Planning an August trip to Monterey, CA with 2 teens (13 and 16). My husband and I prefer to do nature stuff (birdwatch, kayak, bike), the teens will want to do touristy stuff. Any recommendations on where the best place to stay would be to sort of cover both interests? Thanks!

Unfortunately, "touristy" in Monterey means Cannery Row. Any hotel/motel within walking distance of Cannery Row is going to cost you $150.00 and up (minimum)in August. They will probably charge you extra since your kids are older as well. We always stay in Marina, which is just outside the Monterey city limits. There is a huge beach there, with huge dunes, and hang-gliders jumping off (fun to watch). There is a Traveloge, Comfort Inn, and a Motel 6. We always stay at the Motel 6 and it is about

Unfortunately, "touristy" in Monterey means Cannery Row. Any hotel/motel within walking distance of Cannery Row is going to cost you $150.00 and up (minimum)in August. They will probably charge you extra since your kids are older as well. We always stay in Marina, which is just outside the Monterey city limits. There is a huge beach there, with huge dunes, and hang-gliders jumping off (fun to watch). There is a Traveloge, Comfort Inn, and a Motel 6. We always stay at the Motel 6 and it is about $60.00/night for 2 adults and 2 small kids (7 days/week). Clean, basic, pool, and only 10 minutes drive to Cannery Row. It also has a Denny's in the parking lot (good for cheap breakfast). Be sure to check if there are any big events during the time you are going to visit. It there is a big race at Laguna Seca, the entire area will be sold out (not kidding). We've had to stay all the way in Santa Cruz before, on a race week/weekend.

Cannery Row might be the place to combine all. There is a Best Western to my memory on Wave Street. If you feel ok leaving your kids to wander they can make their way to the aquarium fairly easily using the free "bus". You might also look at Pacific Grove which is a bit cheaper(though not by much) than Cannery Row. There is a shore path that leads to Cannery Row and the aquarium. It's a brief but beautiful walk along the cliff overlooking the water. All of you might like Point Lobos which is a state park along Hwy 1. You can take all sorts of hikes most of which are gentle in demand and see some of the most magnificent nature there is. There are sea lions, wildflowers, an old whaler's cabin and tide pools.

If "touristy" includes shopping, Carmel offers a fairly charming mix of mainstream stores like Coach and some old, eccentric shops that you might all enjoy, plus a fine beach at the end of the main drag.

Check www.biddingfortravel.com for hotel prices and then bid on Priceline.
If you need a rental car, I would suggest you check prices on Orbitz and www.biddingfortravel.com and then bid on Priceline.

Possible things to do in the Monterey area: Monterey Bay Aquarium, National John Steinbeck Center in Salinas (there is a good breakfast place down the block), and the Gilroy Outlet Mall (4 blocks of outlets).

Just curious...why do people suggest Priceline when it is a family of 4 or more looking for a place to stay? I thought Priceline rooms were one bed unless negotiated at check in? Am I wrong?