Arizona and New Mexico, then make our way back home, for a huge vacation next year. I’ve never driven so far before, and am wondering if I would be getting in over my head with so much driving. How long should I take off work to do it? I do want to make stops along the way, of course, to see the sights, like Yellowstone maybe, the giant redwoods, San Francisco, etc. Anyone out there ever done something similar? How many miles per day should I expect to drive? And how much would such a trip cost? I know that would depend on what we do, etc.

Anniversary Trip In and Around Sausalito

Just 15 minutes north of San Francisco, you’ll find the charming bayside town of Sausalito to fill out your Road Trip Planner. Sausalito is picturesque with a great waterfront area. There are houseboats and flower-lined side streets, quirky stores and plenty of places to dine, most with a view of the bay. It’s also very near the Redwoods (Muir Woods, about 8 miles), a couple of beaches within 20 minutes (Muir Beach, Stinson Beach), Angel Island & Tiburon just a tad north, and of course, San Francisco about 15 minutes south.

You’ll find a broad range of hotels to suit your budget. Consider indulging yourself at the Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa (0-5/night) that’s right on the waterfront (street side) and where every room has a view of Richardson Bay. Another good option is The Inn Above Tide, which sits right over the water (5 to 25/night). Both hotels are on Bridgeway, the main street in Sausalito. If a less expensive hotel fits your budget better, add one of the following hotels to your road trip planner: Hotel Sausalito (a bit of French Riviera on the park in Sausalito) starting at 5 or one of the others in the low 0s/night range.

Sausalito attracts visitors from all over the world as evidenced by the amount of different accents you overhear as your stroll along the waterfront. And yet, Sausalito manages to retain that “hidden gem” feeling. Another standout was the number of exclamations, “Wow! Look at that skyline!” Pictures were taken in abundance, and deservedly so.

Another favorite activity to add to your road trip planner is to rent bicycles in San Francisco, then plan a full day where you ride from San Francisco, over the Golden Gate Bridge, coast into Sausalito, even venture further north into Tiburon if you’re so inclined, then take the ferry back to San Francisco from either Sausalito and Tiburon. I snapped a photo of the last ferry leaving Sausalito showing that the majority of passengers came with bikes.

Below are some examples of the things you can do in this area. Adding these to your road trip planner will give you a varied (and full) vacation!

Day 1 – Sausalito’s Waterfront: Bridgeway is the main thoroughfare but on the next street up the hill, Caledonia, you’ll find a movie theatre, an historic hardware store, antique shops, dining spots, and art galleries. Definitely worth a visit. A travel tip: You can get free wireless in and around the library. You’ll also find free wireless in a few of the coffee shops on Bridgeway.

Day 2 – Muir Woods: There are many hiking options available to experience the California Redwoods, from an easy 1/2 hour stroll to a strenuous 4.5 uphill Ocean View loop. While there, I spotted a number of bus tours that went to Muir Woods: www.SFShuttletours.com, Tower Tours, www.city-sightseeing.us.

Day 3 – Alcatraz Island: We lucked out with a docent connection who gave us a private tour so we got to experience a unique Alcatraz! He took the stairs two at a time to show us Al Capone’s cell, the Birdman’s cell and also where Clint Eastwood stayed during the filming of the movie, Escape From Alcatraz. For the public tours, the ferry takes up to 300 passengers at a time and when you arrive, the group is split into three groups of 100, each led by a docent. The ferry is located near Pier 39 so you can easily make a day of it between the Pier activities and shops and Alcatraz. A travel tip: Save $ by parking after 4 p.m.; you can even find some free parking on Bay Street (which Ts onto the Embarcadero).

Day 4 – The Lighthouse Cafe is a small dining establishment with 5 tables and 8 bar chairs. They are open from 6:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and while we were there, all the tables were kept full. There’s a saying, “When in Rome…” so I went for the Copenhagen Burger with remoulade. Tasty! Then it was off to Muir Beach for some primetime kite flying. A travel tip: Games People Play on Bridgeway in Sausalito has a large inventory of cool kites (I picked up an 18-foot frog kite but there are others that are more than 60-feet long!).

You might just need to tack on a few more days to your road trip planner because both Angel Island and Tiburon are also worth exploring while you’re in and around Sausalito.

A Better Place to Live?

Do you want to escape the long commute and the stressful life of a big city? Do you want to enjoy the gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains almost everyday of the year?

