With low-cost airlines serving San Francisco and Oakland, northern California has several options for top-value family getaways within a short drive of either airport that feel like deluxe vacations.
Visiting the San Francisco Bay Area on business and need a relaxing weekend nearby? We’ve explored the San Mateo and Marin Counties, plus Carmel, Monterrey, Pt. Reyes, and Sacramento to find places where your family can afford two nights at a nice hotel without busting your vacation budget.
All around the northern part of California, there are fresh sightseeing, entertainment and lodging options that won’t completely empty your pockets, so read on!
San Mateo County, California Weekend Getaway
Including varied attractions such as Redwood City and Palo Alto, San Mateo County is south of the airport between San Francisco and San Jose. Hotel prices are cheaper than in the city, especially on weekends, and many fine museums, farms and small sights will keep the kids busy.
Get your bearings in the San Mateo County History Museum (2200 Broadway, Redwood City 94043; 650/299-0104), an interactive museum that is really kid-friendly. Housed in the former county courthouse, this impressive structure is on the National Historic Register of Historic Places and its exquisite stained-glass dome is thought to be the largest in a Pacific Coast public building. Exhibits include Nature’s Bounty exploring how early people used natural resources for day to day life and build San Francisco, and ;Journey to Work exhibit on how transportation transformed the county from a frontier into a suburb, an exhibition on the Immigrant Experience in San Mateo County. Keep an eye out for Ships of the World, a remarkable exhibit of over 20 meticulously crafted model ships created by a local ship enthusiast.
Don’t miss the Hiller Museum of Aviation (601 Skyway Road, San Carlos 94070; 650/654-0200). The museum more than 40 aircraft, exhibits, and interactive displays. It also showcases an extraordinary collection of “flying machines” beginning with an Avitor (the first controlled power unmanned aeroplane) dating from 1869, before the Wright Brothers ever dreamed of flying, to experimental robotic Blended Wing aircrafts. In fact, the museum is dedicated to “dreams of flight: past, present and future” with a focus on unique technological innovations and innovators.
The expansive Main Gallery is the heart of the facility, and several of the vehicles on display were designed and built by Stanley Hiller, Jr. who began his career as an entrepreneur at age 18 with the Hiller XH-44 “Hiller-Copter.” Other highlights of the collection include gliders dating from the early 1900s; an Aerocycloid (a cycle-like vehicle that attempted vertical lift) built in 1908; biplanes, wind tunnels; the Little Looper (the first American plane used for aerobatics) dating from 1914; a rotocycle and Hiller’s “Flying Platform,” among other antique crafts.
Some more contemporary pieces include the 1969 Lockheed Quiet Star, an early example of stealth technology and the 1988 super-secret Boeing Condor, a robotic flying aircraft. Exhibits on the future of aviation include information on “hypersoar” planes that will travel beyond the atmosphere into space at hypersonic speed, conserving fuel and decreasing flight delays. Sounds like an innovative idea, especially for all those stressed-out frequent fliers.
It’s worth stopping at the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia (214 California Drive, Burlingame 94010; 650/347-2301). This is the only place in the world where you can see over 500 Pez dispensers that have been produced since 1952 and the World’s Largest Pez Dispenser. Share your memories of these with your kids, and also introduce them to many of your favorite playthings including Mr. Potato Head, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, View-Masters and Erector Sets on view at the adjacent Classic Toy Museum.
Discover a wide variety of lodging in the area. We stayed at the appropriately named Bay Landing Hotel (1550 Bayshore Highway, Burlingame 94010; 650/259-9000) which is a short van ride from the airport. A paved walkway around the grounds offers great views of the water and of the airport activity. The rooms are very comfortable and come equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, as well as complimentary high-speed internet access. There is an on-site fitness center, and the plentiful complimentary buffet breakfast can be eaten in the dining area, or outside on a lovely terrace overlooking the bay. Rates for a family of four are $149/N for a room and $249/N for a suite depending on the season and promotion.
Other nearby hotels include the San Francisco Airport Marriott in Burlingame, the Sofitel San Francisco Bay in Redwood City, and the Four Seasons Palo Alto. The latter houses the very elegant Quattro Restaurant, a romantic spot for a date if you arrange for a babysitter.
Learn more in FTF’s Guide to San Mateo County. For more information on activities, restaurants and lodging, including pet-friendly hotels, parks, restaurants, beaches and nature trails, log on to www.VisitSanMateoCounty.com.
Carmel & Monterey Peninsula, California Weekend Getaway
Located south of Santa Cruz, this peninsula is one of the most beautiful, family-friendly regions in northern California, where fall and spring bring the lowest rates. Go on a picnic with seals and otters at the Seal Rock Picnic Center (17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach 93953), ride a paddle boat at the Dennis the Menace Playground (Pearl Street, Monterey 93940) or leave on a whale-watching cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf (Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 93940).
While you’re there, you can also stop by the Point Pinos Lighthouse (Asilomar Avenue, Pacific Grove 93950) to learn how lighthouses are kept. For activities away from the water, you can visit the interactive M.Y. Museum (425 Washington Street, Monterey 93940; 831/649-6444) for children or go horseback riding in Carmel Valley.
The kids will love the refurbished Monterey Bay Aquarium (886 Cannery Row, Monterey 93940; 831/648-4800) featuring 200 galleries and over 35,000 animals. The aquarium celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2014, and in recent years was voted the #1 aquarium for kids in the U.S. by Parents Magazine. Here your kids can touch various animals (all safe to be handled) at the Touch Pool and explore the “Splash Zone,” the first-ever children’s museum inside an aquarium. Other special exhibits open regularly and feature particular species — such as sharks — or habitats.
