There are so many fun things to do in San Francisco with kids, it’s easy to see why many visitors leave their hearts there! The little cable cars do seem to climb halfway to the stars as the song suggests. As they go, they pass rows of charming old Victorian homes situated in diverse hilly neighborhoods.
Kids of all ages love exploring these areas as well as San Francisco’s many family-friendly parks, museums, and activities. Parents also enjoy that their kids are learning through experiential fun!
The cultural, traditional, and quirky live side-by-side around the San Francisco Bay, and the locals wouldn’t have it any other way. Here are our picks for the best things to do in San Francisco with kids.
Fun Things to do in San Francisco with Kids
Walk or Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge
The lonely call of the foghorn is common around the Golden Gate Bridge, but the view is ever-changing. Clear and sunny days are often interrupted by “Karl the Fog,” as San Franciscans refer to the famous area weather system.
One of the most beloved bridges in the world, the Golden Gate is flanked by the stunning Golden Gate National Parks on each end. The Welcome Center, located at the southern end of the bridge, tells the story of this iconic span. Visitors can explore historical exhibits and learn about its fascinating history, as well as some harrowing bridge construction stories.
A 1.7-mile walk or bike across the structure is easy for all abilities and hiking levels. But it can also be chilly, so dress in layers! It’s simple to take a warm beverage with you, if you’d like. The Round House Café is conveniently located just steps from the Golden Gate Bridge. Housed in a circular Art Deco building, it was opened as a roadside diner in 1938. Today, Equator Coffees serves coffee, hot chocolate, pastries, sandwiches, and soups to bridge visitors.
Viewing platforms on the span provide a perspective that San Francisco visitors won’t get anywhere else. They also reveal a dazzling view of Fort Point, the Civil War-era fortification nestled under the bridge platform.
You can also opt to take a cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge.
There are nearly a dozen national parks in the Bay Area. Read about them all in our guide to National Parks Near San Francisco.
Discover Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39
Fisherman’s Wharf is the best place to get clam chowder in a bowl fashioned from a round of San Francisco’s world-famous sourdough. The area also has a few attractions to enjoy while you walk off that filling meal.
San Francisco City Guides offers free walking tours showcasing the hidden gems and stories of Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. If you aren’t able to squeeze a walking tour into your schedule, here are a few historical landmarks of interest in the area:
Before the Golden Gate Bridge existed, the Hyde Street Pier and Maritime National Historic Park was an automobile ferry terminal connecting San Francisco and Marin. This historic spot is undergoing a massive restoration project, which involves completely rebuilding the pier. The estimated completion date for the Hyde Street Pier is sometime in 2027.
Historically, Fisherman’s Wharf was a fishing community (hence the name!). You can still find traces of the working fishermen that once resided here among the escape rooms, wax museums, and cheesy fun. Start at the Maritime Museum. Located in the historic Aquatic Park Bathhouse, it offers exhibits on West Coast maritime history. The museum is free.
Tucked between the fishing boats, seafood restaurants, and touristy spots is Fishermen’s and Seamen’s Memorial Chapel. Constructed to honor those lost at sea, this small Catholic chapel includes a stained-glass window with a ship’s wheel, a crystal chandelier with 15 candelabra lights representing the rosary, and an antique banner depicting the patron saint of Sicilian fishermen, Madonna del Lume. Look for the small sea blue and white building and bell tower across from Pier 45.
Moving onto a different sort of history, Musee Mechanique at Pier 45 traces the arcade experience back to the early 1900s. Next to it is the USS Pampanito, a World War II submarine open for self-guided tours.
Early risers who make their way to Pier 47, also known as Fish Alley, may catch fishermen headed out to work in one of the weathered fishing boats anchored there. Later in the day, you can watch them unload their catch and purchase fresh fish right off the boat.
But the most unusual sight is found on the K Dock at Pier 39. Hundreds of sea lions lounge on former boat slips. Watching them fight over precious space on the docks is endlessly entertaining.
Learn more about these creatures at the Aquarium of the Bay. Want to get out on the bay? The Blue & Gold Fleet offers cruises out of the Bay.
Both the Aquarium of the Bay and the Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise are included in the San Francisco City Pass. CityPass will save you 44% on admission to some of San Francisco’s most popular family attractions. Trekaroo is a trusted CityPass affiliate.
