Alors voilà, mon ami et moi même serons à washington du 25 au 28 mars prochain... Nous avons donc 3 jours sur place puisque nous arriverons le 25 au soir et repartons pour Paris le 28 (décollage à 22h00).
Avez vous une idée du temps à cette periode? Avez des idées de choses à faire / à ne pas manquer que nous aurions oublié? Avez vous des restaurants, des adresses shopping (souvenirs et autres)...?
Nous logerons au "State Plaza Hôtel" donc assez proche du mall à pied. Nous n'aurons pas la voiture mais nos jambes et le métro (avez vous une idée des tarifs?).
Nous aurions aimé avoir votre avis sur nos trois jours de visites:
Le 26/03National zoo (station Woodley park zoo / Adams Morgan) Arboretum (station New-York – Avenue Florida & marcher à pied)Capitol (Union station)JardinbotaniqueLe 27/03Musée de l'air et de l’espaceAquariumMaison blanche & Washington monumentLe 28/03Arlington cimetièreZone « Pentagone »Jefferson mémorialLincoln mémorialDépart pour l’aéroport vers 17h00 – Décollage à 22h00Merci d'avance!
Personnellement j'avais beaucoup aimé le museum of american history... Ca permet de mieux comprendre le pays.
Sinon il y a le musée d'histoire naturelle, mais bon faut aimer ce genre de musée, sinon le musée de la shoah vaut le détour apparemment, mais je n'avais pas vu le visiter, c'était fermé à cause des chutes de neige! J'avais entendu du bien du quartier de georgetown aussi.
Sinon on avait beaucoup apprécié se balader sur le mall et tous les monuments et les mémoriaux!
J'y suis allée en décembre l'année derniere, juste avant Noël, juste aprés une énorme tempête de neige! Ambiance très spéciale dans la ville., je ne sais pas pour mars, mais il ne doit pas faire bien chaud...
En Mars le temps est tres variable. Il peut neiger un jour et faire 25 degres le lendemain. Il faut donc prevoir du chaud et du froid ;) Par contre le temps ne change pas dans la journee donc c'est deja ca.
Le zoo est pas mal... en ete. En Mars j'ai peur que beaucoup d'animaux soient a l'interieur ou caches. En plus il est quand meme loin du centre et il faut un petit moment pour y aller. L'aquarium se visite en 10 min. Le pentagonne, je ne suis pas sur qu'il y ait beaucoup a voir. Le musee de l'espace est sympa, mais ne vous faites pas avoir, il est en 2 parties. Celui qui est sur le mall ne comporte aucun avions ni navette spaciale (juste quelques modules spaciaux).
Perso je conseille un petit tours a Georgetown, il y a la une vieille fac a visiter et un quartier sympa.
Fin mars, avec un peu de chance tu auras droit au "cherry blossum". Le festival commence le 26. Si tu tombes au bon moment, c'est tout simplement magnifique! Tu peux aussi te ballader le long du potomac.
Comme il a deja ete dit, pour moi le museum of american history est un must a faire. C'est l'histoire des USA, mais via leur decouvertes et la technologie.
Si ca vous plait un truc sympa a faire aussi c'est de voir un match de basket/hockey sur glace au verizon center. L'ambiance est pas mal.
N'oubliez pas de manger des crabs cakes ;). D'ailleur a ce propos, il n'y a rien pour manger sur le mall ou dans les parages proches...
Le metro est pas mal, mais c'est loin d'etre Paris ou Londres. Seulement 3 lignes et des arrets souvent loin.
Effectivement, je vais rajouter à mon programme le "museum of american history"... Je prends bonne note du fait que le musée de l'air est en deux parties (mon chéri est fan de NASA et si je loupes ça...)!
Pour Gorgetown je vais le rajouter aussi (vous souvenez-vous de la fac?) en même temps que le zoo, comme ça si le zoo n'est pas top et bien on passera plus de temps là-bas.
Par contre qu'est ce que le "cherry blossum" ? j'ai cru comprendre que beaucoup de visites font parties du Smithonian et sont gratuites, c'est vrai? Le zoo en fait-il parti?
A votre avis combien coute un match au verizon center?
La fac c'est la fac de georgetown. Le cherry blossom c'est les cerisiers en fleurs, (un peu comme au japon, d'ailleurs c'est un cadeau des japonais aux americains je ne sais plus en quelle annee). Essayez sur google avec "cherry blossom festival", vous devriez trouver les infos sur le festival.
