Family consists of me, DH, DD 18, DD 15 and DS 13.

I will need to take my work with me so will be bringing along a laptop and I'm thinking in terms of something like Residence Inn.

We are completely up in the air about where to go but since I will need to work, would be best to stay put in one area where there is lots around to see.

What I would like is to fine a nice, new, clean Residence Inn in a nice area with plenty of things to do in driving distance. The reason I say a Residence Inn is that the price is reasonable and there is room for our family to spread out, we can cook meals if we like, do laundry, etc, and I can set up my laptop and work four hours or so a day. What's the Manhattan Beach Residence Inn like, and is that close to a lot of things?

San Diego is a possibility. I would really love to drive the coast from LA to SF, but since I need to stay put to work that's not possible. Would like to be close enough to the ocean to venture there when we like.

Why not try the Anaheim Residence Inn? Disneyland, Disneys California Adventure, Knotts Berry Farm and Universal Studios are close by as well as access to the Orange County Beaches and great malls for the teens.

California is huge. What kinds of things do you like to see? Do you like beaches? Cities? National Parks? Also, *when* are you going? How long are you going?

I'd pick up a "Rough Guide USA" or one of the numerous California guide books out there, browse through the various sites, and then pick out things that interest you and ask for feedback on them here. Asking "What should we see in California?" is just a broad question.

San Francisco is a fun city, but some find it dirty and dangerous if you aren't used to cities. The California coast is pretty. You could drive from SF to LA along the windy Route 1. Stop and see the Hearst Castle if you can.

San Diego is a much different kind of city than San Francisco. San Diego is a "sun and fun" city with great beaches and terrific weather most of the year. Plenty of "tourist attractions" like the zoo and Sea World also. It's a great sunny getaway if you are used to a colder climate.

And I wouldn't base yourself soley on being near a Residence Inn. Pick *what* you want to see and *where* you want to go first, then find hotels nearby that can accomodate you.

Andrew

Disney isn't a big selling point for us - we will be going to Disney World at Christmas, so next summer we weren't looking to go to theme parks or anything like that...

And we can go to malls anywhere...

I guess we just want to "experience" California, but not sure where to do that!

Although I tend to like southern California better, in your situation I'd think about San Francisco, especially with the ages of the kids.
And how about Cow Hollow Suites on Chestnut in the Cow Hollow area? Private free indoor parking below. Huge up to two bedroom apartments with full kitchen and two complete bathrooms, fireplace. Cost just over $225 a night, possibly less than some of the Residence Inns, and much nicer than RI.
Not only is there much to do there, but the availability to public transportation makes it especially attractive for the "kids" able to do things on their own. One bus line right outside the door takes you to Fisherman's Wharf (and the boats to Alcatraz), Ghiradelli Squre, North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square, and Market. Tons of activies there and close to redwoods, Napa, etc. Lots of good, but moderate restaurants and shops (it's right above a Victoria's Secret) right in the neighborhood and a short stroll to the big park and marina right on the bay.

My vote would be for San Diego area. In addition to Balboa Park, SeaWorld, Zoo, etc., there are shopping areas downtown, Seaport Village and Horton Plaza.
For beaches, there is Coronado Island; Mission Beach and Pacific Beach which are quite lively with young people rollerblading and bicycling.
LaJolla has small beaches, coves (seals), with shops and galleries.
At Mission Bay there is sailing, jet skiing, bicycling.
You can hike at Torrey Pines, or go east to Anza Borrego for a day trip and do some hiking.
Then there's Tijuana for a day - drive to the border and walk over.
And Anthony's Fish Grotto restaurant overlooking the water and great views; affordable.
Also, the hotels will have plenty of brochures and information.

