7 & 4 year olds, huh?

I'd suggest the Monterey Bay area.

Not too far of a drive. Kids might like the aquarium & Fishermans' wharf in Monterey, Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. There are some tidal pools just south of Carmel. I'd suggest the beach in Carmel, but parking is tough near the beach and it's quite an uphill climb to parking in town (maybe Uber it).

If hotel/motel prices look too pricey in Monterey or Santa Cruz, modest accommodations can probably be found in Watsonville or Salinas.

Have you ever rolled a kayak with a 4 yr old and a 7 yr old?

joe yaks;842707538 said:

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Have you ever rolled a kayak with a 4 yr old and a 7 yr old?

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Sounds like trouble

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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Yes, something like this is occurring to me, as well. thx

NVGolfingBear;842707484 said:

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

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Is this semi-true, or were you kidding? I'm sure that folks who have "a place" up there still go, but are you saying that it's not that great to go to Tahoe in the summer and just stay at the "Pine Cone Lodge" (made up name), or wherever?

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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Yes, Pescadero has been our "go to" beach for a long time, as a day trip. We used to eat at Duarte's Tavern lot, but now we stop at High Tide at the south end of Pacifica on the way back (one of those places where, for some reason, everything on the eclectic menu appeals to me and, when I get the bill, it always seems to be a little LESS than I had estimated).

GMP, I've never tried Mercado Taqueria, but now I want to. I assume it's on or near "that one street" in town?

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!

---

Search for available rentals in Pinecrest (it may be tough due to Lair of the Bear families). If you can find one, I highly recommend it. The lake is about three hours from the Bay Area and has a great kids/family beach area with warm, shallow water for your younger kids and boat, kayak and paddleboat rentals. You can relax, swim, fish and/or hike around the lake (plenty of good rock jumping spots but maybe your kids aren't there yet) or many nearby trails. There is a snack hut right near the public beach with good burgers, fries and soft serve ice cream cones. The outdoor amphitheater about 200 yards down from the store shows movies at night under the stars, many of which are for kids/families.

You can drive to Yosemite one of the days as it is about an hour and a half away from Pinecrest.

You have a ton of great options. This one will be popular with your kids. Enjoy!!

Big C_Cal;842707596 said:

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Is this semi-true, or were you kidding? I'm sure that folks who have "a place" up there still go, but are you saying that it's not that great to go to Tahoe in the summer and just stay at the "Pine Cone Lodge" (made up name), or wherever?

---

Earlier in this thread I recommended Pacific Grove, partly in consideration of a shorter drive. The only negative about Pacific Grove, and other places along the coast, is the possibility of fog. The longer drive to Tahoe might be worth it, given that it looks like you would be driving up on Thursday and back on Saturday. If you avoid commuter traffic in the Bay Area and Sacramento on Thursday, the drive up should be easy. Driving back on Saturday should also be fine. You just don't want to come up on Friday afternoon/evening or return on Sunday afternoon.

As far as crowds here, it is always a zoo for the Fourth of July. Just after the fourth, there are several fairly busy but certainly not crowded weeks. Then it picks up for the last week of July and the first two weeks of August. With school starting so soon everywhere, the second half of August is no longer busy. For the days you are talking about, there should be no traffic issues and temperatures will be about 80. The lake is warmer this summer than most at this time of year.

A new "hotel" (an extensively remodeled motel) opened up in Tahoe City this spring. It advertises some theme rooms for families with young children. If you want to look it up I believe it is called Basecamp Hotel Tahoe City (not to be confused with a sister hotel at South Lake Tahoe).

If you're thinking of coming to Tahoe and want some ideas of what to do with your kids, feel free to send me a personal message.

Big C_Cal;842707596 said:

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Is this semi-true, or were you kidding? I'm sure that folks who have "a place" up there still go, but are you saying that it's not that great to go to Tahoe in the summer and just stay at the "Pine Cone Lodge" (made up name), or wherever?

---

We try to stay away from the lake during summer weekends, just too touristy. Doesn't mean you can't make it work but since we are 45 minutes away from North Lake we have choices. But, yes it can get crowded.

