Refined Itinerary, SF to SD with 2 kids in 12 days
 

We are a 40-something couple from Boston with 2 kids, 7 and 9. We love hiking, cities, animals (land and sea), good food (doesn't have to be fancy, esp with kids), beaches, and unique experiences. Arriving in late July. We're trying to see a lot but not be too overscheduled. It's our first family vacation in a looong time. I've done a ton of research and would love any feedback you have time to give! Particularly on bad ideas, missing great experiences, and restaurants! TIA!!

Days 1-3 – Berkeley/SF visiting friends (seeing GG Bridge, cable car, seals and maybe Lombard St only)

Day 4 – pick up rental car early, see Redwoods near Roaring Camp RR, Santa Cruz (boardwalk), arrive in Monterey. Farmer’s market at Pacific Grove library, 3-7pm), dinner at Il Vecchio, overnight in Monterey

Day 5 – treats from Pavel’s Bakery , Monterey aquarium, beach in Monterey or Carmel, bike PG coastal trail

Day 6 – hike at Point Lobos, lunch in Carmel, hike or kayak in Elkhorn Slough, sunset at Point Pinos

Day 7 – up early, travel to Big Sur, hike in Pfeiffer, see Pfeiffer Beach, lunch at Nepenthe and/or drink at Ventana Inn, see Piedras Blancas, arrive late to Cambria Pines Lodge (maybe eat at Medusa’s Mexican or Las Cambritas)

Day 8– winery (Bridlewood Estate? Zaca Mesa?) on way to SB, hike, surf or kayak in SB, Tour Lotusland, Stearns Wharf, dinner at Shoreline or Mony's?

Day 9 – drive to LA, maybe lunch at the Malibu Farm Pier Café or Getty Center, check out Mulholland drive, bike ride to Venice Beach, Santa Monica pier, maybe Griffith Park, dinner somewhere at Third St Promenade, Santa Monica overnight

Day 10 - Universal, maybe West third St and/or Griffith Park on way back to Santa Monica, dinner maybe at Stella Barra Pizzeria

Day 11 - drive to SD, on way check out La Jolla Cove and Children’s pool,check into Marriott Coronado, hang at pool/beach, dinner in Coronado - Burger Lounge or the Brigantine?

Day 12 – Sea world or Zoo, beach, pool, overnight in SD (dinner in Coronado – Tartine? 1106 First St)

Day 13 – San Diego Zoo OR Padres game, beach, pool, overnight in SD ferry to Gaslamp for dinner (Searsucker?)

Day 14 - fly home early

Day 11 dinner plans - the Brigantine is nice but more expensive and a sit down dinner. Burger Lounge is a small, cramped, fast food place with a limited menu consisting of hamburgers and fries pretty much. Both are very nice but very different style of service.

Day 12, I would pick the Zoo.
Tartine is nice.
I would also recommend maybe Tent City
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...alifornia.html

Tent City is located around 10th and Orange. Then walk across the street to Moo Town for Ice Cream.

Day 13, If you go to the Zoo on Day 12 I would pick a Padres Game if you are really into visiting other ballparks. Searsucker is probably not the best for kids. As I recall from his other restaurants they are generally more attractive to the younger 30's pick up crowds.

Day 9 is too full...definitely don't try to fit in Griffith Observatory on that day, leave it for day 10.

Pretty well paced - fast but totally doable. But I agree w/ DDD re day 9.

If day 4 is a Saturday, stop by the SF Alemany Farmer's Market, which is much better than Pacific Grove's. Or if leaving on a Wed., stop by the famer's market at City Center.

You are all very very helpful! Thank you! More comments welcome! Any ideas for dinner alternatives to Searsucker or Burger Lounge?

Day 4 appears to be a Monday (only day of the week that PG has a farmer's market). Your overall plans look good. On Day 5 Monterey only has small pocket beaches other than Del Monte beach. Carmel has city beach at the end of Ocean Ave and river beach at south of town (you could possibly visit these on Day 6). Also consider Asilomar beach in PG. On Day 6 the trails inside Elkhorn Slough reserve are open until 5pm. If you decide to hike the reserve instead of kayaking, I would also make a quick stop at the end of Jetty Rd at Moss Landing state beach as you can often see otters close up here (this is near where the kayak companies launch). On Day 7 Pfeiffer Beach parking can fill quickly in summer and you may be turned away at the highway. The beach is 2 miles down a narrow road. I would also make a stop at Julia Pfeiffer Burns if only to see McWay Falls. The falls are on the ocean side of Hwy 1. It's a quick stop with a short walk out to a viewing platform.

Exactly the kinds of tips I love, please keep them coming! Thank you!

You asked Burger Lounge vs Brigantine. I assume you mean in Coronado. Either one is a good choice but one is healthy fast food and the other larger menu and sit down. Just depends on what you like. Also in Coronado I like Miguel's Cantina, Tent City, The Boat House, and Chez Loma.

Searsucker is in downtown I believe. The downtown/Gas Lamp area has a lot of choices, but I'd also consider Little Italy which is part of downtown and has some of the newest, hip restaurants. I'd take Uber because parking is terrible though. And reservations are a must.

Little Italy ...

Monello (Italian)
Bencotto (Italian)
Prep Kitchen Little Italy (fusion)
Ballast Point Beer Tasting and restaurant.
Juniper and Ivy
Ironside (seafood)

Point Loma (Liberty Station) I really like the Stone Brewery Restaurant. Its a good family restaurant and Stone Brewery beer is awesome.

Nanabee, thank you! Do you have any particular suggestions in Little Italy?

We were posting at the same time but I posted suggestions just abouve ypur last post.

Oh my, this is fabulous. Thank you so very much!