San Francisco and ?

[deefer]

I'm looking for suggestions for a second destination on a holiday in September 2013.

Myself and my best mate are looking at doing a 10 night holiday, spending the first 2-3 nights in San Francisco, then onto somewhere completely different for a week of sunshine, beaches and relaxation.

We have ruled out LA and Florida. Thinking more Cuba, Mexico, Aruba etc. Any suggestions? Any tips also welcome from anyone who's done a similar trip!

Thanks!

[237SJ]

I`d steer clear of Mexico if I was you. Especially Acapulco - it`s becoming a drugs warzone. Aruba is extremely expensive. My sister recently came back from Costa Rica and loved it. The British Virgin Islands are quite nice (good for sailing) but my favourite place is still Barbados. It`s worth bearing in mind that summer is the hurricane season but tourists are starting to go there much more in summer now. Barbados hasn`t had a major hurricane since 1955 and you usually just get sharp showers which clear up quickly.

[Brinjal]

You can't go to Cuba directly from USA you would have to govia Canada or central or sth America

[T&S]

I'd recommend Tobago. Great weather, and nice people.

[Donquixote]

How about the Eastern Seaboard? Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard are stunning at that time of the year.

[VHG]

Why go all the way to the West Coast of the USA just for 2 or 3 days, then go off somewhere else.

Particularly when that "somewhere else" is thousands of miles away from San Francisco, why put yourself through all that hassle.

The West cost of the USA is amazing and you could easily have a holiday there combining San Francisco and a sunshine / beach holiday. In fact San Francisco iteself is on the coast and has long beaches facing the Atlantic.

San Diego which is South of San Fransisco, is the 8th largest city in the USA (which may surprise a lot of people) and may offer what you want.

http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors

[VHG]

>>>>facing the Atlantic

Whoops, sorry I meant Pacific.

I would spend some time reading up on all the things to do on the West Coast before thinking about going elsewhere

Like on this web site:

http://www.mytravelgu...rist-attractions.html

[Maydup]

^^^ what vhg said.

Its such a beautiful place and such a long journey, take your time and see the area. Once you've seen San F, take a day's excursion to the Yosemite National Park, spend time at the beach and cruise on the bay.

[zebo]

Agree with VHG. there are some fabulous places to see on the western side of the US, though Yosemite in a day sounds a bit adventurous Maidup! If you're spending a few days in SF check it isn't Fleet Weekend, or something like that, it's a nightmare getting hotel rooms at reasonable rates.

[Clanad]

A nice destination that would fit your schedule and location would be Seattle, Washington. It's a beautiful area, especailly that time of year... most of the rainy season is gone.

The City proper is vibrant and lots to do... see the Space Needle and have a cup of Starbuck's at the original store on Pike Place, take the ferry boat to Vancouver, BC for at least a day and see Lion's Gate Park... the multitude of flowers will be in full bloom then.

Take a ferry boat back from Vancouver to Port Angeles and (if you have a car) then drive to Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park... (You can take a ferry or drive back to Seattle). Guaranteed its a visit you won't soon forget.

See here of information: http://www.visitseatt...s-Beyond-Seattle.aspx

[Eve]

I was going to suggest Hawaii but I agree about staying round that way, it's a fantastic place.

San Francisco is just gorgeous (make sure you go to Alcatraz) and Yosemite is pretty spectacular, we stayed overnight in log cabins. Monterey is lovely too, great aquarium and so many more places.

LA is just a big city but a fascinating place to visit and lots to do from all the Hollywood stuff, film studios, Universal, Six Flags etc... to the madness of Venice Beach.

It is quite full on though, maybe book into a spa on the coast somewhere by the beach?

[237SJ]

Clanad - Seattle`s lovely. One of my favourite cities in the US but do you think it is suitable for a September beach holiday?

[Clanad]

Only if you wear a fur coat Sierra Juliette... Seattle and vicinity is not known for its exciting beach life... but everyone boats there... Super nice in September and one never tires of the pine woods fragrance. Roses will be absolutely wild with color...

[deefer]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys (and gals!).

We know people that have been to SF and who say 3 days is more than enough, so we thought some sun would be in order. We have ruled out LA as my friend has already been. We definitely don't want to move on to another city from SF.

The reason for considering Mexico, Caribbean etc, is that it's kind of "on our way back" to blighty. I'm currently looking into Aruba as the second destination.

Anyone been? Any pointers or advice?

[murraymints]

San Diego !!!..brill place...