Je ne dirais pas que tous les muses de washington sont gratuit, mais beaucoup le sont (l'aquarium par exemple est payant, mais est ce vraiment un musee?). Les musees (sauf le zoo) sont sur le mall. Et oui le zoo est gratuit. Il y a aussi le jardin botanique a cote du capitol qui est sympa. C'est gratuit, rapide a visiter et ca permet de faire une coupure "tropicale" si dehors il fait froid 😉.
Je ne sais pas combien coute un match au verizon center, ca depend du match. Vous pouvez regarder les tickets sur www.ticketmaster.com.
Si vous voulez monter en haut de l'obelisque, il faut que vous reserviez avant ou que vous y alliez tres tot le matin. Ils ont un nombre max de ticket a vendre / jours et c'est souvent rapidement complet, surtout pendant le festival!
Un match au Verizon center peu couter entre 20 et 2000$ pour un match NBA des Wizards, pour le hockey (les capitals) il faut compter minimum 60$. Pour un placement correct en ligne droite compter 40$ en haut et 150$ en bas. Pour les billets il y a plusieurs site (ex:ticketmaster) ou tu reserves ta ou tes places que tu retires directement le jour du match au guichet (avc une piece d'identité et la carte bleue avc laquelle tu as fait ta reservation).
gorben a raison a l'egard du temps, tres variable en mars, surtout a la fin de mars. Mais le metro a 5 lignes (rouge, bleu, orange, jaune, et vert). Plus que 170 km dans le reseau, 86 stations dans la ville et ses banlieues. Non, ce n'est pas Paris, Londres ou NY, mais Washington est plus petite est a moins de monde que ces villes.
Le metro ne va pas au arboretum, mais on peut y prendre le bus. Or, ce n'est pas un bon quartier autour de l'arboretum, mais l'arboretum lui-meme est securitaire. A la fin de mars, je ne sais pas si c'est c'est vaut la peine d'y aller. La fin d'avril y est magnifique grace a sa collection enorme d'azalies. Sa collection d'arbres bonsais (cadeau du Japon) est formidable.
Tous les musees du gouvernement et d'organizations internationales sont gratuits a Washington, mais il faut payer a quelques musees privees. Par example, le Phillips Collection (tres bonne musee d'art moderne), le Corcoran, le Newseum (tres cher), et le Textile Museum (on y paye ce qu'on veut; on propose $5). Le Textile Museum est petit mais tres bon si ca vous interesse. C'est pas loin du Metro, station Dupont Circle. Le zoo (partie du Smithsonian) est vaut le visite a mon avis, meme en mars.
La collection de bijoux et mineraux au Museum of Natural History est superbe. Un incontournable, a mon avis.
Le Sackler Museum (musee Smithsonian d'Art Asiatique) est tres bon. Le National Gallery of Art (2 batiments avec un passage souterrain entre les deux) est un des meilleur du pays, et gratuit. Et les 2 batiments sont tres beaux et tres differents. Aussi un incontournable, a mon avis.
Moi, j'aime beaucoup le National Portrait Gallery/Museum of Americain Art. Le cour au centre est magnifique et des exhibitions sont toujours interessantes. C'est une partie du Smithsonian, donc gratuit, mais pas sur le Mall. Ces heures d'ouverture/fermeture sont plus tard que les autres musees, 11h30 a 19h. C'est a cote de la station de Metro Gallery Place en face du Verizon Center (basket et hockey).
C'est plus facile et moins cher d'obtenir des tickets de basket a Washington que hockey, parce que l'equipe de basket est mauvais a ce moment, mais celui de hockey est tres bon. Je conseille: http://www.stubhub.com
J'aime bien le jardin botanique, qui est plutot une collection de serres pres du Capitole. Gratuit. Les petites serres aux climats specializes (e.g. desertique, Nouvelle-Zelande, orchidees) sont plus interessantes que la grande serre au centre, a mon avis.
J'hésite entre le Newseum et le International Spy Museum.
Coté prix le News coute 50$ par une famille de 4 et le Spy est à $72 !!
Avez-vous visité ces musées - et lequel est à recommender?
Oui, j'ai visite les deux. OK, tous les deux, mais pas des incontournables. Il serait difficile de profiter du Newseum sans un bon niveau d'anglais. Meme si on parle couramment l'anglais, j'ai trouve les exhibitions se concernaient un peu trop les etats-unis. Quant au Spy Museum, probablement meilleur que le Newseum pour les enfants.
Merci - on est anglophone et les enfants ont 15 & 16 ans.... donc le Newseum pourrait faire l'affaire... dans Tripadvisor c'est N° 1 attraction de Washington.
