San Francisco was just named the #1 Healthiest Cities in the United States by WalletHub. With 50 parks and 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, it’s no wonder San Francisco is a great place to visit with kids.
Walking around the city can be a challenge with its 43 hills ranging from the 100 foot Rincon Hill up to Mount Davidson at 928 feet, but it’s a great opportunity to challenge yourself. And let’s not forget about the world famous cable cars, which are not only a fun way to see the city but also a National Historic Monument.
The City first came into prominence in the mid-19th century with the California Gold Rush and quickly became the largest city in the United States. The San Francisco 49er football team is named after the miners who flooded the area looking for quick strikes and Otis Redding forever memorialized it with his melodic classic “Sittin’ On the Dock of the Bay”. Today it is better known as a cultural center with some of the country’s best restaurants.
You don’t want to miss out on all the amazing things to do with kids when visiting the “City by the Bay”.
On the Reel
Bullitt (1968)
Starring Steve McQueen, Jacqueline Bisset, Robert Vaughn. Directed by Peter Yates.
Steve McQueen is Frank Bullitt, stuck between the mob and an ambitious politician. Steve McQueen’s quintessential role establishing him as the King of Cool. Filmed entirely in and around San Francisco, Bullitt features the greatest filmed car chase ever . . . perfect for the hills of San Francisco.
Pier 39, located within the world-renowned Fisherman’s Wharf, is one of San Francisco’s most popular destinations. Although it may seem commercialized, don’t be fooled – it’s a must-visit spot full of authentic energy. With numerous shops and restaurants, the Sea Lions are the clear highlight. Remember this: Pier 39 was specifically created in 1978 to attract tourists and it’s been successful enough to bring in 10-11 million visitors annually – that’s as many as the Golden Gate Bridge! So go ahead, visit Pier 39 with your kids and create unforgettable memories.
Pier 39 Fun Facts
- Created in 1978 specifically as a tourist attraction. Purists hate it since it really has no original authenticity but it does have an aura which will only increase over time.
- Before its renovation the area was the remnants of a 1905 cargo pier.
- The only business that still remains in existence today is the Swiss Louis Italian restaurant.
- Pier 39 gets as many visitors per year, around 10-11 million, as its neighboring Golden Gate Bridge.
- At the current site of the carousel, prior to its inception in 1983, used to be where tourists would dive into a 10-foot pool filled with Jell-O to retrieve personal item stranded at the bottom . . . Really!
- Growing from an original group of just six in the late 80’s, no one has determined why the world famous sea lions gather in the northwest corner of the pier.
On the Reel
The Competition (1980)
Starring Richard Dreyfuss, Amy Irving and Lee Remick. Directed by Joel Oliansky.
This offbeat romantic drama in the highly competitive world of concert pianists features a great dramatic turn by Dreyfuss and the usual screen appeal of Amy Irving. Excellent screenplay from Oliansky while directing his only feature film. Filmed all over San Francisco including Pier 39.
Experience the breathtaking beauty and harmony of man and nature co-existing at the Japanese Gardens in Golden Gate Park. Whether you’re a horticulture enthusiast or simply appreciate stunning scenery, this 5-acre oasis is a must-visit. With an abundance of natural and man-made marvels to explore, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted by this remarkable place in San Francisco to visit with kids.
Japanese Tea Garden Fun Facts
- The ochaya (tea house) is one of the last remnants of the 1894 Midwinter Exposition. The event featured an entire Japanese village.
- The gardens are the passion project of Japanese immigrant Makoto Hagiwara who lived there with his family until 1942 when they, along with approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans, were forced to evacuate their homes and move into internment camps. The Hagiwara’s were never allowed to return to their home.
- The talented Hagiwara was also the creator of the fortune cookie. In fact, the Tea Garden was the first place they were ever served.
- The visual highlight (man-made at least) of the gardens is the Drum Bridge (Taiko Bashi) which symbolizes a full moon when reflected over still water. Warning . . . dangerous when wet so be aware.