Dillon Beach is where I'd head. Truly a best-kept secret. An hour and fifteen minutes from San Francisco or Berkeley. Rent a cottage in the village and you can walk to the big, wide beach, fly kites, sand dunes to roam around, crabbing/fishing off Lawson's Landing pier, tide pools. The rentals are very reasonable. Groceries are 25 minutes away in Petaluma so stock up as you come in, stop at Lunardi's for takeout BBQ. From Dillon as a base, Bodega Bay, Monte Rio, Sebastopol and Point Reyes Station are all a 30 - 45 minute beautiful drive away so if the beach palls for some reason you have lots of options. Dillon used to be a little rough around the edges because of all the semi-permanent trailers at Lawson's Landing a mile away, but the there have been great changes over the last couple of years, most of the trailers have been removed, the campground was reduced and redone, and now Dillon Beach is both sleepy and quite family friendly. It's just starting to be discovered so there are still bargains to be found there.

there are lots of cool little lakes to take a family..Clear Lake use to be fun for me, I haven't been there in a really long time though and it might have that algae problem still. Another spot I use to like going to that was usually not crowded was..

http://lakecounty.com/blog/discover-the-blue-lakes-of-lake-county/

It's 5 miles past clear lake, and we actually found it by accident

Consider Sacramento. Hot, but supposed to be in the low 90's this weekend. State Fair going on at Cal Expo. Sutter's Fort in Mid Town and quite good restaurants of all types in the area. California State Railroad Museum in Old Sac. Waterslides at SunSplash in Roseville (and at Cal Expo). You can rent kayaks on Lake Natoma in Folsom. Check Groupon and/or TravelZoo for lodging rates. And by the way, great brew pubs. And if you're driving up from the Bay Area, there is the little-known Western Railway Museum along highway 12 between Fairfield and Rio Vista - streetcars going back to the early 1900s - many operating on several miles of track. My kids loved it when they were that age. Next time you're in SF, take'em to the Cable Car museum, too.

+1 for Gilroy Gardens, Monterey Aquarium, Santa Cruz, Big Basin

Gilroy Gardens and Monterey aquarium, if you go twice the annual family pass makes $ense. So think about it before you buy your tix. 7 is hitting the upper end of the age range for Gilroy Gardens, so go now if you haven't been, it will surprise you, in a good way.

Uhg. I can't read anymore! Y'all are making it way too tough on him, and he's being overly ambitious because he's a good dad and a young one at that. A compromise between the 4 hours to Tahoe and Bonanza/Star Trek reruns is in order.

Dude, don't pay for a hotel, stay at home. There is plenty to do in the bay for a 4 and 7 year old!!!!!!!!
Take it from me. I got kids 7,10,12,14,16. Save the bigger trips for later. At this age, grander destinations like Yosemite will be lost on them, particularly the 4 year old. And you will tire yourself out unnecessarily. Don't sit in traffic, ha! I live off 80 below Auburn and drive reverse flow to the bay all the time. I marvel at the mass of people leaving on Friday afternoon and returning Sundays. There is a better way! In other words, NO, you are not driving anywhere so far away! Your kids will destroy you with "are we there yet", "where are we going" (if traffic doesn't), or they'll sleep while you drive and you'll not be able to entertain them by the time you arrive. Wait 4 more years, 8 and 11, plus or minus a couple years. By 13, you'll be toast, the teen will think you're an idiot.

Okay, hometown suggestion: http://www.pixieland.com/phone/index.html
Trains up on Tilden?
Fairyland in Oakland?
Exploratorium?
SJ children's museum (already suggested)?
Take the ferry the angel island and hike to the top?
Alcatraz tour? Nah... 4 is too young.
Take them fishing anywhere.
Six flags Vallejo. You might not love it but they will. (Pixieland is cheaper, easier)
Take them to a you-pick-em farm in Brentwood.
Take them to the beach in Alameda and give them a shovel and bucket.
Put their bikes in the trunk, go the a high school, and let them ride around between the lines. See how many laps they can do. Olympics are coming up and they'll enjoy the track and field events better.
Pitch the tent in the backyard. Make s'mores over a homemade fire.
Think cheap. Think easy. Think 4&7, not 35. They don't care about grandiose stuff. They care about the attn you give them and that something is a new experience.
Ask people instead of where to go, what do they do in their hometown. Nobody knows about pixie land, for instance.

If you like to add structure to it, you could present them with a plan: no sleeping in the house, have to make all the food in the backyard, and each day you are gone from 10-4. Different place each day.
No TV.
New rules. Mix it up for them.

Most important thing: the house is spotless when wife gets home. Flowers on the entry table. Hire a maid, get laid.

