Must do activities on the way up to san francisco?

Next week I'm driving up to san francisco from los angeles with my family and we decided to stop in santa barbara and Solvang for one night, and monterey and the area around it like carmel for another, then we would go up to san Francisco for 2 nights. Any recommendations on must see/do sightseeing/attractions. Not too expensive but fun things like zip lining, kayak rentals, cool museums, etc.Must do activities on the way up to san francisco?
There's a seasonal zip line at Justin Herman Plaza near the Ferry Building. It is particularly fun during the outdoor market on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday when you get to float pass the shoppers below. For kayak rentals, you can try either City Kayak or Sea Trek:

http://citykayak.com/rental.htm
http://seatrek.com/pages/rentals/kayakre鈥?/a>

You can spend a full day in Golden Gate Park. There is an excellent natural history museum (the California Academy of Sciences); an art museum (the De Young); several botanical gardens; Stow Lake (boat rentals); a golf course; baseball field; soccer field; stables; an archery range; tennis courts; beach access; and even a herd of Bison.

Drop by the Palace of the Legion of Honor (French Chateau) and the Palace of Fine Arts (Roman Temple) as well. Both palaces are museums, ironically "Fine Arts" is devoted to science, that are well worth a visit if you have the time. But you don't even have to go inside to appreciate the architecture and level of detail that went into constructing these buildings. Other major museums include SFMOMA and the Asian Art Museum.

Aside from the larger spaces, the city also has a number of small museums dedicated to everything from the Gold Rush to Walt Disney. They are quite interesting if you are curious about the subject matter. And they are terribly boring if you couldn't care less, so do choose wisely.

I would definitely do Hearst Castle, 17 Mile Drive, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium on the way up to San Francisco. Even though it is similar to Santa Monica Pier, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is also worth a visit for the Big Dipper wooden coaster. If you are a fan of classic rides, it is one of the best ever.Must do activities on the way up to san francisco?
While you're in Monterey I would recommend renting a kayak either in Monterey or Moss Landing. Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing is a very popular kayaking destination. If you are traveling with younger children the Monterey Bay Aquarium and a stroll along Cannery Row is a must!



When in Carmel stop in at Point Lobos for great views and hiking. The Carmel Mission is also a fun place to check out. I work at the Monterey County Convention %26amp; Visitors Bureau so my job is to make sure you have a great time!Must do activities on the way up to san francisco?
Hearst Castle really is great, in San Simeon. Carmel has a great greek restaurant I love, DeMetra cafe, downtown. Carmel has a very charming downtown. Monterey has the famous aquarium, if you like that stuff. Avoid restaurants on the wharf (they are overpriced and not that good) except Fisherman's Grotto has the best clam chowder ever.Must do activities on the way up to san francisco?
Santa Barbara:



go kayaking

walk around state street or the pier



San Fran:



Alcatraz

Chinatown

Lombard Street
On the way up the Hearst Castle and in san fran you ought to stop at the ghirardelli factory and the Boudin bread factory