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Old 06-15-2015, 01:52 PM
 
81 posts, read 158,715 times
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I will be visiting the Bay Area this week and driving down with the family to designated stops along the way back to Socal. Our time is a bit crunched and we have time to spend a day or so at the Boardwalk or the Aquarium before driving down to San Simeon (before dark). My kids are 11 and 9.

Perhaps we are trying to do too much but we'd like to get to (the aquarium or boardwalk) early and be there for five or six hours and then leave to San Simeon. The day would be a Friday. Is five or six hours around the aquarium too much? I suppose I wouldn't mind heading down to San Simeon earlier. Would that not be enough time at the boardwalk?

In terms of me, I am thinking the boardwalk would be more fun but the kids and wife seem to be fascinated by the aquarium; I can't see myself spending that much time at the aquarium. Of course, my kids aren't exactly the dare devil type.

Also, we could change our plans slightly if needed. For instance, we could spend the night in Monterey or Santa Cruz and then drive toward San Simeon in the morning. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Old 06-15-2015, 08:48 PM
 
Location: Vancouver, WA
8,175 posts, read 16,567,706 times
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Do you guys like the outdoors much or are you more into amusement park attraction type stuff?

I would plan to do the aquarium for part of the day. Then drive down the coast and 'see' Big Sur as opposed to flying right through/past it to San Simeon. You weren't clear if you planned to take the coast hwy or 101. That coast drive is one of the top scenic wonders of the state. There is plenty to take in on the way to San Simeon after the aquarium.
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Old 06-16-2015, 11:12 AM
 
81 posts, read 158,715 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MtnSurfer View Post
Do you guys like the outdoors much or are you more into amusement park attraction type stuff?

I would plan to do the aquarium for part of the day. Then drive down the coast and 'see' Big Sur as opposed to flying right through/past it to San Simeon. You weren't clear if you planned to take the coast hwy or 101. That coast drive is one of the top scenic wonders of the state. There is plenty to take in on the way to San Simeon after the aquarium.
Thank you. The plan would be to take the coast down to San Simeon. I realize some would say we don't do it justice by just "driving it" but at this point, I still would like to see the coast. And it might make sense to get to the aquarium for the half day then drive, giving us more sunlight and time.

As for my kids, they are more the video game type. We do like to get out and walk as much as we can. I think they would enjoy either the aquarium or the boardwalk.
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Old 06-16-2015, 07:58 PM
 
Location: Lifetime in Monterey
47 posts, read 133,465 times
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The aquarium gets my vote.

The nearby mirror maze might be a good side visit for a break from nature. Monterey Mirror Maze | Monterey's One & Only Mirror Maze
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Old 06-16-2015, 09:01 PM
 
Location: Vancouver, WA
8,175 posts, read 16,567,706 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by andresrr View Post
Thank you. The plan would be to take the coast down to San Simeon. I realize some would say we don't do it justice by just "driving it" but at this point, I still would like to see the coast. And it might make sense to get to the aquarium for the half day then drive, giving us more sunlight and time.

As for my kids, they are more the video game type. We do like to get out and walk as much as we can. I think they would enjoy either the aquarium or the boardwalk.
I vote for the aquarium over the boardwalk also. You can do cheesy rides like that anywhere, better actually in most places. The Monterey aquarium, by contrast, is one of the best aquariums to see. It also provides a better sense of what the Monterey Bay is actually about.

Even if doing a drive-by through Big Sur, make sure and take the time to stop at McWay Falls. It's easy to view from Hwy 1 after a short walk. .:. Hiking in Big Sur - McWay Waterfall Trail .:.

In addition, there are plenty of great pull over spots along the way like Bixby Bridge, Hurrican Point, elephant seals north of Hearst Castle, etc...
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Old 06-16-2015, 09:38 PM
 
Location: Silicon Valley
18,812 posts, read 32,253,997 times
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Definitely do the aquarium. You can walk from the aquarium to the boardwalk and the beach. Between all three, you can easily kill that much time.

Just FYI, don't eat at El Torito's, even though the view is great and it's right downtown. The food is the most consistently bad food with a great view, I've ever experienced. And I'm not fussy.
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Old 06-18-2015, 10:10 PM
 
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
1,722 posts, read 1,722,633 times
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Your kids may like the boardwalk better but as a family, i recommend the aquarium. It's a really good one. And then after, just walking around Monterery / Pacific Grove will be very enjoyable.
The scene in Santa Cruz (down-town, boardwalk, etc.) is so hectic, chaotic, and at times disturbing that you'll most likely leave feeling stressed and eager to get out of dodge quickly .... which isn't possible!
The traffic on summer weekends here is insane. And i just read that you'll be visiting on Friday. You do not want to be on HWY 1 going south anytime after 3 pm on weekdays. Especially on a Friday!
And i wouldn't recommend spending the night in S.C.. Generally speaking the accommodations aren't great and they are way over priced for what they are and where they are. If you try to go cheap you may have meth heads on one side of your room and hooker hanky panky on the other. I'm kidding (not).
If i were you, i'd arrive in Monterey in the morning and spend time at the aquarium and then hang around Pacific Grove for a bit (get some ice cream, etc.) and then head south by early afternoon giving yourself some time in Big Sur (lunch at Nepenthe over looking the ocean .... heavenly) before leaving for San Simeon. Big Sur is beautiful and magical. And having lunch or a drink at Nepenthe (or Cafe Kivah just below it) is a really nice way to experience Big Surs' unique vibe.

Happy trails.

Nepenthe Restaurant, Big Sur, California
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Old 06-19-2015, 10:15 AM
 
75 posts, read 151,551 times
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Boardwalk -- historic, well-maintained and great family fun. San Simeon is going to be rather sedate for kids, so the combination will make for a nice contrast.
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