We have the perfect answer for you – Redding, CA -centrally located in the beautiful northern California, within 2 hours from Sacramento, 4 hours from San Francisco and 4 hours from Reno, NV.

Discover why this area has been called a “wonderland” for almost a century and is one of the country’s most beautiful regions.

What does Redding have too offer?

Breathtaking vistas, towering volcanoes, magnificent waterfalls, dense forests, pristine lakes, 30 miles of walking/hiking trails, 33 public parks, 2500 hotel rooms, 200 restaurants, 12 major shopping destinations, two enclosed malls, nine major shopping centers, a factory outlet center and a warm welcome!

Interested in fishing? We have the best spots all over Shasta County, just ask us and you’ll get the best fishing locations.

From mountain climbing, camping, house boating, hiking, cycling, hunting, canoeing, water rafting, caverns, skiing, snowboarding, golfing, horseback riding, when it comes to outdoor recreation Shasta has it all.

Families who crave recreation in the great outdoors, high-country scenery, and sightseeing in historic towns can spend a lifetime of vacations in the Shasta Cascade area.

Have you heard about the magnificent Sundial Bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2004? The Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Sacramento River in the heart of Redding, California.

To learn more about Redding, visit: http://www.reddingcommunity.com

Come and visit us!

Mt. Shasta – From Golf to Skiing to Spirituality

One visit to the Mt. Shasta area in California will convince you that it is truly a vacation destination that will appeal to almost anyone, from golfers to skiers, and yes, to those seeking a more spiritual path.

Mt. Shasta is home to, well… Mt. Shasta, a 14,179-foot volcano, the second-highest peak in the Cascade Range. Yeah, it’s big. And beautiful. And, some claim, home to a vortex which attracts “New Age” types. A drive down Mt. Shasta Blvd. in Mt. Shasta City reveals a vast array of spiritual shops and assorted healers. You can buy singing bowls and tuning forks, divination tools, yoga supplies, vibrational sprays and magical jewelry. You find can all types of spiritual healers, such as those offering psychic hypnotherapy, reflexology, Reiki and energy work, vibrational healing and massage. If you’re into mineral baths, you can drive a few minutes north of Mt. Shasta City to Weed, where you’ll find therapeutic mineral baths at Stewart Mineral Springs (530-938-2222).

Those of you wishing to take vortex tours are definitely in luck, as there are numerous guided tours to choose from, including Shasta Vortex Adventures, which offers Mt. Shasta Guided Tours all year round. You can choose from guided hikes, healing earth journeys, bus tours and winter outings, such as snowshoe, cross country or telemark ski outings. Call them at 530-926-4326 for more information.

For those seeking outdoor activities and adventure, Mt. Shasta does not disappoint, no matter what season in which you’re visiting. During the warmer months you can hike or visit the many lakes which dot the area, including, of course, Lake Shasta, 10 miles north of Redding, the second largest lake in California, after Lake Tahoe. Shasta Lake is a very popular destination for boating, water-skiing, camping, and fishing. They also claim to be the houseboating and wakeboarding Capital of the World. Lake Shasta is also home to the Lake Shasta Caverns, which is open all year round. In order to view the underground caverns, visitors are taken on a 15-minute catamaran cruise across Lake Shasta, where they then board a bus which carries them up a mountainside, more than 800 feet above the lake, where the caves are accessible. All this for only ; for those 3 to 15. Call 1-800-795-CAVE for more information.

If the size of Lake Shasta is too overwhelming for you, as it was for me during one visit, you might want to visit a smaller lake near Mt. Shasta City, Lake Siskiyou, a 430 acre recreational and sailing lake, which offers some of the best bass and trout fishing in Northern California. You can purchase a cheap day pass and swim, picnic or rent pedal boats, or you can rent RV or camping space, or a cabin at Lake Siskiyou Resort and Camp (1-888-926-2618). The resort is open April 1st – October 31st and is very family friendly, with a great swimming area, sandy beach, and nightly movies in an outdoor amphitheater. The lake is actually closer to Mt. Shasta than Lake Shasta, and you can swim with the beautiful snow-covered mountain looming in the backdrop.

Close to Lake Siskiyou you’ll find Mount Shasta Resort, home to a championship golf course, as well as luxurious cabins and a day spa.