HearstMining;842707699 said:

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Consider Sacramento. Hot, but supposed to be in the low 90's this weekend. State Fair going on at Cal Expo. Sutter's Fort in Mid Town and quite good restaurants of all types in the area. California State Railroad Museum in Old Sac. Waterslides at SunSplash in Roseville (and at Cal Expo). You can rent kayaks on Lake Natoma in Folsom. Check Groupon and/or TravelZoo for lodging rates. And by the way, great brew pubs. And if you're driving up from the Bay Area, there is the little-known Western Railway Museum along highway 12 between Fairfield and Rio Vista - streetcars going back to the early 1900s - many operating on several miles of track. My kids loved it when they were that age. Next time you're in SF, take'em to the Cable Car museum, too.

---

I like your post. Thx.
I'll have to check out the Western Railway Museum.

Back to traffic. I made it reverse commute from 3:50 - 5:30 to Lafayette on Monday for matriarchgoldenbear's 98th bday dinner. 75 mph the whole way. 111 miles, giddy up!! But the amount of traffic heading east on 80. Oh my god, I want to vomit! And I see it ALL the time!

Napa/Sonoma are the best...from train rides through the valley to the geyser at Calistoga to the amazing summer sunsets to Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield not too far away; there's a great train ride in downtown Sonoma with petting zoo, and the raceway at the Sonoma/Napa border is always fun (we were let in late one afternoon by the security guard and the kids got to see four Ferrari racing teams tuning up multi million dollar rides for free, not a moment they'll forget)...not to mention the historic mission at Sonoma Square and the Russian River and surrounding forests nearby. There's nothing in the world like Napa/Sonoma, for any age. BON VOYAGE!

Big C_Cal;842707271 said:

---

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!

---

CT, I love your ideas and you really seem to understand what kids that age can do/want to do/will remember having done. One thing though: This time, I NEED to take them "away", as we will be having some work done at the house.

PS: My kids are still young. I, however, am only young at heart. (Hardly any prior experience with little kids, though. Have been on an amazing learning curve the past 7 1/2 yrs!)

concordtom;842707780 said:

---

Uhg. I can't read anymore! Y'all are making it way too tough on him, and he's being overly ambitious because he's a good dad and a young one at that. A compromise between the 4 hours to Tahoe and Bonanza/Star Trek reruns is in order.

Dude, don't pay for a hotel, stay at home. There is plenty to do in the bay for a 4 and 7 year old!!!!!!!!
Take it from me. I got kids 7,10,12,14,16. Save the bigger trips for later. At this age, grander destinations like Yosemite will be lost on them, particularly the 4 year old. And you will tire yourself out unnecessarily. Don't sit in traffic, ha! I live off 80 below Auburn and drive reverse flow to the bay all the time. I marvel at the mass of people leaving on Friday afternoon and returning Sundays. There is a better way! In other words, NO, you are not driving anywhere so far away! Your kids will destroy you with "are we there yet", "where are we going" (if traffic doesn't), or they'll sleep while you drive and you'll not be able to entertain them by the time you arrive. Wait 4 more years, 8 and 11, plus or minus a couple years. By 13, you'll be toast, the teen will think you're an idiot.

Okay, hometown suggestion: http://www.pixieland.com/phone/index.html
Trains up on Tilden?
Fairyland in Oakland?
Exploratorium?
SJ children's museum (already suggested)?
Take the ferry the angel island and hike to the top?
Alcatraz tour? Nah... 4 is too young.
Take them fishing anywhere.
Six flags Vallejo. You might not love it but they will. (Pixieland is cheaper, easier)
Take them to a you-pick-em farm in Brentwood.
Take them to the beach in Alameda and give them a shovel and bucket.
Put their bikes in the trunk, go the a high school, and let them ride around between the lines. See how many laps they can do. Olympics are coming up and they'll enjoy the track and field events better.
Pitch the tent in the backyard. Make s'mores over a homemade fire.
Think cheap. Think easy. Think 4&7, not 35. They don't care about grandiose stuff. They care about the attn you give them and that something is a new experience.
Ask people instead of where to go, what do they do in their hometown. Nobody knows about pixie land, for instance.

If you like to add structure to it, you could present them with a plan: no sleeping in the house, have to make all the food in the backyard, and each day you are gone from 10-4. Different place each day.
No TV.
New rules. Mix it up for them.

