We are planning a summer trip to California from San Diego to San Francisco. We already have booked the Hotel Del Coronado/San Diego, Grand Californian/Disney and Shutters in Santa Monica. We would also like to stop in Monterey and San Francisco. Any suggestions for hotels in those cities on the same scale as Shutters and the Del. We are traveling with two boys ages 12 and 8 and also visiting 4 out of the 5 baseball stadiums. What are the must see attractions in Monterey and San Francisco? Thank you very much for any information.

We loved the Monterey Aquarium, and in SF you must go to Fisherman's Wharf, it is a great spot. North of SF is Point Reyes, the lighthouse and drive are well worth the trip.

The aquarium in Monterey is great, as is the drive around the Pebble Beach area (great water views, and deer, etc wandering around). I think that Fisherman's Wharf is a major disappointment unless you are shopping for a keyring or tshirt. What a shame. However, seeing the seals on the rafts that have been built for them is great fun (just be sure to stand "upwind")! And the trip to Alcatraz would be a terrific activity. Also might consider a ferry ride across the bay to Sausalito for lunch. A 'real' chinese restaurant would be an experience for the boys, too. I would advise against the boat tour of the bay, however, because the sound system on the boat is terrible. Depending on the day you are there you might walk across the Golden Gate bridge. There is more to do than you will have time for, so just realize that SF will be a place to return again and again.
As for hotels, there are not "grand" type of hotels in Monterey. Go for something that will have good water views, or stay in Carmel area. My personal favorite of SF is one that may not be plush enough for you, but I like the Huntington Hotel. This used to be an apartment hotel. You can stay in a suite with a kitchen (really a very elaborate wet bar since it is not equipped) with wonderful views. A park is right across the street as is Grace Cathedral (they have tours), or city/bay views, and the cable car stops out in front. The hotel also has a curtesy car for moderate distances. Hotel has a very good spa and terrific restaurant, also.

If I had two little boys in tow, I'd definitely stay at the Argonaut Hotel at Fisherman's Wharf. I'd also take them to the Maritime Museum just across the street from the Argonaut. The Museum is free.

Then I'd take them a few steps over to Ghirardelli Square and go to the Chocolate Factory and order an "Earthquake" ice cream to share with the entire family.

Next day, I'd go a few more steps to the Rainforest Cafe and let them oooh and aahh over the fake boa constrictors coming at them from the fake trees and the leopards, etc. Rainforest also has a grand kids dessert called the "Volcano".

The night tour of Alcatraz would probably interest the boys.

Oh yes then there's the Cable Car Museum with enough clattering to delight the most bored child.

Yes sir ree, that's what I'd do with two boys in tow.

Have fun!

Stay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa and take those boys to the aquarium! Enjoy your time with them, they grow up soooo fast! ***kim***

www.woodsidehotels.com is the website where you can see photos of the property! Enjoy! ***kim***

There's also the Denace the Menace playground in Monterey, not far from the warf area (a long walk or short drive). It's a cool playground that also has a lake where they rent paddleboats. And across the street there is a nice beach as well.