En fait je cherche quelque chose à faire en attendant que les musée nationaux ouvrent à 10h. On n'a que 2 jours et demi sur place et je veux tout voir!
Voici ce que j'ai prévu :
1 - arrive à l’hôtel vers 16h - louer des vélos et faire les memorials. Prendre le circulator vers Georgetown pour soirée
2 - (on sera levé tôt grâce au décalage horaire) 7.30 White House Visitor centre. 9h Washington Monument, The Castle, The National Archives (11h) Union Station pour sandwich, Jefferson Library, The Capitol (14.30) - Air & Space (ferme à 19h)
3 - ??? Un trou jusqu'à l'ouverture des musées - Musée de l'Histoire Américaine (ouvre à 10h) - Hard Rock Café!! - The Old Post Office - George Town / Memorials by night.
4 - Bus @ 9 pour NYC !!
Je reconnais que jour 2 est très chargé (masi réservations déjà faites) et jour 3 pas trop ... comment l'améliorer? Any suggestions?
Merci - on est anglophone et les enfants ont 15 & 16 ans.... donc le Newseum pourrait faire l'affaire... dans Tripadvisor c'est N° 1 attraction de Washington.
Puisqu'on est anglophone...si on me permet, je reponds cette-fois ci en anglais. (I was going to put my response in an MP, but figured the information could potentially be useful for others. Hopefully the moderators won't freak out.)
The Newseum is the N° 1 attraction? That's extremely surprising to me. But yes, I agree that your kids are old enough to get a lot out of the Newseum. As I said, I think there's somewhat too much emphasis on the media of the US, but it's well done. There's also too much emphasis on televised news, IMO. Anyway, for adults I would defintely recommend the Newseum instead of the Spy Museum.
En fait je cherche quelque chose à faire en attendant que les musée nationaux ouvrent à 10h. On n'a que 2 jours et demi sur place et je veux tout voir!
Voici ce que j'ai prévu :
1 - arrive à l’hôtel vers 16h - louer des vélos et faire les memorials. Prendre le circulator vers Georgetown pour soirée
2 - (on sera levé tôt grâce au décalage horaire) 7.30 White House Visitor centre. 9h Washington Monument, The Castle, The National Archives (11h) Union Station pour sandwich, Jefferson Library, The Capitol (14.30) - Air & Space (ferme à 19h)
3 - ??? Un trou jusqu'à l'ouverture des musées - Musée de l'Histoire Américaine (ouvre à 10h) - Hard Rock Café!! - The Old Post Office - George Town / Memorials by night.
4 - Bus @ 9 pour NYC !!
Je reconnais que jour 2 est très chargé (masi réservations déjà faites) et jour 3 pas trop ... comment l'améliorer? Any suggestions?
If you can still get (free) tickets to visit the Bureau of Engraving & Printing where $$$ are printed, that might be fun for all of you.
I strongly advise at least a quick visit to the gem & mineral collection at the Natural History Museum. It's superb. I actually like the mineral portion more than the gem portion. I would go there rather than the Castle. It's also very close to the National Archives.
The zoo is really quite good and it's free. If you get to see the orangutans moving along the ingenious cables right above you, you'll love it. The large outdoor lion area is great, too. About 2 dozen lions of various ages. Lots of great stuff there.
The National Gallery of Art is outstanding, but I have no idea if your kids would like it.
To rent bikes, DC now has a fairly extensive public bike rental system like Velib in Paris. Capital BikeShare:
http://www.capitalbikeshare.com/
You can get a 1-day membership for $5, I think, plus additional cost depending on how long you keep the bike. This might be cheaper than a private bike rental place, and you can drop the bike off at a place of your choosing.
If it's too hot to tolerate spending lots of time outside, both the Air & Space Museum and the Natural History Museum have IMAX theaters with some good films, but the IMAX films aren't free.
The Old Post Office has a food court which can be convenient. Lots of fast food, but if you happen to like Indian food, the Indian stall makes a very good masala dosa. The American Indian Museum has a very good cafeteria but the food is somewhat expensive. Also, if your family likes or can tolerate spicy food, DC has the largest number of Ethiopian restaurants in the country. They're concentrated near the U St.-Cardozo Metro stop, near 9th & U st. Two restaurants which are reliably good are Dukem on U St. (near 12th, I think) and Etete on 9th St. just south of U St. Great food and not expensive.