JAPANESE TEA GARDEN FAQ's
LOCATION: San Francisco, California
HOURS: 9am-5:45pm Summer, 9am-4:45pm Winter
COST: $10-12 Adults, $7 Seniors (65+) & Children (12-17), $3 Children (5-11), under 5 FREE
TIME TO COMPLETE: 1 hour
ACCOMODATIONS: Garage parking, restrooms, Tea House and Gift Shop
On the Reel
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
Starring Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe and Michelle Yeoh. Directed by Rob Marshall.
This historical drama spans over 80 years and across continents to tell the story of a young girl sold into servitude yet able to became one of Japan’s most celebrated geisha. Wonderful use of San Francisco beauty including the Japanese Tea Garden.
While the homes on Steiner Street are the most famous, these Victorian and Edwardian homes exist all over the city. Most bus tours will point out the many examples but also keep an eye out when just walking around. The Painted Ladies represent one of the many unique and quirky things that make San Francisco so interesting.
Painted Ladies Fun Facts
- Many of San Francisco’s original Victorian homes were destroyed in the 1906 earthquake.
- The painting of the homes in bright colors began in 1963 when San Francisco artist Butch Kardum began combining intense blues and greens on the exterior of his Italianate-style Victorian house.
- While not a hit to some, others began to copy the style with their homes.
On the Reel
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Starring Robin Williams, Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan. Directed by Chris Columbus.
One of comedic genius Robin Williams more famous roles involves an unemployed, and recently divorced, actor who disguises himself as an older woman and becomes his family’s housekeeper. Hilarity, and life lessons, ensue. Their fictional home is is the Hillard House on Steiner Street.
San Francisco’s Chinatown is a unique and authentic cultural destination that offers a glimpse into a foreign country without ever leaving the states. Its fascinating and notorious history only adds to its charm and allure. It’s a fun place to explore with your kids in San Francisco.
Chinatown Fun Facts
- Chinatown is the most crowded part of an already crowded city with 15,000 residents living in a 20 block square area. Most residents are either first-generation Chinese or elderly.
- In excess of 2,000,000 tourists visit Chinatown every year. Not only is it unique and beautiful but also one of the safest areas of the city.
- In late February the Chinese New Year is celebrated with a lavish parade, the Miss Chinatown Pageant, a Community Street Fair and other related events.
On the Reel
What’s Up, Doc (1972)
Starring Barbra Streisand, Ryan O’Neal and Madeline Kahn. Directed by Peter Bogdanovich.
The ultimate modern screwball comedy featuring the amazing chemistry of O’Neal and Streisand and the hilarity of Madeline Kahn and the irrepressible Kenneth Mars. Classic chase scene on Jackson St. right through the middle of Chinatown.
Far more than just a place to get chocolate and ice cream (though that’s worth the effort alone), Ghirardelli Square has grown into a plaza with something for everyone. There is everything from fine dining featuring magnificent views of the bay, a micro-brewery, cooking classes for kids, to shopping for the eclectic, the playful, dog accessories and even mini-golf . . . a perfect destination when visiting San Francisco with your kids.
Ghirardelli Square Fun Facts
- Located in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, Ghiradelli Square has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Best known for its Ghiradelli Chocolate Company, the square itself has expanded significantly since its creation in the mid-1960’s.
- Ghirardelli Chocolate, founded in 1852, is the second oldest chocolate company in the United States but the first storefront was in Lima, Peru.
- To help with the tricky pronunciation, the Ghirardelli company put labels on their chocolate with the phonetic spelling—“Gear-ar-delly.”
- Finding the square isn’t difficult with its landmark, and well-lit, sign. The square features shops, restaurants, a 5-star hotel and an amazing view of the wharf below.
On the Reel
Time After Time (1979)
Starring Malcolm McDowell, Mary Steenburgen and David Warner. Directed by Nicholas Meyer.
