SFO to Santa Rosa- 5 days, itinerary suggestions

Question

Looking for comments on the itinerary.

Visiting SFO/SR with two kids under 10. We are arriving in SFO on Wed evening and have a flight back on Mon evening. Flexible as don't have any non-refundable reservations.

Wed: Arrive at SFO in the evening, pick up rental car, stay at airport hotel, $20 parking

Thurs: Visit Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 and GG Bridge. Shall we continue with the airport hotel? Can return to the hotel later in the evening after traffic dies down.

Friday: Head out on Hgwy1 to Santa Rosa after 10:00, stop at Sausalito, Bodega Bay. Have walking restrictions but can do flat, easy walks. WHAT ELSE TO DO. Reach SR

Sat: From SR, do Sonoma (Hook & Ladder winery/Korbel, not much into wines, just looking for a kids friendly place, have some food, stroll around and relax). or can do on Monday on the way back

Sun: Have to attend an event in SR

Mon: Head back to SFO, stop at Muir Woods, 5:00PM flight.

Answer

Your itinerary from SFO to Santa Rosa with two kids under 10 looks flexible and doable, but here are some suggestions to optimize the experience while keeping it kid-friendly and relaxed.

Wednesday – Arrival:

Staying at an airport hotel is sensible for the evening after your flight. It avoids a long drive after arriving, and the $20 parking is reasonable.

Thursday – San Francisco Sightseeing:

Visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and the Golden Gate Bridge is great for kids. Consider starting early to beat crowds.
Since your hotel is near the airport, returning there after sightseeing is fine, especially with kids. Alternatively, you could stay in a downtown hotel for this night to save commuting time and enjoy the city in the evening.

Friday – Drive to Santa Rosa via Highway 1:

Stops at Sausalito and Bodega Bay are perfect for easy walks and scenic views. At Sausalito, consider a short stroll along the waterfront or a quick treat at a local café.
Other kid-friendly stops along the route include:

Muir Beach Overlook – short flat walk, scenic views
Point Reyes National Seashore (north of Bodega Bay) – easy visitor center walk and beach area if time allows
Marin Country Mart in Larkspur – casual shopping and snack stop

Try to arrive in Santa Rosa in the late afternoon to settle in and rest before the next day.

Saturday – Sonoma Exploration:

Hook & Ladder Winery and Korbel are both kid-friendly with picnic areas and easy walks.
Consider including:

Sonoma Plaza – flat area for strolling, playground nearby, casual food options
Safari West (if kids enjoy animals) – a short drive from SR
Charles M. Schulz Museum – especially fun if kids recognize Peanuts characters

If time is limited, some activities can be shifted to Monday on the way back to SFO.

Sunday – Event in Santa Rosa:

Since you have a prior commitment, keep the day low-key outside the event.

Monday – Return to SFO:

Muir Woods is a great stop if you leave Santa Rosa early enough. Consider reserving a parking spot in advance as it can get busy.
Plan to leave Muir Woods by mid-afternoon to allow time for the drive, returning your rental, and check-in for your 5:00 PM flight.

Additional Tips:

Keep snacks and water handy for the kids during drives.
Check height restrictions for any attractions.
Consider starting drives earlier in the day to avoid traffic and make stops more enjoyable.

Overall, your plan is solid. The main consideration is whether to stay downtown in San Francisco for Thursday night to minimize commuting. Otherwise, your route to Santa Rosa with scenic stops, kid-friendly winery visits, and easy walks is well-paced.

SFO to Santa Rosa- 5 days, itinerary suggestions

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