California Summer Vacation

It's been a few years since my last post but I feel compelled to dust off this blog and get to writing again. What have we been up to? Lot's but first things first...our summer vacay to California.

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.

Tips: Be prepared for lots of traffic and people. I knew that was coming but what I didn't realize was that park maps cost money and it's one way roads around most of the park, and we never actually found the visitor's center (except when we were on the tour bus). It's quite confusing for the first few times you go around. Make sure you know where you are going before you leave Mariposa, too because cell phone service is spotty. Most likely you will only have cell service around the Yosemite Village. I had read multiple blogs and they all said to get there early to avoid waiting in line to get into the park. We were there at 7am and the gate guard wasn't even there. Since, 3 Wheel has Type 1 Diabetes we have an All Access Pass for National Park entry anyway, but I thought that was interesting since it is $35 a vehicle to enter. The sign said if no one was there to pay on your way out.

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.

Day 6: Exploring San Francisco. From the Intercontinental we walked to Alamo Square. We did not know that this might not be the best neighborhoods. We saw a lot, including human pee and feces, needles, and lots of questionable people. They all left us alone however. We were never asked for food or money from anyone while in San Francisco and so I have to say, they were at least nice homeless people. We finally made it to Alamo Square (around 8:45am) and it was great because there was hardly anyone there, other than locals walking their dogs. We were able to get pictures of the kids and me by the painted ladies, with no one else in the shot. We were kind of done with walking the streets at this point so we summoned an Uber and rode out to the Golden Gate Bridge. We got there a few minutes before 9 (when the visitor's center opens) so the kids and 1 Wheel walked to the first tower and back and we then went in the center and got 1 Wheel's stamp. They informed us of a few more places for views and where to get more stamps. Basically from the Visitor's center we went down the bay side and walked all the way to Fort Mason, which had more stamps. Then we walked to Ghiradelli Square and had ice cream there. Then we walked through Fisherman's Wharf. We took an Uber to AT&T Park (which is now Oracle Park) and caught the 12:30pm tour. We wanted to go to a game but they were out of town on this particular day. The tour was great though and then we had a picnic lunch on a park bench beside the stadium looking into McCovey Cove. We walked back to the hotel but on the way we found a playground in South Park that the kids absolutely loved. Then we finally made it back to the hotel. Had a few snacks and rested a bit before heading out to Chinatown. The kids got a few souvenirs (the best and cheapest place for souvenirs, btw) and we found the fortune cookie factory and got to sample some before 2 Wheel had a pee. Like really bad. So we found the main square there (Portsmouth) and some really disgusting bathrooms, but it worked. The kids thought watching the Chinese play their board games in the square was hilarious. The people get so intense! At this point, we were all hungry so we kept walking to Fisherman's Wharf. The kids had spotted an In-N-Out Burger earlier in the day. I know, we have a problem. The kids got food and then we headed to Boudin's Bakery (famous for their shaped bread) and got the adult's dinner. I had crab chowder in a bread bowl and it was de-lish. The kids wanted to see the sea lions one more time, so we walked over there to say goodbye to the sea lions. Then we got an Uber back to the hotel.

Day 7 - Flight back home.  We were not late. We were told that it would take 45 minutes to get to the airport but it only took like 15. I think we left earlier than rush hour (which starts late around Cali). The airport did take forever with a massive security line but we got through and made the flight this time!

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,