Parks, museums, beaches, wildlife, iconic structures. San Francisco has it all and more. As one of the world's major cities, with a large business district, you'd be forgiven for thinking San Francisco won't hold any appeal for the younger generation. However, having been fortunate enough to visit twice as a family, we discovered San Francisco has an abundance of sights and activities to keep the children entertained.
Here we share our top picks, including those experiences the children voted as their favourite locations.
Alcatraz Island
Our visit to the island housing the notorious prison grounds, together with an impressive lighthouse, tops the list for all of us.
A definite highlight was the audio tour of the cellhouse, which is fascinating and well structured enough for the children to follow along, maintaining their interest.
In addition, we recommend taking time to explore the Recreation Yard, Warden's House and further buildings, to learn more intriguing stories associated with the island and it's past inhabitants.
Photographs from the Ferry
As it takes place via ferry, travelling to and from Alcatraz Island is a fun experience in itself. If you're blessed with a clear day, it provides the ideal opportunity to view and photograph the San Francisco skyline from the river.
For more information, read our top 10 tips for Alcatraz Island here.
The Golden Gate Bridge
Visiting one of the worlds most famous bridges was another must-do on our San Francisco bucket list.
Thanks to sunny weather on our first trip, we chose to walk to (and part way across) the bridge. The kids enjoyed snapping various photographs, taking in the views and marvelling at the imposing structure in such close proximity.
Cycle to Sausalito
We had intended to hire bikes and cycle over the bridge during our 2018 trip, but persistent torrential rain thwarted those plans.
If cycling across the bridge appeals, bikes are available to hire from a number of locations around Fisherman's Wharf. From here, it's a relatively flat cycle to the bridge. Once across the bridge, head to Sausalito, where you can catch the ferry back to the San Francisco Ferry Terminal, if you don't fancy using pedal power for the return journey.
Golden Gate Park
A little further inland from the Golden Gate Bridge are the picturesque grounds of Golden Gate Park. Here you'll discover museums, playgrounds, lakes, flower gardens and even an aquarium to help keep the children entertained.
Crissy Field & the Marina
Travelling between the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf area, along the waterfront promenade, takes you past the picturesque marina and through Crissy Field National Park.
As well as enjoying stunning views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge from here, you'll also find beaches, and areas with picnic benches if you need somewhere to rest and refuel.
Fort Mason
Continuing along from the marina is Fort Mason - a former Army post which now serves as a visitors centre together with parks, gardens, plus a number of the buildings used as art galleries and even a youth hostel.
Walt Disney Family Museum
The children thoroughly enjoyed this fabulous attraction, situated on the same side of the bay as the Golden Gate Bridge.
Learn the truly inspiring story behind the man who created Mickey Mouse, and all that he overcame on his road to success.
There are numerous exhibits on display, cartoons playing, and interactive experiences the children are sure to love.
You can also marvel at Walt's collection of Oscar Statuettes in the main foyer, Lilly Belle - the model train he built in honour of his wife, together with an impressive 3-D model of Disneyland California.
Check the Walt Disney Family Museum website for up to date information on current exhibits, ticket prices, and opening hours.
Ride a Cable Car
No visit to San Francisco would be complete without riding the iconic cable cars, something we enjoyed on both trips.
There are 3 cable car routes to choose from:
California Street runs from near to the Ferry Terminal, through the Financial District and Nob Hill to Van Ness.
The Powell-Mason Line and the Powell-Hyde Line, both run between the city centre and Fisherman's Wharf. The Powell-Mason Line will take you to Bay Street - a short walk to Pier 39, whereas the Powell-Hyde Line will drop you close to Ghirardelli Square.
One way tickets are available to purchase, or you can hop on and off as much as you wish with an all day pass. Visit the official Cable Car website for current ticket prices.
Steep and winding hills
The Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason Lines are both popular with tourists as they travel up and down the famous steep San Francisco hills, including past the winding road of Lombard Street.
Watching vehicles negotiating the twisting turns of Lombard Street is something the kids enjoyed, especially when one of the bright yellow 3-wheeled GoCars appeared over the brow at the top.
Museum on Mason Street
You can learn more about the history behind the cable cars and how they are powered, courtesy of a visit to the Cable Car Museum on Mason Street.
