Here are some general tips on how to make your time in San Francisco the best that it can be.
According to a recent report, San Francisco is among the top 20 most fun cities in America. Not only is this city fun to explore on your own, but it is also great to go as a family. Whether you want to explore museums, get a bite to eat, or splash at the beach, there is sure to be something for everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to The City by the Bay with your kiddos, planning an itinerary is advised. Your itinerary is going to vary depending on how long your vacation is, but here are some general tips on how to make your time in San Francisco the best that it can be.
Grab a bite to eat
San Francisco has set food and drink trends for over a century, so don’t miss out on grabbing some iconic food. You’ll find crunchy and savory sourdough bread in most bakeries, dim sum in Chinatown, and seafood down at Fisherman’s Wharf. If you have picky eaters in the family, you’ll also be able to find plenty of places serving burgers, pizzas, and hot dogs.
Hit up interactive museums
San Francisco has plenty of traditional museums to visit, such as the San Francisco Museum of Natural Art. But for the kids in your family that may need some hands-on exploring, consider checking out Exploratorium. There are six science or nature-themed galleries to explore and each one offers hands-on exhibits. It also includes a jungle gym made up of large shapes.
Younger children may also enjoy the Children’s Creativity Museum, which offers exhibits such as the imagination lab, where kids can design animal habitats out of sand or act out a story with puppets.
Go for a ride
Any local knows getting around San Francisco is expensive and slow. From expensive SFO parking, to finding parking garages, to attempting street parking — you may want to forget bringing your own car and instead rely on public transportation.
The good news is that public transportation in San Francisco can be fun! Though they aren’t overly fast, you won’t want to miss out on taking a ride on San Francisco's iconic cable cars. While there are only three lines available, taking at least one trip on the cable cars will give you some good views of the hilly cityscape.
Don’t skip out on sightseeing
One iconic place you won’t want to miss seeing is the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and is a reason most tourists visit San Francisco in the first place.
A historic location that you won’t want to miss is Alcatraz Island, which once served as the location for a maximum-security federal prison. While younger children might not understand the historical value, older children and teens may appreciate it. There is an audio tour offered that is narrated by former inmates and prison guards. If you’d rather skip the tour, you can also view Alcatraz from Fisherman’s Wharf.
Relax on the beach
If you’d prefer to spend a few days relaxing, hit up one of the beaches in the area. Baker Beach is a popular location for families. You’ll have a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge. You’ll also be able to spot harbor porpoises in the water. You can also go on a hike through a trail that runs through nearby cliffs.
This is one of the more popular beach locations in San Francisco, however, so be prepared for crowds. It is also important to note that a small section of the beach is used by clothing-optional sunbathers.
Enjoy a picnic
Another great way to relax is to enjoy a picnic at Golden Gate Park. This park has something for everyone. There are playgrounds to climb on, large open spaces to run on, and several attractions to explore.
The Japanese Tea Garden is a popular location within the park. The garden was originally built for the 1894 World’s Fair, making it the oldest Japanese tea garden in the United States. Within the garden, you’ll find lanterns, statues, waterfalls, and plenty of flowers. While you can choose to drink tea or meditate within the garden, most visitors prefer exploring the beautiful landscape.
Final thoughts
Visiting San Francisco with children is exciting and will create lasting memories. This article touches on just a few of the ways you can spend your time in San Francisco as a family. Depending on the length of your vacation, other attractions you might want to consider include The Aquarium of the Bay and the San Francisco Zoo.
