San Francisco Sampler
See trip details for San Francisco, California, one of 30 suggested family trips from National Geographic.
“The world thinks of San Francisco as a shining city on a hill, but it isn’t one bright light,” writes Andrew Nelson for Traveler. “It’s more a jumbled collection of neighborhoods.” This makes San Francisco a great vacation destination for families. With plenty of parks, museums, sites, and restaurants, you will have no problem keeping the whole family entertained. Kids will be fascinated by the sea lions at Pier 39 and other marine life at the Aquarium of the Bay. Relax at the Crissy Field beach, take a ride on the city’s famous cable cars, and walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Some hotels—including the Hotel Del Sol in the Marina District and the Hotel Monaco near Union Square—offer activities for kids and babysitting upon request, so that you can explore the city after dark.
Ever wonder how the paper gets into the fortune cookie? Explore Chinatown, looking for the Fortune Cookie Factory. If your nose doesn’t point you in the right direction, a local will. After strolling the butterfly garden at the Yerba Buena Gardens, make your way to the rooftop, where there is a carousel and bowling center. Also on the roof at Zeum Children’s Museum, you can produce your own music video or create a clay animation.
Take a narrated boat tour around Alcatraz Island, the infamous federal prison. Hear stories from Alcatraz, narrated by people who lived them, and take part in other programs offered only on the night tour.
Hotel Del Sol; www.jdvhotels.com. Hotel Monaco; www.monaco-sf.com.
Zeum carousel, $3 for two rides. General admission to the Zeum Children’s Museum is $8 for ages 3-18 and $10 for adults.
Based on articles from National Geographic Traveler and compiled by Stephanie Robichaux
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them?
- Animals
- Feature
Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them? - This biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the AndesThis biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the Andes
- An octopus invited this writer into her tank—and her secret worldAn octopus invited this writer into her tank—and her secret world
- Peace-loving bonobos are more aggressive than we thoughtPeace-loving bonobos are more aggressive than we thought
Environment
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?
- Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security, Video Story
- Paid Content
Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security - Will we ever solve the mystery of the Mima mounds?Will we ever solve the mystery of the Mima mounds?
History & Culture
- Strange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political dramaStrange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political drama
- How technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrollsHow technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrolls
- Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- This ancient cure was just revived in a lab. Does it work?This ancient cure was just revived in a lab. Does it work?
Science
- The unexpected health benefits of Ozempic and MounjaroThe unexpected health benefits of Ozempic and Mounjaro
- Do you have an inner monologue? Here’s what it reveals about you.Do you have an inner monologue? Here’s what it reveals about you.
- Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of yearsJupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of years
- This 80-foot-long sea monster was the killer whale of its timeThis 80-foot-long sea monster was the killer whale of its time
Travel
- How to plan an epic summer trip to a national parkHow to plan an epic summer trip to a national park
- This town is the Alps' first European Capital of CultureThis town is the Alps' first European Capital of Culture
- This royal city lies in the shadow of Kuala LumpurThis royal city lies in the shadow of Kuala Lumpur
- This author tells the story of crypto-trading Mongolian nomadsThis author tells the story of crypto-trading Mongolian nomads