lada

Would you stay 2nights in MontereySunday-Monday)
1.Monterrey Aquarium 1/2day
2.Carmel -Mission 1/2day
3. drive down Big Sur coast as far as Nepenthe
4. Carmel beach
5.Point Lobos state park
And one night in Santa Cruz(Tuesday)-roaring camp.
And from there go to SF.
I have 2 girls age 8&10.

ez1

The aquarium is great for kids. The mission takes no longer than one hour, if that. The drive down the coast is wonderful. If you drive down the coast, stop at the River Inn and go to the back where there is a nice river running through and chairs on the lawn. Also take a short hike at Pfeiffer state park (where the lodge is) to see the giant redwoods. Also stop at Ventana (1/4 mile before Nepenthe) and walk out on the deck of the restaurant to catch a most breathtaking view. Carmel Beach is lovely as is Carmel. Asilomar is also a great beach. From there you can drive along the water and into Pebble Beach for the 17 Mile drive. It's touristy but nice. Start the drive with lunch at Sticks, the golf club at the Inn at Spanish Bay, for the best view ever. The park at the Lodge at Pebble Beach (further on) and walk inside the Lodge for another great view out the back (postcard perfect). Two nights sounds right.

lada

What about Santa Cruz? Is it worth stain there for one night? or do 3nights in Monterey?

fball

Santa Cruz is definitely worth a night as it is a very typical California beach scene. The girls would enjoy the Boardwalk, watching surfers & the wildlife at Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz. Downtown is also fun.

If you are looking for a nice place to stay in Monterey, my kids love staying at Asilomar. It has it's own beach & you aren't just stuck in a hotel room as it has very spacious grounds with a lot of raccoons, deer & other wildlife wandering around. The lodge has pool & ping pong tables & there are always other kids hanging around.

We never go farther south than Point Lobos as it is so amazing, we don't feel the need to drive further (also prevents car sickness). I frankly wouldn't bother with the Mission as the Monterey Aquarium is always the highlight of any trip to Monterey for adults & children alike.

november_moon

Definitely keep Santa Cruz on the itinerary. And I agree with fball that you can get a great feel for Big Sur at Point Lobos, so if time is sort or the kids tend toward carsickness, you can skip the drive into Big Sur without missing the gorgous coastline.

Echnaton

Point Lobos is impressive, and you will see (and hear) sea lions and sea otters there - so it will be fun for you and the girls.

However, the scenery at Big Sur is different and much more spectacular (although I admit that it is doubtful if the girls will appreciate it). If you drive down to Big Sur, make sure to go to Pfeiffer Beach - it is one of the most beautiful beaches on the California coast.

Santa Cruz is exactly the opposite of Big Sur - expect a roller-coaster right on the beach.

sf7307

It's really hard to find the entrance to Pfeiffer Beach, but I describe it in detail here. Definitely worth finding!

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...t-part-way.cfm

Giovanna

Don't skip the Mission. It is one of the most beautiful and the only piece of history for your girls to enjoy on your described trip.

The wharf in Monterey is fun too. Lots of shops and restaurants. We took a great whale watch from there, but don't know if that will be out of season when you will be there, as you don't say when you're going.

The train will be fun for your girls and you can board in front of the Boardwalk.

lada

I appreciated your advice,thank you. Any suggestions? I'm looking for good location clean hotel(preferably with breakfast)around $120-$150.

My plan for this area:
1. Carmel -Mission ranch
2. Monterrey Aquarium
3. Carmel beach
4. Point Lobes state park

I'm looking for good value and location hotel in Monterey/Carmel. Anyone? Please!

Anyone stayed in COLTON INN?

Chico

We just returned from Monterey and stayed at the Best Western Victorian Inn. Very clean, wine & cheese hour, breakfast and you can walk to the Acquarium, Cannery Row etc. With AAA our room was $124.00 a night. Enjoy your visit.

lada

Thank you for all your responses. Unfortunately Best Western Victorian Inn not available on my dates
I have checked Alisomar I may need to change rooms there and they charge$170 per night.
Any other suggestions? Please!!!