San Francisco is a superb metropolis energetic, colour, and historical past. There isn’t a 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 basic issues to do in San Francisco. Fortunately, this city is filled 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 searching for a San Francisco weekend getaway or a slower-paced week-long journey, there’s something for everybody. Maybe you possibly can mix it with seeing a few of the Nationwide Parks.
Irrespective of your schedule, you can also make it memorable by including in a few of the prime issues to do in San Francisco.
Closest Airport to San Francisco
Conveniently, the San Francisco Worldwide Airport is barely about half-hour from the primary San Francisco space. All main airways fly into this in style airport, making getting there fairly straightforward.
As soon as you might be there, seize a trip share (Uber, Lyft) into city, or be sure to have a reservation to hire your individual automotive.
Is San Francisco a Good Place for Youngsters?
Generally a metropolis can have a lot “grownup” stuff. Procuring, previous buildings, schedules… San Francisco has all of this. However it additionally has so many enjoyable issues to try this youngsters will take pleasure in. So Sure, San Francisco is a superb place for youths to go to, and they’ll have a good time.
That stated, locals have talked about that the quantity of homeless has soared just lately. I’m not saying homeless=unhealthy, however I do know folks have completely different consolation ranges with actions their youngsters might even see on the streets. So simply one thing to remember.
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 stated, 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 Sneakers- You’ll be able to Uber all over the place, however some locations we really discovered had been method sooner to stroll. Between getting across the metropolis and coping with visitors, taking the automotive can take some time. It’s typically solely well worth the drive when you’re going far.
- Digicam- After all, you’ll most likely have your telephone, however in case you have an interior photographer in you, be sure that to carry that digital camera. There are a variety of nice issues to {photograph} in San Francisco, from the long-lasting bridge to the twists and turns of Lombard Avenue.
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 a scarcity of motels in San Francisco. Relying on when you prioritize location or luxurious, listed below are a number of that work nice for the household.
The Wharf Inn
Affordability and placement.
This isn’t about luxurious. This place is older and it’s simply 2.5 stars. In case you are not planning on spending a lot time on the lodge, this makes it probably the most inexpensive choices. The employees was nice and the situation at Fisherman’s Wharf is what gained us over in the long run.
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 placement.
Situated at Fisherman’s Wharf, this lodge is kind of good contemplating it’s one of many extra inexpensive motels in San Francisco. You may get fortunate with a room that has a view of Alcatraz Island. Even when you 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.
When you’re wanting to remain close to the favored Union Sq., the Handlery makes an incredible choice. It’s good, however nonetheless moderately priced. Plus it has an outside pool the youngsters will love.
The 4 Seasons
Luxurious and Location.
Situated at Union Sq.. Its fame precedes it. 4 Seasons takes no shortcuts. A household of as much as 4 folks 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 youngsters:
You’ll be able to in fact go to the classics just like the zoo and aquarium, however this can be a checklist of issues distinctive to San Francisco to see whilst you go to.
Prime Issues to Do in San Francisco With Youngsters
1- Experience the Trolley
Do you know that the trolley in San Francisco is the final manually-operated cable automotive system on the earth? Yep, there are nonetheless drivers which you can watch push and pull the lever to get the automotive going. Plus, the trolley is a basic piece of San Francisco that it’s a must to leap on.
This enjoyable San Francisco expertise will set you again simply a few {dollars} per particular person. You’ll be able to pay in money once you board, or purchase your ticket forward of time.
Discover trolley schedules and tickets right here.
2- Experience Bikes Over the Golden Gate Bridge
Bike Rental at 610 Outdated Mason St
I’ll be aware instantly that in case your youngsters are too little to trip a motorcycle, it’s also possible to carry your stroller to the pedestrian facet of the bridge and stroll over the bridge!
Cease at a motorcycle rental place and seize a number of bikes for the morning (or night). Attempt Sports activities Basement, the place they’ve youngsters’ bikes, highway bikes, and even e-bikes accessible. You’ll be able to even hire a motorcycle trailer.
After you might be equipped along with your bike and helmet, head towards the bridge for a magical trip. Being up near the construction and pedaling with the water under is kind of an expertise.
