California 10 day trip - Doable or too Ambitious?
Jun 7th, 2000, 03:59 PM
#21
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Must add to my previous posting. Legoleand will bore your kids to death if they are over 6. This park is neat for adults who can't believe all the things they make out of legos but the rides are all "little kids" rides. Knotts Berry farm is not by any means a park for little ones alone. They have huge roller coasters, ghost rider, supreme scream, log flume, sling shot with the loops etc... I'm not sure why anyone would think Knotts is not for a 9 and 13 year old? Please explain. Also, in LA exposition park has a wonderful hands-on science center, museum of natural history and IMAX theatre. I personally agree with the person who said to skip San Diego unless you just spend one day going to the Wild Animal Park. This really will free up your schedule for much needed time on Day 7 and 8 getting up the coast. If you get to Disneyland right at the opening you can get on many rides before the crowds get horrible.
Jun 7th, 2000, 04:11 PM
#22
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I know I keep writing but I keep thinking of more to mention. I agree 100% with other postings that you must allow for the traffic - it is awful. Try driving at night so you are right where you need to be the next morning, thus avoiding the a.m. traffic. Also getting many tickets in advance will save you tons of time. These places are all very crowded in the summer and people waste much time in line. You can get tickets to Disneyland, Knotts, baseball games, Hearst Castle etc... all in advance. Last thing (for now) make sure you have hotels booked. California is tough for getting hotels in the summer and you might waste alot of time looking last minute.
Jun 7th, 2000, 05:18 PM
#23
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Having raised teenagers (and young teens) in LA, they would snicker if someone mentioned Knotts Berry Farm. They did go to Disneyland, but mainly for the parades and night shows. So, my kids were too old for Knotts when we lived in Southern California, but you will know your kids best. Do they like Bugs Bunny et al?? Big thrilling roller coasters can be found many places--I don't think it's necessary to find them on a family trip to California and would humbly say that the "Big Dipper" wooden roller coaster in Santa Cruz might be a more significant part of your itinerary.
Jun 7th, 2000, 06:34 PM
#24
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WOW!!! I can't believe all the great advice you've given us!
Question: When do schools get out in June in California? It will help us anticipate where the crowds will be.
Question: Is the Exploratorium as good as I hope it will be? (lots and lots of hands-on). We spent a full day at the Ontario Science Center last year. The boys even gave up leaving early so that we could get to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto because they enjoyed it so much.
To answer some of your questions…I have already booked all the hotels along the way. We are booked on the last tour at Hearst Castle. I checked into the baseball websites, but thought we would wait until we arrived in California to call ahead for reservations in case we decided to go elsewhere on certain days or it rained or whatever. I did the same for the San Diego Zoo, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Knotts and Disney. (Are there any discount tickets available for Disney through AAA? The East Coast AAA only discounts the Florida Disneyworld. How about Knotts discount tickets?) We aren't locked into this schedule, except for hotels and the Hearst Castle reservation, but it's nice to have an idea of what to do when you get to an area and what options there are available.
I think the boys will enjoy Knotts - they like roller coasters. We've seen the Seaworld, Universal Studios, MGM and Disneyworld in Florida, so I thought Disney would be a good comparison but couldn't see us spending any more time in amusement parks.
I think we'll take everyone's advice and spend the extra time in SF and not Sacramento. The ballgames were all listed if we decided to go. I think we'll try for the Padres in SD first. It seems easily accessible and tickets were available online. If we were able to get tickets for the Dodgers, we would pass on the Giants and A's up north. The Giants' website had a section on how to get "day of game" tickets by lining up for wristbands 4 hours ahead of time but it doesn't necessarily guarantee a ticket. I expected to pass on that since waiting in line for an unknown would not be on my list of things to do. But that's also why I included the A's games on the list.
