Best Things To Do In San Francisco When You're Traveling With Kids
If you're traveling to San Francisco this summer with kids in tow, I've got you covered with the best things for you to do in the city! Whether you have toddlers or teens, here are my favorite spots and things to do in the foggy city! Plus, I have some local tips on how to make the most out of your trip.
AND- if you want someone to capture your special outings in the city, I can take your picture and be your unofficial tour guide! :) Contact me for details!
Taking in the view at Pier 39
1.Fisherman’s Wharf
I think any local would cringe when they see this on the list, but it’s so much fun for kids! The neighborhood is full of fun sights and sounds—but it's also full of tourists! You can avoid crowds by visiting on a weekday or early in the morning.
Since it’s a must-see on many family’s lists, I’d stick to making it a quick trip to see the sea lions at Pier 39, enjoy the views of Alcatraz, and then head into another neighborhood where you’ll enjoy real city life.
If you do stay longer and are looking for something unique to do while there, check out Musée Mécanique at Pier 43 and play the many antique (and some new) arcade games. Be sure to step outside next door to see the WWII submarine!
Sea Lions resting at Pier 39 in San Francisco
USS Pampanito Museum and submarine
2. Golden Gate Park
This 3-mile park has something for everyone: world-class museums, gardens, trails, and a Ferris wheel! A good place to start is at Music Concourse. You’ll be between the two museums, you can rent bikes, and the fountains are gorgeous!
Fun fact: every plant in the park was planted by hand!!
Here are my favorite highlights:
California Academy of Sciences - There’s an indoor rainforest, a world-class aquarium, and a white alligator!
De Young Museum - Local tip: there is a free observatory tower at the top, just walk in and ask for the elevators! You can also visit the cafe or garden. Don’t miss the sky space, Three Gems By James Turrell.
Ferris Wheel - open until 10 pm! See the city all lit up (if it isn’t foggy!)
Rent bikes - many of the streets are closed to cars
Conservatory of Flowers - A beautiful greenhouse with exotic plants. The building itself and surrounding gardens are worth a visit!
Japanese Tea Garden- Be sure to enjoy some tea and cookies at the cafe!
Stowe Lake - Paddle boats and row boats are available to rent.
Koret Children's Quarter - the best playground in the park.
Redwood Grove - if you can’t make it to Muir Woods, you can still see these incredible trees!
View of the gardens in Golden Gate Park from the De Young Museum’s observatory tower.
The lily pond inside Golden Gate Park’s Conservatory of Flowers.
Looking up at Ross Alley in China Town
3. China Town / North Beach (Little Italy)
Since these two neighborhoods are next door to one another, you can do both at the same time!
China Town: Walk along the lantern-lined Grant Avenue and step into shops for fun souvenirs. Don’t miss the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory on Ross Alley for a treat!
At Columbus and Broadway, browse the selection of books at City Lights Booksellers and Publishers, famous for publishing many of the beat poets. (and don’t miss the beatnik hangout, Cafe Vesuvio next door)
North Beach: Grant Street is my favorite for cool shops. Grab some gelato, cannoli, or an espresso on Columbus. Have a rest in Washington Square and stay for pizza at Tony’s!
Lucky Cat souvenirs from San Francisco’s China Town.
City Light’s Book Store in San Francisco
Grateful Dead t-shirts on Haight Street.
4. Haight Ashbury
This colorful hippie neighborhood is perfect for teens who are discovering Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and the Grateful Dead. There are plenty of vintage stores to shop at, as well as the famous Amoeba Music. Show the kids what a record store is!
Local tip: One street over on Waller St. is Free Gold Watch, a screen-printing t-shirt shop/pinball arcade. It’s super fun!
Making shadows at the Exploratorium!
5. The Exploratorium
Along the Embarcadero is an interactive kids’ science and technology museum where you can tinker and experiment with the many exhibits. It’s fun for all ages- even the adults!
Under the Golden Gate Bridge at Fort Point
6. Golden Gate Bridge /Fort Point/ The Presidio
What’s a trip to SF without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge? You can always walk or bike across if you’d like, but it’s always too windy for my liking! Instead, I prefer to take in the views from a few other spots, like the Warming Hut Cafe, Crissy Beach, or go directly under the bridge at Fort Point! (Note that it’s only open on the weekends)
Powell and Hyde Street cable car
7. Ride a Cable Car
I love the Hyde Street line. Start or end at the Powell and Hyde turnaround and pop into Buena Vista Cafe for an Irish coffee! ;) See the actual underground cables doing their job at the Cable Car Museum. on Mason Street. It’s free and is open every day except Monday.
8. Alamo Square
Take in the postcard view of the Painted Ladies! Be sure to walk through the park and up the hill for more views of the city. A few blocks over is the hip Divisadero Street, where you can grab a bite and do some shopping. My favorite spots for a family-friendly bite: Bi-Rite (a gourmet market with great picnic items to-go), Souvla (Greek-inspired wraps and salads), 4505 Barbecue, Boba Guys (Boba Tea), and The Mill (coffee, bread, and pastries).
The Painted Ladies of Alamo Square