En fait je cherche quelque chose à faire en attendant que les musée nationaux ouvrent à 10h. On n'a que 2 jours et demi sur place et je veux tout voir!
salut je ne suis pas resté longtemps à Washington mais attention il faut consacrer un bout de temps pour visiter la ville et les Musées.
Le musée de l'Air et de l'Espace est gigantesque !
Merci pour la réponse! (Thanks!) J'ai vu pour les vélos mais ils sont essentiellement pour un usage de déplacement- $5 de cotisation pour une journée - première 1/2 heure est gratuit mais ensuite c'est très cher. Donc je vais rester avec un loueur de vélos (finalement moins cher pour nos besoins).
De retour de nos vacances je voulais faire un petit compte rendu de ce qu'on a fait ... donc, arrivée à Dulles à 14h. On a pris le bus du Metro ($6 par personne) jusqu'à Roslyn et puis Metro jusqu'a l'hotel. ATTENTION - il faut la monnaie pour les transports en commun (ils acceptent les billets mais ne rendent pas la monnaie).
On decendait à l'Hotel Garden Inn sur la 14th Street - assez central pour le Mall. L'hotel était parfait et pas très cher avec un excellent petit déjeuner. Seul point négatif, pas dans un quartier animé le soir, mais possibilité de manger au restau de l'hotel (bien et pas trop cher) ou un snack à coté pas cher et bon!!
Quand on y était c'était la canicule - 104°F (40°+) mais bon on a fait ce que j'avais prévu - donc premier jour après l'arrivée à l'hotel on est parti à 16h découvrir le Mall (à pied sous le soleil!!) On a fait pas mal de monuments ... mais le 'reflecting pond' était en travaux et sans eaux 😕 - il va falloir y retourner! On a vu The White House (des 2 cotés), National World War II Memorial , l'ilôt dec« 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence », Vietnam Women’s Mem, Vietnam Vetrans Mem (très emouvant)–Statue des 3 Soldats , Licoln Memorial, Korean War Vets Mem, en bas du Washington Monument.
Jour 2 - A pied pour voir Jefferson Memorial puis Washington Monument à 9h (visite réservée en avance par internet). The Castle (bof, bof ), 2 jardins de sculptures avant la visite réservé des National Archives (grace aux reservations nous avons pu passer devant la queue!!) - Declaration of Independence, la Constitution and le Bill of Rights - film intéressant.
On est allé à Union Station (très beau - le FOODHALLa un énorme choix mais est très bruyant pour manger.Ensuite LE Capitol - tour guidé mais très rapide avec courte film puis Library of Congress avec la Bible de Gutenberg. Fin d'après midi on a fait le National Air and Space museum - beaucoup de monde mais fantastique! On a payé pour voir un 3D IMAX film sur le Hubble … incroyable ! S'est arrêté à The Old Post Office au retour mais malgré un joli batiment, je trouvais l'intérieur un peu sordide. On est monté dans la tour - decevant après la vue de Washington Monument!
Jour 3 - à 8h visite du White House Visitor Centre – très complet et intéressant avec un petit film. Café au Hard Rock Café à coté du FBI puis National Museum of American History : EXCELLENT (science, inventions, l'importance de la mer, transport, les robes des First Ladies, la Guerre -Révolution, Civile, 1812, WWI & II Vietnam, culture populaire (muppets, Catwoman, Chapeau de M. Jackson, Snoopy, maillot de Farrah Fawcett, Liberté et immigration .... = 5 heures de visite!!! On a mangé sur place - très bon mais assez cher.
Bus à Georgetown - mais on n'a pas apprécié (trop chaud?? trop fatigué??)
Après le diner à l'hotel on est resorti faire Washington by night. (White House & Washington Monument avec vue sur le Lincoln Mem & Capitol.
Depart par Bolt bus pour New York City.
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Hello! The itinerary is pretty much set for August 2026. Yeah, I know it’s gonna be *super* hot. But it’s the only time we can get away.
So, here’s the plan: Montpellier-CDG-Dallas.
Stay from July 31 to August 26, 2026:
Car rental – check,
Hotels – check,
Itinerary – almost check,
Photo gear – check,
Budget – check, 🤪
Meal planning – meh, we’ll see...
Walmart, of course, for the cooler when we arrive.
And now, without too much detail...
Fort Worth:
The Longhorns and the Stockyards;
JR’s ranch (for the missus);
Medal of Honor Museum – Arlington.
Houston and NASA Space Center:
See the Gulf of Mexico/America.
San Antonio and the missions.
Fort Stockton for an overnight stop.
El Paso via Guadalupe Mountains:
El Paso and White Sands.
