Just found out I'm gonna take the kids (ages 7 and 4) away for 3 days/2 nights a week from this Thurs/Fri, 7/21-7/22 (wife away at conference, gonna have some interior work done at the house during this time).

Anybody got any "go to" suggestions that aren't too far from the central Bay Area, not super-expensive, and that lil' kids would really enjoy?

The problem I am having is that places to stay that I know are already booked, or beyond my price range (flexible, but much above $200/night isn't working for me right now). For example, we did Stinson last year and it was PERFECT, but it looks like everything is full-up there right now (and pretty pricey).

We have camped before, but I'm debating if I want to go through the logistical hassles of that this time (plus a lot of places are booked). Tent cabins might work, maybe.

Might consider Tahoe, but an wondering if the drive might be too much. What do you think?

Something within 2 hrs of the central Bay Area, not too far from a lake or beach and not super expensive would be ideal. Oh, and did I mention GREAT FOR LIL' KIDS?

I have never had to plan anything like this before (the w/kids part): Thanks for any ideas!

Go Bears!

I love the Bay Area and consider it the best place on earth, but I have to admit that the Central Coast, especially around Morro Bay, is a hidden paradise unrivaled. A bit more than 2 hours driving probably, depending on where you go.

Santa Cruz is good- you've got the boardwalk, beach, Monterey aquarium, redwoods and that little train, butterfly sh$t

Strykur;842707275 said:

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I love the Bay Area and consider it the best place on earth, but I have to admit that the Central Coast, especially around Morro Bay, is a hidden paradise unrivaled. A bit more than 2 hours driving probably, depending on where you go.

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I second central coast, and specifically Morro Bay. Lots of great activities for your little ones, and within striking distance of SLO, Paso Robles (kids can go soda tasting) and Cambria. Some funky little towns with a lot of charm. Hope you enjoy your time wherever you end up!

KenBurnski;842707277 said:

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I second central coast, and specifically Morro Bay. Lots of great activities for your little ones, and within striking distance of SLO, Paso Robles (kids can go soda tasting) and Cambria. Some funky little towns with a lot of charm. Hope you enjoy your time wherever you end up!

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Costa Noa - between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay - could do a day trip to the boardwalk.

Just give the kids an ipad for three days and you can stay home and watch Band of Brothers reruns. Everybody's happy.

Thanks for the first round of suggestions! Santa Cruz and Central Coast. are great ideas... am having a little difficulty coming up with moderately priced places that aren't booked, although I haven't thoroughly checked yet. So if you have specific ideas in that regard, they would be much appreciated.

Am open to ALL SORTS of suggestions/places still.

The koa at Costa Noa has some RV sites available for those nights. You can put a tent on them, so no RV is required. Their dedicated tent sites appear to be booked. Here is a link to the reservation page -

https://koa.com/campgrounds/santa-cruz-north/reserve/step3/

Cambria Shores Inn is great if you are looking for something dog friendly, not that you mentioned it. We enjoyed the Elephant Seals, Hearst Castle, and hiking on the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, which is on a cliff over the ocean.

Ventana or Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur

Sonora's about two hours out, has lots of inexpensive motels, Jamestown steam railroad to ride, Columbia State Park gold rush ghost town, and caves to visit near Murphys. Easy access to high country east toward Ebbetts Pass or (harder) Sonora Pass if adventurous. Should be much less crowded than other suggestions.

You mentioned Tahoe - Yosemite is about the same distance; I'd see if Curry has any tent cabin cancelations. Might happen.

BearsWiin;842707298 said:

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Ventana or Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur

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:rollinglaugh:

$$$$$$$

In Yosemite Valley they might have luck with the backpackers camp? Not sure how reservations work, but have a sense it's less stringent than Curry, the Pines, etc.

CaliforniaGoldenBear;842707303 said:

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Sonora's about two hours out, has lots of inexpensive motels, Jamestown steam railroad to ride, Columbia State Park gold rush ghost town, and caves to visit near Murphys. Easy access to high country east toward Ebbetts Pass or (harder) Sonora Pass if adventurous. Should be much less crowded than other suggestions.

You mentioned Tahoe - Yosemite is about the same distance; I'd see if Curry has any tent cabin cancelations. Might happen.

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Have you ever considered renting a house in Sea Ranch? Some can be quite reasonable and others can be very $$$ impressive. Private place, lots of trails and beaches/water access. Just depends on what you are looking for the kids.

Camping at Big Basin above Santa Cruz - sites may all be reseted on short notice.

And not particularly kid friendly (Ventana).

My kids always loved Big Basin for camping. Lots of easy trails, evening campfires with ranger talks, easy access to Santa Cruz beach. Don't know what camper rentals go for these days but that would ease the logistics piece and is probably no more than a motel.

