San Francisco is a superb metropolis lively, colour, and historical past. There isn’t any scarcity of enjoyable issues to do in San Francisco. From using the trolley to heading again to your childhood of watching “Full Home,” there are many traditional issues to do in San Francisco. Fortunately, this city is stuffed with attraction and enjoyable, so you’ll by no means be bored as you meander the streets of this stunning metropolis.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a San Francisco weekend getaway or a slower-paced week-long journey, there’s something for everybody. Maybe you’ll be able to mix it with seeing among the Nationwide Parks.
Irrespective of your schedule, you can also make it memorable by including in among the prime issues to do in San Francisco.
Closest Airport to San Francisco
Conveniently, the San Francisco Worldwide Airport is just about half-hour from the principle San Francisco space. All main airways fly into this widespread airport, making getting there fairly simple.
As soon as you might be there, seize a journey share (Uber, Lyft) into city, or be sure you have a reservation to hire your individual automotive.
Is San Francisco a Good Place for Children?
Generally a metropolis can have a lot “grownup” stuff. Buying, previous buildings, schedules… San Francisco has all of this. Nevertheless it additionally has so many enjoyable issues to try this children will take pleasure in. So Sure, San Francisco is a superb place for teenagers to go to, and they’re going to have a good time.
That mentioned, locals have talked about that the quantity of homeless has soared just lately. I’m not saying homeless=unhealthy, however I do know individuals have totally different consolation ranges with actions their youngsters might even see on the streets. So simply one thing to bear in mind.
What Ought to I Carry to San Francisco?
Right here are some things we had been glad we introduced, in addition to issues we ended up shopping for there!
- Raincoat- I wouldn’t say it’s excessively wet in San Francisco, however we had been glad we introduced raincoats because it did rain a bit. We visited in February when a couple of quarter of the month is moist. In summer time, it’s fairly dry.
- Hat- I purchased a hat whereas I used to be there. It was useful each when it was raining and on these stunning sunny days.
- Sweatshirt- Temperatures are fairly gentle year-round in San Francisco. That mentioned, it might probably get chilly, particularly at evening. That is one other merchandise I purchased whereas I used to be there, however avoid wasting cash by packing it forward.
- Strolling Footwear- You possibly can Uber in every single place, however some locations we truly discovered had been manner quicker to stroll. Between getting across the metropolis and coping with site visitors, taking the automotive can take some time. It’s generally solely well worth the drive if you happen to’re going far.
- Digital camera- After all, you’ll in all probability have your cellphone, however in case you have an internal photographer in you, ensure to deliver that digicam. There are loads of nice issues to {photograph} in San Francisco, from the long-lasting bridge to the twists and turns of Lombard Road.
Editor’s tip: Save time getting your USA eSIM earlier than touchdown in case you are touring from overseas.
The place to Keep in San Francisco
There isn’t any scarcity of resorts in San Francisco. Relying on if you happen to prioritize location or luxurious, listed here are a couple of that work nice for the household.
The Wharf Inn
Affordability and site.
This isn’t about luxurious. This place is older and it’s simply 2.5 stars. If you’re not planning on spending a lot time on the lodge, this makes it one of the vital inexpensive choices. The workers was nice and the placement at Fisherman’s Wharf is what gained us over ultimately.
The Fairmont Heritage Place
Luxurious and Location.
This place is situated at Ghiradelli Sq., proper close to Fisherman’s Wharf. The lodge is gorgeous inside and it might probably accommodate a giant household with multi-room choices in a single unit.
The Alton
Affordability and site.
Positioned at Fisherman’s Wharf, this lodge is kind of good contemplating it’s one of many extra inexpensive resorts in San Francisco. You may get fortunate with a room that has a view of Alcatraz Island. Even if you happen to don’t, it’s solely a 10-minute stroll to the pier to hop on the ferry and see The Rock up shut.
Handlery
Affordability and Location.
Should you’re wanting to remain close to the favored Union Sq., the Handlery makes an incredible choice. It’s good, however nonetheless fairly priced. Plus it has an out of doors pool the children will love.
The 4 Seasons
Luxurious and Location.
Positioned at Union Sq.. Its status precedes it. 4 Seasons takes no shortcuts. A household of as much as 4 individuals can get by in a single room right here and benefit from the many facilities that include it.