Tucson and the Pima Air & Space Museum:
Tombstone, Bisbee.
Phoenix:
Still working on the program.
Sedona:
Round trip around the area via Flagstaff and Williams, or the Grand Canyon (already done) – we’ll decide on the spot.
Albuquerque:
Santa Fe,
Turquoise Trail,
Los Alamos.
Amarillo via Route 66:
Old Route 66 in the city;
Big Texas Ranch Steak 😏.
Dallas:
JFK Museum;
Perot Museum;
West End district.
And through it all – the road, the road, and more road!!!
We’ll adapt day by day based on our mental and physical state (we’re not exactly spring chickens).
Hello everyone! Really damaged due to flooding caused by runoff after forest fires (a total mess!), does anyone in this friendly forum have any updates on the Apache Trail between Apache Junction and Roosevelt Dam? Is there still a section of the road that’s tough to navigate?
We're leaving at the end of June and will be driving the route between Buffalo and Cody. We’ve already booked our accommodations and a rodeo in Cody, but during the day, we’ll be driving between the two and I’m unsure about the itinerary.
Which route do you think is the most pleasant, interesting, or scenic between:
- The northern route via Highway 14 with Sheridan, Lowell, etc.
- The southern route with Highways 16/20/14, passing by Loaf Mountain Overlook, Powder River Pass, Ten Sleep Canyon...
We’ll be in a car, so we should be able to drive on any road.
Thanks for your input!
I’m almost done planning our September road trip. After our 3-night visit to Sequoia, we’ll have a stopover night in Coalinga (to break up the drive). We’ll be staying two nights in Monterey and would like to stop along the way to visit one side of Pinnacles National Park. We’re torn between the West entrance and the East entrance, and we’d like to do a short hike of no more than 2 hours since we don’t want to arrive too late in Monterey.
This park is split into two distinct zones with no connection between them, and the mileage from Coalinga to Monterey is pretty much the same for both. Which area do you recommend visiting—east or west? And which route is the most scenic?
I’ve spotted two short hikes:
- East: Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop
- West: Balconies Cliffs Cave Loop
Has anyone been there, or do you have another hike to suggest?
Thanks in advance, and have a great afternoon!
Marcalamar 🙂
After our first trip as a young couple to the West in 2007 (yes, that doesn’t make us any younger!), we’re planning to go back in 2028, but this time as a family of four! (We have two boys who’ll be 5½ and 13 years old in the summer of 2028.)
Our plan is to combine a few big cities (SF and LA, maybe San Diego) with national parks and state parks, mostly!
Ideally, we’d like to leave at the end of June and head back to France around July 19–20, so we can enjoy the first week of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Since we already did the "loop" in 2007, there are must-see places we absolutely want to revisit—and especially share with our kids: Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, and above all, the Grand Canyon, which is still the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen on Earth!
On the other hand, some places didn’t leave a big impression on us for various reasons, so we’re not making them a priority: Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, for example.
We’re planning ahead, but might as well be smart about it😏
Do you have any tips for a fun and doable itinerary over about 20–25 days with kids, without rushing?
Hi everyone! 🙂
Just a quick question about King Canyon and Sequoia National Park.
Before our night in Miramonte, we plan to visit King Canyon. The next stop will be two nights in Three Rivers to explore Sequoia National Park. I wanted to go all the way to Roaring River Falls on the King Canyon Scenic Byway and then turn back to head to Miramonte. Since we’re coming from Oakhurst, Google Maps says it’s 300 km and 5 hours of driving. Since we also want to hike to see the sequoias (Big Stump Area and Grand Grove) before tackling the King Canyon Scenic Byway, the timing’s going to be tight. How far do you recommend going before turning back to miss as few points of interest as possible on the King Canyon Scenic Byway? Thanks for your advice, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
Hi everyone!
After years of hoping, waiting, planning, then changing, saving, and searching for the best possible route... we're FINALLY off this summer for a 5-week road trip in the West.
I had planned a trip to Colorado in 2021 but canceled due to COVID, so with time passing and my eldest’s high school graduation approaching fast, I figured it was now or never!
Anyway, the itinerary has been modified and extended to please everyone (I’m no longer the only one making decisions!!)
