Family travel to San Francisco promises memorable sights and adventures for the entire family. The City is beautiful, set on the scenic San Francisco Bay connected to surrounding areas by majestic bridges, and just the idea of getting around town offers adventure, the chance to go jangling along the steep hills on a cable car. Food and dining options are broad and diverse, and there should be many fabulous selections for nearly every taste in cuisine. With the latest trends focused on local and organic agriculture, there will be many healthy eating choices for families with children.
There are many kid-friendly and family oriented hotels in San Francisco, offering amenities such as free breakfast and onsite swimming and recreation. In addition, many hotels offer significant discounts to nearby attractions such as Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and Union Square venues. For example, the Holiday Inn Express at Fisherman's Wharf offers free breakfast and is a short walk from the attractions at the Wharf. The Ritz -Carleton near Chinatown and Union square has a kid friendly set of features including furnishings, activities, and distinctive touches like cookies and milk in the evening.
There are many points of interest in San Francisco that will appeal to families including those with small children. Local attractions geared to families and children include museums, amusement attractions, Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, and Muir Woods and Sausalito. Many activities have no or low costs such as Golden Gate Park where many play areas are open to the public without charge, and the Cable Car Museum at 1201 Mason Street, which is also free.
Pier 39 is an excellent beginning to a family adventure in San Francisco, and it has spectacular views of the Golden Gate and Alcatraz Island, The Pier has many restaurants and eateries, including an area favorite Goudin's Bakery and sourdough bread. Children will enjoy the wax museum and the sea lions sunbathing and barking near the water's edge. Golden Gate Park located on John F. Kennedy Drive is a spacious play and gathering area, a magnificent urban park. It has a small herd of buffalo, biking and hiking paths, amusements and play areas. The Golden Gate Bridge is not just for sightseeing from Fisherman's Wharf; it can be biked and hiked too. One can cross the entire span and experience the feeling of crossing the Bay high above the water in the wind and sun. Just across the Bridge is the Muir Woods nature area, with lush green scenery and giant Redwoods.
The tour of Alcatraz Island and its famous prison museum is among the not-to-be missed activities. While tour packages might save some money, the typical cost for a ferry ride and museum tour is adults $41, teens $36, and children under 12 for $26. It is an unique experience. Fun and educational museums and kid-friendly locales include the Jelly-Belly factory for fresh made candy treats, the Walt Disney Museum, and the California Academy of Science. The Academy is the perfect place for families, and one can easily spend most of a day on the fascinating and educational exhibits including some hands-on activities.