In this gripping hidden classic fantasy of historical figures, H.G. Wells (McDowell) chases Jack the Ripper (Warner) into the 20th Century when the serial murderer uses the future writer’s time machine to escape his time period. Filmed all over San Francisco including Ghirardelli Square.
One of the more infamous stretches of road in the world appears at first glance to be an eccentric novelty but is, in fact, created out of necessity (see below). Regardless of its origins this block of the Russian Hill neighborhood is fascinating from the red cobblestone surface, beautiful landscaping to the (8) hairpin turns. Go to the top and get a fantastic view of the city and bay. Your kids will get a kick out of walking all the way to the top . . . and then back down again.
Lombard Street Fun Facts
- The crooked part of Lombard Street was designed in 1922 not for show but for practical reasons. It was determined that the 27% grade of the hill was too steep, and dangerous, for most vehicles to safely navigate.
- Top speed on the 1000 block is 5 mph
- While Lombard Street gets all the fame for its slanted slopes, Filbert and 22nd Streets are the steepest at 31.5 degrees and the section of road between 20th and 22nd streets of Vermont Street in the Potrero Hill neighborhood is the most crooked street in San Francisco.
- There are semi-winding stairs on either side of the street allowing pedestrians to walk up and down safely.
On the Reel
The Love Bug (1968)
Starring Dean Jones, Michele Lee and David Tomlinson. Directed by Robert Stevenson.
This wonderful Disney classic features a race car with a mind of its own . . . a VW bug, no less. It was so popular it spawned 3 different sequels. Notable in the original Love Bug is Herbie’s colorful chase down Lombard Street.
While the locals may somewhat shudder at the Fisherman’s Wharf, as a visitor you should see it as what it is, a tourist trap . . . but what a trap! It isn’t intended to be a museum, just a bunch of fun. No wonder it is the most visited part of San Francisco every year, pulling in around 12 million people a year. Fittingly, Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square are both part of the Wharf and two of the main attractions. This is a must stop in San Francisco when visiting with your kids.
Fisherman’s Wharf Fun Facts
- Make sure you have your camera ready. The Fisherman’s Wharf has some of the best views of the Bay, especially at dusk.
- The Aquarium of the Bay has 300 feet of clear acrylic tunnels holding 700,000 gallons of bay water which serves as a visiting place for as much as 20,000 of the Bay’s sea creatures.
- The world-famous Madame Tussauds wax figure museum offer lively entertainment for the entire family while also telling the history of the City.
- Hyde Pier on Fisherman’s Wharf is a part of the Maritime Historical Park. In fact, it precedes the construction of either the Golden Gate or Bay Bridges and has vessels and schooners more than a century old.
- During the Gold Rush days the local fisherman, while in the often foggy Bay on their feluccas (sailboats), used to sing loudly so other boats knew of their presence and could navigate around them.
- If you are visiting in early October the Fisherman’s Wharf is an ideal location from which to view The Blue Angels’ airshow during the S. Navy’s Annual Fleet Week.
On the Reel
Vertigo (1958)
Starring James Stewart, Kim Novak and Barbara Bel Geddes. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Considered by many Hitchcock’s best work, Vertigo explores obsession through the struggles of a former San Francisco policeman and his pursuit of a mysterious woman. The City is very much on display throughout the film.
The Golden Gate Bridge stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Its vibrant hue and majestic location set it apart, but it is the natural forces that make it truly extraordinary. With the Marin Hills and Presidio flanking its sides, the bridge is often shrouded in fog, adding an air of mystery to its beauty. Let this landmark inspire you to overcome any obstacle with unwavering strength. Be sure to take a bus tour across the bridge when visiting San Francisco with your kids.
Golden Gate Bridge Fun Facts
- Though built in the early 1930s, the original concept was first proposed in 1872.
