San Francisco Bay area places to stay question

[jameshoward]

Hi all,

We're planning to spend the Summer hols in the SF bay area for the second week of a trip out west (first week doing some hiking etc).

For the second week we DON'T want to be too close to SF, but would like to be in a small coastal town a few hours north or south of that area (we'll fly back East out of SF). Plan is to do day trips with our boys (7 & 9); kayaking; some walks; see some things, etc, but mostly relax

I'd be grateful for any recommendations of small towns where we could get an air B&B for a week (hopefully with a pool, hence the realization that we'll probably want to push out of SF for cost reasons) in an area that has some good enough restaurants, etc.

All ideas welcome!

Thanks,

JH

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

JM,

I’ve always found the B&B accomudations the best, my recommendation would be to explore that avenue. In 1990 when my daughter turned 16 we took a hotel outside of SF in Walnut-Creek for 3 days and web traveled into the city using the Bay Area Rapid Transit that took us into the centre of SF. It was very handy parking the car at the Bay Area Rapid Transit train station.

Dieter

[Jonny B]

James,

How far out of town would you be looking to go?

If you don't mind a drive, Monterey offers some fabulous scenery.

[doitwright]

I trust you are familiar with sites like airbnb and VRBO? You can rent a entire house, apartment or bedroom on these sites and they include reviews from people who have stayed in them. San Francisco is where Airbnb 1st started. The founder offered an air mattress for the night when every hotel was booked due to a big convention. Now airbnb is worth a gazillion dollars.

[jameshoward]

Hi All,

Thanks for the posts. Been traveling and have only had time to get back on this now.

Jonny B - I think we're going to look more closely at Monterey. If you know of any small towns around there I'd love to hear about them. I think we'll spend a week in the area as there seems to be a lot to do with the boys.

Very grateful.

[neelyrc]

James, a couple of stops for your consideration.  The Monterey Bay Aquarium in Cannery Row is a must.  John Steinbeck was born in nearby Salinas.  There is a museum to see... including his restored 1960 GMC Pickup truck with bed mounted camper body.

[Jonny B]

Ralph is spot on about the aquarium, don't forget to check out the 17 mile drive around Carmel, absolutely stunning.

Santa Cruz is a decent place to visit also.
Big Sur (check if all the roads are open).
Further south:

San Luis Obispo
Paso Robles also very cool (lots of wineries to visit)
The Hearst castle at San Simeon (simply awesome)
Morrow Bay