We are flying to San Francisco in August with plans to head north to Sonoma and then Mendocino. Does anyone have any recommendations for things to do/see and places to stay with a LO? We don't plan on staying in San Fran as we've done that several times. Thanks, Bees!
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No CA bees?
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@travellingbee: Maybe they'll be on in another hour or two! I loved Mendocino as a kid. And this is off your path a bit but I've always loved the Point Reyes area!
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@spaniellove: where is that?
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How about Glass Beach? It's pretty iconic. Most of the area is made up of foggy, sleepy beach towns. It's beautiful but not a ton to actually do.
Oh and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a must-see.
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Walks on beaches and gardens sounds like a good time for my toddler. He loves running around.
I heard about a place called Traintown in Sonoma... Worth going to?
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We were just in Sonoma last weekend. Didn't take 2yo LO but were with a couple who had one. Sonoma Square is an awesome place to walk around, shop, and take breaks in the square that has a really nice park and play structure.
Also recommend doing a vrbo-type place if you can. We shared a house with some other couples, and having the kitchen and pool were great.
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@KayKay: we were thinking about doing that. What town did you rent in? Were the beds comfy?
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@travellingbee we were in Sonoma, a little ways north of town. We also spent an afternoon in Santa Rosa, and that's big enough that I'm sure there would be stuff to do with kids. It's close-ish.
Thinking....I really wanted to get to Muir Woods and Stinson Beach, both of which would be easy to do on your way to or from SF and probably fun with kids. We were there for a wedding and just didn't have enough time!
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@travellingbee oh, and the beds were reasonably comfy and even had a pnp.
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@KayKay: we'd be going with my parents so that sounds like a good idea... Do you have a link to where you stayed?!
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If you do make a stop in Santa Rosa, spend an afternoon in Howarth Park. Carousel, pony rides, splash pad, lake, and lots of room to run around or have a picnic.
We spent a few nights at the Shoreline Cottages, right on the edge of Mendocino, in Fort Bragg. Really great experience, and affordable prices.
Ride the Skunk Train through the redwoods, in Mendocino!
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@deerylou: perfect! Thank you!!
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The discovery museum in Sausalito is AWESOME for kids. I heard Sonoma has a new children's museum that is good, but I've never been. The main square in Sonoma has a good playground, a pond with ducks, and lots of grass. I also heard there is a good pool up that way that has a daily entrance deal. I'll link when I get home.
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@deerylou: Is Santa Rosa nice in general? We found a condo rental there that looks nice but didn't know if Santa Rosa would make a good home base for a few days...
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I've stayed at the silverado before and it'd be good with kids-- all the rooms have little kitchens and there's a pool
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@travellingbee: In general, Santa Rosa is nice, yes! I think if I had a preference, I'd choose Healdsburg as my home base, in wine country. It's my favorite.
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we stayed at the petaluma KOA in an RV and then drove and rode bikes around sonoma downtown. there is a big park to play and then cute shops around the square. we went wine tasting and people were happy to see our little 1 year old.
have fun! it's beautiful!
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Thanks everyone for the input. If you think of anything else, let me know!
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@travellingbee: If you're going to be spending time in Sonoma I think Traintown would be a fun stop. I haven't been since I was a kid but I see lots of pics on my FB feed from friends.
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Muir Woods is a must. It's pretty kid friendly.
Not sure if you are interesting factory tours but the jelly bean factory in fairwoods (I think) is pretty fun for kids too. -
Mrs Grossman's sticker factory is pretty cool. And Santa Rosa is where the Peanuts guy is from. So there is a peanuts park and I believe something in the mall there.
I second the Skunk Train north for fun. And the beaches.
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@Raindrop: Are you thinking of the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield? If so, it's between SF and Sacramento, so out of the way for this trip.
I don't have LOs yet, but we love Healdsburg for wine tasting. And the Russian River area in general is beautiful. There's also the Charles Schueltz (Peanuts) museum in Santa Rosa -- but I haven't been. Bodega Bay and Tomales Bay are also great areas on the coast. You can do picnics and get fresh oysters at a couple places in Tomales Bay and let the kiddos play out there.
Have fun!
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This sounds fabulous, ladies! Thanks so much for the suggestions! I think we decided on renting a house in Healdsburg for 3 nights and staying at Shoreline cottages near Mendo for 4. I am excited about all of these options for activites! Y'all are awesome! I can't wait to do some relaxing in Cali!!
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@NorCalWayfarer: oh fairfield. Yes there. Good for the clarification. I haven't been there in forever but it was fun when I did go, sorry I had no idea how out of the way it was... I just knew it was northish.
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@travellingbee: I think you said you were planning on skipping SF entirely, but if you are going to spend any time there just be aware the summers in SF can be COLD so bring layers. August in Healdsburg will be warm/hot and Mendo will be cool, so layers are probably smart. People tend to forget how much the temperature varies around here
In case you need restaurant recs in Healdsburg.... check out Willi's (Wine Bar is in Santa Rosa, Seafood is in Healdsburg), Matteo's Cocina Latina, Spoonbar is a cool little open air bar on the square, Bear Republic Brewery, oh and they have an Oakville Grocery now in Healdsburg too (great sandwiches, you can take to go and eat at the park or at the winery)
Have fun! You're making me want to take a trip up there
I heard about a place called Traintown in Sonoma... Worth going to?
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