Visit Alcatraz (No, it’s not closing!)
Alcatraz, also referred to as “the Rock,” was home to some pretty nefarious types during its tenure as a federal prison. Al “Scarface” Capone and Robert “Birdman” Stroud were among the more than 1,500 convicts who did hard time there.
But did you know that the Rock also served as a Civil War fortress, a bird sanctuary, and the home base of the first lighthouse on the West Coast? It was also where the American Indian Red Power movement took root, occupying the then abandoned prison for over 18 months.
Despite the rumors of a return to the site’s original purpose, Alcatraz remains one of the most popular San Francisco tourist destinations.
Tours of Alcatraz focus on the cell blocks, including solitary confinement, which you can experience for yourself, and colorful stories of daily life on the island. You may even get to enjoy a guest from the prison’s past. The daughter of one of the wardens was on site during our visit. My kids loved her recollections of growing up on the island!
Just book well in advance as this tour is extremely popular! Things to know before you go: Wear layers and comfortable shoes. The island and the ferry ride to it can be cold and windy.
Bring Your ID: As I mentioned, this tour is popular! An ID check ensures that tickets are in the hands of the rightful owner. Download the National Park Service App, charge your phone, and pack your earbuds. The app includes an Alcatraz Cellhouse audio tour. Pack a small bag of water and snacks; food service is limited on the island, and you’ll be there for a few hours.
Arrive early at the ferry terminal —no less than 20 to 30 minutes before the departure time on your ticket. The official ferry is called Alcatraz City Cruises.
San Francisco is one of our favorite cool weather summer vacation destinations.
Hop on a Cable Car
The three remaining routes of San Francisco’s iconic cable car system — two running from downtown near Union Square out to Fisherman’s Wharf and a third along California Street near Chinatown— are a “must-ride,” taking visitors up and down San Francisco’s infamous steep hills.
After enjoying this iconic experience, families can visit the Cable Car Museum to learn more about the world’s last manually operated transportation system.
Filled with historical exhibits covering the 8 original cable car companies, the parts of San Francisco they served, and examples of old cable cars, it is considered a working museum because part of it houses the cable car power source, which drives the cables, as well as the car depot. It’s a visit that comes at the best price too — free!
San Francisco made this list of the best mother daughter trips to take with your child.
Enjoy a Street Festival
San Francisco hosts some epic family-friendly street festivals throughout the year. They are fun and free to attend. Here are a few of my family’s favorites:
Carnaval, a vibrant celebration of Latin American food and culture, takes over the Mission District around Memorial Day weekend. This two-day festival covers 17 blocks and includes local performers, vendors, and artists representing the cultural heritages of Brazil, Mexico, Panama, Bolivia, Cuba, Peru, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Colombia, Trinidad & Tobago, Guatemala, El Salvador, and more. It also includes a grand parade that is 20 blocks long!
San Francisco hosts one of the largest jazz festivals in the country, the Fillmore Jazz Festival, a two-day musical event commemorating the Fillmore Jazz District’s history. Once known as the “Harlem of the West,” legendary musicians like John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, and Charlie Parker performed in Fillmore clubs.
The North Beach Street Festival is one of the largest street fairs in San Francisco. It is set in the neighborhood known as San Francisco’s Little Italy and is full of culture and delicious food. One of the most unique traditions is the Blessing of the Animals ceremony at the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi.
The St. Patrick’s Day Festival, which kicks off in mid-March with a traditional Catholic mass, features various games and rides, and a parade of Irish dance groups, floats, and musicians along Market Street.
Located in the iconic district of San Francisco’s 1960s counterculture, the Haight-Ashbury Street Festival celebrates peace, love, and street culture. One of San Francisco’s most free-spirited festivals, it also embraces the spirit of artists like the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin, who called this neighborhood home.
Usually held the weekend before Chinese New Year, the Flower Market Fair is the place to purchase fresh flowers, fruits, candies, and supplies to prepare your home to bring in the new year. Attendees also enjoy traditional Chinese magicians, acrobats, folk dances, and more. It’s a great and manageable alternative for anyone who might find the massive Chinese New Year Parade overwhelming.