Most important thing: the house is spotless when wife gets home. Flowers on the entry table. Hire a maid, get laid.

---

Big C_Cal;842707850 said:

---

CT, I love your ideas and you really seem to understand what kids that age can do/want to do/will remember having done. One thing though: This time, I NEED to take them "away", as we will be having some work done at the house.

PS: My kids are still young. I, however, am only young at heart. (Hardly any prior experience with little kids, though. Have been on an amazing learning curve the past 7 1/2 yrs!)

---

Ooops.
I guess I missed that minor detail.

You are in the golden age of parenting.
Out of the toddler stage, which many don't favor b/c you have to do EVERYTHING for them - like change their diaper and make sure they don't die in some crossing-the-street accident - you now get to start actually DOING stuff with your kids. They are young, innocent, and think you are the King Kong of planet earth and that there is nothing you can't do. Like I said, by the time they get to be teenagers, all that will change. They will start to question you in every way. It's all appropriate, but man is is hard. Once you were their best friend and superman wrapped up in one. Now they see you for not only being human, but they find and illuminate every fault you may have. Heck, they'll even invent a few for you.

Okay, back to reality.
If you are not going to camp, that means you are going to be in a hotel. And if you are going to be in a hotel, you might as well get out of the bay. Find the time when you can escape sans-traffic and head either north or south - somewhere away from the inland heat. Or, stay in a hotel down the street and do some of the same things I had on my list anyways.

Good luck.

WCC-TheBearingPoint;842707842 said:

---

Napa/Sonoma are the best...from train rides through the valley to the geyser at Calistoga to the amazing summer sunsets to Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield not too far away; there's a great train ride in downtown Sonoma with petting zoo, and the raceway at the Sonoma/Napa border is always fun (we were let in late one afternoon by the security guard and the kids got to see four Ferrari racing teams tuning up multi million dollar rides for free, not a moment they'll forget)...not to mention the historic mission at Sonoma Square and the Russian River and surrounding forests nearby. There's nothing in the world like Napa/Sonoma, for any age. BON VOYAGE!

---

I agree. I love Sonoma (Healdsburg area) big time.
But I seriously doubt the 4 year old is going to care about Ferraris. :p

concordtom;842707780 said:

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Hire a maid, get laid.

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Funny how the meaning changes when you take it out of context.

GATC;842707871 said:

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Funny how the meaning changes when you take it out of context.

---

Took me a minute, but then, yeah, ha ha.
For the record, I'm talking cleaning service, not a prostitute.

That's what the Nanny is for! :p
(jk)

concordtom;842707855 said:

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Ooops.
I guess I missed that minor detail.

You are in the golden age of parenting.
Out of the toddler stage, which many don't favor b/c you have to do EVERYTHING for them - like change their diaper and make sure they don't die in some crossing-the-street accident - you now get to start actually DOING stuff with your kids. They are young, innocent, and think you are the King Kong of planet earth and that there is nothing you can't do. Like I said, by the time they get to be teenagers, all that will change. They will start to question you in every way. It's all appropriate, but man is is hard. Once you were their best friend and superman wrapped up in one. Now they see you for not only being human, but they find and illuminate every fault you may have. Heck, they'll even invent a few for you.

Okay, back to reality.
If you are not going to camp, that means you are going to be in a hotel. And if you are going to be in a hotel, you might as well get out of the bay. Find the time when you can escape sans-traffic and head either north or south - somewhere away from the inland heat. Or, stay in a hotel down the street and do some of the same things I had on my list anyways.

Good luck.

---

Funny, we also call this period "the golden age". Yeah, I figure I have about four years of gold, so I've decided to take early retirement. We'll be stable, but I had to give up the idea of ever being "comfortable", financially. What the heck, though, right? My seven yr old son still wants to hold hands with me in public! (That clock is ticking down, I know...)

Fly to Europe...be a good dad..

FCBear;842708231 said:

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Fly to Europe...be a good dad..

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Fly to South America. Be a better dad.

Western Railroad museum at Rio Vista Junction, really in the middle of nowhere. The right of way is the old Sacramento Northern Railroad than once ran from SF to Chico and thru the middle of the Naval Weapons station and the town of Clyde (right turn at Clyde or you'll miss it). For years we used to drive from Rio Vista to Dixon on our way to Mt. Shasta area. Never even knew Rio Vista Junction existed until the Western Pacific donated steam engines #94 and #334 to the museum when I was at Cal. In some respects the museum is in a good location, far from any population centers and resulting vandalism problems. Best time to visit is probably during spring wildflower blooms, otherwise it's a pretty desolate area.

