We always said – traveling with kids is a trip but its never a vacation. Kids love midrange hotels where they can make their own breakfast and go swimming everyday. Bring lots of beach balls – they are a great toy for the pool that is relatively quiet and not damaging to hotel rooms. You will usually overestimate their appreciation of educational experiences (my husband and I still laugh about the level of our children’s disinterest in a Chicago architecture tour/boat ride). Tide pools, mini golf, arcades, gift shops and museums designed for kids (the exploratorium in SF stands out) usually go over big. Eat as many picnic meals as possible – waiting to be served when kids are tired or hungry is about as unpleasant as I can imagine. Disney and legoland are great, but after a few days at the “happiest place on earth” I was exhausted and cranky. Our kids love the motels in Cambria (near Hearst castle) but some don’t have TV.
That area has lots of trails to walk (with or without stroller) and hermit crabs to investigate (annoy) at the beach. I wouldn’t try tent camping – our youngest has issues with getting sandy or dirty so it would be way too much work to be able to enjoy it. Good luck –