First Trip to California with Family of 6
Jan 23rd, 2015, 02:54 PM
#22
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Here is some information about places to visit Sequoias: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mariposagrove.htm
Normally, you could visit Mariposa Grove in the southern part of Yosemite, but the area will be closed for restoration during your visit as janis mentioned. I think that the grove janis is talking about that you can access near the south end of the park is the Nelder Grove.
I think that Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks are fabulous places, so I would never discourage anyone from visiting them - just putting it out as an option in case you wanted to spend more time on the coast.
Curry Village is a good choice for lodging - you'll be right in the valley so you can maximize your time. It does feel kind of like an Army base camp - tents are close together, there will be a lot of people, it can be kind of noisy - so don't set your expectations too high. I still think its a good choice, just want to make sure you know what to expect. Remember - it's all about being in Yosemite
Regarding the car - it just depends on what you want to do. If you aren't planning to day trip outside the city, then no reason to keep the car. You can see coastal redwoods on your way to SF if you want to - short detour from Santa Cruz takes you to Henry Cowell state park. And with 4 kids, I probably wouldn't bother with a day trip to Napa - you don't have that much time in SF anyway and a trip to Napa would probably be entirely lost on the kids. If you want to do wine tasting, there are some nice tasting rooms in Monterey and Carmel - you could pop in for a bit while the kids amuse themselves.
Normally, you could visit Mariposa Grove in the southern part of Yosemite, but the area will be closed for restoration during your visit as janis mentioned. I think that the grove janis is talking about that you can access near the south end of the park is the Nelder Grove.
I think that Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks are fabulous places, so I would never discourage anyone from visiting them - just putting it out as an option in case you wanted to spend more time on the coast.
Curry Village is a good choice for lodging - you'll be right in the valley so you can maximize your time. It does feel kind of like an Army base camp - tents are close together, there will be a lot of people, it can be kind of noisy - so don't set your expectations too high. I still think its a good choice, just want to make sure you know what to expect. Remember - it's all about being in Yosemite
Regarding the car - it just depends on what you want to do. If you aren't planning to day trip outside the city, then no reason to keep the car. You can see coastal redwoods on your way to SF if you want to - short detour from Santa Cruz takes you to Henry Cowell state park. And with 4 kids, I probably wouldn't bother with a day trip to Napa - you don't have that much time in SF anyway and a trip to Napa would probably be entirely lost on the kids. If you want to do wine tasting, there are some nice tasting rooms in Monterey and Carmel - you could pop in for a bit while the kids amuse themselves.
Jan 23rd, 2015, 04:02 PM
#23
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Big Basin Redwoods is another beautiful state park with big redwoods and nice hiking trails, between Santa Cruz and San Francisco (driving distance to SF after visiting the park). Stopping there would allow you to ditch the car when you get to SF and focus on all the amazing things the city has to offer via public transportation.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=540
Jan 24th, 2015, 06:35 AM
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Too many Pfeiffers in the Big Sur area.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is on the ocean side of Hwy 1 and I don't recall many redwood trees there. Gorgeous waterfall, however.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578
Pfeiffer Beach (federal land) is farther north and is one of the most scenic places you can visit. A scene from the movie "From Here to Eternity" was filmed there.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is on the inland side of Hwy 1, a little farther north, and has lots of redwood trees and camping facilities.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570
Stu Dudley
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is on the ocean side of Hwy 1 and I don't recall many redwood trees there. Gorgeous waterfall, however.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578
Pfeiffer Beach (federal land) is farther north and is one of the most scenic places you can visit. A scene from the movie "From Here to Eternity" was filmed there.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is on the inland side of Hwy 1, a little farther north, and has lots of redwood trees and camping facilities.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570
Stu Dudley
Jan 24th, 2015, 07:38 AM
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"Too many Pfeiffers in the Big Sur area."
I know - confuses the heck out of everybody
There are definitely redwoods at Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP though - if you take the Ewoldson trail inland from the parking area, you'll pass through a nice redwood grove as the trail follows the creek into the canyon. I don't know if there are any old growth trees there though, which of course are the big ones that people are after.
Limekiln has some nice 2nd growth groves also.
But if you want old growth trees, Henry Cowell or Big Basin are always good bets. Big Basin is just a longer detour of the route - a worthy detour, but does take more time.
I know - confuses the heck out of everybody
There are definitely redwoods at Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP though - if you take the Ewoldson trail inland from the parking area, you'll pass through a nice redwood grove as the trail follows the creek into the canyon. I don't know if there are any old growth trees there though, which of course are the big ones that people are after.
Limekiln has some nice 2nd growth groves also.
But if you want old growth trees, Henry Cowell or Big Basin are always good bets. Big Basin is just a longer detour of the route - a worthy detour, but does take more time.
Jan 24th, 2015, 07:56 AM
#27
Just to clarify -- Giant Sequoias and coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) are different animals. BOTH are well worth it.
The 'Giants" are tall but mainly BIG around. 'Sempervirens' are big around but mainly TALL.
