We are considering a family vacation in mid-August to northern California and I'd love any ideas or advice from those of you who know the area.

It's a family of 4 with two kids age 13 and 15.

The only thing so far on our "must see" list are the redwoods.

Ideas on acitivities, places to stay, places to avoide - whatever - are eagerly requested!

P.S. We're not really the family vacation type and I think my kids have seen the Chevy Chase "vacation" movies too many times. The kids are a bit skeptical....