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Last Minute Summer Getaways for Monterey Bay Families

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | August 6, 2017

Haven’t had time to fit in that summer vacation? Here are some quick and relatively affordable getaways to help you make some family memories.

Yosemite National Park

The Yosemite Valley is on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, about 150 miles from the Monterey Bay. It is easily accessible by car, especially in the summer months.

Where to Stay: The Ahwahnee Hotel is a world-renowned, four-diamond hotel, complete with fine dining, exciting entertainment, and excellent lodging. Not in the budget? Why not take a stroll through the public spots, browse the gift shop or grab some food at one of the restaurants. Yosemite Lodge at the Fall offers amenities like family rooms complete with private patios, refrigerators and bike rentals.

Things to do: Hiking: There are miles of the valley to explore, but the most kid-friendly paths are near the bottom. Try the Sentinel Meadow Loop for amazing views of Half Dome reflected in the Merced River. A 2.25-mile walk, suitable for strollers and offering lots of bathrooms, looking for a more of a challenge with a gorgeous view? The Bridal Veil Falls hike may only be a half mile out and back and stroller accessible, but it is a little steep. The payoff is that the waterfall runs year round, unlike many others which dry out in mid to late summer months.

Kids ages 3-13 can sign up to earn a Little Cub or Junior Ranger badge at any time during the year. Grab a booklet from various designated locations, complete the tasks and attend cool events just for being part of the program, like naturalist-led walks and campfires sessions. The whole family can join in for the Great Yosemite Family Adventure and explore the park with GPS to solve puzzles and riddles.

Cambria

About 90 miles away from the Monterey Bay area, Cambria is a relaxing place to enjoy with your family.

Where to stay: The Fogcatcher Inn, which is right across from the street from Moonstone Beach and the boardwalk. The hotel has complimentary breakfast and a pool.

Things to do: Moonstone Beach. Bring binoculars to the beach to look for seals and other sea animals. Another popular activity on Moonstone Beach is looking for sea glass and moonstones.

Hearst Castle. Tour Number One is recommended if you have small children as it moves along at a nice pace and includes inside and outside venues. The ride up to the castle is an adventure in itself. Eat lunch across the street at the General Store–it’s popular and casual.

Elephant Seals at Piedras Blancas: The best times to visit the rookery are at the end of January, April, and October, but visitors are welcome all year long, and docents are available to provide information.

San Francisco

Only a two-hour drive from the Monterey Bay area and you are in San Francisco. It can be done as a day trip but a little more relaxing if you stay the night.

Where to stay: Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf. The family appeal of this stylish 313-room Hyatt is simple: It’s just two blocks from the kid-friendly fun of Fisherman’s Wharf, it has a heated pool (and Jacuzzi), and families can sleep comfortably in rooms with two double beds.

What to do: Alcatraz The boat ride over is half the fun. Once onto the Rock, if you’re lucky, one of the wardens, or even a former prisoner, might be there to greet your boat. Watch a quick movie about the place, and then get your audio tour. Step into a real cell and grab the bars for a photo op. Check out solitary confinement. Look at the dummy masks that three escapees left in their beds to fool the guards. When you feel like leaving, take the ferry back to Pier 33.

Powell–Hyde Cable Car to Nob Hill Take a cling-clang over the hills; kids of all ages really can’t get enough of it. Stay on long enough, and the spot they’ve been dying to sit or stand in is sure to open up.

Koret Children’s Square, 320 Bowling Green Drive, Golden Gate Park. With a concrete slide (you ride down on cardboard), carousel, play structures and large grassy areas, you don’t want to miss this place.

Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa is located in the heart of the Sonoma County wine country and is the perfect getaway for nature and art lovers.

Where to Stay: Flamingo Conference Resort and Spa: Relax at the Flamingo Conference Resort and Spa, located a short drive away from the towns of Healdsburg, Sonoma, Calistoga, and St. Helena. It’s the perfect location for day trips to the Pacific Ocean, the Russian River, and Armstrong Redwood Grove. Access to the Montecito Health and Racket Club and spa is available for a daily fee. Amenities there include five tennis courts, a lap pool, cycling and warm yoga classes, and spa treatments.

What to do: Safari West: Who knew the plains of Africa existed in California nestled amongst the vineyards? Experience an African Safari ride at Safari West, where animals roam free on a Wildlife Preserve. Safari West is not a zoo or a theme park. It’s a chance encounter with cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and numerous other animals of the savannah. Reserve a day tour or stay overnight in one of their luxury tents or cottages.

Charles M. Schultz Museum and Snoopy Ice Arena: When the heat escalates, cool your heels at the Snoopy Ice Arena. During certain skate times, chairs are available for the novice skaters to assist with balance and help boost confidence on the ice. When it’s time to rest, walk over to the Charles M. Schulz Museum and learn about the creator of Snoopy and the beloved Peanuts characters.

Jennifer Hickerson was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. She moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1994. As a mother of 4 children ranging in age from 18 – 7, she has enjoyed most of the activities that Monterey County has to offer and loves to share her knowledge with others. In her off time she loves to cook and is an award-winning baker.

A “Beat” Tour of San Francisco

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | March 23, 2017

I’ve always fancied myself as a bit of a hippie–a huge fan of the music, writing, and art of the 60’s and early 70’s. As a result of that fascination, I went back a little further, reading Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” and some of the poems of Allen Ginsburg. That got me started on an interest in the “Beat Generation.” My daughter, who lives in San Francisco, knowing my interest, planned a “Beat” tour of the city as a Mother’s Day gift for me.