Don’t Wait for a Game to Visit Oracle Park
Home to the 2014 World Series champions, the San Francisco Giants, Oracle Park has many family-friendly attractions your kids will enjoy. Luckily, you don’t have to visit the city during baseball season to take advantage of them!
When the Giants are away, the Coca-Cola Fan Lot is open to the public at no charge. Your kids can take to the Coke bottle-shaped super slide and play around the 26-foot-high replica of a vintage 1927 four-finger baseball glove. They can also hit balls and run the bases at Little Giants Park, a smaller version of Oracle Park.
Trekaroo tip: Coca-Cola Fan Lot access is a gameday attraction and not generally open on off days except for select ballpark events.
Diehard baseball fans will enjoy the history in Willie Mays Plaza outside the stadium along King and 3rd Street. There are statues and plaques of former Giants players like Tom Hallee, Gaylord Perry, Orlando Cepeda, and, of course, Willie Mays himself.
If you’re visiting during baseball season and planning to catch a Giants game, public transportation to the ballpark is highly recommended. If the game is sold out, there’s a free viewing area along the McCovey Cove Promenade outside Oracle Park.
Go to a Basketball Game
San Francisco is home to not only one but two professional basketball teams, and both of them are really good!
The Golden State Valkyries compete in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) as a member of the Western Conference. In fact, they are the first expansion team in WNBA history to make the playoffs in their inaugural season.
The Golden State Warriors play in the National Basketball Association (NBA), part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. Nicknamed the “Dubs” (a shortening of “W’s”), the Warriors rank third in NBA history for the most NBA championships and Finals appearances.
Both teams play their home games at the state-of-the-art Chase Center in San Francisco, where visitors enjoy a variety of shopping and dining options and public art installations. If your visit coincides with basketball season and you score some tickets, show up early in Thrive City, the complex where the Chase Center is located, to enjoy programming on the big screen outside the center.
Snap Selfies with Instagrammable Street Art
San Francisco is loaded with Instagrammable art your teens will want in their feeds. The Mission District, North Beach, Lower Haight, and Chinatown all have extensive outdoor galleries of murals depicting city history, civil rights issues, and local folklore.
You may even unexpectedly encounter a honey bear or two as you walk through San Francisco neighborhoods. They are a sign that the street artist fnnch has been there. Variations of his honey bears can be found all over San Francisco.
There are also staircases! San Francisco has several staircases that are frequently featured in social media selfies. There’s the dazzling mosaic that is the 16th Avenue Steps. The Hidden Garden Steps feature embossed tiles forming psychedelic butterflies and floral patterns.
The gorgeous pop of design on the Lincoln Park Steps was a neighborhood effort to repair a neglected staircase at the eastern edge of Lincoln Park.
One of the city’s largest urban art projects is Art Trail SF. It traverses the city’s central neighborhoods, from Hayes Valley to Alamo Square, through the Lower Haight, and along the Divisadero Corridor.
Notable stops include the Painted Gentlemen, a rotating gallery of murals adjacent to the iconic row of Victorian homes known as the Painted Ladies.
Get Back to Nature in the Presidio
Presidio Park San Francisco is the perfect natural escape in the middle of the city! The largest US national park in an urban area, it’s home to a myriad of butterfly species, birds, and native plants. San Francisco’s oldest neighborhood street also runs along a tidy row of officers’ homes on this former military base.
Read about 15 great hikes near San Francisco.
Families fly kites and play with their dogs in Crissy Field, a former military airstrip beside the San Francisco Bay. Kids explore Battery Chamberlain and other artillery that dot the coastline near Baker Beach.
Don’t miss The Presidio Tunnel Tops! One of the most imaginative park spaces ever created, it was constructed right on top of highway tunnels. Tunnel Tops connects the Presidio’s historic center to the Crissy Field waterfront. This area offers sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and plenty of picnic space, including an area with barbecues, a campfire circle, and an outdoor playground called the Outpost, where kids can enjoy self-guided experiences in areas for building as well as exploring art and science.
The Presidio also has many places to enjoy a picnic. The most popular is the ample lawn on the Main Post, where various food trucks serving everything from burgers to Borsch are often parked. Pop into nearby Il Parco to pick up some picnic supplies or pizza. If you’d prefer somewhere quieter, many lush meadows and breezy headlands exist. Work off that feast by exploring secluded hiking trails that wind through cypress, pine, and eucalyptus forests.
