Having never been to SF before, we are vacationing there for four days. My husband and I are taking our two children under age five. We are lodging in San Jose and renting a car. I would like some recommendations on what we should see and do. We thought we might spend one day driving south (perhaps to Monterey and one day north stopping at Muir Woods.

Thanks.

First off, if you are trying to visit SF then you really don't want to stay in San Jose. But if you are staying in San Jose for some other reason (like family lives there) than I guess that makes enough sense. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is EXCELLENT for children since they added the Splash Zone. Also, there is a park near the aquarium called the Dennis the Menace playground that is sure to be a hit. Muir woods could be nice but if your goal is to see redwoods and you're staying in San Jose Big Sur would be easier to get to. In San Francisco, for kids under five, personally I'd just do what you want to do with little playground (or whatever) breaks for the kids.

I'm sorry, I mean Big Basin would be easier to get to. I always get those two mixed up.

have the same question as above post...do you have a reason to be staying in san jose? sounds like a lot of driving in 4 short days with two children.
the monterrey aquarium is a good suggestoin.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Denis the Menace park are exellent suggestions. And Big Basin is one of my favorite places. Another idea is Roaring Camp in Felton - they have an old steam train that goes through the redwoods. There is also a train that goes from Felton down to Santa Cruz and the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is right on the beach, has rides for little kids, good opportunities for people watching, and lots of carnival food. Just down from the Boardwalk is the Santa Cruz wharf. The kids would probably enjoy looking at the sea lions.

Aren't there some hands-on scientific exhibits in the Palace of Fine Arts?

I think you're thinking of the Exploratorium, which is a really cool place. I don't know if it would interest kids under 5 though.

Yeah, maybe your right.

The problem/blessing with kids under 5 is that a slip n' slide is the best thing going.