When you’ve acquired 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 should take you to an unbelievable lookout level of the Golden Gate Bridge.
3- Style the Recent Air at Golden Gate Seaside
Now it’s not a Miami-type of seaside that’s big, however Golden Gate Seaside is a cool little seaside space throughout from Crissy Discipline. A motorbike path runs proper alongside, making it an incredible cease when you’ve accomplished the bridge trip (#2).
Golden Gate Seaside is a good looking, enjoyable space the place the youngsters can run round and play with a beautiful 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 strategy to maintain your journey finances down.
4- Stroll By means of the Japanese Tea Backyard
75 Hagiwara Tea Backyard Dr
One other nice outside, fresh-air choice is to move 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 unusual backyard!
The Japanese Tea Backyard is a enjoyable family-friendly factor to do in San Francisco. The children will love discovering the completely different options of the backyard, flowers, and crops. There are enjoyable photograph ops (these wooden folks footage that you just put your face in) and you may even take pleasure in tea on the tea home.
You should purchase tickets prematurely right here.
Bonus: When 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’ll be able to take a ferry out to Alcatraz, the previous residence of a high-security jail for folks corresponding to Al Capone.
The tour consists of an audio tour, which you’ll be able to choose up there or you possibly can 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 filled with tales of life on the island as an inmate, but additionally because the folks and households who labored and lived on the island.
Whereas the audio tour is extra geared towards adults, youngsters will nonetheless benefit from the ferry trip over, the gorgeous grounds, and even attending to stroll by an previous jail. Sure, Alcatraz is advisable for youths, 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 youngsters than head to Ghiradelli Sq. and eat a bunch of chocolate?
Ghiradelli Sq. shouldn’t be 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 sorts of Ghiradelli than you ever knew.
Make certain to purchase numerous chocolate and take it residence 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 youngsters 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 large success he’s identified for at the moment.
From sketches on paper to the creation of big theme parks, youngsters and adults will benefit from the familiarity of this Disney cease.
8- Gaze on the Palace of Superb Arts
3601 Lyon St
This cease is fast, nevertheless it’s fairly spectacular! This was just a little 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 youngsters for just a little recent air in a grand place.
The Palace of Superb Arts was initially in-built 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 may nonetheless benefit from the tall dome and big columns that also stand at the moment. And it’s all outdoor to stroll by, so youngsters can benefit from the recent air and run round (so long as there aren’t too many individuals, in fact).
9- Get a Little Dizzy on Lombard Avenue
Views from Lombard Avenue
Discuss a decent flip! Lombard Avenue is known for the 8 tight turns it takes taking place over the course of 1 block.
You’ll be able to drive to Lombard Avenue in your automotive or take a taxi when you’d wish to expertise the turns. In any other case, there’s a good staircase that goes up alongside the loopy part the place you possibly can watch the automobiles drive down like marbles in a monitor: again, and forth.
10- Have a Enjoyable Meals Expertise in San Francisco
San Francisco shouldn’t be quick on nice meals and typically it’s enjoyable to stroll round and pattern meals elsewhere. Listed here are a number of areas to move to for nice eats:
- Fisherman’s Wharf– full of 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 take a seat 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 move to Little Italy. Filled with pasta, pizza, and extra. Plus, don’t miss the nice 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 most probably 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 youngsters 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 kinds of the homes are Queen Ann Victorian model.
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’ll be able to admire the houses, however you possibly can’t tour them. They’re inhabited by locals fortunate sufficient to have snagged them.
Wrapping up: Prime Issues to Do in San Francisco with Youngsters
The 12 issues above would make a lot to do for an extended weekend in San Francisco with youngsters, pals, or household. I extremely recommend using a motorcycle 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.
Hold studying:
Megan is a mother of 4 youngsters and so they all love touring! They’ve been touring since they acquired married and discovered tips on how to maintain going as soon as youngsters got here into the image. They attempt to journey as a lot as they’ll, which implies conserving to a decrease finances. Megan loves writing about family-friendly locations and experiences to maintain these bonds robust, uncover the world, and find out about locations far and close to.