For a mix of stunning natural landscape and military history, head to Battery Bluff, a six-acre spot near San Francisco National Cemetery that gives visitors an up-close look at the restored Battery Baldwin, Slaughter, and Sherwood—the structures that give the trail its name. Built by the US Army between 1899 and 1902 to defend the bay, they are quite a sight!
One of my favorite hikes is the portion of the coastal trail leading to Land’s End and ultimately Ocean Beach. Look out the bay as you go! At low tide, you could spot one of the historic shipwrecks still offshore.
The Presidio is also home to Lucasfilm, the creator of Star Wars, and the Walt Disney Family Museum.
The Walt Disney Museum is part of the San Francisco CityPass.
Read about 10 great experiences Presidio Park has to offer families.
Check Out Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park attractions are cultural, horticultural, and downright surprising. Who would expect an American metropolitan city park to have bison living in it? A small herd has roamed the park’s 35-acre Bison Paddock since the late 1800s.
Visitors can rent bikes and paddle boats. They can also snap photos with beautiful backdrops like Strawberry Hill, an island with a waterfall, or picturesque Blue Heron Lake (formerly Stow Lake).
A walk in the Japanese Tea Garden includes pagodas, stone lanterns, Koi ponds, and Zen gardens as well as refreshments in the tea house.
Burning Man and other modern art pieces have blossomed along the John F. Kennedy Promenade, a car-free artery in the park’s center. Currently, a metal serpent composed of five glowing segments resides in Rainbow Falls. Named Naga, the creature is 100 feet long and 25 feet tall. It also blows bubbles and lights up at night.
Don’t miss the Conservatory of Flowers, a masterpiece of Victorian architecture topped with a stunning glass dome. It’s home to aquatic species, carnivorous plants, Dahlia and Rhododendron gardens, and more. Its most famous blossom is the Corpse Flower. And yes, when in full bloom, this thing STINKS! Trust me when I tell you that the more you declare that its scent makes you want to vomit, the more hilarious your kids will find the whole situation.
On the park’s western end, two Dutch windmills sit side by side. Once responsible for park irrigation, they now shadow the Beach Chalet, a charming restaurant with amazing ocean views
Visit Iconic Spots from Your Favorite Movies and TV Shows
San Francisco has been the backdrop for many movies and TV shows. In fact, you can take the kids to some of their locations during your visit.
Let’s start with everyone’s favorite nanny, Mrs. Doubtfire! She resided in the Hillard House, at the corner of Broadway and Steiner in the Pacific Heights Neighborhood.
Grove High School in Disney’s The Princess Diaries is a stately Mediterranean-style villa at 2601 Lyon Street. Keep heading past it to challenge the family to a run up the Lyon Street Steps. While it’s not a film location, the views at the top of this staircase are a great reward.
If you know who the Tanner Family is, you have likely watched Full House and its reboot, Fuller House. Head to Alamo Square Park to reenact the opening sequence of the original series, where the Tanners picnic on the park lawn in full view of the Painted Ladies, the famous postcard-ready row of homes on Steiner Street near Hayes Street.
Then walk over to 1709 Broderick Street, where you’ll find the house used for the exterior shots of the Tanner family home. It recently sold for an astronomical $6 million!
Fans of the Marvel character Ant-Man will get a kick out of seeing Dr. Hank Pym’s Victorian House featured in the movie. Located at 601 Buena Vista Avenue, San Francisco’s oldest park is across the street. The remains of headstones line the park walkways and stairs. When Victorian cemeteries were relocated outside the city, unclaimed headstones were repurposed in several of San Francisco’s parks and public areas.
While most kids aren’t familiar with Tales of the City, a walk on Macondray Lane is well worth it. This wooden enclave on the southeastern side of the Russian Hill neighborhood inspired the fictional Barbary Lane. Its small stone path winding past a thriving garden will make you forget that you’re in the heart of an urban city.
This last spot wasn’t featured in a movie, but it is an homage to one of the most popular wizards of our time—Harry Potter. Located at 2645 Leavenworth, the door is affixed with seven snakes, just like the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. While it’s not an actual entrance to a wizarding world, fans are welcome to take a selfie or snap a vacation memory there. (Keep in mind, this is someone’s residence.)