Entry is free, and the museum is home to a number of photographs and displays, including previous cable cars - something which may be of interest to children.
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is a hugely popular tourist area, making it a hub of activity from early morning until late at night.
Cable Car Turnaround
At one end of Fisherman's Wharf, the cable car turnaround provides a fascinating watch as the cars are turned in preparation for their journey back up the hills into the city centre.
Shop for Choc
Nearby Ghirardelli Square is also worth a visit.The wonderful displays and free chocolate made this another of the children's favourite locations. If one square of chocolate isn't enough (when is it ever?), you can visit the in-store cafe to treat yourselves to something from the ice-cream menu.
Aquatic Park
The elevated vantage point of Ghirardelli Square provides lovely views over Aquatic Park. Home to a number of historic ships, the National Maritime Museum, Hyde Street Pier, plus a small beach, which is a wonderful place to sit and relax as the kids play in the sand.
The Cannery
Close to the beach, The Cannery is a smart red brick building which houses another museum within the Visitors Centre, together with a number of shops, restaurants and The Argonaut Hotel.
Boudin Sourdough Bakery
Further along Jefferson Street towards the centre of Fisherman's Wharf, the street is lined with various shops and restaurants, including the famous Boudin Sourdough Bakery.
Follow your nose in the direction of the mouthwatering aromas to discover where the kids had fun admiring wonderful bread sculptures and watching skilled bakers at work. If you fancy sampling some of the baked goods being prepared, there's a large selection available in an adjacent shop.
Also within this vicinity is a bustling street market. Feast your eyes and stomach on the various food offerings: chocolate, sea food and, of course, clam chowder served in sour dough bowls can all be purchased here.
Waxworks and Wonders
The more central area of Fisherman's Wharf has a distinctly touristy vibe, especially around Pier 39.
Here you'll discover an abundance of souvenir shops, plus Ripley's Believe It or Not! and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Although we have never visited these attractions, they are obviously another option if you're looking to entertain children.
Pier 39
Pier 39 itself is a huge draw for many people, with it shops and eateries, as well as the live performers and even a carousel.
Smelly Sea Lions
What the kids found most amusing was watching and videoing the Snapchat worthy antics of the playful sea lions who reside here.
You can learn more about these noisy, smelly creatures at the Pier 39 Sea Lion Center, situated next to K-Dock.
Aquarium
A large aquarium located next to Pier 39, provides a good rainy day activity for children, should the need arise.
Boat Excursions
During drier, warmer weather, you can also book yourself on to one of the many boat excursions which depart from this area.
Ferry Building
Although the kids stated it was a 'once and done', the unique shops and tasty goods on offer at the Ferry Building make it worth a visit.
The building itself is aesthetically pleasing, and there are a number of decent restaurants within it.
Bay Bridge
Head out the back of the Ferry Building for a great view of the impressive Bay Bridge - an added reason to visit here at least once.
Streetcars
At the front of the Ferry Building, you can catch one of the historic Streetcars to travel back towards the other end of Fisherman's Wharf
Chinatown
Or walk in the direction of Nob Hill and immerse yourself in the sights and souvenir shops of nearby Chinatown
Architecture
From the splendid Transamerica Pyramid and the towering skyscrapers of the business district, to the famous Coit Tower and the Queen Anne architecture synonymous with the area, even the buildings of San Francisco provide a level of enjoyment.
The city has so much to offer the whole family, and I hope this list goes some way to helping you explore as much as you possibly can during your visit.
Have you ever visited San Francisco? Share your favourite parts in the comments section below, so others can enjoy everything about this fabulous city.
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Great post. I think we’ve done most of these, but still learned about some fun new places like cable car museum, maritime museum, and Ghirardelli Square. My favourtis were Pier 39 and the sea lions, even though I didn’t remember that they were smelly haha… must be all that fish they’re gobbling down all day.
Thanks for reading! Pier 39 is a great place, isn’t it. There were so many sea lions on the sunny day we visited, it probably added to the smell. Their antics were fun to watch though. Ghirardelli Square is certainly worth a visit next time you’re in San Francisco – their chocolate is absolutely delicious!