Big C_Cal;842707271 said:

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Just found out I'm gonna take the kids (ages 7 and 4) away for 3 days/2 nights a week from this Thurs/Fri, 7/21-7/22 (wife away at conference, gonna have some interior work done at the house during this time).

Anybody got any "go to" suggestions that aren't too far from the central Bay Area, not super-expensive, and that lil' kids would really enjoy?

The problem I am having is that places to stay that I know are already booked, or beyond my price range (flexible, but much above $200/night isn't working for me right now). For example, we did Stinson last year and it was PERFECT, but it looks like everything is full-up there right now (and pretty pricey).

We have camped before, but I'm debating if I want to go through the logistical hassles of that this time (plus a lot of places are booked). Tent cabins might work, maybe.

Might consider Tahoe, but an wondering if the drive might be too much. What do you think?

Something within 2 hrs of the central Bay Area, not too far from a lake or beach and not super expensive would be ideal. Oh, and did I mention GREAT FOR LIL' KIDS?

I have never had to plan anything like this before (the w/kids part): Thanks for any ideas!

Go Bears!

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Weekdays at Pt Reyes Station or Tomales Bay Resort near Inverness.

NVGolfingBear;842707306 said:

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:rollinglaugh:

$$$$$$$

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That was funny.

Old town Sacramento. Cheap and kids love it.

Big C: I lived in SLO for 20 years and still go back for both business and personal reasons. I took the liberty of doing a quick check of availability at hotels in the area that I know and most have nothing during that time frame or are too expensive. One that I sometimes stay at in a pinch is the Lamplighter Inn and Suites, which is decent, so long as you are in the newer/main building. I believe it is available and has a good rate. Here is a link: http://www.lamplighterinnslo.com/

If you go to SLO feel free to let me know and I can provide suggestions for things to do, places to see, etc.

Santa Cruz is also a great recommendation.

I would suggest that you look up and consider Andril Fireside Cottages in Pacific Grove (tip of the Monterey Peninsula). It is a cluster of mainly one and two bedroom cottages, each with its own kitchen and fireplace. The place is family owned and operated and is friendly and casual. There is a hot tub, large lawn for family play, ping pong, tetherball and BBQ station. It is very close to the Asilomar State Park and Beach. The beach and tide pools are only about a 10 minute walk. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Monterey wharf (sea lions, tourist boats, etc.) are a short drive.

The Comfort Inn in Watsonville?

NVGolfingBear;842707313 said:

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Have you ever considered renting a house in Sea Ranch? Some can be quite reasonable and others can be very $$$ impressive. Private place, lots of trails and beaches/water access. Just depends on what you are looking for the kids.

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When our kids were young we rented houses in Bodega Bay. Lots of beaches and places to hike. Went with other couples and their kids. Spreading the cost over two or three couples made it pretty reasonable. Of course that was twenty years ago, so it might be a whole different ballgame now.

dajo9;842707284 said:

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Just give the kids an ipad for three days and you can stay home and watch Band of Brothers reruns. Everybody's happy.

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this is the credited response

Big C_Cal;842707271 said:

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Just found out I'm gonna take the kids (ages 7 and 4) away for 3 days/2 nights a week from this Thurs/Fri, 7/21-7/22 (wife away at conference, gonna have some interior work done at the house during this time).

Anybody got any "go to" suggestions that aren't too far from the central Bay Area, not super-expensive, and that lil' kids would really enjoy?

The problem I am having is that places to stay that I know are already booked, or beyond my price range (flexible, but much above $200/night isn't working for me right now). For example, we did Stinson last year and it was PERFECT, but it looks like everything is full-up there right now (and pretty pricey).

We have camped before, but I'm debating if I want to go through the logistical hassles of that this time (plus a lot of places are booked). Tent cabins might work, maybe.

Might consider Tahoe, but an wondering if the drive might be too much. What do you think?

Something within 2 hrs of the central Bay Area, not too far from a lake or beach and not super expensive would be ideal. Oh, and did I mention GREAT FOR LIL' KIDS?

I have never had to plan anything like this before (the w/kids part): Thanks for any ideas!

Go Bears!

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I camped at Pantoll Campground right in the middle of Mt. Tam, swarming with people on Memorial Day weekend. I thought the idea was true insanity. Well, my friend showed up on the preceding Wednesday to the first-come, first-served campground and found several spots. She chose two next to each other, set up tents and left. She didn't actually camp in the sites for two nights until I showed up. She paid for the full stay, but we only occupied the sites for three nights. I was incredulous since I know some state parks do not tolerate unoccupied sites. Apparently Pantoll does, and we had no problems.

Another thing we noticed on a Saturday afternoon at about one was a lot of campsites being vacated at Bootjack also. We were there to hike, but found a lot of people leaving. I'm guessing even if you showed up on a late Saturday morning, you would find a camp spot.

Once you're there, you can hike the area and enjoy the mountain and the beach. There's a shuttle bus down to and back up from Stinson Beach that's nice to utilize.