Have Your Pick of Kid-Friendly Museums
San Francisco has many museums that offer hands-on, kid-friendly experiences. The MOMA, Palace of the Legion of Honor, and the de Young Museum offer family tours. They’re often followed by art projects led by professional artists.
The California Academy of Sciences is an epic exploration of science, ecology, astronomy, and the ecosystem. Be sure to say hello to Claude, the academy’s beloved Albino Alligator! At the Randall Museum, you can learn about earthquakes and animals living in California. At the Children’s Creativity Museum, kids can make their own stop-motion films and produce music videos.
The Exploratorium takes advantage of its close proximity to San Francisco Bay to explore the effects of wind, water, and tides. In fact, it is filled with science, ecology, and biology experiments your kids will want to experience, so be sure you have a full day to devote to it.
Discounted admission to both the California Academy of Sciences and Exploratorium is part of the San Francisco CityPass.
Explore Unique Neighborhoods
San Francisco’s vibrant neighborhoods hold old-world charms and traditions while embracing modern ideals.
If your visit falls in late June, don’t miss the LGBTQ+ pride celebrations in the Castro. One of the largest pride celebrations in the world, this two-day event features stage performances, music, dance parties, and over 300 artists. The weekend culminates in the Pride Parade, one of the most colorful celebrations you’ll ever witness.
The Haight Ashbury neighborhood evokes images of free-spirited 60’s hippie culture. It is also filled with great thrift shops. Piedmont Boutique is the most photographed due to the famous legs sculpture flailing out the top window.
The iconic Amoeba Music is the best place to sneeze your way through dusty vinyl records (it’s so worth it!). Like many San Francisco neighborhoods, the Haight has a stunning collection of Victorian homes. My favorite is the Four Seasons, a row of Queen Anne Victorians each painted to represent the winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons.
Add a little summer of love to your city explorations by hopping on a VW Hippie bus and hitting all the highlights with San Francisco Love Tours.
For a bustling cultural experience, head to Chinatown. Through the ornate Dragon’s Gate, you will find wonderfully authentic Chinese food and stores filled with all sorts of unique treasures. One of my favorites is On Waverly.
Run by two sisters, this gift shop highlights the voices and talents of Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native American artists, authors, and makers. They also host some unique kid-friendly events, like mochi-making lessons. Stop in at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, see how those delectable messengers are made, and get your own sweet treats with sprinkles or dipped in chocolate.
Enjoy family-style Italian dining and gelato in North Beach. Hike the staircases of Telegraph Hill in search of the area’s famous wild parrots. Take in the city views around Coit Tower. Stop in Caffe Trieste for an espresso. This little café was a gathering spot for Beat poets like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. It’s also where Francis Ford Coppola wrote the first draft of the screenplay for The Godfather.
North Beach is home to one of San Francisco’s three oldest parks. It’s a guarantee that Washington Square Park will be brimming with activity on a sunny day. Even when it’s not, you’ll likely find senior citizens engaged in Tai Chi or locals walking their dogs in the shadow of the iconic Saints Peter and Paul Church, a landmark you’ll surely recognize from many movies.
Get a taste of Latin culture in the Mission District. This is another district where sampling the cuisine is part of the fun. Indulge in those tacos, burritos, and whatever else attracts you. This vibrant, colorful neighborhood has lots to see while you walk off those well-chosen calories.
The Mission District is home to a large concentration of city murals and other art, including a dime-sized peephole showing silent films 24/7. You’ll find Peephole Cinema on Orange Alley.
Since this neighborhood is one of the sunniest parts of the city, the locals hang out at Mission Dolores Park. Hike up to the hilliest end of the park, and you will be rewarded with stunning views of downtown San Francisco. The park is named for nearby Mission Dolores, which was established in 1776.
Traverse the eight hairpin turns of the “Crookedest Street in the World,” Lombard Street. One of the most scenic streets in San Francisco, I hate to be the one to tell you it is not the crookedest, despite carrying the title. Technically, Vermont Street in Potrero Hill is the Crookedest Street. If you’re visiting the city on Easter Sunday, it’s the site of the Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race, an event for all ages.
