janisj

20 minutes is basically nothing in the Bay Area. It is a HUGE metropolitan area. 20 minutes could get you 2 or 3 miles at some times of day. To get 'out in the burbs' could put you 1 to 2 hours from downtown.

What is your actual budget? There are less expensive properties along Lombard Street and out by the beach along the Great Highway near the southwest corner of Golden Gate Park.

travel2sk

Thanks, I will look at Lombard street. My budget is around $350 aud per night . Most hotels in downtown were much higher , the ones cheaper are with low ratings. We were thinking of airbnb so wanted some name of places we could search accommodation in.

janisj

Aus$350 = approx US$235 - in San Francisco that means you need to look for rooms at $US 200 or just a bit under to account for the 15+% hotel taxes/fees. This also applies to rentals like airbnb and vrbo.

MmePerdu

If you have a good look at a map of San Francisco you'll see a city with water on 3 sides & the 4th side came very late to the concept of public transport. Which means there's no short commute into the city unless it's from in the city. And why I asked to know your reasoning.

Just keep looking & don't rule out a hostel. I've stayed a couple of times at the "Fisherman's Wharf" location which is actually on the Ft. Mason property & kind of great for that reason alone. Views of the Golden Gate Bridge & walking distance to good restaurants, bus on the corner to downtown. Check it out. https://www.hiusa.org/hostels/califo...shermans-wharf

My post about the place: https://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/roa...an-francisco-1

janisj

- Good suggestion - The Fort Mason Hostel would be GREAT. It is very popular (for good reason) so books up far ahead. The location is really good.

MoBro

Much better plan, to stay 2 nights in Anaheim, not 3. Make a stop on the central coast on your way to SFO.
Maybe stay in Cambria and see Hearst Castle (but your kids might be too young). I
n any event, this Best Western is very good: https://bookit.com/us/california/cam...onstone-beach/

MichelleY

From Yosemite, head to Monterey/Carmel area for a few nights. Then finish up in SF.

Christina

>

I wouldn't word it that way, as I don't think there is a "need" to really stay in any city 5 nights, but I am more on Tom's side than the other. I'd add a day maybe, but I wouldn't stay there 5 nights either. I think people have to decide some of these things for themself, it isn't a secret what there is to see in the major cities, some people are more interested in certain attractions than others. LIke museums, for example. But in SF, I could see my top sights in 3-3.5 days. And I've been there quite a few times. BUt it is also very expensive. So I'd say 4. This is presuming you don't do day trips from SF, which I don't think most people do. On the other hand, I wouldn't spend 3 days in Anaheim except at gunpoint.

janisj

Christina: It looks like you were quoting something and responding to it. Using > > < < Doesn't work any more. Hasn't for more than a month.

See ibobi's sticky at the top of the page explaining . . .

lynni

If you do end up coming to the Central Coast, Santa Barbara has two things that your children will love! The Santa Barbara Zoo overlooks the ocean, you can feed the giraffes and there is a small train that winds through the property and my boys loved it! Also, the MOXI Museum is a hands on science museum that has incredible exhibits and is loved by locals and travelers alike! Happy to answer specific questions but these are two " do not miss" sights if you're in the area! Hope you have a super trip!
I'm going to also go against the others and say that Heart Castle is a dud for kids. Santa Barbara would be a MUCH better bet for family happiness!

MmePerdu

I agree, Hearst Castle impresses adults, not sure what kids would love about it. And it's slow going. If you could just pop in it might be different but it's a commitment. I haven't been to the zoo in Santa Barbara but I agree with the premise. I'm sure they'd also enjoy any old CA coast beach more than a big fancy house.

janisj

ditto ditto. I would NOT take 5 and 7 yo's to San Simeon / Hearst Castle. The timed tickets, bus ride up and down the hill, stories from the guides that really only relate to 40-80 yo's, all the 100% hands off stuff. Plus once you are on the bus up there is no option to get back down the hill til the end of the tour.

mlgb

Depends on when the falls are at their peak and when spring break is, doesn't it?

janisj

Not really -- Yes there are people, but April isn't super busy in YNP (been several times). Easter weekend can be crowded but nothing like the summer. The big falls viewing hordes usually start from mid-May-ish.