San Francisco: 7 days with 2 kids. What to do ?
Dec 18th, 2006, 02:21 PM
#22
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On your way to Monterey you might want to stop by Año Nuevo to see the elephants seals. However, because it is mating season, you might need reservations. If you are taking a two or three day trip, Hearst Castle might be within your reach, and there are elephants seals much more accessible a few miles north of the Hearst Castle entrance. The coast is driveable even during a storm, and impressive in its own way even if the view is more limited. We did the drive from Monterey to Hearst Castle and back in the middle of last year's New Year's Day storm.
Dec 19th, 2006, 09:06 PM
#23
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Alcatraz is a must, but make reservations in advance and dress warmly as it's very windy on the island. It's a fascinating tour that combines a boatride on the bay with wonderful views of the Golden Gate and SF skyline, an outdoor experience hiking around the island, and the mystique of a prison complete with escapes, etc.
Monterey Aquarium is definately worth a visit and would make a great day trip. Head south to Big Sur for a day if you have time and hike around Pfeiffer Park.You could also see redwood forests in the Santa Cruz area - Henry Cowell is one.
Exploratorium is terrific. Check out familytravelforum.com for more ideas of what to do in SF and environs.
Monterey Aquarium is definately worth a visit and would make a great day trip. Head south to Big Sur for a day if you have time and hike around Pfeiffer Park.You could also see redwood forests in the Santa Cruz area - Henry Cowell is one.
Exploratorium is terrific. Check out familytravelforum.com for more ideas of what to do in SF and environs.
Dec 19th, 2006, 09:23 PM
#24
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Ciao Fabio, I hope all is well with you and your family. You will enjoy SF and and the surronding area I am sure. I will say a prayer the weather will be beautiful without any rain. Do bring warm jackets etc. though as it will be chilly.
Another suggestion, when in your hotel room look at the back of the telephone book. You may find coupons for discounts on tickets for various places to visit. At least at the hotel I always stay at have told me it is no problem to cut out those tickets. It can possibly save you some money if there are coupons for places that have admission charges that you and your family want to visit.
The Tonga Room at the Fairmont Hotel would be a fun place to go to, quite different and I think your children would enjoy it as well. Touristy yes but it is an old SF tradition. If your children have ever seen the old TV Series "Hotel" (maybe they are to young to have seen that) you could take them into the Fairmont Hotel as that is where it was filmed.
I am sorry that the CableCar tickets are now $5.00 per person. It has gotten so expensive but perhaps you could go one way, another SF tradition as I am sure you know.
Fabio, a good website for you to bookmark is the SF Chronicals newspaper website which is: www.sfgate.com. You will find lots of interesting things to read. And you have certainly received lots of good information and thoughts here! Have a safe and comfortable flight and also a Happy Holiday Season!
Do visit ChinaTown, all children always seem to enjoy that!
Another suggestion, when in your hotel room look at the back of the telephone book. You may find coupons for discounts on tickets for various places to visit. At least at the hotel I always stay at have told me it is no problem to cut out those tickets. It can possibly save you some money if there are coupons for places that have admission charges that you and your family want to visit.
The Tonga Room at the Fairmont Hotel would be a fun place to go to, quite different and I think your children would enjoy it as well. Touristy yes but it is an old SF tradition. If your children have ever seen the old TV Series "Hotel" (maybe they are to young to have seen that) you could take them into the Fairmont Hotel as that is where it was filmed.
I am sorry that the CableCar tickets are now $5.00 per person. It has gotten so expensive but perhaps you could go one way, another SF tradition as I am sure you know.
Fabio, a good website for you to bookmark is the SF Chronicals newspaper website which is: www.sfgate.com. You will find lots of interesting things to read. And you have certainly received lots of good information and thoughts here! Have a safe and comfortable flight and also a Happy Holiday Season!
Do visit ChinaTown, all children always seem to enjoy that!
Dec 20th, 2006, 11:22 AM
#27
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If your children are boys, there is a fire truck tour - they will give you firfighters outfits to put on. The photos will be priceless for chidren. The tour takes you over the bridge to Sausalito.
http://www.fireenginetours.com/
http://www.fireenginetours.com/
Dec 20th, 2006, 11:25 AM
#28
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Also Boudin Sourdough museum - lots of history info, bread tasting, and a restaurant
http://www.boudinbakery.com/index.cf...ontent&c_id=20
http://www.boudinbakery.com/index.cf...ontent&c_id=20
Dec 20th, 2006, 11:50 AM
#29
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Another vote here for the Exploratorium. Last time we were in SF it was me, DH and our 5 month old twins. We visited the Exploratorium, so needless to say the twins do not remember it nor could they do anything at that time and "we" still had a blast! We want to take them back now that they are a bit older. I would probably make the drive to the Monterrey Aquarium as well.
Dec 20th, 2006, 05:17 PM
#32
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If you do spend a couple of days in Monterrey and the weather is good, look into a whale watch. I'm not sure if January is a good time for that or not... The aquarium, Pacific Grove, lighthouse and 17 Mile Drive are fantastic. One of my favorite areas of the world!
Dec 21st, 2006, 10:46 AM
#33
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thank you so much !!
"FainaAgain: If your children are boys, there is a fire truck tour...."
"J_Correa: If your kids are girls, they might enjoy the firetruck tour too....."
this looks a bit funny, but thanks to the fact that the older is a boy and the younger is a girl, nobody will be disappointed !! Put on the list !!
"FainaAgain: If your children are boys, there is a fire truck tour...."
"J_Correa: If your kids are girls, they might enjoy the firetruck tour too....."
this looks a bit funny, but thanks to the fact that the older is a boy and the younger is a girl, nobody will be disappointed !! Put on the list !!