You can see some Giants IN Yosemite and lots of sempervirens along the coast and just a bit inland. Since you have such a short time and the whole family along (which will slow things down a bit) -- I'd 'settle' for a few Giants right in Yosemite and take the time to see coastal redwoods. They will be much more accessible for THIS itinerary w/o the long trek to S/KCNP.
The 'Giants" are tall but mainly BIG around. 'Sempervirens' are big around but mainly TALL.
You can see some Giants IN Yosemite and lots of sempervirens along the coast and just a bit inland. Since you have such a short time and the whole family along (which will slow things down a bit) -- I'd 'settle' for a few Giants right in Yosemite and take the time to see coastal redwoods. They will be much more accessible for THIS itinerary w/o the long trek to S/KCNP.
Jan 24th, 2015, 12:29 PM
#28
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Ok! I have been busy making reservations everywhere! Here is current plan with lodging. Again, let me know if you see anything that looks off-or if you wouldn't recommend one of my bookings. I can cancel. Thank you!
Day 1: Arrive in SF, rent car and stay in hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Yosemite Check in at Curry Village and spend rest of day exploring.
Day 3: Exploring Yosemite. Staying in CV again.
Day 4: Leave Yosemite and drive to Waksuchi Lodge. Stay one night. Spend early afternoon and evening exploring.
Day 5: Drive to coast and tour Hearst after lunch. Then check in to Cambria Pines lodge for the evening. Go to the beach and whatnot.
Day 6: Drive up coast, stopping along the way to take in sights. Spending the night at El Castelle Motel. *Thanks ClarkG!
Day 7: Check out of hotel. Go the Aquarium. Head up coast late in the day to San Fran.
Day 8-11 Spend these days in San Fran (and area) will have a car to visit places outside of the city.
Day 12-leave
A few questions...when I booked for Curry village, I had to say I had 5 people when I really have 6 (a little guy)otherwise I would have to book 2 tents. He and little sister can sleep in a twin cot I think? Anyone been in one of those with 6 people?!
I know there is a LOT to do in SF and surrounding area, but since I have 4 full days there, should I cut one and spend it somewhere else?
I couldn't not bring myself to cut out Sequoia, especially after hearing that Mariposa will be closed. It has been a life long dream to be in a forest with Sequoias. BUT my worry is that we will see sequoias in Yosemite and then get to SNP and regret driving the 4 hours to see what we already saw-thoughts?
I know I will get my fair share of Redwoods on the coast.
Day 1: Arrive in SF, rent car and stay in hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Yosemite Check in at Curry Village and spend rest of day exploring.
Day 3: Exploring Yosemite. Staying in CV again.
Day 4: Leave Yosemite and drive to Waksuchi Lodge. Stay one night. Spend early afternoon and evening exploring.
Day 5: Drive to coast and tour Hearst after lunch. Then check in to Cambria Pines lodge for the evening. Go to the beach and whatnot.
Day 6: Drive up coast, stopping along the way to take in sights. Spending the night at El Castelle Motel. *Thanks ClarkG
!Day 7: Check out of hotel. Go the Aquarium. Head up coast late in the day to San Fran.
Day 8-11 Spend these days in San Fran (and area) will have a car to visit places outside of the city.
Day 12-leave
A few questions...when I booked for Curry village, I had to say I had 5 people when I really have 6 (a little guy)otherwise I would have to book 2 tents. He and little sister can sleep in a twin cot I think? Anyone been in one of those with 6 people?!
I know there is a LOT to do in SF and surrounding area, but since I have 4 full days there, should I cut one and spend it somewhere else?
I couldn't not bring myself to cut out Sequoia, especially after hearing that Mariposa will be closed. It has been a life long dream to be in a forest with Sequoias. BUT my worry is that we will see sequoias in Yosemite and then get to SNP and regret driving the 4 hours to see what we already saw-thoughts?
I know I will get my fair share of Redwoods on the coast.
Jan 26th, 2015, 09:47 AM
#31
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Yes, you will be on the go for Days 4 and 5 - it's doable, but you will be on the move If you decide that these 2 days are too packed, you could consider moving the Hearst Castle tour to Day 6. This will cut into the time available for Big Sur, of course. It's all about how you want to organize your time though.
~OR~
If you think that the coastal portion of the trip is too rushed, you could take a day from SF and add it - maybe 2 nights in Monterey before heading up to SF.
For SF, what day trips are you considering out of the city?
If you decide that these 2 days are too packed, you could consider moving the Hearst Castle tour to Day 6. This will cut into the time available for Big Sur, of course. It's all about how you want to organize your time though. ~OR~
If you think that the coastal portion of the trip is too rushed, you could take a day from SF and add it - maybe 2 nights in Monterey before heading up to SF.
For SF, what day trips are you considering out of the city?
Jan 27th, 2015, 02:49 AM
#33
"Go to the beach and whatnot."
I loved the boardwalk along Moonstone Beach, but it was rocky and rugged and not a typical sandy beach. Google images of Moonstone Beach or read reviews to get an idea. Just a "heads up" in case it's not what you're expecting.