Good luck!

Watch Star Trek IV then visit Monterey Aquarium. It will change your life.

Big C, a bit too late for this summer, but for your next excursion with the bambinos, book (way) ahead a room at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel in Pescadero. No frills but nice old grounds, fantastic setting by the water for fun tidepooling, old stand redwood groves nearby and great eating next door at Duarte's. You might even get the kids to try their artichocke soup after you walk though the choke and berries fields. Nice laconic surroundings and a fun excursion, dirt cheap.

Cal88;842707440 said:

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Big C, a bit too late for this summer, but for your next excursion with the bambinos, book (way) ahead a room at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel in Pescadero. No frills but nice old grounds, fantastic setting by the water for fun tidepooling, old stand redwood groves nearby and great eating next door at Duarte's. You might even get the kids to try their artichocke soup after you walk though the choke and berries fields. Nice laconic surroundings and a fun excursion, dirt cheap.

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If you're going to Pescadero, you do not eat anywhere but Mercado Taqueria. Geeze, man.

Big C_Cal;842707271 said:

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Just found out I'm gonna take the kids (ages 7 and 4) away for 3 days/2 nights a week from this Thurs/Fri, 7/21-7/22 (wife away at conference, gonna have some interior work done at the house during this time).

Anybody got any "go to" suggestions that aren't too far from the central Bay Area, not super-expensive, and that lil' kids would really enjoy?

The problem I am having is that places to stay that I know are already booked, or beyond my price range (flexible, but much above $200/night isn't working for me right now). For example, we did Stinson last year and it was PERFECT, but it looks like everything is full-up there right now (and pretty pricey).

We have camped before, but I'm debating if I want to go through the logistical hassles of that this time (plus a lot of places are booked). Tent cabins might work, maybe.

Might consider Tahoe, but an wondering if the drive might be too much. What do you think?

Something within 2 hrs of the central Bay Area, not too far from a lake or beach and not super expensive would be ideal. Oh, and did I mention GREAT FOR LIL' KIDS?

I have never had to plan anything like this before (the w/kids part): Thanks for any ideas!

Go Bears!

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Okay, this isn't going to be thrilling for you, but given the last minute nature and the age of the kids, here is something we did one time when our kids were the same age and the kids loved it.

Gilroy. Yes...Gilroy. The Morgan Hill Aquatics Center is a public water park that is the right size for kids. Water slides and a water playground. Gilroy Gardens is 20 minutes from the water park. On the way down we went to the Winchester Mystery House. On the way back we stopped at the Rosicrucian Museum in San Jose which is a cool little museum on ancient Egypt with a recreated Egyptian tomb you can walk through and a little planetarium. The garden is cool too. If you don't like either the Mystery house or Rosicrucian, the San Jose Children's Discovery Museum is great for 7 and 4 year olds. Maybe the Tech Museum, but I don't remember if that is great for 4 year olds.

Not exactly hard to find a room in Gilroy or Morgan Hill.

Thanks everybody!

Nobody has mentioned if they think Tahoe would be a good idea or not. Yeah, a bit of a drive, but at least there are a gazillion places to stay and a big lake. Any thoughts on that? I haven't been up there in the summer, hardly, since I was a kid...

Still gratefully accepting suggestions for another couple of days! Note that this would be for a Thurs + Fri night and I probably don't want to camp this time. (Somebody mentioned Big Basin... we camped there last summer and it was great!)

Big C_Cal;842707465 said:

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Thanks everybody!

Nobody has mentioned if they think Tahoe would be a good idea or not. Yeah, a bit of a drive, but at least there are a gazillion places to stay and a big lake. Any thoughts on that? I haven't been up there in the summer, hardly, since I was a kid...

Still gratefully accepting suggestions for another couple of days! Note that this would be for a Thurs + Fri night and I probably don't want to camp this time. (Somebody mentioned Big Basin... we camped there last summer and it was great!)

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Nobody goes there anymore in the summer because it is way too crowded with tourists! With respect to Yogi...

You can combine these, do the Gilroy thing, cross over Hecker pass to the coast ( stop at Gizdrich Ranch to pick raspberries and eat pie), Moss Landing where you can tour the Elkhorn Slough, down to monterey or up to Santa Cruz or both. Whale watching as well

GB54;842707490 said:

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You can combine these, do the Gilroy thing, cross over Hecker pass to the coast ( stop at Gizdrich Ranch to pick raspberries and eat pie), Moss Landing where you can tour the Elkhorn Slough, down to monterey or up to Santa Cruz or both. Whale watching as well

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Kayaking on the Slough is also pretty fun, if you've got the shoulders for it

BearsWiin;842707519 said:

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Kayaking on the Slough is also pretty fun, if you've got the shoulders for it

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Great kayaking and birding in there. Better to run the tide out.