San Francisco’s mix of iconic sights, quirky neighborhoods, proximity to breathtaking redwoods and legendary food makes it an unforgettable destination for a family vacation. For our son’s 13th birthday, we celebrated with a two-on-one getaway to the city by the bay. He has been fascinated with San Francisco for years, researching about the city and even building a lego of the Golden Gate Bridge and skyline. We figured what better way to welcome his teenage years than to see the city through his curious eyes, together.
His age was perfect for this city as walking up the monstrous hills, sampling the eclectic food, and understanding the cultural significance is best experienced by older children.
Visiting San Francisco with Kids
Must See and Do
Explore Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in North America, and one of the most colorful and lively neighborhoods you’ll ever explore on foot. Wandering its bright streets feels like a mini cultural adventure, with lanterns, heritage buildings, street markets and fascinating boutiques to browse.
Make sure to hit up Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory while there. It is a delightful little place down a colorful alley. Pick up a small sack and eat it while you browse shops and markets. China Live feels fancy for a lunch out and allows for some wonderful sampling of flavorful food. Same with R & G Lounge, filling and adventurous. The Golden Gate Bakery is famous for its egg tarts and pastries. There’s always a line, and it’s worth standing in!
Visit Alcatraz Island
Another must while in San Fran is a ferry trip to see Alcatraz Island. Choose between daytime and evening cruises, understanding that nighttime visits to an abandoned jail can feel quite creepy! Purchase tickets via Alcatraz Cruises for roundtrip ferry transportation and admission to a self-guided audio tour. Our history loving teenager found this part of the trip fascinating. Tip: during high season (summer months) these cruises sell out quickly. Buying well in advance of your trip is recommended.
Ride the Iconic Cable Cars
No trip to San Francisco is complete without riding the city’s world-famous cable cars. It is living, moving history that is just as fun for kids as it is scenic for adults. These vintage cars climb steep hills and rattle along city streets with panoramic views of the city’s skyline and neighborhoods.
Tip: The Powell-Hyde line is especially neat, and it ends near Ghirardelli Square where you can grab a sweet reward after your ride.
A Nature Escape at Muir Woods
Just a short drive or guided day trip from the city, Muir Woods National Monument is a magical place where families can walk amongst towering old growth redwoods, some more than 1,000 years old. It is truly one of the most beautiful places we have ever laid eyes on. It is easy to navigate and should be number one on your list to visit in the area. The gift shop is impressive with healthy eats and snacks if you plan to be there over a meal time.
Tip: Parking reservations are required and can fill up, so plan ahead or plan or take an Uber. Although the park is infamous for having zero to no service. We made arrangements with our Uber driver to pick us up at a specific time, which is a common occurrence.
Self Driving Adventures
San Francisco’s hills and bridges practically beg for scenic exploration. For our gear-head, car loving teenager, taking a Waymo might have been the highlight of the trip. I have to admit, it blew our minds too. At first skeptical, by the end of the trip, we were excitedly ordering one for even the shortest distance to experience it just one more time.
Walk the Golden Gate Bridge & Nearby Parks
What could be more iconic than walking across the Golden Gate Bridge? On a nice day, it is one of the most breathtaking strolls in the U.S., with sweeping views of the bay and city.
Tips:
- Dress warmly, as sea breezes and fog can make it chilly, even in summer.
- The three best places to begin or end are: Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area or Golden Gate Overlook.
Attend a Giants Game
If you’re visiting during baseball season, catching a San Francisco Giants game at Oracle Park is a true mood booster. The downtown stadium atmosphere is electric, with stands packed even on a weeknight. It is lively, overlooks the waterfront and has plenty of fun photo ops.
Watch the Sea Lions at Pier 39
The rest of the area is very touristy, but watching the sea lions is downright comical. They fight for space on the docks, are famously stinky and grumpy.
Notable Places to Eat
San Francisco’s food scene is a local lover’s paradise, and many family friendly favorites are independent eateries with unique character and flavors.
- Butter & Crumble is known for its amazing croissants. It is only open Thursday through Sunday.
- Golden Boy Pizza is great whether you like deep dish or thin crust. Take to go and enjoy at a nearby park.
- Sears Fine Food is a great stop for breakfast or brunch and a Swedish pancake. Many famous people have graced this establishment.
- Tartine Bakery is legendary for its morning pastries and afternoon snacks.
San Francisco is a place that truly welcomes family adventures, with just enough history, nature, thrills and food to keep all ages smiling.
