I'm flying to San Francisco next month to meet 4 friends from college days, and we'd really like to go to Las Vegas as well. (Yes, we're flying out of SF as well, so we have to return).

We have 11 days total, and are really unsure about how to do this.

Should we rent a car and drive SFO - LAS, or is it better done by flying? If we do the drive, how's parking at the Strip? We'll stay at some 4 or 5 star hotel at the Strip.

How much time should we spend in either city?

Is it possible to do a Grand Canyon daytrip from LV? What about Death Valley, is that worth seeing?

Thanks in advance.

Well, driving SFO to LAS is cheapest, but figure 12 hours each way. That pretty much kills 2 of your 11 days. So, it's a toss up - time vs. money. Personally, I'd rather fly unless you want to see some sights along the way (Yosemite, Eastern Sierra, Death Valley).

Parking on the strip is free and easy. Valet parking is free, aside from the tip, at all the strip casinos.

How much time? Depends on what you want to do, and for Vegas, how much money you have. First trip to Vegas? Like to gamble? Clubbing?

Grand Canyon can be done as a daytrip, but it's 5 hours each way. Hardly worth it for just one day - better as an overnight. Death Valley is worth visiting, especially in the spring, but again, figure 4 hours each way. Also, DV is a very large park, so it takes an hour plus to drive between attractions.

Zion is a better daytrip if you're looking to visit a national park. Only 2-3 hours from Vegas and its a compact park which makes for easier sightseeing.

If it was me with 4 friends, I'd probably go for 3 days in Vegas and an overnight trip to Zion. 3-4 days is as much as my body and wallet can take in Vegas, but it really depends on the pace you set for yourself.

In Zion, I'd do a bit of sightseeing and probably hike the Narrows. I'd schedule my time in Vegas for the Sun-Thurs time period for cheaper hotel rates, and fly OAK/SFO to LAS. Rent a car in Vegas for the Zion trip, otherwise, cab it everywhere. That'll eat up about 5 days - the rest I'd spend seeing San Francisco. If you're not into checking out San Francisco, then I'd look into doing overnights to Grand Canyon.

Excellent advice by escog. I'll add that SJC-LAS and OAK-LAS routes are both served by Southwest, so compare all your options if prices seem high out of one airport. Which airports you choose might depend on where you're staying while in the Bay area.

Back in the SFO area, you might also wish to get out of the city to visit Monterey Bay, Sonoma/Napa wine country, Muir Woods, and/or Yosemite. Next month should be a great time to see the waterfalls in Yosemite.

I think that most tourists max out in Vegas after 4 or 5 days, but it really depends on if you're staying in the city the whole time or doing side trips out every day.

Thanks for your replies, very helpful.

We're flying in on May 12, and I've found these deals on Orbitz;

SFO-LAS round trip 5/13/2006 - 5/18/2006, both departing early
+
5 nights at MGM Grand $519 / Bellagio $775

Then we would make it back to S.F. on the 18th and have 5 days there as well (departing 22nd).

Maybe we should just rent a car when we get back to S.F.?

I haven't stayed at the MGM Grand, but the Bellagio is very nice. The rooms are a bit small, but very nice amenities.

Hard Rock has a deal going on:

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/las-vegas-hotels/234127

They're off the strip, but the pool is amazing. I don't know what you guys are looking for, but if you're interested in young, beautiful women walking around in minimal clothing, the Hard Rock is a good place.

I wouldn't bother renting a car in S.F. unless you're going someplace specific. A car in S.F. is more of a bother than its worth if you're just checking out the tourist sites. Public transport is pretty good, and you can cab everywhere else.