For families looking for a new vacation spot, we have an unexpected suggestion: Visit a city. From glittering skyscrapers to colorful street vendors, the urban scene buzzes with energy and excitement. In our travels, we've discovered that visiting a city with kids doesn't have to be an expensive or difficult proposition. Our favorite places are beautiful and easy to navigate. They offer countless activities for rainy and sunny days, loads of freebies, beautiful public parks and fascinating ethnic and historic neighborhoods.
There's no doubt we think cities are special. But don't just take our word for it. We hope our written adventures will inspire you to hit the road with your family and experience the wonder of our favorite twinkling skylines, including colorful San Francisco, California.
A PLACE FOR POETS, HIPSTERS, AND FAMILIES
Families can't help but leave their hearts here. With its legendary cable cars, beautiful 1,000-acre public park, and colorful ethnic neighborhoods, it's easy to see why poets, hipsters and, of course, families love the City by the Bay. At every turn, there's something exciting to do and see. Between noshing on dim sum in busy Chinatown and climbing steep streets to explore the city's pastel-toned Victorian houses, there are countless opportunities for urban adventures.WHY FAMILIES LOVE IT
The city's a sort of theme park filled with stomach-lurching hills, fascinating characters, and the 1.7-mile-long Golden Gate Bridge that's a blast to drive across. For the steepest cable-car ride in town, take the Powell-Hyde line.FRIENDLY HOTEL
You can't beat the location of The Suites at Fisherman's Wharf, two blocks away from the action at Fisherman's Wharf. With specials starting at $149 nightly, the hotel offers direct cable care access and a 24-hour concierge. Call 415-771-0200.BEST MUSEUM
With more than 700 interactive exhibits, the Exploratorium is the granddaddy of "please touch" museums. On a recent visit, our kids punched down a pile of bread dough (part of a one-ton gob) and handled slimy things in the pitch-black Tactile Dome. Admission is $13 for adults, $10 for children ages 13 to 17, $8 for kids ages 4 to 12, and free for kids age 3 and under. The Tactile Dome is $16 (includes museum admission) for visitors ages 7 and up. Call 415-561-0360.TOP OUTDOOR FUN
At Golden Gate Park, families can see buffalo grazing in their paddock, ride a vintage carousel, and visit a "touching tide pool" at the California Academy of Sciences (part of the park complex). Admission is $10 for adults, $6.50 for children ages 12 to 17, $2 for kids ages 4 to 11, and free for kids ages 3 and under. Call 415-321-8000.DON'T LEAVE TOWN WITHOUT
Driving up to Twin Peaks, in the city's center, for 360-degree views.YOU COULD SPEND A WHOLE DAY
Ogling the gorillas and watching the African warthogs at the San Francisco Zoo. Admission is $11 for adults, $8 for kids ages 12 to 17, and $5 for kids ages three to 11. Call 415-753-7057.FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau at 415-391-2000, or click here.
Diane Bair and Pamela Wright write from their office in Newburyport, Massachusetts.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated April 2007.