Here’s our final route:
Day 1 - 7/12/2026 - Brussels / Los Angeles
Day 2 - 7/13/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 3 - 7/14/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 4 - 7/15/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 5 - 7/16/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 6 - 7/17/2026 - Los Angeles / Kingman
Day 7 - 7/18/2026 - Kingman / Grand Canyon
Day 8 - 7/19/2026 - Grand Canyon / Page
Day 9 - 7/20/2026 - Page
Day 10 - 7/21/2026 - Page / Monument Valley
Day 11 - 7/22/2026 - Monument Valley / Durango
Day 12 - 7/23/2026 - Durango
Day 13 - 7/24/2026 - Durango
Day 14 - 7/25/2026 - Durango
Day 15 - 7/26/2026 - Durango / Glenwood Springs
Day 16 - 7/27/2026 - Glenwood Springs
Day 17 - 7/28/2026 - Glenwood Springs / Moab
Day 18 - 7/29/2026 - Moab
Day 19 - 7/30/2026 - Moab
Day 20 - 7/31/2026 - Moab
Day 21 - 8/1/2026 - Moab
Day 22 - 8/2/2026 - Moab / Vernal
Day 23 - 8/3/2026 - Vernal / Grand Teton
Day 24 - 8/4/2026 - Grand Teton
Day 25 - 8/5/2026 - Grand Teton / Cody
Day 26 - 8/6/2026 - Cody / Yellowstone
Day 27 - 8/7/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 28 - 8/8/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 29 - 8/9/2026 - Yellowstone
Day 30 - 8/10/2026 - Yellowstone / Salt Lake City
Day 31 - 8/11/2026 - Salt Lake City / Bryce Canyon
Day 32 - 8/12/2026 - Bryce Canyon / Zion
Day 33 - 8/13/2026 - Zion
Day 34 - 8/14/2026 - Zion
Day 35 - 8/15/2026 - Zion / Las Vegas
Day 36 - 8/16/2026 - Las Vegas
Day 37 - 8/17/2026 - Las Vegas / Los Angeles
Day 38 - 8/18/2026 - Los Angeles
Day 39 - 8/19/2026 - Los Angeles / Brussels
Day 40 - 8/20/2026 - Brussels / Home
We’ll be alternating between house swaps, motels, and campgrounds. I’ve booked all the accommodations (except the campground at Bryce since sunset bookings open only 14 days in advance) and the first activities, as well as the most touristy ones.
I’m currently putting together my day-by-day roadbook and having some trouble planning certain days, like in LA or Las Vegas. Choosing hikes isn’t easy either—it’s tough to decide!
We’re really excited but could definitely use your help with choices and optimizations!!
Hello.
I’d like to travel along I-15N from San Diego to Las Vegas with my mom, who’s 67. We’ve explored Northern California and the California Coast over the past two years and now want to continue through the desert.
There are several attractions along the way:
- Mormon Rocks
- Desert Discovery Center and visit the Old Woman meteorite
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Mojave Desert
- Mojave National Preserve
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Silverwood Lake
My mom has back issues that prevent her from hiking or walking on trails with elevation changes. Is it possible to visit these places by car, or are the routes flat enough?
I’d love for her to experience the desert with an itinerary adapted to her condition. I’m also open to other points of interest that aren’t mentioned. We have 3-4 days for the trip, so we’re not in a rush—just want to explore.
I’d love to take a road trip and visit Nova Scotia. I’d appreciate some info on the best cities to see and the most interesting spots. The trip should last about 10 to 15 days, staying in hotels or motels. Thanks in advance!
We’re being relocated to Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
We’ll be taking the flight from Nantes to Montreal and then from Montreal to Saint Pierre.
Could you recommend a hotel near the departure terminal that allows dogs?
Hi,
My 16-year-old son is flying to Grand Rapids with other kids his age. There’s a layover in Detroit. There’s no unaccompanied minor service available. Is it pretty easy to navigate Detroit Airport to catch the connecting flight to Grand Rapids (domestic flight)? There are several of them who speak English well.
Thanks for your replies,
Good evening, everyone! 🙂
Just a few last questions to wrap up our Lake Tahoe visit plans.
**Parking:**
We’d like to walk to Eagle Falls and then Eagle Lake. I’ve spotted two parking lots that seem close to each other and give access to the trailhead. Where and how do we pay for entry to Emerald Bay State Park and Inspiration Point?
**Viewpoints on the East Side:**
Are most of the viewpoints (Balancing Rock, Granite Cave, Bonsai Rock, etc.) right by the road, or do you have to hike to reach them?
**Donner Memorial State Park:**
Is it worth making a detour to Truckee to visit this park and the Truckee historic downtown?