Two other rail-related activities are in areas with a little more varied group of attractions. The California State Railroad Museum at Jamestown is familiar to all who grew up watching B westerns on the TV, Or ogling the girls on Petticoat
Junction or fans of Back to the Future. Probably even better for older kids as they offer tours in a real, working railroad shop and roundhouse. It's right on Hiway 49 surrounded by tons of Gold Rush era artifacts and exhibits. Further up the road is Murphy's /Big Trees, maybe not as tall as the Coastal Redwoods, but bigger.

Another great location with a worthwhile train ride is Mendocino/Ft. Bragg, "Home of the Skunk". In addition to pleasant train rides into the redwood forest, the Mendocino coast is incredibly scenic, having been a Hollywood location for decades. On a sunny day the waters of Russian Gulch are spectacular, as are the tidepools of MacKerricher State Park. For my family from the Azores, their life dream was to retire to Mendocino, on their way to heaven.

HearstMining;842707699 said:

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Consider Sacramento. Hot, but supposed to be in the low 90's this weekend. State Fair going on at Cal Expo. Sutter's Fort in Mid Town and quite good restaurants of all types in the area. California State Railroad Museum in Old Sac. Waterslides at SunSplash in Roseville (and at Cal Expo). You can rent kayaks on Lake Natoma in Folsom. Check Groupon and/or TravelZoo for lodging rates. And by the way, great brew pubs. And if you're driving up from the Bay Area, there is the little-known Western Railway Museum along highway 12 between Fairfield and Rio Vista - streetcars going back to the early 1900s - many operating on several miles of track. My kids loved it when they were that age. Next time you're in SF, take'em to the Cable Car museum, too.

---

Wherever you decided to go Big C, I hope you have a great time with the kids. Where you are shouldn't matter as much as just enjoying time with them when they still think you are cool.

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!)

---

Tahoe in summer is great. I went last week with my wife and kids ( my boys are 11 and 8 ). We had a great time.

If you can go to SLO are, the Avila Beach Inn is fab! Partnered with the tennis club adjacent to it and the market that has amazing food, plus free bikes to rid to the beach, makes it amazing. They also have rooms with jacuzzis on the patio.

If Carmel is an option, LMK. I can hook you up for free lodging and cool local places to eat that won't break the bank.

rothforever;842709843 said:

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If you can go to SLO are, the Avila Beach Inn is fab! Partnered with the tennis club adjacent to it and the market that has amazing food, plus free bikes to rid to the beach, makes it amazing. They also have rooms with jacuzzis on the patio.

---

Loose lips sink ships.

Okay, so I just got back from our trip. I DID utilize several of your suggestions and took down all of them for future reference.

(I procrastinated a few days on hotel reservations, making it even harder to find good places.)

We stayed two nights at a fairly nice place in Morgan Hill and used that as a hub. (Was cheaper than places right on the coast... and rooms were available.)

Arrived a bit too late on Thursday to "do" anything, so went to the Target toy aisle ("You can each get one thing, under $5. Everything else, note it for Xmas."). Bought four sets of flash cards in the dollar aisle for "Daddy's Famous Thursday Night Flash Card Game" (invented on the spot).

Checked into hotel, hit the pool (this proved to be our "go-to"). My 4 yr old daughter, "Daddy, your swim suit is BEAUTIFUL!" (I'm going to have to keep this one under close scrutiny in ten years.)

Went to pasta dinner. I imbibed, just a bit, followed by...

Daddy's Famous Thursday Night Flash Card Game!

Friday, we hit the hotel's pretty-darn-good buffet breakfast.

Then we went to Santa Cruz. This was the worst part of the trip, at least for me. The drive was long (I shoulda known) and it's hard to manage two little kids at a boardwalk + arcade. They had a better time than I did, though. Made certain to buy the picture of us all on the Sea Serpent roller coaster. Years from now, I'll look at that and will be convinced I had a good time.

Aside to somebody like "Bears Wiin": What's up with all the traffic down there (in and out of Santa Cruz)? Where the heck are all those people from and where are they going and can't they do something about the bottlenecks? (I guess somebody who comes up to my turf -- East Bay -- says the same thing, but, for me, I guess that's "the devil I know".)