A little background: The Beat Generation authors are generally thought to include William S. Burroughs, Lucien Carr, Allen Ginsburg, Herbert Huncke and Jack Kerouac. The men met in NYC in 1944 and later most of the group ended up in San Francisco where they became associated with the San Francisco Renaissance.

Kerouac was the one who introduced the phrase “Beat Generation” to describe the underground youth movement in NYC that quickly spread across the country and was the precursor to the hippie movement of the 60’s. Herb Caen of the San Francisco Chronicle originated the term “beatnik.”

Most of the highlights of a Beat tour of the city are in North Beach. Start your tour at Jack Kerouac Alley which runs along the south side of City Lights Bookstore (your next stop) and connects North Beach with Chinatown. You’ll find plaques, tiles, and signs along the very short street.

Go around the corner to 261 Columbus Avenue and you’ll find the iconic City Lights Bookstore. City Lights was founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Ferlinghetti is known for defending Ginsburg against obscenity charges after publishing Ginsburg’s controversial book “Howl.”

City Lights is compact, crammed with books (and patrons), and feels a bit holy. Be sure to go upstairs. It’s now the poetry room and the place where readings and signings are held.

Next up, The Beat Museum. Located at 540 Broadway, the museum was founded in 2006 by Jerry Cimino, a Beat enthusiast. You’ll find a wide range of Beat-related memorabilia and photographs including an “On the Road” exhibit. The day I was there, my daughter and I were the only ones in the museum for most of our stay. We wandered freely through the exhibits for about two hours before spending some time in the gift shop. The shop has a nice collection of Beat literature, awesome pins that make great souvenirs, and an unexpected and wide-ranging collection of records for sale.

After the museum, it’s time for people watching and a drink at the Vesuvio Cafe. Vesuvio is right across the street from City Lights at 255 Columbus Avenue. According to the cafe’s website, the iconic bar is a “historical monument to jazz, poetry, art and the good life of the Beat Generation.” Order a “Swinging Beat,” a delicious combination of vodka, fresh lime, pomegranate and Cointreau and then sit back and take in the atmosphere.

A Beat tour of San Francisco is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Make sure you pick up a copy of “On the Road” or another of the Beat writers’ books at either City Lights or the Beat Museum to keep the vibe going after you get home!

For additional information:

City Lights Bookstore

Vesuvio Cafe

Beat Museum

Beat Walking Tours of SF

A Wine Weekend in Healdsburg, Sonoma County

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | February 10, 2017

Healdsburg in Sonoma County offers everything you need for an awesome adult getaway. If you can sneak away early on a Friday afternoon, you may be able to avoid the worst of the 101 traffic.

There are several excellent boutique hotels in Healdsburg but if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll also find a Best Western and Travelodge that are reasonably priced. Once you arrive in Healdsburg Friday evening, check in, drop your bag, and head out for wine and dinner. If you stick to the Healdsburg Plaza, you won’t need your car.

There are a variety of tasting rooms situated around the Plaza. You can find suggestions at http://business.healdsburg.com/list/ql/wineries-tasting-rooms-26. You can enjoy a leisurely walk around the Plaza and a glass of wine or two before dinner. The Plaza is home to a variety of shops that make souvenir shopping really enjoyable.

For dinner, you’ll find delicious options that range from casual and inexpensive to well-known restaurants that boast Michelin stars. Again, research your options ahead of time and make reservations for anything beyond the very casual. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, walk around until you find a spot that seems like a good choice. You really can’t go wrong.

Saturday is all about vineyards and scenery. Depending on the time of year, you can usually find rolling hills filled with seasonal color. Even if you will be doing a wine tour later, consider taking a drive on your own in the morning. Just follow Alexander Valley Road and you’ll find plenty of beautiful scenery at every turn that is Instagram-worthy.

Make a stop at Dry Creek General Store a priority during your drive. The breakfast burrito is delicious and their sandwiches are legendary. Grab a cold drink or cup of coffee and eat on the porch or at the communal table inside. Dry Creek General Store also has unique gift and household items. The last time I was in, I found an old silverplate tray for $20 that now sits on my dresser. Don’t leave without checking out the bar adjacent to the store, even if it’s closed, it’s a great setting for photos. http://www.drycreekgeneralstore1881.com

In the afternoon, pick out a few wineries for tastings. If you’re interested in a tour and want a splurge, consider Healdsburg Wine Tours. You’ll have your own knowledgeable driver and guide and the tours are tailored to each client. http://www.healdsburgwinetours.com/healdsburg-wine-tours-rates/

Or, you can do a walking tour with Wine Country Walking Tours. The 4-hour tour includes stops at 3 tasting rooms plus 3-4 other stops including a tea room and bakery. The tour is $89 per person and begins at 11:00 a.m. https://winecountrywalkingtours.com/tours/healdsburg-wine-and-gourmet-lovers-tour/

On Sunday, sleep in and then head to The Parish Cafe for brunch. Breakfast is served all day and you can enjoy beignets and coffee while you wait for your meal. http://www.theparishcafe.com

Whatever your agenda, a weekend in Healdsburg is an adult-only getaway that you’ll love anytime during the year.