1, 2, 3, and 4 Wheel have all ventured to Cali before. Back in 2012, we flew to San Diego for a 1 Wheel work conference. We stayed at the Del and went to Sea World and the Zoo. It was beautiful, but honestly, we didn't see much of California. In planning the next trip, we wanted to get the most out our trek to the west coast. We had 7 days. What could we pack into 7 days?
We originally thought of flying into Portland and driving down the coast to see the Redwoods. Really all I wanted to do this summer was see a big tree and give it a good hug. That's all. However, that trek looked close to 5 hours and while I'm sure it would be pretty, it was more traveling that we really wanted to do.
Here is how we saw Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and San Francisco in 7 days:
Day 1: Early flight to San Francisco. We had originally planned for a 6am central flight and we would have gotten to California around 7:30am pacific. Honestly, I had planned on driving to Yosemite that night to catch the sunset and explore, but fate had other plans. We got to the airport at a little before 4:30. Parked and watched 3 parking bus trams drive by, completely full and not stop for us, but finally the 4th one stopped. Easily over 20 minutes of waiting at the bus stop, got us in the airport at around 5:00. We were flying United for the first time and although we had been informed that we had to check all bags (even if carry-ons) and print our boarding passes there, we did not realize that we could not do this at a kiosk. Apparently, the other 100+ people in line, didn't either. Most of us in line missed our flights. We got to the desk at 5:45, and they told us they would not put us on the plane. Fortunately, my husband switched lanes as he noticed one lady was being nice, and another was not. The nicer lady got us a guaranteed spot on another plane (more than just stand by) so we now had over 3 hours before the flight would be taking off. We ended up arriving at 4:30pm pacific in San Francisco. I was not ready for this and dropped $35 at a sandwich stand for minimal food to appease my kids during the quick layover in Chicago (layover was also not planned), but we made it. We rented a car and proceeded to leave San Francisco in rush hour. If you have never been to California, be prepared not just for traffic but for traffic to be completely unaware of how to drive. They are terrible drivers...not like Dallas where everyone is aggressive, but more like the road is full of 16 year olds, afraid and timid. My poor husband who drives for work all the time, was pulling out his hair by the time we arrived in Merced (the closest Holiday Inn to Yosemite we could find). We stopped for In-N-Out Burger on the way to the hotel, too. They are building one (Holiday Inn) in Mariposa, which is a great place to stay if you are not camping. It is only 1 hour from Yosemite and a very cute town. We ran to Merced's Walmart and got groceries and snacks for the week.Hindsight 20/20, I would have made the original flight, rented the car and drove down Lombard street (the crookedest street in America) and then drove over the Golden Gate Bridge into Muir Woods to see that, before driving out to Merced for the night. I would not have driven into Yosemite that night.
Day 2 - Yosemite. We decided, somewhat last minute, to book the Grand Tour in Yosemite. It is an 8 hour bus tour that makes a few stops around the park. We were expecting to ride in the back of a trailer and sit on straw bales all day (which is what the website makes you think it will be) but we were actually in a quite comfy tour bus all day. We were exhausted from all the traveling the day before and my husband was very happy to give up the steering wheel for the day. Our tour guide showed us the park with stops at Tunnel View, Glacier Point, Wiwona, and Mariposa Grove. Lunch was provided, as well.Pros: You do not have to worry about parking and traffic if you take a tour. You are guaranteed to see the big sites and learn things that you might not exploring on your own. Lunch is provided so you don't have to worry about packing up a cooler. TIP: Leaving food and coolers in your car is not allowed in Yosemite. Bears have been known to break windows and crawl into cars to retrieve food. We didn't know this before we arrived at Yosemite, so I spent the entire day worried about the car. Eek.
Cons: It takes up most of your day. I REALLY wanted to hike the Mist Trail but there just wasn't enough time after the tour to do that. We were able to see Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls before heading out. We stopped by the gift shop too, which was completely packed with people on a Friday night. We were heading to the Visitor Center to get a stamp for my husband's national park passport but they had just closed. Nothing was opened before our 8am tour so we really felt pressed for time because of it. Plus since we weren't camping, we had a 2 hour drive back to our hotel. Visitor center closed at 6pm.
Day 3 - Travel to Lake Tahoe. We left somewhat early from Merced and headed North and then East into Lake Tahoe. We stopped at a gas station that didn't take credit cards...that was interesting. Got Animal Fries at In-N-Out Burger (we might have a problem), and drove into the Lake Tahoe area after lunch. We stayed at another Holiday Inn Express in South Lake Tahoe. I loved this hotel because the bathroom had two sinks and the closet was in the bathroom, along with a huge area to put your suitcases. Very family friendly and free breakfast! We discovered that the entrance to Van Sickle Bi-State Park was within walking distance from our hotel, right up from the base of Heavenly Ski Resort Gondolas. So we strapped on our hiking boots and water packs and went exploring. There were lots of trails to choose from but we just did the (around 3 miles) trek to the nearest waterfall which took us to plenty of great views of the lake and surrounding snow peaked mountains. Then we hiked back down to the beach, only to discover that beaches in Lake Tahoe charge admission. We were in hiking stuff so scratch that idea. We walked back to the hotel to clean up and then walked over to the Applebee's which was right by our hotel. The kids at this point were exhausted but I think everyone was very proud of themselves for hiking up that mountain. Early bedtimes this night.
