Ok, this is going to be self indulgent. In October my other half will be 50 and due to an inheritance coming his way it looks like we will be able to take a trip that he has dreamed of. He wants to spend his birthday in Las Vegas (we have been before and there is lots of choice) but the rest of the time we will want to spend in the San Francisco / Other places in California areas. Can those of you who herald from the west coast please advise me. I will be booking the whole thing myself, having developed an aversion to using travel agents in the last few years.

BTW Kim maybe we can meet up?

All advice gratefully accepted!

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Julie
http://www.lifeinthenhs.wordpress.com

Oh how delightful! How much time do you have? Are you interested in doing some driving or does that not sound relaxing? What kinds of things are you interested in, urban, culture, or outdoors nature kinds of things?

There is lots just out from the SF area: north to the wine country and the redwoods, east to Yosemite, south to Big Sur. The train ride up the coast is also pretty wonderful, if you wanted to take the time and go up to Portland and/or Seattle. Just some ideas. Have fun and tell us all about it!

miriam

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Many thanks Marachne. I think we would like to combine some travelling and seeing a bit of the great outdoors, plus some urban and definitely a few days of relaxation. We will have around 2 weeks, with 4 days of that being spent in Las Vegas.

Thanks for your great suggestions, will take a look via the web at some of them. Don't worry your will be sick of my by October, this is our first substantial trip out of europe.

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Julie
http://www.lifeinthenhs.wordpress.com

Julie, that sounds wonderful!

While you are in SF I would recommend taking a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur and give yourself plenty of time to take in the beautiful scenery. It is one of my favorite places in the US.

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Sounds like you'll have a blast! One big thing to see in SF (actually around SF) is Big Sur, it is an amazing place with gorgeous views, and you definitely want to check out the giant redwoods.
In SF, there's always the Golden Gate bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. If you are a fan of chocolate there's also the Ghiradelli Chocolate factory. Telegraph Hill is beautiful too and of course you want to hit the sidewinding street. I think that most of these things you can just explore on your own and so wouldn't have to book ahead of time.
Have a blast

Another thought in SF -- go to the Exploratorium, and while there, check out the Tactile Dome

Of course, one last plug for Portland: Powells!!!!
(and that's not all the city holds, but it's generally a good lure -- now throw in waterfalls & volcanoes and other wonders...

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magic is the deliberate manipulation of coincidence

What am I? Chopped liver? (I wanna meet up too!)

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Sorry Geena no offence intended. Of course I'd love to meet up with you. What is more there must be an opportunity for a meet up with anyone else who lives vaguely in the right area!

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Julie
http://www.lifeinthenhs.wordpress.com

Oh, you had better BELIEVE we are meeting up! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - and even better, Geena is in da house - she lives across the bridge from me!!!!!! Your hubby can do his guy thing and we girls can have some "girl time"!!!!

I was just having dinner with Shane (name dropper that I am!) and he is in San Francisco right now, so as a traveler he can probably give you a traveler's view of where to stay, etc. As for me, I can be there in 30 minutes (okay, 45)!

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Portand rocks! Powell's is THE biggest bookstore you will EVER see and downtown Portland is just great! Much like San Francisco only much cleaner! : D

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The ER is the only place where you are rewarded for efficiency by getting more patients!

Kim
http://www.emergiblog.com