Hi there. I'm shocked by the price of the Upper Antelope Canyon tour—$175 for less than an hour… You might say, "if you can’t afford it…" But the real question is whether it’s really worth it, because $350 for two makes me feel like I’m getting ripped off. For those who’ve done both Lower and Upper, can you tell me if the price difference is really justified? Thanks
Hi everyone! 🙂
As you can see, we're heading back from September 6th to the 27th.
Everything’s booked for September—flights, accommodations, and the car. As I plan, I’ll be asking the experts for help. This is our second trip to California, but most of the stops are new to us.
We’ll start directly from San Francisco to our first overnight stop, Davis, before heading to Lassen Volcanic Park for 4 nights. Our flight lands at 12:50 PM.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Davis – overnight stop
Day 2: Red Bluff – exploring Lassen Volcanic Park (scenic drive to Lake Helen)
Day 3: Susanville – scenic drive through the park via the South Entrance, points of interest, and hikes
Day 4: Susanville – Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes hike
Day 5: Susanville – Warner Valley (hikes)
Day 6: South Lake Tahoe
Day 7: South Lake Tahoe
Day 8: Mammoth Lake
Day 9: Mammoth Lake
Day 10: El Portal via Tioga Road
Day 11: El Portal
Day 12: El Portal
Day 13: Oakhurst
Day 14: Miramonte
Day 15: Three Rivers
Day 16: Three Rivers
Day 17: Coalinga
Day 18: Monterey
Day 19: Monterey
Day 20: San Francisco
Day 21: San Francisco
Day 22: Departure
For hikes in Lassen Volcanic Park, I’ve planned:
Bumpass Hell, Cold Boiling Lake (Day 2)
Paradise Meadow (maybe not going all the way), Devastated Area, and the loop around Reflection and Manzanita Lakes (Day 3)
Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes (Day 4)
Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Spring Lake (Day 5)
I’ve read there are trails to access the trailheads for Cinder Cone (11 km) and Warner Valley. Are these easy trails for an SUV?
Are there any other must-see spots or things we shouldn’t miss?
That’s where I’m at for now. Thanks for your replies, and have a great evening!
Marcalamar 🙂
I’m a total USA addict. I’ve already done several road trips, including the East Coast and West Coast.
I’m here today because I’m planning to go back for another road trip on the West Coast. Possibly with one of my sisters and a couple of friends. It’s still just a plan for now, but I’m working on an itinerary in the meantime. Ideally, I’d leave in 2026, but I don’t have the exact dates yet—maybe April-May or September-October.
My last trip to the West Coast was in September 2014. We went for 2 weeks, but this time it’d be 3 weeks. What made me want to go back was simply a colleague who just left today. As I’m writing this, he’s on the plane. I’m so happy for him, but now all I can think about is going back.
Since I recently went to NY, I noticed that prices have really gone up. I assume the same is true for the West Coast? For 2 people over 3 weeks, what budget should I expect? We’re the type to watch our spending and find great tips.
I think we’ll arrive in San Francisco like the first time and leave from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
Thanks for advising me on the booking—should I reserve a room in the hotel or go for a cabin for the best view?
Should I get breakfast or not?
What do you think of the restaurant?
Hello, if the off-the-beaten-path enthusiasts are still around 😉, I’d love some info on tackling these trails. I’m not super familiar with the rules, risks, or what to expect—I’m looking for firsthand experience from folks who’ve done it on their own once or multiple times.
Hi everyone!
I’m planning a week-long family trip to NYC in October 2026. The focus is on museums and soaking up the New York vibe. I’ve been checking Airbnb, but the prices in Manhattan are through the roof. Since I don’t know NYC well, is it "wise" to look outside Manhattan? Any neighborhoods you’d recommend?
After our first trip to the West, we’d love to go back to see other must-see spots!
The stay would be from May 11 to 20, 2026—it’s short, but hey...
M11: Lyon to Las Vegas (overnight in Vegas)
T12: Route 66 – overnight in Grand Canyon (GC)
W13: Visit GC – overnight in Page
Th14: Visit Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend – overnight in Monument Valley (MV)
F15: Visit MV – overnight in Moab
Sa16: Visit Arches / Dead Horse Point – overnight in Bryce
Su17: Visit Bryce – overnight in Zion
M18: Visit Zion / Valley of Fire – overnight in Vegas
Tu19: Return flight
What do you think? Could we add one more night somewhere? We’re not big hikers, so we’ll mostly explore the parks using shuttles.
Also, we’re all set—passports are good. Do you think one classic Visa card and one premium Visa card will be enough for coverage?
Thanks so much for your feedback, and happy holidays!
