Not only is it a trendy destination and foodie mecca, it’s also a great place for families who love nature, adventure, food, transportation, history and education.
An old Civil War era fortress, that was never used in any battle, Fort Point is like a playground of stairs and cannons for any kid. During the 1930s it was used as a base camp for the construction of the Golden Gate bridge. The fort is situated directly under the bridge. Other than walking on it, this is the closest view you’ll get.
Just a quick jaunt over the Golden Gate Bridge lies a wonderland of giant redwoods and the peace that you just might need to escape to when visiting the city by the bay.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth and you’re in the mood for some chocolate, stopping in at Ghirardelli Square in a must. They have more than chocolate though. Try the milkshakes or, my personal favorite, the hot chocolate!
No trip to San Francisco would be complete without taking the boat ride to Alcatraz, the first Lighthouse and fort built on the west coast, and later transformed into a federal penitentiary for the worst criminals. Take the self guided audio tour that will walk you through prison cells and tell the stories of the men and women who called “the rock” home.
Lombard street is known as the “crookedest street in the world” and it really deserves its name! Walk, or if you’re brave, drive, down the crooked street and try not to get dizzy!
Across from Alamo Park on Steiner Street, sit these beauties. Victorian mansions painted in beautiful colors. These are privately owned, but you can picnic at the park with their lovely facades as a backdrop.
If you’re looking for something a little different, try GoCar Tours. You can drive up and down the steep hills of San Francisco in a go cart while a GPS tour guide will explain the main attractions and fascinating history of the city.
When choosing where to stay in San Francisco, you may want to considering what you’ll be doing. Many of the main attractions will be near Presidio or Golden Gate Park. The Handlery at Union Square is centrally located and has great suites for families that won’t break the bank. It also has a heated outdoor pool, laundry service and is dog-friendly so you can bring Fido along too. Hotel del Sol near Fisherman’s Wharf is another great option that’s extremely family-friendly. With colorful decor, milk and cookies offered in the lobby and a saltwater heated pool, the kids will be in heaven. There is a multitude of other hotels and home rentals all over the city that are sure to fit every families needs.
The peninsula of San Francisco is only 46 square miles. It’s a relatively small city, but with copious amount of steep hills, walking can get a bit challenging, especially with little feet. Public transportation in San Francisco is varied. You can take the BART and of course, the iconic San Francisco trolleys, which you can find all around town. You can always catch a cab, Uber, or Lyft and, of course, rent bikes!
Vanessa Hunt is a full-time traveling mama who is passionate about world-schooling and food. You can find her sharing all about her travels with her family of six (her four children are 4, 7, 9 and 11), as well as her favorite recipes at WanderlustCrew.
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