Day 4 - Lake Tahoe. I wasn't really sure what exactly we were going to do in Lake Tahoe but I knew we wanted to go hiking and kayaking. I found online the experiences of some kayaking families that recommended Kayak Tahoe's Emerald Bay location. So we made a plan to get there before 9 and park at the Emerald Bay's Look-Out, walk to the kayak place and wait for them to open at 9:30am. It really worked out great. We did arrive before 9 and there were plenty of parking spaces. It is right past the waterfall (if you are coming from South Lake Tahoe). There are only porta-potties there (as are almost all tourist places on our journey were), but definitely go before you head down the mountain. Wear water shoes and bring dry saks if you need them. We didn't bring anything but our phones and wallets and had 3 Wheel bring his low snacks. Hindsight 20/20 again, we probably could have brought his diabetes bag and just left it on the shore with the Kayak guys, but he didn't need it. We were 3rd in line (although we were there first, we walked around and ended up giving up our spot to some other people) but there were plenty of kayaks to go around. We first kayaked to the island in the middle of Emerald Bay, got out and climbed it and then got back in the kayaks and paddled around. We only rented two double kayaks for 1 hour but had plenty of time. By the time we climbed the hill (it's not that bad, and totally worth it to do Emerald Bay), the Bay was getting full of boats. It looked pretty choppy for our kids in a kayak so we were really glad that we got up "early" for the experience.
By this time, the kids were pooped. We went back to the hotel for PB&J's. 1 Wheel walked to the grocery store for some capri suns and then we all went Wizarding (Wizards Unite App). There are shopping areas all over Lake Tahoe and there happened to be one right by our hotel so while Mom shopped, Dad and kids played Wizards Unite. Ok, ok, Mom might have played Wizards Unite too. Souvenirs were found by all, as well as Nestle Toll House cafe, crepes, and beef jerky stops. Afterwards, we drove up the east side of the lake to Sand Harbor Beach so see a different perspective of the water. This beach, instead of $10 a person (in South Lake Tahoe) was $10 a car, which was a little more reasonable. It was much smaller and if the parking was full, did not allow you to walk up. Also research where you go before going, because there are so many little oddities and rules about each location. The kids chose Denny's for dinner and surprisingly it was pretty good. We considered an on the lake local location but with kids you never know the parking situation, the waiting situation, etc etc. We just wanted FOOD and NOW.There are so many fun things to do in Lake Tahoe. It's a beautiful place!
Tip: Drink a lot of water! It's a pain because the bathrooms are so awful in California but it's a must. 3 Wheel complained of "feeling low" but I think it was altitude sickness. This was the day that his insulin needs really rose up. The altitude can effect everyone differently. He just didn't do to well acclimating. I think more water would have helped him, although we tried to get him to drink. Also, lots of sunscreen even though it might be cold. You are closer to the sun and the glare from the water doesn't help.
Day 5 - Travel to San Francisco. We got up earlyish and headed west to San Francisco. 1 Wheel considered this the most trickiest part of the trip because we needed to check into our hotel, early, drop off the rental car, get back to the hotel, and then make it to Alcatraz by 3:15pm. About 10am on the way into the hotel, we called and they said since it was a Monday they could almost guarantee that a room would be ready. Score! We stayed at the Intercontinental and the drop off for check in was a little challenging. We circled around once but eventually just parked on the side of the street (which we found out later was what we were suppose to do). Unloaded the car completely, got checked in. They took our stuff up for us (thank goodness, 3 Wheel had 5's so we could tip!). Then 1 Wheel headed off to return the car to the airport and I stayed and fed the kids in the hotel. More PB&Js, of course. We decided to walk to Pier 33, which is where the Alcatraz tours leave from. We made it in plenty of time. We booked the tour several months in advance. When we arrive the first week of July, there was a sign that said "Next available tour, August 7" so I would guess that usually in the summer you will not be able to just walk up and take the tour. 4 Wheel said that the Alcatraz audio tour was one of her favorite things we did. I was worried they would hate it but it turned out to be a hit. We really only did the audio tour and then headed back. We did not explore that much because there were only 2 boats to catch back and we wanted to do other things. It's a really cool island though and definitely worth going. I would recommend it as a first thing or last thing because it could really suck up your entire day easily. Afterwards we ended up at Pier 39 and explored there. We ate at Bubba Gump with almost no wait (it was Monday though) and got seated with spectacular views of the bay. Afterwards we checked out the sea lions which dock on some wooden docks on the outside of Pier 39. We walked from there to Lombard Street (the crookedest street in America) and then walked up the street and caught an Uber back to the hotel. I purchased this car seat for my 7 year old and just carried it in my backpack or purse for easy Ubers.
Tips: You don't need a car. Skip the car and walk, Uber, or take public transportation. Parking at Fisherman's wharf was up to $50. It's limited anyway. You can also rent bikes and segways and little yellow cars. Lots of ways to see the city.
Recap: I loved seeing Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and San Francisco. Everyone had different favorites but overall we enjoyed everything we did and saw. I already mentioned that I would have done a few things in the car in San Francisco on the first day, had I known, AND had we not missed our original flight. I REALLY want to go back to Yosemite so we can hike, especially the Mist Trail, which I really wanted to experience. Lake Tahoe was fun but if I go back, I'd like to explore North Lake Tahoe to experience something different. Emerald Bay was a a favorite for all of us. I can see the appeal of San Francisco but 1 Wheel was not impressed. It WAS a very dirty city (as was most of California) and just not very appealing to us, as a family, but definitely some very cool things to see, at least once. Overall, we loved our California Summer Vacation!
Love,
