keep in mind, though... Walking around this time of year requires a large consumption of water (I carry a camelback with me with 2L of cold water in it, wherever I go -- even in town).

Since you're wanting to go someplace mid-Summer, I would agree with other posters: Go to Colorado, or the Pacific Northwest. Both are beautiful areas, that you can really enjoy in the Summertime (non-rainy season in the PNW). Save the Grand Canyon for the Fall/Winter/Spring (though, believe it or not, it does snow in the winters at the Grand Canyon!).

[NY Annie]

Sorry, Cab, but I'm also in NYC and I have to tell you that Phoenix in May was unbearably hot - dry heat, wet heat - it's still heat! No way would I head that far south at this time of year, especially if one is pregnant and not used to the heat.

San Francisco is wonderful. I cannot wait for a return visit. I spent a whole week there and it wasn't enough.

[MAXIALE02]

I'd recommend California. If you fly into San Francisco you will have a lot of opportunities to get the most bang for your vacation. Your choice would be to spend your time driving or hiking. Since your wife is prego, she'd might want to take it light. If you'd have to drive, your best bet is the scenic California country side. I don't know how much money you have budgeted but you could do San Fran (Alcatraz + lots to do), Armstrong Redwoods (2hr. Drive) & a light hike, wine country and Yosemite is nearby too. IMHO, the desert is not a good place for a first experience this time of year. It's just too hot if you're not used to it.

[jlawrence01]

Two things:

1) If you are flying Southwest, going to Yellowstone is a flight into Salt Lake City and a LONG drive to the park - a day drive.

2) If your wife is pregnant, heading into a high altitude may not be the greatest idea.


I would recommend the Utah national parks (flying into either Las Vegas or Salt Lake City) or maybe Seattle or Portland.

[MadManofBethesda]

No need to give up Vegas if you also want to do a national park or two. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located only 15 or so miles out of town (about 30 minutes from the Strip). Here's a short video:


Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center Las Vegas X - YouTube


If you'd rather cool off in the summer rather than walk or drive along the desert floor, you can drive up to Mt. Charleston, 7700' above sea level, and about 30 degrees cooler than Las Vegas itself. As with Red Rock Canyon, Mt. Charleston also is less than an hour outside of the city.


A Day at Mt. Charleston - YouTube


And if you want to make a day trip to see even more beautiful scenery, you can take a 2 hour drive to Southern Utah and Bryce National Park.


Bryce Canyon National Park - YouTube

[Chava61]

Originally Posted by flpyrner

2.) Fly in San Fran: Check out city, Yosemite, Sequoia/Kings Canyon

I think this is a great option to fly into San Francisco. Not only can you visit Yosemite and Sequoia Parks area, you can also check out the Redwoods in Muir Woods (Muir Woods National Monument - Muir Woods National Monument).