Can anyone recommend an interesting and/or entertaining spot to meet my sister and her family (including two teenage daughters) next Sunday afternoon, August 27th? I will be traveling from San Francisco and they will be traveling from Fresno. We'd like to find a spot to explore and simply enjoy a little time together.

Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Big Sur are directly south of SF about 2 hours and directly west of Fresno also about 2 hours. You could also visit Yosemite but that would be about 4 hours for you vs. 1-2 for your sister and I'm sure getting a reservation to overnight would be just about impossible. Teens like Monterey and you could pretty much set them free in Carmel.

Thanks for your suggestion. My sister had actually suggested that area, but being the younger (wiser!) sister, I was sure I would be able to recommend something smarter. My sister appreciates your vote in her favor!

I considered driving there on Saturday in order to meet her a little earlier on Sunday. Is it WAY too late to book a night at a nice, seaside B&B in that area?

Janelle, It's very difficult to find a seaside B&B in general. Most of the beaches are state parks. In Carmel there are lots of little places in the charming little town but most require a 2 night minimum. Two places I know of that don't are the Carmel Village Inn and the Pine Inn, which is an old stagecoach hotel with typical "gold rush" red flocked wallpaper etc. Good restaurant there. You need to call immendiately however. In Monterey there are many standard issue motels, but you might try the Embassey Suites. It's not in the middle of town, but is only the beach and is supposed to be quite nice. I would advise to take whatever you can get as most places will be full. Another suggestions for your teens might be to drive to Santa Cruz on the Saturday (via hwy 17 from I 280) and overnight there then continue on to Carmel/Monterey the next day. They would probably get a kick out of "Surf City, U.S.A." and the surfer dudes. Old fashioned boardwalk here with one of the oldest wooden roller coasters around. Teens generally love a visit to Sta. Cruz. Lots of hotels here--most of the chains--Dream Inn is a nice one on the beach. Good luck and get on the phone now!

Another place that works for kids is Asilomar. It has a pool, pool tables, beautiful lodge, meal plan and is rigt on the beach.