- Eleven men died in a variety of accidents during construction with a shocking 10 on the same day. An additional 19 workers, since dubbed the “Halfway to Hell Club’’ were saved by a safety net below the bridge.
- Anywhere from 5-10,000 gallons of paint are used per year to touch up the bridge. The paint used is actually a primer and is conducted by a crew of 30 painters.
- The bridge itself is 107 miles in length, weighs 887,700 tons and spans 6 lanes and links southern San Francisco with northern Marin County.
- When built the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world but is only the 9th longest today.
- The two main suspension cables use a combined 80,000 miles of wire. If you were to loop this amount of wire around the Earth’s equator in a single strand, it would circle the planet three times.
On the Reel
A View to a Kill (1985)
Starring Roger Moore, Christopher Walken and Tanya Roberts. Directed by John Glen.
Roger Moore’s last stint as Ian Fleming’s 007 features an epic battle along the top of the Golden Gate Bridge as Bond attempts to save California’s Silicon Valley from being destroyed by an evil genius played with sociopathic brilliance by Christopher Walken.
San Francisco may be crowded, but it’s also full of green spaces waiting to be explored. Golden Gate Park, which is actually larger than New York City’s Central Park, is an oasis of art, nature, and culture. You can ride a carousel, row a boat, observe American bison, and enjoy the beauty of the Japanese Tea Garden all in one day. The park has a rich history and was once just a series of sand dunes. But with the help of talented architects, horticulturists, and superintendents, including Scotsman John McLaren, it was transformed into the wonderland it is today. So be sure to get your kids outside, exploring, and making the most of all that San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park has to offer!
Golden Gate Park Fun Facts
- Near the northwest corner of the park is an archery range, complete with (9) target hay bales, available free of charge. You do need to provide your own bow and arrows or you can rent them at the nearby San Francisco Archery Shop.
- Near the southeast corner resides the San Francisco Lawn Bowling Club, the first of its kind in the United States. Formed in 1901 it comes complete with its own Edwardian-style clubhouse and offers free lessons every Wednesday at noon.
- If you’ve never seen a live bison then visit the Bison Paddock at the park’s western end. This refuge was created in 1892 as these magnificent beasts were nearing extinction.
- The park served as a shelter for over 40,000 people displaced by the 1906 earthquake.
- Just off of John F Kennedy Drive (and east of Cross Over Drive) are two gems worth seeing. The first, Rainbow Falls, is a manmade water structure which flows down an expansive hillside. Continue north along the pathway to see the Prayerbook Cross, one of the largest crosses in the city. Originally meant to be seen from the ocean, this gift from the Church of England has become obscured over the years by surrounding trees.
- No cars are allowed in the park on Sundays so the park can feel so much more relaxing and serene.
On the Reel
The Lady from Shanghai (1947)
Starring Rita Hayworth, Orson Welles and Everett Sloane. Directed by Orson Welles.
You are about to discover a monument with a fascinating history, shrouded in many myths and falsehoods. Despite its reputation as a home for violent criminals, Alcatraz was also a place of second chances. In fact, many convicts who tried to escape from other prisons were sent here as a form of rehabilitation and retribution. Keep reading below to uncover other exciting facts.
Alcatraz Fun Facts
- In 1854 a small lighthouse was erected on top of the rocky island making it the first one on the US west coast.
- The single cell accommodations on the Rock actually made Alcatraz a requested stop for prisoners fearing for their lives in other maximum facility penitentiaries.
- The first inmates were military prisoners. During the Civil War, prisoners included Confederate sympathizers and Union deserters.
- One of the more interesting escape attempts came from John Paul Scott. He greased himself with lard enabling him to squeeze through a window and swim to shore. However, upon reaching the Golden Gate Bridge, he was so exhausted he passed out and was discovered by local police.
- Today the 1.5 mile swim occurs every year during the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.
