Planning a San Fran/LA trip this summer and will be driving between the two and would like to stop at one place in between for several days. Looking at both Monterey and Santa Barbara.

Would be interested in views re: which area would be best for kids (or any others). Thanks

Paultravel,
It depends on how old the kids are -- if they are older teenagers, they might prefer Santa Barbara, down State Street, and also the Isla Vista area (can even check out UCSB!).

Otherwise, it's Monterey all the way, since it is packed full of kid adventures from the Aquarium to the Wharf to Dennis the Menace playground. You can rent these pedal pikes for 4 people, and pedal along the shore line. My kid LOVES Monterey!

Surfergirl is exactly right! Dennis the Menace Park was my favorite as a child and my boys love it now. Also, Point Lobos for tidepooling, and if your kids are in 4th grade in California (the age for learning California history) first theatre in California, the San Carlos de Borremeo (I think that's correct!) Mission where Father Serra is buried, the first courthouse etc... Lots to do. Santa Barbara has a small zoo with a train to ride for smaller kids and a beloved giraffe with a crooked neck! Also, a new park down by the beach and Stearn's Wharf. Have a great trip.

Both are beautiful locations, with an edge to Santa Barbara for me, personally. I agree w/the above posting, it depends on your kids' age. If they are teens, I think Santa Barbara would be the best fit. If you had enough time for both, that would be great. (If you've never seen either?) Would be happy to share more later, when I have more time, as I'm very familiar w/both - most esp. SB. Just ask away if you have more questions.

Thanks for the help. The kids will be 8 & 11, so it sounds like Monterey is the better choice (although I'm sure SB would get the nod if it was just my wife & myself).

With that in mind, I'll check other posts re: lodging in Monterey as I'm sure there are many, but if there are some places that would be esp. good for families, would appreciate hearing about those. Thanks again.

The Monterey Peninsula is very busy in the summer,esp on weekends,so if you can help it try to aviod them.There are hundreds of places to stay, but the best areas to stay with kids is Downtown Monterey,or the Cannery row area.In the former area try the Casa Munras hotel.Its a large complex that has a nice Old California feel to it.Its also just accross the street from Margies Dinner which serves up great food all day.You're kids will love it.There are quite alot of hotels in the Cannery Row area but I don't know any of them well enough to recommend.Do a search on this board and I'm sure something will pop up.
Here is a link to Casa Munras.
http://www.casamunras-hotel.com/