I loved the tour at the Hearst Castle so I'd vote for doing the tour. I agree that you're doing a lot of driving but only you can decide if that's "too much" or not.
Consider stopping for lunch or a snack at Nepenthe, for a gorgeous view along the way -
http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/
Some may call it "touristy" but it's one of my very favorite places to stop, whether I'm on the coast for business or purely as a tourist.
I would recommend spending the night in Carmel. A beautiful small town that is very walkable with good restaurants to choose from. You could walk around the neighborhoods and enjoy the fairy-tale like Comstock cottages -
http://carmelbytheseaca.blogspot.com...omstock_4.html
http://carmelwalks.com/photo-gallery/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/from_l...7600130746798/
Head to the beach for the sunset and off to the left will be the dog beach with lots of friendly pups enjoying running and playing on the beach.
Not the best restaurant in Carmel but one I think your kids will really enjoy - The Tuck Box
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...alifornia.html
I loved the boardwalk along Moonstone Beach, but it was rocky and rugged and not a typical sandy beach. Google images of Moonstone Beach or read reviews to get an idea. Just a "heads up" in case it's not what you're expecting.
I loved the tour at the Hearst Castle so I'd vote for doing the tour. I agree that you're doing a lot of driving but only you can decide if that's "too much" or not.
Consider stopping for lunch or a snack at Nepenthe, for a gorgeous view along the way -
http://www.nepenthebigsur.com/
Some may call it "touristy" but it's one of my very favorite places to stop, whether I'm on the coast for business or purely as a tourist.
I would recommend spending the night in Carmel. A beautiful small town that is very walkable with good restaurants to choose from. You could walk around the neighborhoods and enjoy the fairy-tale like Comstock cottages -
http://carmelbytheseaca.blogspot.com...omstock_4.html
http://carmelwalks.com/photo-gallery/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/from_l...7600130746798/
Head to the beach for the sunset and off to the left will be the dog beach with lots of friendly pups enjoying running and playing on the beach.
Not the best restaurant in Carmel but one I think your kids will really enjoy - The Tuck Box
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...alifornia.html
Jan 27th, 2015, 08:55 AM
#34
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>You don't need a car and in fact, it would be expensive to keep it. Ditch it and use public transit or walk; SF is a super walkable city.<
It is also inconvenient to have a car in SF! Not only is parking ridiculously expensive, as DebitNM mentioned, the one way streets are difficult to navigate if you're not familiar with them.
It is also inconvenient to have a car in SF! Not only is parking ridiculously expensive, as DebitNM mentioned, the one way streets are difficult to navigate if you're not familiar with them.
Jan 28th, 2015, 03:27 PM
#35
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More great info! I ended up keeping my night in Sequoia. Since Mariposa is closed, I'm worried we may miss out.
So we will be in Yosemite for two nights, venture to Sequoia for one night, staying at the Waksuchi. Then we will leave and drive to Cambria. We will stay there for two nights at Cambria Pines. I think this way we can rest before visiting Hearst and check out some of that area. Then we will head north to Monterey, staying there one night. Hopefully the day we arrive or checkout we will visit the aquarium and Carmel. Once we arrive in SF we will stay in Nob Hill for 3 days. I think that will be good for a first visit! Not sure what we do outside of the city. Since there are 6 of us, we will have a big vehicle and I really don't want to park it!
So we will be in Yosemite for two nights, venture to Sequoia for one night, staying at the Waksuchi. Then we will leave and drive to Cambria. We will stay there for two nights at Cambria Pines. I think this way we can rest before visiting Hearst and check out some of that area. Then we will head north to Monterey, staying there one night. Hopefully the day we arrive or checkout we will visit the aquarium and Carmel. Once we arrive in SF we will stay in Nob Hill for 3 days. I think that will be good for a first visit! Not sure what we do outside of the city. Since there are 6 of us, we will have a big vehicle and I really don't want to park it!
Jan 28th, 2015, 03:46 PM
#36
Cambria is awfully sleepy. With a family you'll probably wish you had 2 nights Monterey, 1 night Cambria. Though I suppose if you spend most of the day in Sequoia and then check in late in Cambria, you might want a full day there the next day. But leave very early for Monterey.
Jan 28th, 2015, 03:48 PM
#37
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I was just about to ask about this! I found a really cute place to stay in Carmel for two nights. I think I'll do one night in Cambria and two in Carmel. Would that work? Thanks Griswold!
Jan 28th, 2015, 04:21 PM
#39
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Most of the good stuff along the coast between Cambria and Carmel (Pt Lobos, Bixby Bridge, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Pfeiffer Beach, Nepenthe) is closer to Carmel than Cambria. Lot more things to do & see in Carmel/Monterey/Pacific Grove than in Cambria. I've lived on, or within 30 mins of the Calif coast for my entire life (67 yrs). I think Carmel is the most charming/interesting of our coastal towns (I lived in Laguna Beach for 5 years).
Stu Dudley
Stu Dudley
Jan 28th, 2015, 05:19 PM
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We love this B&B. We have stayed twice. Excellent location by the water.
http://thesevengablesinn.com/
http://thesevengablesinn.com/