Friday evening, hit the hotel pool, then went out for pizza. I imbibed. Found a family-run ice cream place with Mexican flavors that was cheap and really good. Hit the tail end of some free concert in an outdoor amphitheater, after which my kids ran around on the grass with other kids.

Saturday morning, another great breakfast, we hit the hotel pool again, then checked out. Went to Morgan Hill Public Library to beat the mid-day heat. Kids didn't want to leave after three hours, but...

Drove over the hill to the beach. Again, what's up with all the traffic going north out of Morgan Hill on a Saturday?!? Oh, it's a jack-knifed Big Rig. Hit our "go-to" beach, Pescadero. Kids didn't want to leave after two hours, but...

Drove home, stopping at our "go-to" place on the way home, High Tide Cafe in south Pacifica. Headed home. Naively, was surprised to find nightmare-level traffic going through SF to get to the Bay Bridge. There BETTER HAVE been a Giants game (haven't checked). Wife had been to a conference and then had a "free day" at home and was relaxed and happy.

Coulda easily added two days onto this trip, adding one day at Samuel Coe State Park and one day at Monterey Bay Aquarium, augmented by even more time in the hotel pool.

Lessons that I already knew but that I had to re-learn:

- Geez, we got some traffic in this area, don't we?

- The more $$$ spent on kids having a good time, the worse it usually is. The pool, the library, the beach... and they're happy! Disneyland, X Box, etc. = not that good for anybody concerned.

- Don't need to "do" a lot of things. They kids are happy "doing" one or two things a day and enjoying "down time with Daddy" the rest of the day well, at least when they're 7 and 4.

My kids handled the traffic problems better than I did (and "sans tablets", to boot). They are awesome!

rothforever;842709843 said:

---

If you can go to SLO are, the Avila Beach Inn is fab! Partnered with the tennis club adjacent to it and the market that has amazing food, plus free bikes to rid to the beach, makes it amazing. They also have rooms with jacuzzis on the patio.

---

Yes, great place. Have stayed there twice. Note that their rates seem to fluctuate quite a bit, from quite high to quite reasonable.

Good to know that traffic over the "hill" hasn't changed for the better in the last 40 years. If I had known you were headed that way I would have recommended a stop at Felton
on Hiway 9 and a ride on the Narrow gauge railroad there.
Used to be you could ride the train down to Santa Cruz and avoid some of the gridlock. I admit I never did that as I can remember the gridlock on weekends down there when
I was a teenager. Probably why our family always went to Monterey instead of Santa Cruz, easier drive.

However now you can ride the Santa Cruz Beach Train from Felton to the Boardwalk. avoid the Boardwalk traffic and parking hassle and at least the traffic from Felton to
Santa Cruz.

Big C_Cal;842709949 said:

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Okay, so I just got back from our trip.


Lessons that I already knew but that I had to re-learn:

- Geez, we got some traffic in this area, don't we?

- The more $$$ spent on kids having a good time, the worse it usually is. The pool, the library, the beach... and they're happy! Disneyland, X Box, etc. = not that good for anybody concerned.

- Don't need to "do" a lot of things. They kids are happy "doing" one or two things a day and enjoying "down time with Daddy" the rest of the day well, at least when they're 7 and 4.

My kids handled the traffic problems better than I did (and "sans tablets", to boot). They are awesome!

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We took our grandson (10) to Santa Cruz WED last week. Left before noon thru FRI noon by way of Hwy 1 from Daly City to SC. Very light traffic. Pescadero (south of Half Moon Bay) is good place for a sandwich...ask the bikers and cyclists. Stopped for an hour at Bean Hollow Beach on the San Mateo County coast. Ano Nuevo an option near Davenport.

Sunny and clear sailing all the way both ways until we returned to SF and the Bay Bridge east on FRI.

Hotel on the beach. The boardwalk was as usual. Lots of surfers, great pool at the hotel overlooking the beach. Swimming, soccer and volleyball. Walked out the pier for lunch...too much fried food...but good food options downtown on Pacific and along Soquel Blvd near Seabright.

Point Reyes National Seashore is excellent! I went there when I visited the Bay Area, and it had such beautiful scenery and a breathtaking view of the ocean, not to mention the cool ocean breeze! Of course, you'll have to be careful on the trails and on the ridges overlooking the ocean; you don't want to take a bad step.