Visting California

[043500]

I already posted this in my chapter forum (Southeast) and some of you have already chimed in over there and I really appreciate it!

My wife and younger son are jonesin bad to see redwoods. I'm pretty much thinking for the availability of more than redwoods in and around San Francisco that this area would be one of our best options...I know after 1-2 days of looking at trees no matter how beautiful they are the kiddies will be bored. We're looking at flying in on June 1 and leaving June 6th. so about 4-4.5 days in the area.

Figuring getting down to Santa Cruz may be an option and then of course the Golden Gate and then the big one being they want to see the 'big trees' probably in Muir or another park close to this area...or several parks!

If anyone has any ideas or suggestions for places to stay (looking at $100-200 a night max) or other things to do with a 7, 10 , and 13 year old I'm open to listen or rent us an XJ for a few days LOL.

 

[goodwilljeeper]

Depending on what you guys plan on doing or staying Monterey bay aquarium is always cool for all ages!

 

[87matchief]

I Work for Hilton In Mountain View CA. Located in the middle of SF and Santa Cruz 45 min to SF and 35 min give or take to Santa Cruz. I can see about helping you out. Just give me a heads up.

 

[AlphaQup]

I would suggest the academy of science in San Francisco. Fort point is also fun for kids. It's an old military building under the Golden Gate Bridge. Stinson beach is nice. It's north of San Francisco. Bodega bay is good too if you camp. If you go to Santa Cruz I suggest camping in the redwoods to the north "Roaring Camp". There is a great hiking trail through the redwoods that leads to a train station that you can ride to the boardwalk. The summit of Mt. Diablo is a good little day trip and it's the second best view in the entire world. I would suggest staying near the areas you are visiting. Traffic sucks all over the Bay Area.

 

[jabbathewhats]

Muir woods is real nice, and close to Stinson beach, which has some very long beaches. Muir woods has a nice hiking trail where you can see some pretty amazing things. Santa Cruz is always nice. The beach boardwalk there would be great for the kids, but I'm not sure if the rides are year round. Go South a little from there to see some amazing, and less crowded things from forrest to beach. I can't recommend places to stay as we usually stay with friends there, but you can get some cheap motels in Santa Cruz under $100.

 

[831_xj]

I told him this in his other post. Head out to santa cruz for a couple days and you most definitely will not regret it. Monterey bay aquarium is on the other side of the bay about a 45 minute drive. Go hop on the Chardonnay. It's a sailboat and you'll probably see some wildlife. Whales, sea otters, sea lions etc. They serve drinks but be prepared for cold. El Nino is upon the west coast now. Boardwalk is a go to for tourists. If you'd like to know some cool hikes in the redwoods I'd head to Nisene Marks. Awesome waterfalls and trails!

Theres a little hidden waterfall in Scotts Valley. About 10-15 min inland from Santa Cruz. About an 80ft waterfall but a very very steep hike down. Short but steep. It's incredible. And not very many people know about it. I can get you there if you're up for it.

Best of luck!

 

[David_Bricker]

If heading to Santa Cruz, Henry Cowell Redwood and Roaring Pine camp is close, and very nice. Train ride into the woods; a bit touristy, but quite pleasant. Furthest southernmost coastal redwoods. Nice level hiking trails through the park.

Then there's always Winchester Mystery House in San HoseMe.

David Bricker / SYR

 

[831_xj]

If you do decide on Monterey bay...Make sure to head to Big Sur. Take the drive along the coast and go over the Bixby Bridge. You'll be amazed.. Then go take a short walk and see Mcway Falls.

You can't legally go on the beach but this view is incredible in person

 

[043500]

Thanks everyone.
Shooting for early June.

We are looking at booking the flight, hotel, and rental car some time this week. My wife has a coworker who does travel agency work on the side and we're hoping she can get us a better deal than one of the million online sites.

