We are going to California, yes we are - need ideas please

[silverfrog]

We are off to California the week after Easter. We're staying for 12 days.

have flights booked, am working on accomodation. We will be staying in/around San Jose ish - need to be in Santa Cruz for a few days while we're there, but don't need to stay there for the whole time and will almost certainly go up to San Francisco for trips etc. Any ideas on where best to stay? Needs to be self catering as we have loads of food allergy issues.

Also, have 2 dds - 3 and 1 - so, ideas for what to do? HTe aquarium at Monterey Bay is supposed to be good, so is on the list already. My 3 year old is ASD but mostly accommodating to days out (food being the biggest issue)

Getting excited now - planning details is bringing home how close it is (first holiday for a couple of years...)

I stand corrected. Jack in the Boox burgers are shi*e. Carl's Jr burgers are the best on the planet. LOVE Carl's Jr.
Why don't we have Trader Joe's and Tarjay here??

North Beach Pizza...mmmmm, absolutely. We were recommended this by Marriott Hotels as the best pizza in san fran, and we got delivery to our room, they were not wrong, and very cheap too. Absolutely a must!

Right, we now have accommodation booked (Cali, have emailed you), and a shortlist of must see/do trips.

Still looking in to food issues (especially as I'm not getting clear answers on what I can take through security for dds to eat on flight - BA can supply gluten free meals, or dairy free, but not both)

Have also heard that the Clipper race is delayed in to Santa Cruz, so it looks like I'll miss my friend who is sailing in the race, but we will have a great holiday regardless.

Thank you for all suggestions and help