Immerse yourself in old and new Japanese culture in Japantown. Anime, kimonos, sushi, manga, and more can all be perused and purchased here. One of my personal favorites is Kinokuniya Bookstore. Part of a huge Japanese bookstore chain, San Francisco’s store is the first one outside of Japan.
Daiso, the Japanese dollar store, is also a lot of fun. Everything in the place is $1.50 unless marked otherwise. Be sure to check out their large selection of Japanese snacks. Note: do to recent tariffs, the prices have gone up considerably.
After shopping, visitors could ordinarily relax in Peace Plaza and Pagoda, a gift from the city of Osaka, Japan, in 1968. The area is currently under renovation with plans to reopen in Spring 2026.
Where to Eat in San Francisco with Kids
Attack a Margherita pizza at Tony’s Pizza Napoletana or devour a clam and garlic pie from North Beach Pizza. Immerse yourself in an old-school Italian deli vibe at 129-year-old Molinari Delicatessen. Feast on delectable tacos, burritos, and tortas from El Farolito, El Toro Taqueria, or La Taqueria; three beloved Mission District establishments.
Then cast off guilt about carb consumption at Tartine Bakery. Gorge on a sundae at Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco’s preeminent chocolate outpost.
Boudin Bakery at Fisherman’s Wharf is the place to partake of classic San Francisco clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. You can observe the bread-making process firsthand at the large observation window in the front of the restaurant.
Not only do you see the bakers create the San Francisco sourdough, but they also fashion it into creative shapes like footballs, teddy bears, and turtles. All are available for purchase.
Kids go crazy for the Shrimp Packets and Mongolian Beef at House of Nanking, located where the Financial District, Chinatown, and North Beach meet.
If you find yourself on Market Street around the Embarcadero, visit the historic Ferry Building Marketplace, home of the city’s largest farmers’ market. It’s also where you’ll find local artisan producers like the ACME Bread, Cowgirl Creamery’s Artisan Cheese, Humphry Slocombe, and Dandelion Chocolate.
Where to Stay in San Francisco with Kids
Here are some great, family-friendly hotels located near iconic San Francisco sites:
The Westin St. Francis
Just steps from Union Square, the Westin St. Francis is a short walk from high-end shopping, dining, and San Francisco’s Theater District. The city’s iconic cable cars run right by the front door.
The retail experience your kids will care most about, though, is the Nintendo Store, located next to the hotel’s entrance.
This stately spot first opened in 1904 and was nearly destroyed two years later during the 1906 earthquake. Today, it consists of two main parts: the historic Landmark Building from 1904 and the modern, 32-story Tower Building, which opened in 1972. Quite a few of those tower rooms offer panoramic city and bay views.
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
The Hilton San Francisco Union Square is a classic home base for families enjoying retail therapy in Union Square. It is also within walking distance of a majority of San Francisco’s live theater performances and adventures on the city’s waterfront.
Kids love the pool at this hotel, and parents love the convenient grab-and-go gourmet marketplace just off the lobby. The Herb N’ Kitchen offers fresh, seasonal food throughout the day.
Stay in the San Francisco Presidio
There are two hotels to choose from in the Presidio. Located at opposite ends of the main post, both hotels are not just kid-friendly but dog-friendly as well! The Inn at the Presidio is a cozy 22-unit hotel designed for socializing and reading. Guests can gather at the living room, mess hall, and spacious porches. Books are everywhere.
Its sister property, the Lodge at the Presidio, is the closest hotel to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The views of the bridge are so spectacular, you’ll feel like San Francisco opened its Golden Gate just for you!
The Hotel Zephyr in Fisherman’s Wharf
Part clubhouse, old-school game room, hang-out pad, and all-around fun, the Hotel Zephyr is adjacent to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39.
Families enjoy challenging each other to pool, backgammon, and shuffleboard in the Game Room. Watch the fog roll in from the hotel’s outdoor area, the Yard. While you’re out there, why not also learn the art of Tubular Ping Pong?
Day Trips from San Francisco with Kids
During your travels around the San Francisco Bay Area, your family will become very familiar with the term “micro-climate.”