- The infamous “Birdman from Alcatraz” was no such thing, at least while he was on the Rock. Made famous by the largely fictional Burt Lancaster movie, Robert Stroud was not allowed any aviary friends in his cell during his 17-year stint.
- During its 29 years as an active prison, Alcatraz was never at full capacity.
- Have some fun with you kids and put them in a “time out” in one of the open cells.
You are about to discover a monument with a fascinating history, shrouded in many myths and falsehoods. Despite its reputation as a home for violent criminals, Alcatraz was also a place of second chances. In fact, many convicts who tried to escape from other prisons were sent here as a form of rehabilitation and retribution. Keep reading below to uncover other exciting facts.
ALCATRAZ FAQ's
LOCATION: San Francisco, California
HOURS: 9am-6:30pm Pier 33 Ticketbooth
PIER DEPARTURE TIMES: 9:10am-2pm every hour + 4pm Night Tour
COST: $41 Adults, $38.65 Seniors (62+), $25 Children (5-11), under 5 FREE
TIME TO COMPLETE: 2-3 hours
ACCOMODATIONS: No parking on Pier 39, restrooms on cruise boat and on the island
On the Reel
Escape from Alcatraz (1979)
Starring Clint Eastwood, Patrick McGoohan and Robert Blossom. Directed by Don Siegel.
Based on real events, this deliberately paced thriller documents the only successful escape attempt (though never confirmed) from the Rock. During filming tourists continued to visit the island as normal though they eventually became such a distraction that most filming was moved to nighttime after visiting hours.
Getting its name from the Union support rallies before and during the Civil War, Union Square today serves tourist and locals equally. It’s a major transit hub and home to one of the largest collections of art galleries, upscale boutiques, department stores, beauty salons, and gift shops in the country. The monument at its center is a tribute to the sailors of the United States Navy. A walk around the square will help wear the kid’s out and ensure a good night’s sleep.
Union Square Fun Facts
- Much like the Golden Gate Park, Union Square was originally just a big sand dune.
- The Union Square Greenmarket is the city’s longest-running farmer’s market since its inception in 1976. Today it can draw as many as 60,000 shoppers in a single day.
- Living up to San Francisco’s activist roots, it is only fitting that Union Square was home of the very first Labor Day Parade on September 5, 1882.
- Union Square was home to the very first Sherlock Holmes movie recorded on film, albeit a 30-second silent production, at distributor Biograph-Mutoscope’s rooftop studio, located at 841 Broadway.
- The park has several statues including one of Marquis de Lafayette, sculpted by Statue of Liberty sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi. Others include George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and, most fittingly, Mahatmas Gandhi.
- A full-sized naval battleship sat in the middle of Union Square for three years as a recruiting tool stunt. It actually worked quite well being responsible for a total of approximately 25,000 recruits.
On the Reel
The Conversation (1974)
Starring Gene Hackman, John Cazale and Allen Garfield. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
This gripping story centers around recording an isolated conversation between two people in crowded Union Square in San Francisco. The Conversation is a deliberately paced, moody masterpiece by Coppola featuring Hackman’s most nuanced performance.
The Presidio’s history is truly inspiring. From its origins as a military stronghold to its current status as a revered U.S. National Historic Landmark, this remarkable site has withstood the test of time. Thanks to a generous contribution by John D. Rockefeller Jr., the Presidio almost became home to the United Nations. The transformation from military base to its current form has been nothing short of remarkable – with 870 structures, 470 of which are designated as historic, the Presidio is a true marvel of urbanity.
The Presidio Fun Facts
- Prior to the establishment of the National Park Service, Calvary troops from the Presidio also served as quasi-park rangers for the Sequoia, Yosemite, and Kings Canyon national parks.
- Currently, the Presidio is covered in forests, primarily eucalyptus, but they did not grow naturally. They were planted by the Army back in the late 1800’s much to the dismay of locals as it blocked their view of the bay.
