Gary's Question:

I am visiting California from the United Kingdom next July for three weeks with my family (wife, 13-year-old boy, and 10-year-old girl). Not having been to California before, we want the antidote to theme parks — for example, a 4- or 5-day multi-sport adventure suitable for the children. Not too strenuous, but something organized, fun, and outdoors. I love single-track mountain biking, but my wife is a novice on a bike. We arrive in Los Angeles on July 12 and depart San Francisco August 3. Everything in between is flexible at the moment. What do you suggest?

Many thanks!

Gary Colet
United Kingdom

Alice's Answer:

	Alice Cary Alice introduced her oldest child, Will, to the outdoors at a very early age by climbing New Hampshire's Mount Washington — in winter — while pregnant. And she and her family haven't stopped experiencing the joys of outdoor adventure, even with newborn twins. Meet Alice Answer Archive Family Forums

Gary

Sounds like you're not only ready for a great trip, but you also already have a lot of the details worked out, including a well-defined idea of exactly what you'd like your trip to encompass. Hey, that's half the battle.

Also, your kids are at an ideal age for such a trip. They're old enough to travel well, have some stamina, and participate in a variety of outdoor activities at adult or near-adult levels. Family vacations don't get much better than this (as long as you don't have too much teen angst on your hands).

Finally, you're right — there's so much more to California than Disneyland! The Moon & the Stars — They're Within Reach
You want to keep the entire family. Plus, you want to be efficient with your time and work in as many activities and sites as possible into each day. Are you asking for the moon?

Thankfully, you're not. Sounds like you're ideal candidates for a guided trip for at least part of your vacation. My husband, son, and I took one last summer (in Montana with Adventures Plus), and we absolutely fell in love with the concept. You can read about our adventures and the advantages such trips offer in my account, Pay to Play.

Guided trips are available in California, of course, and the folks at GORPtravel can help you find the right one for your family.

Activities, Please!
Also, we asked several GORP tour operators about recreation they'd recommend for your active family. Here's what they came up with:

		San Francisco offers great variety in mountain biking. For trails your wife might like, head to Point Reyes National Seashore. Meanwhile, you can check out some of the more difficult terrain around Mount Tamalpais. Read more in GORP's Family Weekender: San Francisco, specifically written for families, or GORP's San Francisco Weekender, an all-purpose outdoor guide to the City by the Bay.
		For camping without the hassles of camping, check out Costanoa, an ocean-side retreat featuring 160"tent bungalows," about an hour south of San Francisco. Here you'll find bungalows from $60 per night for economy units to $95 or more for deluxe models with daily maid service. Not for the backcountry-minded, this place features saunas and mud baths. Take a look at www.costanoa.com.
		The San Diego area offers many spots for sea kayaking and biking. Check out GORP's San Diego Weekender for specifics.
		One tour operator gave us a one-word, enthusiastic answer:"Rafting!" Here's an exciting sport for the whole family, one your kids will probably love. Check for a variety of tour operators along the coast.

Gary, best of luck, and be sure to let us know how your vacation turns out.

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