We just got back from our "whirlwind" tour of the SF/Bay area. Here are some highlights:

The kids loved watching the seals and otters in Monterey Bay. We took loads of pictures.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is well worth the visit...excellent exhibits, lots of touch pools, we had a great time.

Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad in Felton is a must-see for train fans of all ages. The trip up the mountain through the redwoods is gorgeous, and the knowledgeable conductor made the trip educational as well.

We found a great little neighborhood (I think didn't seem touristy) Thai restaurant in Santa Cruz (Sabieng Thai on Mission Street). Great food, nice atmosphere (for a strip mall storefront!) kid-friendly and reasonably priced.

The drive up Highway 1 was lovely--we stopped in Ano Nuevo and saw the elephant seals. Long walk, but worth it.

Sacramento was hot. Even for Chicagoans. But the pool at the Vanguard Inn right downtown was cool, and walking distance to Old Town Scaramento. Free Internet access, too.

San Francisco was beautiful--we had great weather (no fog!). We did the Alcatraz tour and loved it (even the 7-year old managed the whole audio tour!). The Bay is beautiful, the Castle Inn on Broadway was nice (thanks Marshall for tips!) and we had a nice meal and very helpful and friendly waitress at the Rogue Ale Public House in North Beach. The view from Coit Tower is worth the climb up there. The Exploratorium is a great science museum. Better than the Museum of Science and Industry here in Chicago in some ways.

Some "lowlights":

Can't recommend Rappa's restaurant on Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf. So-so food, very pricey for what it was. The only good thing was the view.

California road signs are bad. Sorry, but signs should not assume that drivers live there and already know how to get somewhere. The only worse signage I have encountered was in England.

Marin County traffic was waaaay worse than I was expecting, and I was expecting bad.

The California State Railroad Museum has a nice static collection and good displays, but the train ride is short and boring.

Not bad, just "duh!":

San Francisco has a lot of hills. A lot. Tall ones.

Lots of people want to ride the cable cars. Didn't anticipate the wait in lines.

All in all, we had a lovely time, came home a little sunburned and sandy. The kids are clamoring to go back already.

Thanks everybody for advice on planning this trip.

Peg

"San Francisco has a lot of hills. A lot. Tall ones." - this is how we get the views!

"Lots of people want to ride the cable cars. Didn't anticipate the wait in lines." - this is how we get the income.

Thank you for your report, Peg!

And a note for the locals:
"Sacramento was hot. Even for Chicagoans." - this is how we get Kal. LOL

Hi pegcook, enjoyed reading your trip report.

I live south of Sacramento, and on some days hot does not even begin to describe it, LOL. I am glad you made the comment. Now others will not think I am whining about the heat for no reason!

I wonder if as many people will be enjoying the SF CableCars now that they have almost doubled the fare to $5.00 starting today.

Best wishes, and come back soon!

>>I wonder if as many people will be enjoying the SF CableCars now that they have almost doubled the fare to $5.00 starting today.<<

I think so - they're an essential part of the San Francisco Tourist Experience, and where else could you ride them? I know Mr. Pickle and I plan to ride one at least once for old time's sake.

Lee Ann

Well LeeAnn, you better take a ride on the SF Cable Cars...you know I want you to have a beautiful time in SF!!

I just cringe as to how vacations are getting so expensive for the average family, especially those with children. I know several younger families that really cannot afford to take their children to places that they want to, or to do all the things they want to do once they are there.
Especially in California where the % of income spent on mortgages are so high.