LeavingLondon

Hi, my parents are over from the UK and we are looking at places to go (with the kids - age 6) on the Thanksgiving weekend (a 1-3 hours max drive from the Bay Area, CA). I'd appreciate any recommendations. We'd be looking to stay over for a couple of nights somewhere - maybe from the Friday to Sunday.

We were thinking of:
Monetary/Carmel (we've not done the Aquarium)
Lake Tahoe
Yosemite (might wait until the boys are a bit older)

We've done San Fran and Santa Cruz many times.

Thanks!

N1cky

I'd do Yosemite, it's stunningly beautiful and tons of things for your kids to do. They even have extra kids activities on over Thanksgiving. You might have left it too late for a reservation in the park, but Tenaya Lodge probably has availability, they usually put an ice rink up at this time of year too, along with daily activities link Gingerbread House decorating.

We first took our daughter when she was 4, and she's been back several times since. She's always had a great time, and it's one of her favorite places to visit.

jeffreyhy

Shopping.

Regards, JEff

Hotscot

I don't know if Yosemite is a mess right now after all the fires...

However you could check out Highway 395 which is a gorgeous drive from SoCal up to Tahoe, or reverse route.

Plenty places to stay.
Bridgeport with the nearby ghost town of Bodie.
Mammoth Lakes...beautiful place.
Bishop, Lone Pine.

Could even do a side trip to Death Valley...visit Furnace Creek and the jaw dropping view from Dante's View.

N1cky

Yosemite is fine after the fires, Hetch Hetchey area was affected badly, but not Yosemite Valley

Bob

Online....

Anyway, New England is lovely at this time of year, but that's going to be a bit more than 3 hours, so never mind :/

joto

I would say Yosemite as well. There are loads of other things to see and do in the area as well for all ages. Calaveras State Park has some giant redwoods, Columbia State Park has an old gold mining town to wander around. In the summer it has a stagecoach ride. Don't know about winter hours though. Ironstone Winery at Murphy's is nearby. We know of a lovely B&B in the area run by lovely people. If you need info about that, send me a pm.

LeavingLondon

Thanks all. Have added Yosemite to my list and am checking out hotels in the area. Have left it quite late but hopefully we'll find something somewhere.

Zez

Thanks for the recommendations! Just booked a cheap Expedia hotel near Columbia state park. Hound be fun with the kids!