Thanks for all the great ideas. I figured if the Hearst Castle/Montery Aquarium was too much for one day we can always move the aquarium to day 3, since we'll be staying in the area.

Snowflake, day 4 is Thursday but I'll pm you info just in case.

We did the Mystery Spot when I was about 10 I think, which was why I put it on the list. Always thought it was weird and cheesy.

Apart from Hearst Castle and Alacatraz which I have set reservations the rest of the trip is play it by ear, go with the flow. I have tickets to the Aquarium but I can use them anytime. I figured I'd try to get lots of ideas and then just see what happens along the way.

You can get deep fried twinkies at SCBB...:D

Check out this audio slideshow

Yum ketchup covered fried twinkies? Salty the clown is a little creepy.

Let me know when you're going to Alcatraz. Perhaps I can meet you at the Wharf for some sourdough goodness.

Alcatraz is Thursday, August 17th at I think one or 1:30. I'll PM you my cell. I will be with my Crazy Aunt and cousin too.

I have no further suggestions than the ones given (though, if you had a time machine, I would recommend visiting Elf Land while in Santa Cruz) .... but would you mind doing a big of research for a future LoT outting while you're at Hearst Castle?

Can you inquire if they still do the night tours where everyone dresses up in 20's garb? And if so, get us some details. Fringe-dripping Flapper dresses and White Tie & Tails while spending the evening at Hearst Castle sounds simply too swanky to pass up!

Of course, I'll see if I can find out any information.

Looks like they do a night tour where the docents are in costumes- Link

That sounds like too much fun!

If you are driving up the coast on highway one, it will take a very long time. I can't recall how long it takes us to get from Monterey to San Simeon. {our usualy route}. It is long and exhausting.

So, if you want to take your time, Julia Pfieffer Burns State park is a beautiful place to stop for lunch {as we do}. Look it up, sorry, rebooted computer, no favorites anymore. They do say there are mountain lions so if you go and walk around the area {on your right coming north, you go under the road on a tunnel, walking to a path overlooking the ocean} tell the little one to stay close. This is something I always worry about. {well, not always, just when there are mountain lions posted about}.

There is also a Big Sur River Inn that is cute to stop at for a potty break {strange bathroom, though} and a walk to the river where you can sit in chairs in the river. It is cool. The general store has schtuff you might need and next door is a cool shop with all sorts of goodies. For adults mostly.

We did hwy 49, taking the Boy to Sutters Mill and Jamestown. He enjoyed panning for gold and we enjoyed watching him. It was all beautiful, old towns, old buildings, some dilapitated, a lot restored. Nice to ponder their stories.

Where are you staying in San Simeon? We usually do the Best Western but found that the 'Sand by the Sea' was just as nice after its' refurbishment. {just in case...}. The best western has nice fires on the beach at night {and sometimes in the morning} but we still partook of them when we stayed at the SbtS. Also, walking along the beach we found fossils. That was cool.

Have fun with the kiddo and give her a camera of her own {disposable is fine}. It will be fun to see what develops.