Help me plan next year's vacation--NV/CA

[Mom21]

Unfortunately no Mickey again next year. I am trying to find things to do and see and places to stay. It will be me, hubby, 10yo dd, and 14yo ss.
Here is where we are going:
Fly into Reno
Spend a night or 2 at Lake tahoe (preferably northside)--any nice hotels?
Travel to Lake Almanor--spend 3 nights with MIL--please give me some ideas of things to do here. Wouldn't want to spend all day on the couch staring at each other.
On to San Francisco-only 2 nights and 1 and 1/2 days here to see SIL--been to the wharf too many times already....what else to do?
Down Pacific Coast Highway--want to find something to see and somewhere to stay along the way for 1 night--hubby wants to see Hearst Castle---sure the kids and I will be bored stiff......
San Diego--2 nights and 1 and 1/2 days here only also to see other SIL--been to the zoo already.
Off to Vegas---woohoo for 3 nights. Will see FIL but want to stay at a hotel. I think there is one with a lazy river. Yes I will be one of those horrible parents with kids in Vegas Oh well won't be the first time I've won worst parent of the year.

So any ideas on things to see and places to stay from those that live there or have visited? Thanks

 

[noodleknitter]

Hearst Castle is awesome. My kids loved it and so did I. I could go to the SanDiego zoo a hundred times, and never get bored, but it seems you want to see it that way. You could always go to the nude beach and watch the hang-gliders and RC airplanes fly above.

Laguna Beach is a great artist community (good festivals mid-summer). Lots to see, and a nice beach. Dana Point is a lovely place to explore.

 

[megandbrandon]

In San Francisco you should check out the Muir Woods, I think your kids would think it was really cool and it is amazing to see these enormous trees. It is absolutely beautiful and I went when I was younger and loved it. Also, if you haven't done Alcatrez yet, do it! My family went when I was in high school and I thought I was going to hate it, but I really enjoyed it. They give you earphones and something you carry so the tour is guided by you, not a person.

Not as sure about what to do in San Diego, but maybe your kids would enjoy a day at the beach that includes surf lessons. It would be a lot of fun and you adults can just have a relaxing day on the beach.

Hope you all enjoy your trip!

 

[disykat]

We're going to many of the same places you are this year and can't wait! It's always funny to me to see what some people like and others hate on this board. (For example, I didn't enjoy Williamsburg at all, but I see others here who rave about it.) I hope you find something to be excited about on your trip!

 

[Sherri]

Unfortunately no Mickey again next year. I am trying to find things to do and see and places to stay. It will be me, hubby, 10yo dd, and 14yo ss.
Here is where we are going:
Fly into Reno
Spend a night or 2 at Lake tahoe (preferably northside)--any nice hotels?
Travel to Lake Almanor--spend 3 nights with MIL--please give me some ideas of things to do here. Wouldn't want to spend all day on the couch staring at each other.
On to San Francisco-only 2 nights and 1 and 1/2 days here to see SIL--been to the wharf too many times already....what else to do?
Down Pacific Coast Highway--want to find something to see and somewhere to stay along the way for 1 night--hubby wants to see Hearst Castle---sure the kids and I will be bored stiff......
San Diego--2 nights and 1 and 1/2 days here only also to see other SIL--been to the zoo already.
Off to Vegas---woohoo for 3 nights. Will see FIL but want to stay at a hotel. I think there is one with a lazy river. Yes I will be one of those horrible parents with kids in Vegas Oh well won't be the first time I've won worst parent of the year.

So any ideas on things to see and places to stay from those that live there or have visited? Thanks

We to are doing the CA and NV thing this summer with the kids.
We will end in Vegas at the Flamingo. It has a nice kid friendly pool and is in a good location (right in the middle of the strip).
When you are in San Fransisco, are you going to Salsilito? I heard that is supposed to be beautiful. I would also do the Alcatraz tour, the kids might get a kick out of that.