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With low-cost airlines serving San Francisco and Oakland, northern California has several options for top-value family getaways that feel like deluxe vacations.

Found a great airfare out West and need some place to go? Want to plan a relaxing weekend in or around San Francisco, where your family can afford two nights at a nice hotel without breaking the bank? All around the northern part of California, there are fresh sightseeing, entertainment and lodging options that won't completely empty your pockets.

San Mateo County, California Weekend Getaway

Including varied attractions such as Redwood City and Palo Alto, San Mateo County is south of the airport between San Francisco and San Jose. Hotel prices are cheaper than in the city, especially on weekends, and many fine museums, farms and small sights will keep the kids busy. A great place to get your bearings is the San Mateo County History Museum (2200 Broadway, Redwood City 94043; 650/299-0104), an interactive museum that is really kid-friendly. Housed in the former county courthouse, this impressive structure is on the National Historic Register and its exquisite stained-glass dome is thought to be the largest in a Pacific Coast public building. Permanent exhibits include the oldest courtroom in the county restored to its classic 1910 appearance, the Journey to Work exhibit on how transportation transformed the county from a frontier into a suburb, an exhibition on the Immigrant Experience in San Mateo County, and Ships of the World, a remarkable exhibit of over 20 meticulously crafted model ships created by a local ship enthusiast.

Don't miss the Hiller Museum of Aviation (601 Skyway Road, San Carlos 94070; 650/654-0200). This facility houses an extraordinary collection of “flying machines” beginning with an Avitor (the first controlled power unmanned aeroplane) dating from 1869, before the Wright Brothers ever dreamed of flying, to experimental robotic Blended Wing aircrafts. In fact, the museum is dedicated to "dreams of flight: past, present and future” with a focus on unique technological innovations and innovators.

The glass-enclosed 7,000-square-foot Restoration Workshop near the entrance is usually buzzing with activity. Here, museum visitors can observe the painstaking renovation of new acquisitions, performed by a staff of volunteer craftsmen using plans and blueprints from the original manufacturers.

The Main Gallery is the heart of the facility, and several of the crafts on display were designed and built by Stanley Hiller, Jr. who began his career as an entrepreneur at age 18 with the Hiller XH-44 “Hiller-Copter.” Other highlights of the collection include gliders dating from the early 1900s; an Aerocycloid (a cycle-like vehicle that attempted vertical lift) built in 1908; biplanes, wind tunnels; the Little Looper (the first American plane used for aerobatics) dating from 1914; a rotocycle and Hiller’s “Flying Platform,” among other antique crafts. Some more contemporary pieces include the 1969 Lockheed Quiet Star, an early example of stealth technology and the 1988 super-secret Boeing Condor, a robotic flying aircraft. Exhibits on the future of aviation include information on “hypersoar” planes that will travel beyond the atmosphere into space at hypersonic speed, conserving fuel and decreasing flight delays. Sounds like a great idea, especially for all those stressed-out frequent fliers.

A fun stop worth making is at the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia (214 California Drive, Burlingame 94010; 650/347-2301). This is the only place in the world where you can see over 500 Pez dispensers that have been produced since 1952 and the World's Largest Pez Dispenser. Share your memories of these with your kids, and also introduce them to many of your favorite playthings including Mr. Potato Head, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, View-Masters and Erector Sets on view at the adjacent Classic Toy Museum.

There is a wide variety of lodging in the area, and we stayed at the appropriately named Bay Landing Hotel (1550 Bayshore Highway, Burlingame 94010; 650/259-9000) which is a short van ride from the airport. A paved walkway around the grounds offers great views of the water and of the airport activity. The rooms are very comfortable and come equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, as well as complimentary high-speed internet access. There is an on-site fitness center, and the plentiful complimentary buffet breakfast can be eaten in the dining area, or outside on a lovely terrace overlooking the bay. Rates for a family of four are $159/N for a room and $199/N for a suite.

Other nearby hotels include the San Francisco Airport Marriott in Burlingame, the Sofitel San Francisco Bay in Redwood City, and the Four Seasons Palo Alto, with standard rates beginning at $199/N on holidays and weekends, and $295/N during the week. This hotel houses the very elegant Quattro Restaurant, a great spot for a wonderful date-night meal if you arrange for a babysitter.

Families can learn more in FTF's Guide to San Mateo County. For more information on activities, restaurants and lodging, including pet-friendly hotels, parks, restaurants, beaches and nature trails, log on to www.VisitSanMateoCounty.com.