- Dating back to the 1950s, a pet cemetery on the grounds serves as the final resting place for hundreds of animals, most of whom belonged to military personnel stationed there.
- Located at the Presidio’s highest point the Rob Hill Campground is the only overnight campsite in San Francisco.
- Visit Lucasfilm, the studio behind the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises where your kids will love the life-sized statue of Yoda out in front, and the lobby, with several Star Wars mementos.
On the Reel
The Presidio (1988)
Starring Sean Connery, Mark Harmon and Meg Ryan. Directed by Peter Hyams.
OK, this one is simple . . . the title pretty much gives it away. While this isn’t exactly a classic, any film with Sean Connery has that going for it. A murder investigation in the Presidio is complicated by conflicting personalities, a beautiful woman and a whole bunch of testosterone.
From the ruins of the 1906 earthquake emerged a magnificent landmark. The Panama Pacific Exhibition of 1915 celebrated the city’s rebirth and the completion of the Panama Canal on this very spot. Although it was once used for tennis courts and army parking, the Palace’s value was eventually recognized and restoration began in the mid-20th century. Today we are reminded that even in the face of devastation, greatness can rise again. This is the perfect place to have a relaxing stroll with the kids when visiting San Francisco.
The Palace of Fine Arts Fun Facts
- Since the original Palace was built to only last for the duration of the exhibition, it needed to be significantly rebuilt in the mid ’60s. Additional improvements to the area, including the walkways, the lagoon and a seismic refit were completed in 2009.
- Exhibits from the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition included all manner of arts and technology, from a model of the Panama Canal, a historic steam locomotive to a telephone that could call all the way across the country to New York City.
- A miniature replica of the Palace was erected in Disney’s California Adventure park.
- Lucasfilm, headquartered nearby in the Presidio may have a connection as well. Many have noticed the similarities between the Palace and the capital city of Naboo as seen in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace as well as Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.
PALACE OF FINE ARTS FAQ's
LOCATION: San Francisco, California
HOURS: 10am-5pm
COST: FREE
TIME TO COMPLETE: 30 minutes
ACCOMODATIONS: None onsite
Explore the vibrant and iconic Haight-Ashbury, where the spirit of the 60s still thrives today. Experience the energy and creativity that once inspired legends like Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. A journey to The Haight is sure to leave you feeling inspired and unforgettable memories in tow. Your kids will enjoy the
Haight-Ashbury Fun Facts
- First stop should be the actual corner of Haight & Ashbury. It’s a chance to soak in the historical and cultural significance of the spot while also getting a nice view of some beautiful Victorian Painted Ladies.
- For some history make sure to see the Grateful Dead (710a Ashbury St.) and Jimi Hendrix (1524 A Haight St.) homes.
- Visit Buena Vista Park, one of the oldest in the City, and explore the 36 acres of winding trails, eucalyptus, cypress, pine and oak trees plus some great views of the City.
- Finding a parking spot can be difficult, especially on the weekends. Consider taking the bus not only for convenience but for the authenticity as well. It’ll given your kids, and you, a chance to sit for a while.
- The Haight has really become two distinctive areas with the Upper Haight being more of a high-end shopping zone while the Lower Haight retains more of the counter-culture legacy heavy into nightclubs and record shops.
On the Reel
Milk (2008)
Starring Sean Penn, Josh Brolin and Emile Hirsch. Directed by Gus Van Sant.
Milk is based the true-life story of Harvey Milk, California’s first openly gay elected official, and his struggles at a time when acceptance was not so common. Milk’s apartment and barbershop are located in the Lower Haight section.
After soaking in the magnificence of San Francisco you should consider a drive down the coast to visit Monterey Bay, Carmel and the infamous 17-Mile Drive. The City by the Bay, much like Boston, is a walking city. San Francisco is, simply put, a great American city to visit with your kids.
If you’ve ever visited Northern California please tell us about your experiences and what you would recommend to any first time visitor. We look forward to hearing from you.