This means that you may wake up to 67 degrees in San Francisco, but you could encounter a temperature dip just across the bay or a large increase as you go inland. A little preparation will go a long way in making sure your family is comfortable while you see the sights.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Made up of more than 70,000 acres, Point Reyes National Seashore has more than 70 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails and numerous hike-in campgrounds.
The peninsula of this preserve includes wild coastal beaches, headlands, estuaries, and uplands. It is a great place to watch the gray whale migration, observe raptors and shorebirds, and see elephant seals basking on the beach.
In addition, there are opportunities to learn more about the San Andreas Fault and 16th-century maritime history and to set off on your own searches for oyster shells and sand dollars.
Microclimate tip: Summers in Point Reyes are often cold and foggy, while winters are generally clear. All family members should bring a jacket or sweatshirt that can be tied around the waist as the day warms up.
Muir Woods National Monument
Often described as a pilgrimage, not an excursion, Muir Woods is a majestic collection of 400- to nearly 1,000-year-old redwood trees. Douglas fir, maples, tanoaks, and red alders sprout up in the sprays of light that squeeze in between the redwoods’ huge trunks.
Wildlife like owls, deer, chipmunks, and woodpeckers play and live among their branches and roots. Flat easy trails loop through the park, and several of them include ways to cross Redwood Creek, which flows all year long.
Microclimate tip: Ocean moisture creeps up over the headlands and spills into the protected valley where Muir Woods is located. Daytime temperatures rarely climb past the low 70s.
Consider bringing a sweatshirt or light jacket that can be tied around the waist, even if you visit in the summer months. A visit in the winter months could require toting a warm jacket or an umbrella.
Trekaroo tip: Reservations are required to park at Muir Woods.
Sausalito/Tiburon/Angel Island
Sausalito offers opportunities to explore marine life and enjoy the San Francisco cityscape from across the bay. Families particularly enjoy the Bay Area Discovery Museum. It is filled with all sorts of exhibits, play areas, and fun educational things to do.
Fifteen minutes down the road is the picturesque town of Tiburon. You can catch the Angel Island Ferry and get out on the bay here. Angel Island State Park is a gorgeous 10-minute sail away. Sweeping views, hiking and biking trails, and other outdoor adventures are waiting for you!
Microclimate Tip: Dress in layers! It can get breezy on the bay, but it could also be very nice, so be prepared to shed or layer clothing according to the weather.
Napa Valley
Although it may be a place more immediately connected to fine wine and culinary arts, Napa Valley has attractions that are family-friendly, too!
Read about 10 Fun Things to do in Napa with Kids.
Kids love to watch the Old Faithful Geyser erupt, pretend they are knights or ladies at Castello di Amorosa, and conduct geological studies in the Petrified Forest.
Approximately 78 wineries offer family-friendly features on their tours that include grape juice and coloring books for the kids.
Microclimate Tip: Napa’s climate is considerably warmer than San Francisco’s, often by as much as 10 to 15 degrees. So, pack sunscreen and head out to enjoy a typically clear, comfortable day.
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My family has been traveling since our kids were very small. Many have thought we were crazy for hopping on planes with little kids. My response to that is, “There’s a handle on the infant carrier, so you can take them with you!”
I wanted to tell travel stories because one of my children is on the autism spectrum, and I wanted to show other families that a diagnosis like that did not necessarily mean a life of being homebound.I’m proud to report that my son has a passport full of stamps; it just took a little extra preparation to get him into the world.
I received my degree in Journalism from San Francisco State University in 1990. I have a vast writing background that includes newspaper reporting, web content for high-tech companies, and feature writing.
I have frequently collaborated and contributed to other family travel blogs, including the Hilton Hotel blogs, Hilton MomVoyage, and Hilton Suggests.Visit California named me a Digital Feature Entry Winner for my story titled, “Silicon Valley Tour – Adventures for Geeks of all Ages.”I am also the leader of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of Travel Massive, a travel community connecting thousands of tourism professionals, travel media, creators, and startups from around the world.
I live in Mountain View, CA, with my husband and son. I also have a daughter, who is in college. While we currently don’t have any pets, we will soon adopt a golden retriever through a rescue organization. My favorite things (besides travel) are spy novels, hanging out at the San Francisco Presidio, Greek food, wandering through bookstores, plants, and my greenhouse.
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