ksucat is giving you GREAT info...Loews is a nice resort! This sounds like a really fun trip!

ksucat It looks amazing!! Thank you sooooo much!!

You should be OK in Monterey the weekend of the 12th and 13th but you might want to book now. The US Open starts on the 14th and I'm sure the following weekend is sold out.

Listen to Ksucat he is on the money. If you can get the Fess Parker for your budget that would be great. We recently stayed at the JW Marriott in Santa Monica - it was very nice - if you could get Shutters for your budget that would be fun - (if you stay in SM) - you can walk on the boardwalk - go the Pier and third street promanade.

We stayed in Cambria - I would not really recommend it -

I have stayed at the St. Francis in SF as well in Union Square - great location - your family will really like it. I think everyone in your group would enjoy Alcatraz as well.

Gladstones on the way down might be fun stop as well - we have always enjoyed that - lovely right on the ocean (right by Malibu).

What a great trip!

Be prepared for possible "June Gloom" - it can be over cast on the beach in June in S. California.

Thank you all so much. The Fess Parkers Doubletree in Santa Barbara looks awesome. There are so many places to see I wish we had more time!
We are from Florida so we would love some cool weather and are just looking forward to the beautiful pacific coast.
We got the St. Francis in SF for $60/nt plus 4000 starpoints so thats awesome. Thank you!

Once you are at in SB at Fess's, I think the trolley price is 25 cents to get downtown. Dont miss having seafood at the SB Shellfish Company at the very end of the pier.

At Paseo Nuevo mall there is a wonderful Cheese Shop with great baquettes and cheese.... for a picnic or just to enjoy on your patio at sunset.

Lastly, Reynauds Bakery has the best chocolate croissants and breakfast or lunch and wonderful coffee... your wife will love it!

Haleyjoy - that is how I stayed at the St. Francis! Great deals.

You will have a great time! Remember that Alcatraz does sell out - so be sure to book once you have your times nailed down. My 16 year old daughter did enjoy it as well.

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Reservations are cancellable, so book soon!

Thanks MomDD and onemoneygirl!

haleyjoy..you got the St. Francis for $60 a night..WOW!
great location with the cable car right out front.
In Santa Barbara, LOVE Renaud's for one of the best French bakeries on State..croissants are like being in Paris.
La Super Rica was a fave of Julia Childs..excellent taco shop.
Did you book Loews resort in Coronado yet?
$129 on expedia is an excellent price..direct is $239.

Are you doing LA?

Thank you! I haven't booked Loews yet because I am trying to decide between 2 and 3 nights. The kids are into LA so I thought maybe one night. I also loved your suggestion of a yurt at Treebones resort for one night but it wouldn't take my reservation online so I'm waiting to here back. Your help has been amazing!
Thanks everyone for all your help!

I think the kids would go wild for the Yurt in Big Sur!
It's different and it would be one hell of an experience for the whole family!
I think you should do one night in LA..say you've done it and the kids would love the Santa Monica area..
I don't know what Shutters or Loews prices are on expedia but you seem to get really good rates on Priceline.
When you go to Big Sur, have lunch at Post Ranch Inn at Sierra Mar..incredible..also, Big Sur Bakery is excellent for breakfast/lunch or dinner.

www.postranchinn.com

I hope we can get a yurt. They look awesome.

I was wondering where you think would be best.We can stay at the W Hollywood with points which is on Hollywood Blvd or are we better off staying in Santa Monica using priceline?

Thank you!

I'm sorry. Forget my last question. I am going to try priceline. Better bidding has great info for Santa Monica and the W looks a little isolated. Thanks again for all your help!

If you can get a 4-5* hotel in Santa Monica for one night after coming down the coast from Santa Barbara, I think it would be a good thing..plus, you have a knack for getting good bids on 4* resorts on Priceline!
Let's review so we can all chime in on great hotels for you on your stay that you are needing to book.

Thank you! I have started bidding on 4* in SM, which should be Loews, which appears to be difficult to get. My last bid was $125. I started lower and added locations without the 4 star category availability but I know i am still too low. I am requesting 2 rooms so I can't offer too much but I will continue tomorrow. Thanks for all your help. I will let you know!!

I am so disappointed. There are no yurts available for 5 (only 4) so I was wondering if anyone has an opinion regarding Big Sur Lodge ($304) vs Fernwood Resort ($195). I am not sure we should spend a night in Big Sur but it breaks up the drive, a little.
Thank you!