I've stayed at the Manhattan Beach Residence Inn. It is not on the beach, but a few blocks from it. It's an easy walk that the kids could do themselves, no problem. They can rent bikes or roller blades and go up and down the Strand. There are many restaurants close by. You are near enough to all that the Los Angeles area has to offer for day trips. You can go to the Getty Museum, Universal Studios, Hollywood sightseeing, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Long Beach has a great aquarium. You can even use the light rail to get around, as it has a station in Manhattan Beach. I think it's a good place to base yourselves and there is plenty to do within walking distance for the kids while you get work done.

What time of year will you be going? Depending on where you are coming from, it might be sunny and warm and a great change of pace from home.

California is huge, and you won't see the deserts, mountains, northern coast, San Francisco, Monterey, Yosemite, etc., from Manhattan Beach. But if you are interested in a southern California holiday that will offer something for everyone I think it's a good option. You'll have to come back again and hit the other highlights of the state.

San Diego would be a great home base. The weather is always perfect, basically it is the typical California weather that people refer to always sunny and warm. If you have time, take the coatal drive up highway 1. Some places to stop along the way include Santa Barbara, Hearst Castle, Big Sur, and of course Monterey and Carmel. The most scenic part of highway 1 is from Big Sur north to Monterey. North of Monterey highway 1 is not nearly as nice. As a previous poster mentionmed, I also found San Francisco to be dirty and generally overrated.

Orange County is a great half way point between the Santa Barbara coastal areas and the San Diego Area. About 2 hours each way. I based myself in the Huntington Beach area(although it is a trendy beach) and saw San Diego and Santa Barbara and everything in between during my 10 day stay. There are many hotels and nice beach front motels/inns to choose from. Good Luck and Have fun.

What time of year?

Dear xx, I know many will probably slam me for this post, but do finish reading it, and then look at a map of California! My advice would be to stay in Fresno! From Fresno, Yosemite is 1 hour and 30 minutes; Los Angeles is 3 hours, San Diego 5 hours, San Francisco 3 hours and Carmel is 3.5 hours. Near Fresno are many lakes for boating and watersports withing a 45 minute drive. No one will tell you that Fresno itself is the highlight of California, but it is VERY central, and if your true wish is to see a lot of different parts in California, it is truly a wonderful location. With the exception of San Diego, you could do each of those trips in a day. You have gotten good advice already from others on this board. Without knowing your interests, it's hard to be of more help. Good luck!

Lynette

Extend-A-Stay Inns are affordable and specifically set up (suites) for the business and pleasure traveller. You can stay a night, a week , or a month. Ours in Emeryville is $499 a week which, believe it or not, is actually the same price as a similar sized aopartment in the Bay Area.

Please do not stay in Fresno!

Fresno?

How long is this trip. Do you plan to stay in the hotel while the family drives a couple hours here and there?

If you want to swim in the ocean, San Diego or Santa Barbara are good choices. I would say if the trip is short stay in Santa Barbara. Your kids are the right age to enjoy the beach and their are other activities, Museums, Shopping, rental bikes to enjoy. Day trips can be made to Hearst Castle or Solvang area where you and your wife can go winetasting.

If the trip is longer and you don't want to take long daytrips from homebase. San Diego is a good locale.

I prefer Nor Cal myself, but you certainlly can't plan on swimming in the ocean without a wetsuit--brrrr....

Another activity from Santa Barbara is a daytrip by Ferry out to the Channel Islands National Park--Ferrys leave from Ventura.

Was wondering if you decided what to do based on the replies. My daughter and I are staying at the Res Inn (Orange not Anaheim) nexy summer. Got a rate of $65.00/ and that inc breakfast and dinner, studio room. Now that same room is 89. We are going to the Pond and the Conv Cent for a number of days so we wanted something inexpensive and central to everything. Hope this helps.

Considering the ages of your children, I would say that San Diego would be the best home base. There is Seaworld, the San Diego Zoo, and great beaches in SD. Up in LA there is Hollywood, Santa Monica, Universal Studios, and in Anahiem there is of course Disneyland. You have the amenities of 2 great cities, yet from LA you have easy access to the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) for a drive up to Hearst Castle and Big Sur.
Hope you have nice vacation.