To answer Caitlin, yes, we have traveled before - last year we covered 1,500 miles in 2 weeks going through Canada (Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and back through Niagara Falls, and New York State to the East Coast). The boys tolerated it very well, with few arguments, and even wrote journals of their travels at night before they went into the pool. And during our February school vacation, we went to London. Did a lot of walking around the city and even rented a car for a trip to Windsor, Warwick Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon and Bath. (And I did it with a broken ankle in an air cast too! So we actually went a little slower than usual.) Two years ago we drove through part of Pennsylvania and did Washington, DC coming home via Maryland and New Jersey. The boys have become seasoned travelers in these last two years and know that not everything will be geared only to kids, that parents need to enjoy things on vacations too. Although the older one still balks at art museums, the younger one is beginning to appreciate the differences in the art styles over the centuries and will comment on "the detail in a painting" and even look at movies or books and say, "They have good graphics."
Once again, thanks to all for your wonderful suggestions and ideas and comments.
Question: When do schools get out in June in California? It will help us anticipate where the crowds will be.
Question: Is the Exploratorium as good as I hope it will be? (lots and lots of hands-on). We spent a full day at the Ontario Science Center last year. The boys even gave up leaving early so that we could get to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto because they enjoyed it so much.
To answer some of your questions…I have already booked all the hotels along the way. We are booked on the last tour at Hearst Castle. I checked into the baseball websites, but thought we would wait until we arrived in California to call ahead for reservations in case we decided to go elsewhere on certain days or it rained or whatever. I did the same for the San Diego Zoo, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Knotts and Disney. (Are there any discount tickets available for Disney through AAA? The East Coast AAA only discounts the Florida Disneyworld. How about Knotts discount tickets?) We aren't locked into this schedule, except for hotels and the Hearst Castle reservation, but it's nice to have an idea of what to do when you get to an area and what options there are available.
I think the boys will enjoy Knotts - they like roller coasters. We've seen the Seaworld, Universal Studios, MGM and Disneyworld in Florida, so I thought Disney would be a good comparison but couldn't see us spending any more time in amusement parks.
I think we'll take everyone's advice and spend the extra time in SF and not Sacramento. The ballgames were all listed if we decided to go. I think we'll try for the Padres in SD first. It seems easily accessible and tickets were available online. If we were able to get tickets for the Dodgers, we would pass on the Giants and A's up north. The Giants' website had a section on how to get "day of game" tickets by lining up for wristbands 4 hours ahead of time but it doesn't necessarily guarantee a ticket. I expected to pass on that since waiting in line for an unknown would not be on my list of things to do. But that's also why I included the A's games on the list.
To answer Caitlin, yes, we have traveled before - last year we covered 1,500 miles in 2 weeks going through Canada (Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and back through Niagara Falls, and New York State to the East Coast). The boys tolerated it very well, with few arguments, and even wrote journals of their travels at night before they went into the pool. And during our February school vacation, we went to London. Did a lot of walking around the city and even rented a car for a trip to Windsor, Warwick Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon and Bath. (And I did it with a broken ankle in an air cast too! So we actually went a little slower than usual.) Two years ago we drove through part of Pennsylvania and did Washington, DC coming home via Maryland and New Jersey. The boys have become seasoned travelers in these last two years and know that not everything will be geared only to kids, that parents need to enjoy things on vacations too. Although the older one still balks at art museums, the younger one is beginning to appreciate the differences in the art styles over the centuries and will comment on "the detail in a painting" and even look at movies or books and say, "They have good graphics."
Once again, thanks to all for your wonderful suggestions and ideas and comments.
Jun 8th, 2000, 06:35 AM
#27
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GBelle:
Some schools are out tomorrow (9th), the rest by the 16th.
Congrats on sticking to your plan despite the warnings--all of us run at a different pace. And as for Knott's: my thirteen-year-old and his friends would be quite happy living there.
The Dodgers rarely sell out. There are good seats to be had, but your best bet is Monday through Thursday, or Sunday if you sit in the shade.
Some schools are out tomorrow (9th), the rest by the 16th.
Congrats on sticking to your plan despite the warnings--all of us run at a different pace. And as for Knott's: my thirteen-year-old and his friends would be quite happy living there.
The Dodgers rarely sell out. There are good seats to be had, but your best bet is Monday through Thursday, or Sunday if you sit in the shade.