Skiers will delight in skiing Mt. Shasta at the Mt. Shasta Ski Park, where you’ll find 31 trails on 425 acres of skiable terrain. Night skiing is also provided on 14 trails and 3 lifts. The terrain level of difficulty is 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, and 25% advanced. There is also a cross country ski and snowshoe center for those wishing something other than downhill skiing. And for beginners, the ski park offers ski, snowboarding and telemark lessons.

Whether you’re looking for a place to get pampered, a place to enjoy the outdoors, or a place to explore the metaphysical, Mt. Shasta does truly have it all.

We will be traveling between San Francisco and LA in February. We’d like to see the redwoods and have heard good things about both Muir Woods and Henry Cowell State Park. Does anyone have an opinion on which is better. Also we’d like to go to some hot springs – as natural as possible (not just a pool in a spa) but since we are a family with one son, one daughter and one mom they need to be coed so that we can bathe together. Any ideas for this? Thanks.

The Finest Monterey Hotels.

Monterey is among the famous tourist destination in the United States. It also features some of the finest hotels.

Monterey is one of Northern California’s beautiful coastal districts with moderate climate perfect for vacation. The natural beauty and the rich history of the place is one of the reasons why millions of tourists around the world travel all year round to witness the beauty of nature.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey Conference Center together with historical museums, beautiful gardens, shopping malls, virgin forests and a wide variety of recreational parks are the most visited places in the city.

It is an ideal place for business, leisure and family vacation. You can also find excellent accommodation with their hotels. These Monterey Peninsula Hotels offers visitors wide choices of rooms from affordable to the most luxurious accommodation depending on your budget. Bring along your friends or families to explore the magnificent view of nature and enjoy any activity of your choice.

The Monterey Bay Inn is located amidst the scenic views of Northern California. It is a perfect getaway since it is situated in a peaceful surrounding rich in marine life. The hotel is also nearby some of the attractions such as Fisherman’s Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

A complimentary breakfast is served every morning right at the guestrooms. The hotel personnel also provide tour schedules which can be arranged according to specific travel plans.

The hotel is a four storey structure with 47 guestrooms. It comes with king sized beds, comfortable beddings and sets of bathrobes. The guestrooms are also equipped with modern amenities such as cable TV, in room safe, mini bar, coffee maker, CD / DVD player, toiletries, daily housekeeping and other essentials. Hotel guests are also provided with binoculars so they could enjoy whale watching while in the comfort of their rooms.

While enjoying your stay in the hotel, you can have a lot of activities to choose from such as sailing, cycling, canoeing, scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, surfing and horse back riding.

Other hotel amenities include onsite spa, conference rooms, business center, fitness center, function rooms, complimentary newspaper, patio, massage rooms and safety deposit box at the lobby area.
Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa

This hotel and spa is a perfect choice for travelers who want to escape from the busy life of the city. The property is designed with a European perfectly located nearby sea water where cool breeze with alluring sandy beaches awaits the guests.

Guests of the hotel can enjoy different activities such as kayaking, golfing, sailing, scuba diving, canoeing and whale watching. Enjoy different attractions such as the Maritime Museum, Walk to Fisherman’s Wharf and the Old Town Monterey.

The Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa boasts its 2009 Mobil Four Star Award being given only to hotels that provides excellence in service and accommodation.

The hotel has 10 luxury suites and 290 deluxe rooms. The guestrooms are furnished with Biedermeier style furniture. It also includes the finest beddings for maximum comfort. Guestrooms are provided with amenities which include colored TV, entertainment system, hair dryer, coffee maker, and telephone with fax, mini bar, robes and refrigerator.

The hotel features a spacious spa located at the rooftop that provides guest the best revitalizing treatment. Spa services available are facial raps, massages and the exclusive Monterey Bay Salt Glo treatment. A whirlpool tub is also available and excellent for relaxation. It also features a fireplace and sun deck where dining can be served.

A fitness center equipped with modern equipments is also available for any fitness program. The in house fitness instructor is readily available to provide assistance for any exercise needs.

More Northern California Family Vacation Articles

I am looking for golf lessons. I have been interested for the last year, but whenever I start to look, it seems like I am getting nowhere. I am here for summer vacation and would like some local, cheap, quality lessons. I have never golfed before. I live in Redwood City, centrally located between San Jose and San Francisco about 25 minutes each. Anyone who could offer specific clubs, phones numbers, or emails would be appreciated.