Drive from LA to Petaluma with 2 small kids - in one...

We are going to visit family and are going to drive with our two kids, ages 1 and 4, to Petaluma. We will be leaving in the late afternoon and will need to stop for dinner along the way. Can anyone recommend a fun restaraunt that is not fast food on the way. We will be going up the 5. Thanks!

Drive from LA to Petaluma with 2 small kids - in one...

First, good luck on the drive.

Second, the best place to stop on I-5 is Harris Ranch.

http://www.harrisranch.com/dine.html

Good food; shops; interesting - also family oriented.

Ranch Kitchen is probably best given your young family.

Its about 1/2 way point for your drive.

Drive from LA to Petaluma with 2 small kids - in one...

My condolences, and I hope you have a dvd screen in the back seat. Just kidding! Mini%26#39;s absolutely right on. The Harris Ranch is a quick stop off I-5 and has enough for kids and adults. It%26#39;s got the nicest bathrooms you%26#39;re ever going to see on an interstate highway. It%26#39;s an entire comples that%26#39;s got a gift shop, hotel, pool, gracious environs including Mexican style tiles. It is just a joy to stop in when you%26#39;re on a long drive.

Thanks guys I had thought of Harris Ranch but I haven%26#39;t been there in probably ten years so I wasn%26#39;t sure if it would be ok for the kids. We are going to leave in the late afternoon and bring my new laptop that can play dvd%26#39;s. Hopefully that, some books and toys, the golden retriever and stopping for dinner will be ok until they fall asleep. It will be an almost 7 hour drive so we%26#39;ll see how it goes!

dixiecastle, not to burst your bubble, but from Pasadena to Petaluma might be more than 7 hours, especially with doggie and kiddie potty breaks, and stopping at a real restaurant. We do Sacramento to Palmdale frequently with our kid and dog, but quick fast food, and it%26#39;s usually 7 to 7 1/2 hours, and you%26#39;ve got further to drive. Not trying to be a pessimist here, just a realist.

Don%26#39;t forget Pea Soup Anderson%26#39;s, either!!

Have a great trip!

asp hosting