The Zeum children's museum in San Francisco, CA
Sure, the Exploratorium is fabulous. But if you’re looking for a less-crowded museum that’s not on everyone’s to-do list, here are three that are favored by San Francisco’s locals.
The Randall Museum (199 Museum Way): This city-owned museum is perched atop a fabulous overlook of the city. Inside, though, the kids will have fun learning about the Bay Area ecosystem, making LEGO models strong enough to withstand an earthquake, and playing in the model caboose and Victorian house. Read More »
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San Francisco
Grace Cathedral in San Francisco
Whether sightseeing or in search of spiritual enlightenment, these three San Francisco churches fit the bill — no matter what your religion.
Grace Cathedral (1100 California Street): This Nob Hill church was founded during the gold rush in 1849. While the original building was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, this newer French Gothic masterpiece is the third largest Episcopal cathedral in the U.S. The soaring interior is dotted with stained glass — more than 7,000 square feet of it — depicting at least 11,000 people including Albert Einstein and John Glenn. It’s a bit of a celebrity draw as well — Courteney Cox and David Arquette married here. While visiting, take a few meditative moments to walk the cathedral’s two labyrinths — one inside, one outside. The Huntington Hotel is a half block away.
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One of the two underwater tunnels at Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco
[Flickr/Tolka Rover]
The big daddy of San Francisco aquariums is of course the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and it’s definitely worth a trip if you have the time. But it’s a couple hours drive from the city, so if that’s not on your agenda for the day, here are three more accessible places to take the family and see the sea (creatures):
Aquarium of the Bay – Located right inside the Pier 39 complex, this Fisherman’s Wharf aquarium is extremely convenient and substantial enough to give you your aquarium fix. Not to be missed are the two walk-through tunnels, 300 feet in length, from which you can watch sharks, bat rays, sea stars and more glide gently overhead. The Touch the Bay exhibit allows kids to come into contact with true marine animals like Leopard Sharks and Bat Rays – if you’ll let them! Stay nearby at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, close to Pier 39.
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Last year's (Year of the Ox) Chinese New Year's Parade in San Francisco
[Flickr/davidyuweb]
Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year to you! This holiday has been a big deal in San Francisco ever since the gold rush in 1847 started bringing Chinese immigrants into California in large numbers, and is a great cultural event to bring your little (or big) ones to. Lots of colorful costumes, firecrackers and yummy food to boot! Although the actualy Chinese New Year is on Valentine’s Day this year, most of the festivities take place on February 27th. Here’s how to get the most out of your day:
Chinese New Year’s Parade – Did you know that the idea of a Chinese New Year’s parade was actually concieved in San Francisco during the 1860′s? Before then, parades in honor of the holiday didn’t exist in China or anywhere else. Now the city’s is one of the largest of its kind worldwide. Attend the parade to see dragons, dancers and firecrackers exploding over the streets. While the most scenic place to watch is in the heart of Chinatown, it can get pretty crowded, so you might be better off watching from the starting point at Second and Market. Stay at the Palace Hotel and you might even get to watch from the comfort of your room!
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Chinese New Year
Artwork on display at the San Francisco International Airport
Air travel certainly has its challenges these days – and even more so when you’re traveling with young children. Here are three ways to entertain the kids at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) if bad weather or tarmac delays have extended your layover a little longer than expected:
1. Ride the rail – The monorail, that is. From your perch high above the ground, you can enjoy a scenic ride as SFO’s AirTrain takes you to each of the terminals, the car rental, parking garage and BART station. You’ll get an eagle eye view of Highway 101 plus some airplanes, while zipping along like the Jetsons. The kids will love the E ticket ride, with its large window (including the window seat on each end) and poles to hang onto. You’ll love a few minutes of peace and quiet.
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Classic burger & sweet potato fries at Taylor's Refresher in San Francisco
[Flickr/Pecan Sandies]
A busy day of sightseeing is enough to make anyone hungry, and when traveling with a young family it’s often hard to find a place that makes everyone happy – both children and adults. Keep it simple and go for burgers and fries – prepared the local way – and you’re guaranteed an instant crowd pleaser (tip: if you’re going to eat from a chain restaurant, at least make it a Bay Area chain). Here are three great burger joints to help you refuel after a long day of exploring the city:
Mel’s Drive-In – If you’ve seen American Graffiti, you’ve seen Mel’s. While no longer a drive-in, this 50′s diner retains its period charm with the help of cheeky waitresses, burgers and shakes. Kids get their burgers delivered in paper cars – which they notoriously drive around the table and then take home, ketchup stains and all. You’ll find four Mel’s locations in the City. Try the one at 4th and Mission, just around the corner from the San Francisco Marriott Marquis.
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Kid-Friendly,
San Francisco
Chinese National Day Parade in Chinatown, San Francisco
[Flickr/Brian Stechschulte]
It’s always fun to poke around shopping districts like Union Square and the Marina, but to get a better flavor of San Francisco’s diversity, you’ll want to head to the ethnic neighborhoods.
The Mission – If you’re looking for Latin culture, the Mission district is the place to be. Bordered by Portrero Hill, the Castro and Noe Valley, this area is known for its food, music, funky shopping and colorful murals depicting the life and history of the people living here. The district is home to Mission Dolores, the oldest building in the city, finished in 1791. As for window shopping, walk Valencia Street and get the most bang for your buck. While everyone has their favorite burrito spots, we go to Taqueria Cancun on Mission Street, which sports picnic style tables and multicolor paper cutouts hanging from the ceiling. You won’t be too far from the Mission, staying at the Good Hotel.
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Japantown at night, San Francisco
[Flickr/Averain]
Walking into the Japantown center in San Francisco is like entering another country; spend just a few hours wandering around the three story building, and you’ll feel like you just took a trip overseas, just without the jet lag. Here are a few shops to visit while there:
Pika Pika – Imagine a photo booth, where you put in a few dollars, and a strip of photos of you with a goofy grin spits out of the machine. Pika Pika does this, but with so much more style. Enter one of the seven Japanese photo booths. Pick your background. Add words and designs. Make them into stickers, stamps or print them on golf balls. Or just wander around and see what others are doing. 1581 Webster Street, Kinokuniya Mall
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San Francisco
San Francisco Fire Engine Tours & Adventures
[Flickr/Andy Haywood]
Guided tours are a great way to learn about a new city – or even one you think you know well. Here are three family-friendly tours that prompt you to look at San Francisco from a different angle.
Fire Engine Tours – Driving or walking over the Golden Gate Bridge is fun, but think how much more memorable it would be atop a fire engine. You’ll leave from Fisherman’s Wharf, taking the scenic route in the Presidio, to the base of the bridge (Fort Point), then over the bay for a view of the Pacific on one side, and Alcatraz on the other. Fort Baker in Sausalito is at the other end of the bridge, another historic military base you’ll drive through. Then back (you don’t have to pay the $6 toll like everyone else) through San Francisco’s Cow Hollow neighborhood. You’ll stay toasty warm in the fire engine gear provided during the tour, and you’ll ride in style in a vintage Big Red Shiny Mack Fire Engine. Tours leave from the Cannery at Fisherman’s Wharf.
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San Francisco
A freshly baked sourdough sea turtle awaits purchase at the Boudin Bakery
While there’s no debate that Fisherman’s Wharf can pull lots of money from your wallet, don’t forget that there’s plenty of cheap fun to be had as well! Check out these three cheap Wharf attractions, which will keep you and your family entertained and out of the poorhouse.
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Kid-Friendly,
San Francisco