Plan is to fly into San Francisco. Muir woods is at the top of the 'itinerary'...will try to hit other state parks in the area also. Golden Gate as well. Santa Cruz is in there as well if time allows.Would love to get out to see Yosemite and/or Kings Canyon NP . I'll be flying by the seat of my pants here...my wife and kids will end up running the show so it all depends on their level of excitement on what we're doing as to what else we can do once the 2 main things are seen. I'm one of the types to try and coordinate everything before we go but with 1 of my kids being special needs and my wife getting bored easily (ADD) plans don't always work!

 

[NorCalChris]

If you come to the Monterey Bay there is so much to do. Patrick has listed all of the best places to see. If you can make it down to Big Sur you will not regret it. It is absolutely beautiful. 17 mile drive is nice in Pebble Beach. Carmel by the sea has amazing restaurants and boutiques. Then continue down hey 1 to Big Sur. I'm on the Monterey side of the Bay. I love it here.

 

[831_xj]

Sounds like you have time to plan! Enjoy it! I've been on the east coast for 2 weeks... And the thought of what I miss in Ca is depressing. Can't wait to be back!

 

[Bryan C.]

If you come to the Monterey Bay there is so much to do. Patrick has listed all of the best places to see. If you can make it down to Big Sur you will not regret it. It is absolutely beautiful. 17 mile drive is nice in Pebble Beach. Carmel by the sea has amazing restaurants and boutiques. Then continue down hey 1 to Big Sur. I'm on the Monterey side of the Bay. I love it here.

Don't forget about Point Lobos State Park. Well worth the drive. Lots of ocean/beach access although it is a bit rocky and the water will be cold.

 

[NorCalChris]

Good point Bryan. The water is cold. You need to go way south to get warm water.

 

[Boatwrench]

Muir Woods is nice, but crowded. I suggest heading north just about an hour longer and seeing Armstrong Redwoods in the Russian River area. There are also some nice wineries along the route.

When in San Francisco ride a Cable Car. Board the Powell & Hyde line at Hyde Street Pier along Fisherman's Wharf. The ride costs the same $6 per passenger but the Hyde St cable is the steepest and has the most turns. It ends at Market Street. Take Muni F-Line historic PCC cars inbound towards the Ferry Building and you'll end up back at Fisherman's Wharf.

Head south from san Francisco and hit Roaring Camp as suggested, fun train ride through the redwoods. You'll also be about ten miles from Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk. Further south still is Monterey with Cannery Row, The famous Aquarium & 17 Mile Drive.

Still have time? Head south to Big Sur and possibly Hearst Castle. The head inland and catch US 101 back north. It's about 4 hour drive back to the Bay Area from San Luis Obispo.

Sounds Fun. Have a great time and thank you for visiting.

 

[043500]

Muir Woods is nice, but crowded. I suggest heading north just about an hour longer and seeing Armstrong Redwoods in the Russian River area. There are also some nice wineries along the route.

When in San Francisco ride a Cable Car. Board the Powell & Hyde line at Hyde Street Pier along Fisherman's Wharf. The ride costs the same $6 per passenger but the Hyde St cable is the steepest and has the most turns. It ends at Market Street. Take Muni F-Line historic PCC cars inbound towards the Ferry Building and you'll end up back at Fisherman's Wharf.

Head south from san Francisco and hit Roaring Camp as suggested, fun train ride through the redwoods. You'll also be about ten miles from Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk. Further south still is Monterey with Cannery Row, The famous Aquarium & 17 Mile Drive.

Still have time? Head south to Big Sur and possibly Hearst Castle. The head inland and catch US 101 back north. It's about 4 hour drive back to the Bay Area from San Luis Obispo.

Sounds Fun. Have a great time and thank you for visiting.

Thanks!

 

[043500]

Just wanted to thank everyone for the suggestions etc. We were out there last week and man it's great!

Made it to Muir Woods, Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz and Yosemite.

I want to sell all our crap and move to Yosemite...I'll be a janitor if I have to.

See the SE chapter for pics (of course a lot of you see these things regularly). We took 9 rolls of 35mm and had 3 digitals...those are just my phone pics in the SE chapter forum!