069 What Families Should See and Do in San Fransisco

San Fransisco is a fabulous city to explore with teens with so many exciting places to visit. Anne Abreu, a travel blogger living in the Bay Area, joins Lisa to share all of the activities that you won't want to miss on your next family vacation to San Fransisco. We talk through the typical touristy options plus discuss some not-to-be-missed experiences. As a bonus, Anne shares two exciting day trips that you will want to take if you have a little extra vacation time. If you want to learn more from Anne, be sure to check out her two websites, She Packs Lite and Chasing Hummingbirds.

Ready to explore San Fransisco with your teens? Listen in for a guide to everything you will want to see and do while on vacation.

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“There is something for everyone to enjoy in San Fransisco.”

— Anne Abreau

Touristy Places Teens Love

Ride a cable car: Pick up a multi-day transportation ticket as this will save money. The waits might be long at the end of the line so you can try to pick up a ride mid-line.

Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf: Lots of shops and restaurants. Try clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. It’s fun to wander and have a look around, especially on a first visit to the city.

Ghirardelli Square: Stop in for a free chocolate sample and some delicious ice cream and treats.

Alcatraz: Travel our to the famous prison island by ferry and enjoy a narration through a headset with former guards and prisoners telling their stories. Book your tickets well ahead of time as they generally sell out ahead of time.

Ferry Building: Great place to try a wide variety of food in their restaurants. There is a big outdoor farmer’s market three days a week with many local options to enjoy.

China Town: Take a little time to stroll around and check out the shops. Also, look on Yelp for the most current favorite restaurant in the area. Stop by and check out the Fortune Cookie Factory where you can put a fortune in a cookie and even get a sample.

Lombard Street: This is one place Anne says that you may want to skip. At least skip driving down the street as it can be a very long wait. Consider dropping the teens off at the bottom of Lombard Street so they can run up, get some pictures, and then meet you back at the car.

Teen-friendly San Fransisco Experiences

Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge: Rent a bike near Fisherman’s Wharf and ride across the bridge to Sausalito. It’s an iconic ride your kids won’t forget. Consider stopping for lunch in Sausalito before boarding a ferry that will take you back over to San Fransisco.

Warriors Basketball Game: Love to watch NBA games? The Warrior’s have a new area, Chase Center, and take in a basketball game.

Giant’s Baseball Game: Head to AT&T Park to watch a major league baseball game. Enjoy sitting in the stadium that is uniquely situated right on McCovey Bay.

Kayaking in McCovey Bay: You can kayak throughout the day in the bay and you might want to consider kayaking during a Giants game as some balls are hit out of the stadium and right into the bay.

Seek out street food: There are several street vendors and outdoor food markets. Stay hungry so you are ready to sample food throughout the day.

Visit Different Neighborhoods:

Hayes Valley for cool indie shops & vibe.

Haight Ashbury for record stores, 2nd hand stores, and hippie feel.

Marina for a young hip vibe, shops, and restaurants.

Enjoy food: In addition to visiting restaurants, you could also do a food tour with Edible Excursions.

Evening Activities with Teens

Take in a sports game with the Giants or Warriors

Urban Putt: A fun indoor mini-golf course. Consider going to Limon Peruvian for dinner and then walking over to Urban Putt for some golfing.

Escape Room: There are a few great options around the city. This is always a popular thing to do with teens.

Great Day Trips Close to San Fransisco

Although you won’t need a car while exploring San Fransisco, you will want to rent a car if you do one of these day trips.

Muir Woods National Park: Walk among the magnificent Sequoias. You need to reserve your parking space ahead of time and can do that on their website.

Marin County: There are many parks, beaches, and museums that you can explore.

You can head south of the city on Highway 1 for many great exploring opportunities:

Half Moon Bay: Great stop for kayaking, seaside restaurants, hiking, and beaches.

Ano Nuevo State Park: View seals up close on guided or self-guided hikes. Advance reservations are required for the tours. Self-guided tours are only available seasonally.

Pie Ranch: Great farm stand. Yes, they have pie!

Duarte’s Tavern: located in Pescadero. This was originally a saloon and barbershop in 1894 and has evolved into a restaurant serving American country cooking, with spices from the owner’s Portuguese roots. Expect a 2-hour wait.

Harley Farms Goat Dairy: This is a great thing to do while you wait for your table at Duarte’s Tavern. Visit this goat farm for tours and cheese tasting.

Enjoy the sunset and a great meal at Sam’s Chowder House.

Watch the sunset at Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay: You can enjoy the ocean views while paying for the use of a firepit and beach chairs.

General Tips

The weather in San Fransisco is usually chilly, so always pack an extra layer. The warmest months tend to be September and October.

You don’t want to deal with a car in San Fransisco because parking is expensive and limited. Consider using Uber or another car service while in the city.

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