Hi North America forum crew,
Just a little post that might interest some of you:
Travelers to the United States | Photo Now Mandatory Upon Entry and Exit | La Presse
I assume many of you already know, but the America the Beautiful annual pass, which was $80, will increase to $250 starting January 1, 2026.
So if you're planning to travel before the end of December 2026, it's in your best interest to buy your pass in December 2025, since it will still cost $80 and be valid until the end of December 2026 if you purchase it in December 2025.
This price increase only applies to non-U.S. residents.
Additionally, for those who planned to visit just one park, a $100 surcharge per person will apply to access a list of 11 national parks...
For example, if there are 4 of you in a car, you’ll have to pay $35 + $400,
which comes to $435 to visit one of the 11 parks on the list (I don’t have all of them... Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, etc.).
Total madness.
The goal is to push people who only visit one park into buying the annual pass.
Last point: free entry days are over for non-residents!
Hi everyone, I’m traveling to Los Angeles and would like to rent a vehicle at the airport. However, I have a Boursobank Ultim deferred debit card, so I’d love to know if it’s possible for those who’ve experienced this recently. Thanks for the info!
I’m planning a week in S.F. in April 2026 and I can’t figure out how to tell the cable cars—of which I understand there are three lines—apart from the trams, which I think number seven. I can’t find their individual numbers or routes anywhere.
Could someone shed some light on this for me? Thanks in advance.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026 full of amazing travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
I’m planning a road trip through the American national parks starting from Denver in June 2026.
The price of the pass is jumping from 80 € to 250 € on January 1st, 2026!!!
Is it possible to buy the pass online before the end of the year to lock in the 80 € rate? If so, where and how do I go about it?
Thanks for your tips.
Arnale
I’m planning a road trip for July 2026 in northern Florida. Could you let me know if my itinerary makes sense?
Day 1: Orlando
Day 2: Amelia Island
Day 3: Amelia Island
Day 4: Tallahassee
Day 5: Panama City Beach
Day 6: Panama City Beach (visit to Destin)
Day 7: Crystal River (stop in Cedar Key on the way)
Day 8: Crystal River
Day 9: Anna Maria (stop in Clearwater)
Day 10: Anna Maria (St. Pete)
Day 11: Anna Maria
Day 12: Orlando
Day 13: Orlando
Day 14: Orlando
Day 15: Departure
We just finished 9 days in the American West and wanted to share our experience because we had an amazing time.
I know some of you might ask, why use an agency? Honestly, we didn’t really feel like doing all the driving and planning, especially since we didn’t know the area at all. And since our English isn’t great, having French-speaking guides was a big comfort.
We found Emmanuelle and Isabelle, and wow, they were fantastic. It was just the two of us with them, so it was a truly VIP, ultra-personalized experience. They treated us like royalty from start to finish. These two live in Las Vegas and know the region like the back of their hand. They told us they’ve spent over 15 years exploring every corner of the American West, and it really shows. Their knowledge of geology, park history, and local anecdotes is just impressive. It’s nothing like someone reciting a memorized script. They answer all your questions and really adapt to what you want to see or do.
What we really loved: the vehicle was super comfortable, and the little details made a difference—like snacks and even a homemade cake! Though, to be fair, we devoured the cake right away, so that counts.
Since they know the sites inside out, they took us at the right times to avoid crowds. So we could enjoy peaceful picnics at Grand Canyon viewpoints without being packed in with 200 people. Plus, on top of the must-see spots, they showed us some hidden gems that were absolutely stunning—places we never would’ve found on our own. They’re true locals who know all the best tips.
The service was really personalized. They adapted to our pace and preferences, and we could stop whenever we wanted to take photos. It’s the luxury of being in a small private group—you’re not just a number on a big bus.
In short, we really felt like we were traveling with friends rather than professional guides. Everything’s included in the price (hotel pickup, meals, park entries, etc.), so the value for money is fair.
We loved it so much that we’re already planning to come back next year to explore other areas with them. I think we’ve caught the American West bug—it’s all we can think about, and we can’t wait to return.
If you’re looking for a French-speaking tour with real personalized service and guides who know the region like no one else, we highly recommend them. We had unforgettable moments. They also design road trips for those who don’t want a guide. And they handled our hotel reservations in Las Vegas too. If you want genuine advice from friendly locals, we’re giving them a 200% recommendation!
I’m currently looking for well-located hotels near points of interest in the cities below. I’ve found a few, but the prices are really high.
Could any of you share some great addresses in the following cities?
- Los Angeles
- Las Vegas
- San Francisco
Also, do you have a preferred airline for domestic flights? If so, which one?
