San Diego up to San Francisco...what to see?

Traveling for the first time to CA in late June. I will be with husband two girls 15 %26amp; 12. What do you suggest for ';must see'; stops along the way and where to spend a night or two? I will research past posting to see what I can find....but all suggestions welcome.

I also wanted to know if anyone has been in SF during the gay pride parade weekend? It looks like it might be near the time we will be there, it is over the weekend but I don%26#39;t know if it is is really a week long type of event? I might change our plans as it might be far to crowded. any thoughts?

Thanks,

KD

San Diego up to San Francisco...what to see?

How many days/nights are you planning for this trip?

San Diego has Sea World, The San Diego Zoo, etc.

Anaheim: Disneyland!!!

Santa Barbara: California Riviera

Pismo Beach: Family friendly beach town

Cambria/San Simeon: Hearst Castle/Elephant Seal Rookery

Big Sur: Some of California%26#39;s most spectacular and dramatic coastline

Carmel/Pacific Grove/Monterey: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Carmel Mission, 17 Mile Drive, Point Lobos State Reserve

Santa Cruz: One of California%26#39;s surf cities, the boardwalk amusement park, Henry Cowell Redwoods

San Diego up to San Francisco...what to see?

You might want to stop in Solvang, near Santa Barbara, for 2-3 hours. It%26#39;s supposed to be a Danish Village, and it%26#39;s very touristy/schlocky, but it%26#39;s a fun place to walk around.

There%26#39;s no reason to avoid SF during gay pride week. The parade used to be a big deal, but it doesn%26#39;t seem to be anymore.

Gay pride week does draw a fair number of people; in general, I have found it to be still fun to be in San Francisco. as far as crowds it generally impacts just the week-end and specifically the parade;this year it will be June 28th Sunday.

http://www.sfpride.org/

In general however, its just as busy as any other summer weekend in San Francisco. By then tourist season generally is getting to its peak (lots of people come June 28 - July 4th time frame as people take time off due to the 4th of July holiday.

Will you still have fun? Yes. The key thing is to book lodging and events in advance especially if you plan to go to Alcatraz, etc.

Thank you very much. We plan on 9-10 days. Not amusement park people but will do the zoo and animal park. (maybe sea world)

I will continue to read past posts to research hotels.. we will be looking to stay on the beach...nothing fussy for hotels, husband travels for work, all shorts and flip flops while on vacation..suits stay home!

3 days in San Diego ? how many days up coast? then 3 days in SanFran.

Any thoughts on the San Diego go card?

Thank you.

east coast to west...

San Diego is a very informal city so no need to dress up anywhere in town at any hotel. The San Diego Go Card is a good value IF you go to many of the attractions that it offers.

What is your price range for hotel?

We have several different beaches ,each with slightly different personalities. Most of the beachfront properties are older hotels and summer is of course high season for prices.

Thanks Riffsmom,

I guess we would spend under 225. per night since we will be traveling 9 nights. We are not big party people, a family type beach will do just fine.

Thanks,

Kd aka murphysmom

No one mentioned the town of Solvang, California

http://www.solvangca.com/

It%26#39;s a unique little Danish town which might provide a diversion and a stop to look around.

Hey, I mentioned Solvang!

onionhead, Do you need a suite for your family or is sharing a queen sized bed in the same room with your husband and yourself OK for the kids?

Beachfront hotels so far seem over your budget unless you stay at some of the basic motels.

As I said ,summer gets expensive.

I haven%26#39;t checked all the possibilities yet but thought I%26#39;d ask you to be more specific about what is OK before I spend time looking.

Also, what are your exact dates if you know?

If you decide to stay in the Pismo Beach area I recommend a stay at Pismo Lighthouse Suites. The rooms are HUGE and have 2 bathrooms. The property sits on a bluff overlooking the ocean and there%26#39;s a pool for the kids, also overlooking the ocean. I strongly suggest getting a room on the second floor to avoid any noise from guests staying above you.

In the Monterey area I have 2 recommendations:

The Monterey Beach Resort, which is the only hotel in Monterey that is directly on the beach. A swimming pool is also on this property, along with a restaurant.

The Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove is my other recommendation for the Monterey area. Asilomar is located in a wooded area across the street from beautiful Asilomar Beach. No pool, no phone, no T.V., but a lovely property to rest after a long drive up the coast.

high school next year