Jun 8th, 2000, 08:53 AM
#28
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Hi,
Wow--I live in SoCal and am enjoying all the great advice. With regard to the Getty--you should try to see it. You will need parking reservations so try to call in advance. But, I have called on the same day and asked if there are any cancellations and have gotten a parking space.
You might try to see the La Brea Tar Pits and the science museum there. The Griffith Observatory is fun too, but I would skip it if you only have one day.
Day 4 sounds a bit exhausting. Driving from San Diego to LA and then back to Aneheim will be A LOT of driving!
Wow--I live in SoCal and am enjoying all the great advice. With regard to the Getty--you should try to see it. You will need parking reservations so try to call in advance. But, I have called on the same day and asked if there are any cancellations and have gotten a parking space.
You might try to see the La Brea Tar Pits and the science museum there. The Griffith Observatory is fun too, but I would skip it if you only have one day.
Day 4 sounds a bit exhausting. Driving from San Diego to LA and then back to Aneheim will be A LOT of driving!
Jun 8th, 2000, 10:52 AM
#29
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GBelle, that is what I wanted to hear; your pace could be hard on people not used to it, but sounds like you'll be fine. Since you indicated in your original post that you didn't know the mileage or driving times you were planning, I'd heed all the advice above, because you're covering a lot of miles, and everywhere you're going in So. CA is plagued by traffic congestion. So just be aware that you can't bet on driving times.. Also, the coast route is mostly two-lane and slow going, and can be crowded. So I'd suggest limiting your travel on Rte. 1 to between Big Sur and Santa Cruz. You'll see the most spectacular scenery between Big Sur and Monterey, and from Santa Cruz you can drive over the hill on 17 and take 880 straight to Berkeley. Thi'll save a lot of driving vs. driving Rte. 1 to SF, then driving back to Berkeley. Plus, you'll be at the end of a long day, and parking in downtown SF is a nightmare. For the latter reason, I suggest again taking BART from Berkeley to SF and using public transit in SF. It's 25-30 min. to downtown SF, and if you tell me where you're staying in Berkeley, I'll tell you what is the nearest station with a parking lot is (yes, it is perfectly safe to leave your car all day; commuters do it daily and BART police patrol the lots). I can also recommend restaurants for any meals you might have in Berkeley. You can email me direct if you like, or I can reply here.
To answer your questions, most CA schools let out in mid-June. And, yes, the Exploratorium is that good, especially if your kids love science. It's entirely hands on, and the exhibits are scientifically sophisticated and also approachable. I first went as a kid 20+ years ago, and I've returned as an adult and enjoyed it. There is a way you could make your visit even better: schedule a visit to the Tactile Dome. You must arrange this in advance, and I'm not sure what the minimum number of people is. The Tactile Dome is a special feature of the Exploratorium where you remove your shoes and crawl, in the dark, through tunnels where you experience a huge variety of textures and other stimuli with your senses of touch, smell, and hearing. It's not for the claustrophobic, but everyone else, kid and adult, finds it an awesome experience.
I have two other comments: First, if you've been to Disney in Florida, you should have no problem with doing Disneyland in a day; there are some differences, but mostly it's just like the Magic Kingdom at DW. I recommend the "Unofficial Guide to Disneyland." This book explains how to avoid the longest lines, how to maximize your time there, and exactly what is different than DW, including comparing attractions that are at both. Second, I second Kam's recommendation to skip Napa and go to Sonoma instead. Napa is a long drive, and that makes it a full day excursion, so you won't have time to go to Muir Woods that day. I'd hate for you to spend 10 days in CA and miss out on a walk through the Redwoods. Napa has lots of traffic and crowds, and will be boring for the kids. You could go to Muir Woods, Point Reyes Nat'l. Seashore, and up to Healdsburg and avoid all that, plus have have spectacular scenery for everyone and wineries for the parents. Sonoma is a nicer "wine country" than Napa, IMO.
Finally, check out mapquest.com for help with routes, mileage, and driving times, and have a great trip!