And now to plan your lengthy weekend getaway in San Francisco with children:
You possibly can after all go to the classics just like the zoo and aquarium, however this can be a listing of issues distinctive to San Francisco to see when you go to.
High Issues to Do in San Francisco With Children
1- Journey the Trolley
Do you know that the trolley in San Francisco is the final manually-operated cable automotive system on this planet? Yep, there are nonetheless drivers that you would be able to watch push and pull the lever to get the automotive going. Plus, the trolley is a traditional piece of San Francisco that you need to soar on.
This enjoyable San Francisco expertise will set you again simply a few {dollars} per individual. You possibly can pay in money once you board, or purchase your ticket forward of time.
Discover trolley schedules and tickets right here.
2- Journey Bikes Over the Golden Gate Bridge
Bike Rental at 610 Outdated Mason St
I’ll word immediately that in case your children are too little to journey a motorbike, it’s also possible to deliver your stroller to the pedestrian facet of the bridge and stroll over the bridge!
Cease at a motorbike rental place and seize a couple of bikes for the morning (or night). Attempt Sports activities Basement, the place they’ve children’ bikes, street bikes, and even e-bikes accessible. You possibly can even hire a motorbike trailer.
After you might be equipped together with your bike and helmet, head towards the bridge for a magical journey. Being up near the construction and pedaling with the water beneath is kind of an expertise.
Should you’ve received an e-bike (otherwise you’re all fairly match on a daily bike), proceed up the lengthy hill once you get to the opposite facet of the bridge. It would take you to an unbelievable lookout level of the Golden Gate Bridge.
3- Style the Recent Air at Golden Gate Seashore
Now it’s not a Miami-type of seaside that’s big, however Golden Gate Seashore is a cool little seaside space throughout from Crissy Area. A motorcycle path runs proper alongside, making it an incredible cease if you happen to’ve accomplished the bridge journey (#2).
Golden Gate Seashore is a gorgeous, enjoyable space the place the children can run round and play with a stunning water and seaside background. The seaside space delivers an incredible view of the bridge any time of day. Plus it’s free to go to, making it the proper approach to preserve your journey finances down.
4- Stroll By the Japanese Tea Backyard
75 Hagiwara Tea Backyard Dr
One other nice out of doors, fresh-air choice is to go to Golden Gate Park the place you’ll discover the Japanese Tea Backyard.
I hadn’t been to a Japanese Tea Backyard earlier than, so I used to be blown away by what I noticed! Extremely manicured crops, ponds, statues, bridges, constructions… it was no bizarre backyard!
The Japanese Tea Backyard is a enjoyable family-friendly factor to do in San Francisco. The children will love discovering the totally different options of the backyard, flowers, and crops. There are enjoyable photograph ops (these wooden individuals footage that you just put your face in) and you’ll even take pleasure in tea on the tea home.
You should purchase tickets upfront right here.
Bonus: Should you’d like extra nature and gardens, head to the Botanic Gardens, additionally situated in Golden Gate Park.
5- Dig into Historical past at Alcatraz
Ferry entry at Pier 33
Received a historical past fan within the household? You possibly can take a ferry out to Alcatraz, the previous house of a high-security jail for individuals equivalent to Al Capone.
The tour contains an audio tour, which you’ll be able to decide up there or you’ll be able to obtain the app as soon as you might be on the island and use your earbuds. It’s narrated by one of many jail’s former officers. The tour is stuffed with tales of life on the island as an inmate, but in addition because the individuals and households who labored and lived on the island.
Whereas the audio tour is extra geared towards adults, children will nonetheless benefit from the ferry journey over, the gorgeous grounds, and even attending to stroll by an previous jail. Sure, Alcatraz is really useful for teenagers, even by the Nationwide Parks Service.
The tour lasts roughly an hour and is self-paced.
Seize your ferry and tour tickets right here.
6- Sweeten Up at Ghiradelli Sq.
900 N Level St
Sweet Sweet Sweet! However that is sweet the adults will like, too.
What higher factor to do in San Francisco with children than head to Ghiradelli Sq. and eat a bunch of chocolate?
Ghiradelli Sq. isn’t removed from Fisherman’s Wharf. Head right here on the finish of an extended, fun-filled day when the lights have lit up the plaza and a big “Ghiradelli” signal welcomes you with its lights.
Then head inside one of many entrances to find that there are far more flavors and styles of Ghiradelli than you ever knew.