For more out-doorsy types with easygoing hikes and breathtaking view, Point Lobos State Reserve (Route 1, Carmel 93923; 831/624-4909), is located within a short driving distance. Golf and tennis buffs in your group will enjoy a drive inland through upscale Carmel Valley. This Old World town has absolutely no traffic lights, but boasts a world-class Bach Festival each summer.
The Four Sisters Inns operates two affordable and lovely B&Bs in the Monterey area. The Green Gables Inn (301 Ocean View Boulevard, Pacific Grove 93950; 800/722-1774), which claims to be California’s most famous inn, offers rooms with a view of the bay, a king bed, pullout sofa, and a futon mat on the floor. It was recently voted as one of the “Top 50 Small Hotels in the US” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler. There’s also the cozy Gosby House Inn, which is more for romantic getaways. Another option is The Hotel Carmel (Corner of 4th & San Carlos Street Carmel 93921; 855/622-7635) with rooms beginning at around $200/night. Amenities include fireplaces in some rooms, flat screen TVs, heated swimming pool and Continental breakfast delivered with the newspaper to your door.
Traveling with multiple generations? FTF’s North Coast Reunion: Carmel & Monterrey outlines the region’s attractions in detail. For further information log on to Monterey Peninsula Visitors and Convention Bureau (888/221-1010) and the Carmel Chamber of Commerce.
Point Reyes, California Weekend Getaway
At Pt. Reyes (1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station 94956; 415/464-5100), hike along beautifully maintained trails, go whale watching, see wild elk, play on the beach, horseback ride, and visit the many quaint little towns nearby. Pt. Reyes receives lots of visitors from the Bay Area, and it is no wonder why.
Its proximity, wealth of free outdoor activities, great restaurants, and affordability make it the perfect candidate for a weekend getaway. It wasn’t the setting for the popular film Sideways, but the caliber of fine dining and wining in this area will startle and delight parents. Best yet, it’s such a casual place that kids are welcomed to participate at many of the best restaurants.
At Hostelling International-Pt. Reyes (1390 Limantour Spit Road, Point Reyes 94956; 415/663-8811), a family room sleeping five is available for a minimal cost. This youth hostel is located in the center of the park, so families can hike right out the front door. Families looking for more service can contact Point Reyes Lodging (800/539-1872) for B&B’s in the walkable hamlet of Pt. Reyes Station or neighboring towns. Family oriented cottages have a price range of $165 to over $300/N. Prices vary between different seasons.
For an in-depth look at the region, check out FTF’s Guide to Pt. Reyes National Park, California.
Marin County, California Weekend Getaway
Another beautiful — nearby but less expensive — location is San Rafael, where you can stay at the newly renovated Four Points Sheraton (1010 Northgate Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903; 866/716-8126). It offers a good base for San Francisco city sightseeing, and an affordable alternative for families. This hotel is situated in the center of the city, near San Francisco and attractions such as the Civic Center designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Mission San Rafael Archangel. As a guest you can enjoy the amenities offered, which include babysitting services, a pool, rooms featuring 32-inch LCD HD televisions, bathrooms with granite topped sinks, and laundromat and dry cleaning services. The hotel is also home to the new restaurant Marin Steak & Spirits Company, where guests can dine inside or outside, depending on the weather. Check out their rates starting around $150/N. They have special offers as well, including discounts for AARP and AAA members.
An FTF Blogger reports on his family visit to San Marin, California here. To find out more about the attractions and accommodations in Marin County visit the Visitors Bureau.
Sacramento, California Weekend Getaway
The state capital of Sacramento is especially fun for families traveling with infants and toddlers, as reported by busy grandparents Mel and Ronnie Greenberg in FTF’s Guide to Sacramento, California.
Year round, families can visit the Governor’s Mansion (1526 H Street, Sacramento 95814; 916/808-7000), the impressive California State Railroad Museum (Second and I Streets, Sacramento 95814;916/445-6645), the Crocker Art Museum (216 O Street, Sacramento 95814; 916/264-5423), and the Aerospace Museum of California (3200 Freedom Park Drive, McClellan 95652; 916/643-3192). Sacramento is also known for its many professional and semi-professional theater groups and arts presentations.
What about the Gold Rush? It’s been over 150 years since fortune hunters came in search of the elusive metal, but with few reminders of this storied past, the city offers savvy travelers its Sacramento Gold Card. Exclusively for registered hotel guests, the free discount card uses smart card technology to provide special offers at dozens of participating restaurants (including the Hard Rock Cafe), attractions (like the Railroad Museum) and retailers (such as the Westfield Shoppingtown Mall).
For a great hotel to check into, try the Best Western Sutter House (1100 H Street, Sacramento 95814; 800/780-7234, 916-441-1314), convenient to sightseeing at Sutter’s Fort and the Governors Mansion. This AAA-three-diamond-rated hotel offers a double with two queen beds, free breakfast, a pool, and Internet access, with rates from $132/N depending on the season. Kids 17 and under stay free.
Annually from mid-August to early September, the town goes all out for Cal Expo (1600 Exposition Boulevard, Sacramento 95815 916/263-FAIR), the California State Fair and the state’s biggest dining and entertainment bargain. Major artists, nightly performances, fabulous cooking, lots of 4H shows, what more could a family need? Check out the Sacramento C&VB site for more information.
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People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
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Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
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2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
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This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
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The blog shared is interesting to read. Got some useful information of Chicago which will be really helpful before planning a trip to this place. Thanks for sharing this!
Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
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Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
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Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
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Chicago is a famous place that has many impressive landscapes.
Most visitors like traveling there.
I am always looking online for tips that can facilitate me. Thx!
helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
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I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
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Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.