AT&T or T-Mobile Data Usage in US

[kimmer]

Fixed the link in your other post. Looks like a grand trip. Solvang is *wonderful*. We're not gamblers, so we'd probably spend more time on the coast, especially in Solvang area, and skip the Death Valley and Vegas.

No matter, it will be a wonderful honeymoon for you two lovebirds.

BTW, take pics and share them AFTERwards. Take time for just you two and forget everybody else and the Internet and all that.

[Paddy]

Actually, unless you have a real yen to see Las Vegas, there are some other really interesting things to see in that area that (I think) are more worthwhile. Joshua Tree National Monument, San Jacinto, the Salton Sea (or whatever is left of it these days - rather interesting place!) - all a bit further south than you've mapped.

Another spot I'd work into the itinerary long before I'd go to Las Vegas would be Yosemite. Truly awe-inspiring.

Also, if you are driving down the coast from SF, don't miss the Hearst Castle. It's just north of Morro Bay.

Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are two places worth a stop (we camped at Pismo, I think...eons ago...)

Carmel is worth an afternoon or so - it's charming.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is worth a stop...

Do stop and see the giant sequoias somewhere along the way...

And consider taking 101 instead of I5. I5 is dead boring. 101 will take a bit longer (about 2 hours longer) but it's much prettier!!

You didn't expect to post your route here and not get a lot of opinions, I hope! (And I'm not even a Californian - I've just visited there a number of times. We lived in Oregon for 6 years.) If you can let us know what sort of time frame you've got, I'm sure we can all pile in with appropriate suggestions!!

[chriskleeman]

Hey Marcel,

Don't know what you're planning while in Solvang, but it's literally a hot-bed of wineries concentrated in a very small area. They call it the "Wine-Ghetto", as it's a bunch of industrial buildings with all manner of businesses, but many of the smaller local winemakers have their wine-making facilities concentrated in this area. Doesn't look like much, but it's pretty incredible. The Santa Rita Hills outside of town are riddled with some great vineyards, and while there are a few grand tasting facilities like Melville, that little industrial park in Solvang is way cool with lots of great wineries. Try to look up my friend Kathy Joseph at Fiddlehead Winery while you're there!

And definitely check with the locals where to eat, lot's of very cool not-too expensive restaurants in town!

Have a great trip!

All the best,

Chris

[Xairbusdriver]

We're bound to have different opinions about what that trip would look like, I already know I'd second most of the suggestions made above. Las Vegas is best viewed from 30,000 feet, at night. Frankly, once you're inside a casino, you'll have a hard time remembering which one it is! The light show in the fountain at the Bellagio is one of the few man-made wonders in the city worth paying for, but it's free! And everything else IS man-made! Of course, you can watch that water show on the interwebs, and avoid the crowds! And the rest of the boring drive there and back.

Now matter where you go, you just won't see it all! <This site> is one place to compare Europe and the contiguous 48 US States. <This one> lets you pick individual countries and states. Just as you can't possibly "know" Europe (or even most of its countries) in a couple of weeks, you can't do that in most US States, especially the Western ones which are extremely LARGE! Just make notes about things you'd like to see/visit next time!

I'd especially recommend avoiding any Interstate highway. Most are similar to the Autobahn, except not as safe and with speed limits! Their made for cutting travel times, not picturesque views. Of course the coastal roads will be slower and it will be even slower because of the towns...but that's where the people are! The majority will be welcoming and happy to help you enjoy your trip!

[kimmer]

I don't know, if you drive down I-5 to Delano, you could visit Kern Valley State Prison.