Be sure to purchase numerous chocolate and take it house and maintain your individual chocolate tasting that will help you keep in mind your go to to the magical Ghiradelli Sq..
7- Go to the Walt Disney Household Museum
104 Montgomery St
Do your children like Disney? I assumed so.
Take a stroll by Disney historical past on the Walt Disney Household Museum. Right here you’ll discover galleries that take you from the start of Walt Disney’s journey to the massive success he’s recognized for right now.
From sketches on paper to the creation of giant theme parks, children and adults will benefit from the familiarity of this Disney cease.
8- Gaze on the Palace of Advantageous Arts
3601 Lyon St
This cease is fast, nevertheless it’s fairly spectacular! This was a bit gem we didn’t find out about, however our Uber driver thought we’d take pleasure in it. And we did! That is the proper factor to do in San Francisco with children for a bit recent air in a grand place.
The Palace of Advantageous Arts was initially inbuilt 1915 to show artwork. The unique palace was destroyed within the ’60s and solely the exhibit corridor construction stays.
It’s a grand website to stroll into and you’ll nonetheless benefit from the tall dome and big columns that also stand right now. And it’s all outside to stroll by, so children can benefit from the recent air and run round (so long as there aren’t too many individuals, after all).
9- Get a Little Dizzy on Lombard Road
Views from Lombard Road
Discuss a good flip! Lombard Road is legendary for the 8 tight turns it takes happening over the course of 1 block.
You possibly can drive to Lombard Road in your automotive or take a taxi if you happen to’d prefer to expertise the turns. In any other case, there’s a good staircase that goes up alongside the loopy part the place you’ll be able to watch the vehicles drive down like marbles in a observe: again, and forth.
10- Have a Enjoyable Meals Expertise in San Francisco
San Francisco isn’t brief on nice meals and generally it’s enjoyable to stroll round and pattern meals elsewhere. Listed here are a couple of areas to go to for nice eats:
- Fisherman’s Wharf– crammed with nice seafood and nice surroundings. Fisherman’s Wharf is correct on the water and filled with each meals stalls to order from and eating places to sit down down at.
San Francisco’s Chinatown
- Chinatown– discover one thing distinctive in Chinatown, like Magical Ice Cream or Dragon’s Breath. If nothing else, it’s actually enjoyable to look at these distinctive objects be made.
- Little Italy– for scrumptious, genuine Italian meals, you’ll want to go to Little Italy. Filled with pasta, pizza, and extra. Plus, don’t miss the good desserts and pastries.
Learn additionally: Greatest foodie locations within the USA
11- View Sea Lions Basking within the Solar on Pier 39
Pier 39
Pier 39
Head to Pier 39 the place you’ll almost certainly see loads of sea lions taking their afternoon sunbath. The water has loads of little floating docks the place these giants take up residence. San Francisco involves life for the children as they watch sea lions sunbathe, swim, and work together with one another.
12- Go to the Painted Girls
Adults will keep in mind rising up watching Full Home, so this cease will appear acquainted. There’s a row of homes on the east facet of Alamo Sq. Park that sit on a hill reverse a big grassy park. This row is known as The Painted Girls. It’s not essentially due to the colours, however as a result of the types of the homes are Queen Ann Victorian type.
They’re painted pastel and have stunning balconies and porches, stunning sufficient for a postcard. Which is definitely how they acquired one other nickname: Postcard Row.
You possibly can admire the properties, however you’ll be able to’t tour them. They’re inhabited by locals fortunate sufficient to have snagged them.
Wrapping up: High Issues to Do in San Francisco with Children
The 12 issues above would make a lot to do for an extended weekend in San Francisco with children, buddies, or household. I extremely recommend using a motorbike throughout the Golden Gate Bridge, as this is among the most memorable experiences.
Then, simply fill your itinerary with the historical past of Alcatraz, the sweetness of chocolate, and discovering flavors of China and Italy on the town.
No matter what you select, this metropolis on the bay shall be a enjoyable expertise for everybody.
Maintain studying:
Megan is a mother of 4 children and so they all love touring! They’ve been touring since they received married and discovered the right way to preserve going as soon as children got here into the image. They attempt to journey as a lot as they’ll, which implies maintaining to a decrease finances. Megan loves writing about family-friendly locations and experiences to maintain these bonds sturdy, uncover the world, and find out about locations far and close to.