To answer your questions, most CA schools let out in mid-June. And, yes, the Exploratorium is that good, especially if your kids love science. It's entirely hands on, and the exhibits are scientifically sophisticated and also approachable. I first went as a kid 20+ years ago, and I've returned as an adult and enjoyed it. There is a way you could make your visit even better: schedule a visit to the Tactile Dome. You must arrange this in advance, and I'm not sure what the minimum number of people is. The Tactile Dome is a special feature of the Exploratorium where you remove your shoes and crawl, in the dark, through tunnels where you experience a huge variety of textures and other stimuli with your senses of touch, smell, and hearing. It's not for the claustrophobic, but everyone else, kid and adult, finds it an awesome experience.
I have two other comments: First, if you've been to Disney in Florida, you should have no problem with doing Disneyland in a day; there are some differences, but mostly it's just like the Magic Kingdom at DW. I recommend the "Unofficial Guide to Disneyland." This book explains how to avoid the longest lines, how to maximize your time there, and exactly what is different than DW, including comparing attractions that are at both. Second, I second Kam's recommendation to skip Napa and go to Sonoma instead. Napa is a long drive, and that makes it a full day excursion, so you won't have time to go to Muir Woods that day. I'd hate for you to spend 10 days in CA and miss out on a walk through the Redwoods. Napa has lots of traffic and crowds, and will be boring for the kids. You could go to Muir Woods, Point Reyes Nat'l. Seashore, and up to Healdsburg and avoid all that, plus have have spectacular scenery for everyone and wineries for the parents. Sonoma is a nicer "wine country" than Napa, IMO.
Finally, check out mapquest.com for help with routes, mileage, and driving times, and have a great trip!
Jun 8th, 2000, 12:41 PM
#32
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Yes, it's me again. I reread your last post, and I just wanted to emphasize the importance of advance booking for the aquarium and Alcatraz (both of which I have the feeling your kids will love). You can certainly wait and do it after you're in CA, but it will save you a LOT of time waiting in line, and also Alcatraz frequently sells out.
Jun 8th, 2000, 01:54 PM
#33
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GBelle, Just wanted to add to the above. You can purchase tickets to Alcatraz only 7 days ahead of time on the Internet--go to www.blueandgoldfleet.com or I would call them at (415) 705-5555. If you can get the tickets now from home, you are better not to wait. I would also call the aquarium and have the tickets held at "will call". Most of the schools around here are out already or are getting out tomorrow, so plan ahead! Almost everyone discounts for AAA including Knott's Berry Farm ,the science museum at Cal Berkeley and the Exploratorium. Just to add more confusion to your already on overload brain, there's a wonderful Tech Museum in San Jose and if you follow the driving directions from Santa Cruz to come over on Hwy 17 and then take 880 to Berkeley, you'll go right past San Jose. It was another place our 9 year old visitor wanted to live! Now, you have to promise to have a wonderful trip and post a report on return.
Jun 9th, 2000, 05:39 AM
#34
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GBelle,
Just returned from our trip to SF with 2 boys, ages 17 and 14. We flew in to SF, spent 3 days in the City seeing everything either on foot or hopping cable cars, bus etc. It was a BLAST. I did get tickets to Beach Blanket Babylon way in advance, also Alcatraz. (Do the AUDIO tour!) But I was able to get same-day Giants tickets through a broker in the sports section of the newspaper. We took the Muni bus from Union Square easily both ways to the fabulous new stadium. There were LOTS of guys with tickets out front. I used to go to Giants games at the FREEZING Candlestick Park when I was growing up so I really enjoyed the mildness of this new Pac Bell park. My boys enjoyed walking up to Coit Tower and down the Filbert St steps but my feet hurt!
We didn't get to go to any other theater -I guess we were there in-between them. Beauty and the Beast opened June8, I think , and I saw where Les Miserables was coming near the end of June.
After 3 days of "hoofing it" we rented a car and headed out for Muir Woods, Stinson Beach and Sonoma wineries. Stopped to view the Golden Gate Bridge from almost on TOP of it. We spent too much time on everything and got to the Gloria Ferrer Winery AFTER the tour was over. They were nice enough to give us a private tour--I was so impressed I bought a bottle!!
