Hi...planning a trip in July 07 with my two boys (9 & 12) and hubby. Nobody has been to CA before so I'm trying to fit a little bit of everything into a 7-9 day trip. Would like to see SF and Santa Cruz looks like fun for a few days...then I'd like to throw some mountains in the mix. Yosemite looks beautiful but in the same breath I know that it will crazy tourist time in July. Do you feel Yosemite is the place to see it all or can you recommend another destination. We're not big hikers but would be up for smaller trips. Thanks for any help you can give.

9 days is enough time to do everything you want and not feel overly rushed.

Fly into SFO and spend 3 days in the city (no car needed) and then pick up a rental car and drive down to Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is about 1.5 hours south of SF. Santa Cruz is all about the beach so spend 2 full days there just soaking in some CA sunshine. Then drive to Yosemite (about 4 hours away). Spend 2-3 days at Yosemite doing several short day hikes. Come back to SF and fly home.

Yosemite lodging options fill up fast (even now) so if you want to go there start looking NOW.

Should have added Oakland is a good airport to for what you want to do.

Lake Tahoe is another option for getting up into the mountains. Also beautiful, and with lots of options for things to do.

Be aware that while Santa Cruz is kinda fun as a beach town, the water is pretty cold even in summer, and it can be foggy (though it usually clears by afternoon).

Yes, we often get a morning "marine layer" in Santa Cruz in June and July, but it usually burns off by noon. And, yes, the ocean water is pretty cold, but kids don't seem to mind it. The boys will enjoy the Boardwalk, with its historic wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper, and perhaps the 7-year old isn't too sophisticated for the historic carousel with its carved wooden horses and antique calliope and brass rings to throw through the clown's mouth. There are also more than 30 rides and attractions, including the Casino Arcade and miniature golf. Admission is free, you just pay for what you do, or eat.

Don't miss a short drive along West Cliff Drive to Steamer's Lane to watch the surfers. You can spot it by the small scale lighthouse which houses a small surfer's museum.

Further up West Cliff Drive is Natural Bridges State Park, which has good tide pools to explore and a eucalyptus grove where migrating Monarch butterflies winter on their yearly trip to Mexico ...sadly they won't be here in June.

Take a short drive up Highway 9 to Felton where you can ride on the Big Trees and Roaring Camp railroad...a narrow gauge train that takes you up the hill into a redwood forest. Speaking of which, on your way to Felton stop at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to see some big ones.

Downtown Santa Cruz, Pacific Avenue is a pretty tree-lined street full of sidewalk cafes, coffee houses, a 9-plex cinema and boutiques galore.

For Yosemite, it is not too early now to book accommodations. I have not stayed where I am going to mention, but it is condos IN the park, which sound like an ideal family situation. Try a google on Yosemite West and see if you find the condos I am talking about. If that doesn't work try Yosemite Condos. I did find the website last week and they looked to be very reasonably priced. Do not miss Yosemite if you can possibly help it.

For you folks that have been living in SC forever - when I was a kid, there was a restaurant in Felton that you used to park your car and ride this little trollie train up the mountain a mile or two (it seemed) to get to it, does this place still exist ?
This was in the early-mid 60's.

Sounds like a terrific trip. And I agree with everyone - you can absolutely do this trip in the time you have without being overly rushed.

The Yosemite condos are a good idea - they are on land that borders Yosemite, but the only access is through the park so you would never know you aren't actually staying in Yosemite - LOL. They are all privately owned. Otherwise, I would try for Yosemite Lodge in the valley or Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal.

Yosemite will be crowded that time of year, but it should still be a fun time - just know there will be a lot of people.

For Santa Cruz - great suggestions so far. I just wanted to add Capitola as another place to visit while in the area. Capitola Village is right on the the beach, cute little area with shops, cafes, and so on. There is a creek that runs into the bay right there as well.

microdol,

Are you maybe confusing the Big Trees and Roaring Camp Railroad (narrow gauge) in Felton, which chugs up a mountain through the forest (but no restaurant at the top) with the Shadowbrook Restaurant on Soquel Creek in Capitola which does have a funicular which you can ride DOWN to the restaurant? (A shorter ride, however.)