Almost forgot!!! This is where I take everyone who visits us from "elsewhere". Kids (and you) will love all the WWII bunkers & gun turrets that you can explore. It is from the link I provided above.

GGNRA north of GG bridge. This is probably the BEST view of SF. You can look through the bridge & then above the bridge to SF and all the way south down the San Mateo County Coast on a clear day. Do this late in the day. Take the first exit past the lookout off the GG Bridge going North (marked Alexander Ave). Turn left the first chance you have, & go under 101. Follow the sign back to SF, but just before getting on 101, make a right turn up the road & follow this road. It’s easier to find than this description might indicate (get a AAA map & take a road called Conzelman). Old WWII bunkers & gun turrets along the way. DON’T MISS.

Stu Dudley

Wait, wait, has anyone mentioned the Exploratorium yet as part of your SF leg? Fun for adults and kids, IMO.

Stu,
How bad is the traffic on a weekday morning headed from Wine Country to San Francisco?

Thank you Stu (and everyone) else for all of the great suggestions!

Debbie

>>How bad is the traffic on a weekday morning headed from Wine Country to San Francisco?<<

​​​​​​​Very . . .

very

Stu Dudley

I kind of figured the traffic would be bad! Silly question to ask! :-)

No need to justify that choice to take your kids to breweries. That's totally fine. And yes, for the most part - they are completely kid and dog-friendly places.

Regarding Ano Nuevo - through March 31 you have to go with a guide, so it will be a time-consuming activity - and because visitors are limited, you will need to make reservations ahead of time:

Año Nuevo SP

Thanks November Moon. We are actually going to Ano Nuevo April 2 or 3. According to the website, the reservations are only needed through March 31, so I'm assuming I don't need a reservation.

As far as kid friendly wineries, any you recommend? I'm not looking for a whole day affair. Would just like to visit one or two and then make our way down to SF.

The kid friendly ones I was considering are: Francis Ford Coppola, Benziger, Sterling or Castelo di Amorosa. Not going to go to all of these, but rather just choose one. Any other suggestions?