San Francisco

San Francisco is full of unlimited activities to do with kids of all ages. We have family close by, so we have visited numerous times and experienced something different with each trip. I think the most well-known tourist stops are Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. Pier 39 is a waterfront marketplace full of great shops, restaurants, street performers and fun-filled attractions. The kids enjoy the aquarium, carousel, arcade and the sea lions that make Pier 39 their home several months out of the year. The kids (and I) could spend hours watching them splash, bark and fight with each other. There are also incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. My daughters' favorite lunch/dinner spot is Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Pier 39. It provides great views and the best Coconut Shrimp you have ever tasted! The atmosphere is casual and friendly and your server may even test your movie knowledge from Forrest Gump!


Fisherman's Wharf sits adjacent to Pier 39 and is a great spot to "people watch" and taste some of the freshest seafood around. Although it is hard to watch the lives crabs meet their demise, it is fascinating to watch the process as they are prepared for sale. I think it is the most famous spot to get a bowl of piping hot clam chowder in a fresh sourdough bowl! Keep you eye out for entertaining street performers and kite fliers, as well.

Our family has strolled through this area several times and we always continue our stroll up to Ghiradelli Square. We vote this the best ice cream ever!! It is only a few blocks from Fisherman's Wharf and is definitely worth the walk. I always seem to get mint chocolate chip in a waffle cone, but the options are endless-from single scoops, sundaes, floats or chocolate bars.

Except for the cost of your food and/or shopping, everything I have talked about so far is free to do. San Francisco is a great walking city or there is plenty of public transportation, including the famous cable cars, to get you around. If you do have a car, make sure you take a few moments at some of the great photo spots in the city. Some of the best are Lombard Street (also known as the Crookedest Street), Coit Tower ( sits atop Telegraph Hill) and Golden Gate Park. All are free and offer stunning views.

As the kids have gotten older, we have expanded our tour of the city. One of the highlights is Alcatraz Island. It is an experience unlike any other. Also known as "The Rock", Alcatraz is a former penitentiary now run by the National Park Service. There is no cost to get into Alcatraz, although you must take a ferry across San Francisco Bay from Pier 33 to get to the island. Ferry tickets are best purchased through Alcatrazcruises.com and include the ferry ride and the selected tour package. They offer an audio tour with personal headsets, but we found this to be too difficult with small children. We were able to follow the posted signs with ease. Besides the jail itself, the kids loved the ferry ride, the views from around the island, hunting for different plants and birds and being challenged by the steep hill to reach the top. Although I wasn't aware of this at the time, kids have an opportunity to become a sworn Junior Park Ranger by completing a booklet of activities. Just look for a staff member when you first arrive. My last tips are pack snacks for the time on the island and dress in layers. San Francisco weather can be unpredictable!