First family holiday too California

[roseteapot101]

Hiya my name is Jo i am travelling to San Francisco too visit friends it will be my first flight with my 4 year old daughter Julia.We will be travelling for 2 weeks

i have applied for esta for my partner and i but will need to apply for my daughter later as just waiting for her passport

still need to book car rental and insurance

Any advice for our first family holiday abroad =)

BUMP

We love California!

We've done SF (be aware the weather is often very chilly and damp there because of the Bay), as well as the area north of SF (Russian River in Sonoma County - beautiful wine growing country)

We love to do stuff like kayaking, zip wiring through the tree canopy, hot air ballooning over the vineyards in that area.

Further South, there's San Luis Obispo, Carmel (lovely beach), and our all time favourite Santa Barbara.

Although you could drive/train/fly to LA, personally I wouldn't bother.

Have a lovely time!

Depending on where your friends live and how often you will be going in to the city, don't hire a car until you are leaving San Francisco. Parking is very difficult and expensive and traffic very congested and there is a great public transport system.
If you want to go to Alcatraz you need to book NOW. This is the official site www.alcatrazcruises.com/
The jet lag is horrible, you will be wide awake at 4am and falling asleep over dinner! So take account of this in your planning, it takes at least a few days to get over it.
Try to take at least one boat trip in the bay whilst you are there, it is a great chance to get a different perspective on the city.
Have a look here for loads of ideas and tips www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g60713-c205482/San-Francisco:California:Kids.In.San.Francisco.Feb.2014.html

hi our family friends live in San Carlos , i am looking to get a car rental so we can not just visit San Francisco but surrounding areas.I know San Francisco like London when it comes to travel meaning you don't go by car in central.My partner and i are fond of nature and historic sites.So we have been looking at surrounding areas too.

i guess i will packing some cooler weather clothes just in case then.

is this the beach your talking of

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g580824-Monterey_Peninsula_California-Vacations.html

thank you