NEED SOME ADVICE FOR NORTHERN CA TRIP IN JULY. WE WILL BE TRAVELING WITH A 3 1/2 YEAR OLD, SPENDING FIRST NIGHT S.F. THEN GOING TO VISIT FRIENDS IN CALISTOGA (PLEASE HELP WITH ACCOMODATIONS, THEN THINKING OF DRIVING DOWN COAST TO CARMEL VICINITY (AGAIN ACCOMODATIONS)AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE? IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE IN THIS GENERAL AREA THAT IS A "MUST SEE"? WE'RE VERY FLEXIBLE AT THIS POINT. PLEASE DON'T FORGET WE HAVE A "LITTLE ONE" WITH US.

Shhh, it's not necessary to shout here.

Hi - (Shhh means take off your cap-lock, BTW.) I love to visit the wineries, but a little one would get bored very quickly. A family mud bath in Calistoga might be a lot of fun. You will definately want to visit the redwoods. You'll never see anything like them anywhere else. Sorry I don't have any rec's for lodging. We stay at B&Bs many of which aren't likely to accept small children.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH SHOUTING? SOME OF US LIKE TO SHOUT. AND SHOUT. AND SHOUT.
I PRIDE MYSELF ON BEING THE LOUDEST MAN IN BRIGHTON. MAYBE SUSAN IS THE LOUDEST IN HER US STATE. TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR SHOUTING ABILITY SUSAN. BE SURE THE WEE ONE YOU HAVE CAN HEAR YOU FINE. YOU CAN HAVE SOME GRAND TIMES SHOUTING TOGETHER AS WEE ONES ALSO LOVE TO SHOUT.
PRAISE BE TO SHOUTING!!!!!

Of course stop in Santa Cruz and go t the boardwalk, one of the last remaining boardwalk amusement centers there is. It is a bit cheesy but so retro now, and for a little one, lots to see and do. Also, walk up on the pier and see (hear) the funny, noist sea lions underneath. Many cool, unnamed beaches to stop at from S.F. t o Carmel. BTW, don't forget the wonderful aquarium at Montery, the little one will like that, as well.

sorry for all the spelling errors. I of course meant Monterey, not Montery!

I second the motion on swinging by the redwoods. Breathtaking!

Also, are people still quoting Monty Python?
So 70s.

I know you were thinking of heading south but what about north - up the coast to Mendocino. It's a great drive and you'll see some spectacular scenery, plus Mendocino is a great little town, full of wonderful shops and restaurants. It sits atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We stayed at the Stanford inn. Of course, I'm not sure what a 3 1/2 year old will think.
As to south, Santa Cruz is nice and the pier, as pointed out, is kinda neat. There's also a neat little artsy town called Capitola just south of Santa Cruz. Pretty cool. there are a few B&Bs in and around Santa Cruz. Check out the general California websites until you find the ones for that area.

Driving from the Napa area to Carmel will take about 3 1/2 hours, depending on traffic. I agree with the above posters and recommend that you take in Santa Cruz and Monterey for the sake of your little one. In Santa Cruz, go to the pier to see the sea Lions, and to the Boardwalk to ride the carrousel and the kiddie rides. In Monterey, you must go to the aquarium, one of the best in the country. It is very busy in July, so you'll want to reserve tickets in advance to avoid a long wait in line (www.mbayaq.org). In and outside the aquarium, you can watch seals and sea otters at play.

Susan, using capital letters is considered as shouting so they are only used for indicating great emphasis. Using all caps is difficult to read even tho' it's easier to type.
Calistoga is a draw because of its wineries, mud baths, etc. If I had friends living there, I would ask them for a motel (over a hotel) in your budget range that has a pool so your little one can use up some energy. July will be very hot inland.

There's also a great playground in Monterey near the warf. I went there when I was a child and talked about it for years! And yes, it's still there, and it's been updated.

How can someone quote Monty Python, as Monty Python is an ensemble group? BTW, I must be lost in the 70's, as I've just finished listening to a heart-stirring rendition of "Eric the Half-A-Bee".

Thank you so much for the great responses!! (Sorry for the capital offense). (Pun intended)

Susan-
If you are looking for a family-friendly spot in Calistoga, you may want to try the Calistoga Hot Springs Resort. It is not fancy (by anyone's standards), but they have clean rooms with kitchenettes- a life saver if you have a kid.
As for your drive thru Carmel, you have to make an overnight stop and stay at the Tickle Pink Inn. The money you'll save in Calistoga is well spent at the Tickle Pink. It is the most amazing, magical place (you won't know it until you step foot into your room). There were guests with children. good luck

I'm totally curious about this Tickle Pink place, could you tell me more?

Be darned, there IS a Tickle Pink Inn! Four (out of five) stars in the AAA book. 2P: $259-$289 per night with a free contl bfast and a free newspaper (www.ticklepinkinn.com). Carmel Highlands. Ad in the book shows what AAA truly describes to be a "spectacular view."