Went down to Santa Cruz Boardwalk and on to Carmel. The next day we drove all the way to Lake Tahoe. It was a LONG DAY. We stayed 2 days there and flew home out of Reno. GREAT TRIP! If I was you, I would SKIP southern California altogether. We all had a terrific time except for the day we spent all day in the car. (Have you seen the MasterCard "family bonding-PRICELESS" commercial?)
Hope you have a wonderful trip!!
P.S. Take the elevator up to the revolving Equinox in the Hyatt Regency-Embarcadero. It's quite a view.
Just returned from our trip to SF with 2 boys, ages 17 and 14. We flew in to SF, spent 3 days in the City seeing everything either on foot or hopping cable cars, bus etc. It was a BLAST. I did get tickets to Beach Blanket Babylon way in advance, also Alcatraz. (Do the AUDIO tour!) But I was able to get same-day Giants tickets through a broker in the sports section of the newspaper. We took the Muni bus from Union Square easily both ways to the fabulous new stadium. There were LOTS of guys with tickets out front. I used to go to Giants games at the FREEZING Candlestick Park when I was growing up so I really enjoyed the mildness of this new Pac Bell park. My boys enjoyed walking up to Coit Tower and down the Filbert St steps but my feet hurt!
We didn't get to go to any other theater -I guess we were there in-between them. Beauty and the Beast opened June8, I think , and I saw where Les Miserables was coming near the end of June.
After 3 days of "hoofing it" we rented a car and headed out for Muir Woods, Stinson Beach and Sonoma wineries. Stopped to view the Golden Gate Bridge from almost on TOP of it. We spent too much time on everything and got to the Gloria Ferrer Winery AFTER the tour was over. They were nice enough to give us a private tour--I was so impressed I bought a bottle!!
Went down to Santa Cruz Boardwalk and on to Carmel. The next day we drove all the way to Lake Tahoe. It was a LONG DAY. We stayed 2 days there and flew home out of Reno. GREAT TRIP! If I was you, I would SKIP southern California altogether. We all had a terrific time except for the day we spent all day in the car. (Have you seen the MasterCard "family bonding-PRICELESS" commercial?)
Hope you have a wonderful trip!!
P.S. Take the elevator up to the revolving Equinox in the Hyatt Regency-Embarcadero. It's quite a view.
Jun 9th, 2000, 05:33 PM
#35
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We took our kids to the Getty Museum. The monorail to the museum and the architecture captured their interest and the indoor/outdoor spaces. We also rented roller blades on Venice Beach and walked around Santa Monica - watching the street entertainers. While standing at the Grauman's Chinese theatre we were given tickets to "Jeopardy" which turned into a spontaneous and great day for the kids. Your trip sounds great. You may want to build in some free time which you will have no trouble filling up with activities you stumble on.
Jun 12th, 2000, 06:18 AM
#36
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Just a note- as you may already know, if you are a member of your local science museum you may be able to get free admission to the Exploratorium and other science musuems on your trip. Our local science museum membership gets us into over 100 museums across the country for free. For us this means we can visit the Franklin Institute (our local Philly museum) the Liberty Science center and the Exploratorium all for the same fee. I don't know about the San Diego Zoo but I know that our zoo membership got us into the San Antonio Zoo for free last year so if you have a zoo membership that may save you money also.
Jun 13th, 2000, 09:05 PM
#40
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Great trip plans! On the Getty (I don't know if you still plan to go but I thought I'd add this advice for all): it is best to reserve parking in advance. But, beware you will be given about an hour span in which to get there and park. If you are not familiar with the area or get held up, this could be a problem. Calling same day to check on cancellations is a good trick. I went two weeks ago an hour after calling in. At any time, you can park at a hotel down the street (the big circular hotel that you can see right off the 405 freeway..I believe the Holiday Inn) for about 10 bucks and then they have a shuttle (5 bucks a person) that takes you to and from the Getty in 5 minutes. You don't need reservations for this. A bit expensive maybe, but the museum is free and the view and grounds are fantastic. Don't skip lunch on the patio.
Again, have a great time.
Again, have a great time.
