Tourist advice needed
 

My DD will be going to the States in January 2014 with a school trip and has the option of staying in one of the following cities with a host family

Seattle<O:p></O:p>Ø San Diego<O:p></O:p>
Ø Portland<O:p></O:p>
Ø Sacramento<O:p></O:p>
Ø San Francisco<O:p></O:p>
Ø Phoenix *Extra $250 per person<O:p></O:p>
Ø Valdosta (Georgia) *Extra $250 per person

They will also be going to San Diego, and San Francisco as part of the trip as well as Disneyland, Universal Studios and Knott's Berry Farm.

Given that they are going in January and that most of the kids will be around 16 years old is there any one destination that stands out as a must see, or one that they probably wouldn't find that appealing, (I don't think most of them are especially interested in history or quilt shops LOL).
Any must see tourist spots in these cities?
We would be grateful for any information as we have just been informed that they will need their preferences submitted by Tuesday, so it hasn't given us much time to do our research. Although they put in their preferences, their favourite is not guaranteed so just being able to narrow it down will help.
<O:p> </O:p>

San Diego is my favorite of the ones I have been to on your list. wonderful climate, lots to do. The San Diego Zoo is great, Sea World, Old Town, professional sports, probably too early for the whales.

In San Diego - there is the Hotel Del Coronado - part of it was wired by Thomas Edison! I believe it was where the original Wizard of Oz was written. And the beach there is beautiful!

I love the SD Zoo, it is world famous, and it lives up to that description. There is also Seaworld - very touristy, I enjoy it. But many do not. There is Scripps aquarium too - haven't been there in many years. And here in Chula Vista we have the Nature Interpretive Center - it's part of the City Parks and Recreation Department.

Can't believe they wouldn't all be thrilled with a trip to Rosie's Calico Quilt shop - she has over 10,000 bolts of fabric, so maybe they would be over whelmed. ;)

I don't think Sacramento will thrill teenagers that much. San Francisco has China Town, lots of history, very pretty.
Portland is right on the river, will they be able to go skiing on MT Hood? It's smaller but very nice. Valdosta has the Wild Adventures Theme Park, antibellum homes, old Southern charm, I'm not sure what the teenagers would be interested in. How much time will they have? It isn't that far from Orlando, Florida where the theme parks are so much better than in California. Surely your school has gathered all this info for the kids and parents. Are they flying everywhere or traveling overland so they can see the US? I hope they really enjoy their trip.

Thanks for the replies, keep them coming LOL
They will be in the States for 20 days, and with their host family for 10 of them. The rest of the time will be Disneyland etc.
We were supposed to get more time to make up our mind about where they wanted to go, not sure what happened there? But I think it's always good to get some local knowledge :)
How cold does it get in Portland and Seattle in Winter? 'We don't live in an area that gets snow so I don't know if they would have enough warm clothes.

That would be one consideration ... the weather and temperatures in the areas they will be as they might need different clothing packed. Though wouldn't that be part of the fun to experience "snow"? I'm sure if your child does not have the proper clothing, the host family will not let them freeze!

You mentioned that this portion is a home-stay, so I wouldn't be factoring into it the tourism options. A home-stay usually means to experience life of the other ... and chances are the family includes a mate about the same age and interests. Host families are notorious for taking good care of their charges ... and finding lots to do and giving lots of experiences beyond the tourism realm ... and often far better ones!!! :)

Considering all the potential choices... San Diego! Beautiful weather , ocean, mountains in the back, reasonably close to other areas of interest.

Phoenix in winter is lovely weather wise....BUT...that is where the Snow Bird's roost in winter (senior citizens).

I agree that Sacramento probably would not appeal to teens all that much...Portland could be an issue with cold weather, but check with a local. Several board members are from that area.

I live 80 miles from Portland and have lived in Seattle. Winter is faint season with good cancer of lousy weather. I'go to SanDiego..the kids will have a lot to see and do..

Gotta love the automatic spell thingy! Inwanted to say its the rainy season! It is chance..not cancer. Thank goodness its Friday!