Planning a vacation in San Fransisco area, suggestions?

[89911]

Planning to spend a week to ten days in August in San Francisco area. Taking my wife and family (kids 6,8, and 13) and tenatively planing a trip hitting San Fran area, down the coast a bit, over to Yosemite, up to Tahoe, over to Sonoma and back down to San Fran. I've been out before, but had little free time other then evenings. Any suggestions along the way? None "touristy" suggestions welcome. After going to the Eastern beaches for the past 15 years in a row, we are looking for more adventure. Last January, I took them to the Grand Canyon and they loved it. I'd figure I would get a few suggestions before planning an itenary. Thanks

[rhk109]

I did a very similar vacation last fall. Definitely check out Yosemite. That was the highlight of our trip. I'd also recommend driving down to the Monterey/Carmel/Big Sir area.

[jyl]

Suggest you spend a couple days in Monterey during the Monterey Historics. Will need to arrange accomodation now. Wife and kids can spend a day at the aquarium while you go to the races, if they are not interested in cars.

[Steve Carlton]

Check "Cali Pelicans" thread...

[stevepaa]

That little roundabout tour is what I use to give all my east coast relatives when they came out here. In Yosemite be sure to go up top near Crane Flat and then walk down the road to the big Sequoias, take some water bottles and camera. Then drive past Tuolomme Meadows and then over the summit and down to Mono Lake. Then up 395 to Carson City. You will enjoy it
http://www.tahoetrips.com/hiking_yosemite.html

[Drago]

If your going to be in Monterey set aside an afternoon to check out the Aquarium there. It is touristy but still well worth it. Sea kayaking in the Bay is fun too.

[89911]

Originally posted by stevepaa
That little roundabout tour is what I use to give all my east coast relatives when they came out here. In Yosemite be sure to go up top near Crane Flat and then walk down the road to the big Sequoias, take some water bottles and camera. Then drive past Tuolomme Meadows and then over the summit and down to Mono Lake. Then up 395 to Carson City. You will enjoy it
http://www.tahoetrips.com/hiking_yosemite.html

Thanks. Hiking is going to be at a minimum. Why do kids run around all day, but when asked to walk a short distance, they suddenly have the energy of an 80 year old.

[CamB]

I went with my wife to the Exploratorium a few weeks ago - it would definitely appeal to kids on a rainy day (and to us semi-grown ups). Wouldn't bother if it was nice weather though.

[tabs]

My Advice....DON"T GO!

Yosemite is going to be crowded....alternatives are Lassen Volcanic Park, Kings Canyon/Sequoia or Redwood Parks...Route 1 up through Fort Bragg is really a nice coast drive in many ways equal to Monterey and Carmel... There is alot of beautiful territory in CA that is off the beaten path...you just have to think out of the box...for instance following Route 49 which is the Gold Rush Highway...