Going on a 3 day vacation, where should we go?

Hearst Castle is cool just for the freaking awesome pool!! But I would suggest you watch some PBS specifically California's Gold with Huell Howser. There are so many great places to go in California and I think Huell's been to them all. Recently I traveled up the central california coast along highway one near big sur. Now you want to talk about spectacular!! If you like hiking and camping that is the place you need to go! The scenery is remarkable.

On my way up there I stayed at El Capitan State Beach which is an incredible campground, All there sites are tree lined with picnic benches and fire pits already there and there are bathrooms with showers everywhere. Also, the beach is a short hike away from most campsites and the trail to the beach is paved. They also have two general stores in the area where you can get food and beer including one right by the beach. There are also other short hikes you can take to a neaby creek which is rather fetid and the trail is lined with poison ivy but really the main attraction is the beach. I'd have to say the only flaw with camping at El Capitan state beach is you can hear cars and trucks going by on hwy 101 at night even though you really aren't that close to the highway. If you really want a sense of being away from it all, the noises don't help.

Another place I visited in my central coast journey was monterrey. Talk about one of your great cities! Monterrey would be a place I would love to retire too. Cannery Row is a bit tourist trappy but I had fun there nonetheless. What I liked best about the monterrey area though is the 17 mile drive which takes you along the coast and in an around Pebble Beach golf course. The beaches are spectacular and just being at the famous Pebble Beach golf course where Tiger Woods and many other greats have played was special.

Anyways from south to north along the central coast there are many fascinating adventures to get into. Those were just some of California's Gold.

Pennsylvania? Have you ever considered visiting an Amish community? I would think it's an educational trip for the children ages 11 and 8. It would be a curious thing to see how other children in a different community live. It would be nice to try eating some Shoo fly pie. See beautiful Amish quilts etc. 3 days might be enough for a leisurely vacation in Amish country. If you choose to stay in some city, maybe take in other sights or go to see a family movie, so many are out in the Summer for children and parents to watch together. Then drive to Amish communities other days.

There are many 3 or 4 day cruises out of San Pedro or Long Beach. Cruising is currently really inexpensive. Look for last minute fares on www.vacationstogo.com or just go to the Carnival or Royal Carribean websites for info. Ensenada is a nice little town to visit for a first time cruiser. It's a short inexpensive trip to test the waters to see if cruising is for you. All your accomodations, food, and entertainment is included in the cost. You will need a passport. A good travel agent will give you all the info you need. Have fun!!

You can get in the car and drive south. California offers so much. You can see San Diego. If you decide to go to Tiajuana, make sure you have a passport. San Diego is quite lovely historically. You can visit missions and the various Harbors. The San Diego Zoo is one of the best in the country. Check out the following:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60750-Acti...

http://www.sandiego.gov/directories/visiting.shtml

If you're thinking of going to San Jose (site of the Winchester Mystery House), you could get up there quicker by driving than by taking the train. Go to www.amtrak.com and check their schedule if you doubt this. If you're in the neighborhood of San Jose, just hop over the mountains to Santa Cruz.

Grand Canyon.

hearst castle is not worth it at all, if you would like to see it, go to san luis obisbo and its a short ride from there

i would recommend san luis obisbo, santa barbara, san diego, solvang, or oxnard

stay home and watch tv it's a lot cheaper!