We are going to San Francisco this year. We have a 10-year-old and a 12-year-old. Can you suggest a nice place to stay and places to go with a family?
Ahhh...San Fran--one of our favorite cities, with or without kids in tow. Just walking around this city of hills is an adventure. And walk, you should. First, do the quintessential San Francisco thing and cross the Golden Gate Bridge. You can rent bikes at the Golden Gate Park and cruise on trails that lead to the water. Next, hop on a cable car for a herky-jerky ride down steep, curvy, crooked streets. Yes, you must visit Fisherman's
Wharf; it's a tourist trap but still a hoot. Nibble on fresh shrimp and crabmeat salad in a cup while you watch street artists and performers and browse through the tacky souvenir stands. The kids will undoubtedly talk you into the doors of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Next, take a peek at Underwater World, with a moving walkway through an underwater glass tunnel, surrounded by fish. For more serious fun, don't miss the fabulous hands-on Exploratorium ((415) 397-5673), consistently rated one of the top science museums in the country. Book a spot--at least a week or two in advance--for the museum's Tactile Dome, where kids will travel through a maze in complete darkness. (It's a lot more fun than it sounds, and one of the museum's most popular attractions.)
If your brood is into wild things, head to the San Francisco Zoo ((415) 753-7080) home to 250 different species of animals. Your kids will probably love the creepy Alcatraz tours, complete with sound effects and voices of former prisoners. These tours are very popular, so book a space before you go by calling (800) 426-8687.
For some of the best views in town, ride one of the glass elevators at the Westin St. Francis in Union Square. The elevator whisks you 32 stories at a speed of 1000 feet a minute--with a panoramic view of downtown and the bay. We like the views; the kids love the ear-popping ascent and plunge back down. The hotel features the national Westin Kids Club for kids 12 years or younger (free goodie bags upon check-in, and dial-up bedtime stories) and plush surroundings. Mid-week August rates for two adults and two children start at $245 per night for two double beds. The Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf ((800-223-1234) offers typical big-chain amenities right in the middle of the action. There's also a large outdoor pool and mid-week rates in August start at $249 for two double beds for a family of four. The Holiday Inn at Fisherman's Wharf ((800) 288-4595) has comparable amenities for about $137 - $184 a night mid-week in August for two adults and two children.
If you don't mind being a bit out of the major tourist center, check out the more affordable motels along Lombard Street's north side, near the Golden Gate Bridge. We'd avoid staying too far out of the city. You'd save money on lodging but driving in and out is a real hassle and parking--if you find it--will cost you. For more information and online lodging reservations, contact the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 637-5196 or by clicking here. Also, check out city lodging deals at Lodging.com and Hotelres.com to search for available hotels and rates.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in March 2001. Updated April 2006.
