The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most cosmopolitan and progressive cities in the United States. Founded in 1776, the “city by the bay” has grown at a feverish pace ever since. This enigmatic area of California has a rhythm and beauty unlike any other. Full of incredible restaurants, shopping, outdoor recreation and brimming with history, culture and breathtaking architecture, San Francisco and its surrounding cities are a fantastic place to visit for families. Here are just a few of the many wonderful things to do if you get the chance to take a trip north to visit. Many of the activities are affordable or free! I guarantee that once you visit, you will leave your heart (or at least a little piece of it) in San Francisco!
| Getting Around in SF The Bay Area’s excellent system of trains, trolleys and buses make getting around easy. Visit www.511.org for public transit information. |
Alcatraz National Park
Ranger Station: 415-561-4900
Ferry Tickets/Reservations:
415-981-7625
www.nps.gov/alcatraz
Learn the colorful history of “The Rock!” Take the ferry to Alcatraz for a self-guided tour of the infamous prison. Hours vary—call first.
Aquarium of the Bay
Pier 39 at the Embarcadero
888-SEA-DIVE;
www.aquariumofthebay.org
Walk through 300 feet of tunnels to see marine wildlife from all angles! Kids will love to touch sharks and bat rays! The aquarium has a climate change exhibit and an amazing octopus exhibit! $16.95 for adults; $8.00 for kids.
Cal Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr.
Golden Gate Park
415-379-8000; www.calacademy.org
This entertaining site boasts a planetarium, rainforest, aquarium and museum. Tickets: $19 to $29.95. Kids 3 and under are free.
Exploratorium
415-561-0399
www.exploratorium.edu
The famous Exploratorium showcases the coolest science projects known to man! Kids of all ages will have fun while learning through art and science. Free parking. Tickets: $10–$15.
The Wave Organ
1 Yacht Rd., San Francisco
415-561-0360;
www.exploratorium.edu/visit/plan_your_visit/wave_organ/
Acoustic structures over San Francisco Bay. Walking distance from Exploratorium.
Golden Gate Park Children’s Playground and Carousel
MLK and Bowling Green Drives Golden Gate Park
415-831-2700
www.golden-gate-park.com/index.php/attractions/childrens_playground
Newly renovated, this free park is sure to please kids of all ages! Amazing play structures, gigantic slides, climbing wall and a magical carousel are just a few of the many fun things to do here! Pack a picnic because you won’t want to leave. Carousel tickets $.50–$1.50.
Golden Gate Park Buffalo Paddock
John F. Kennedy Dr., in the northwest corner of the park
415-831-2700
www.golden-gate-park.com/index.php/attractions/buffalo_paddock
Buffalo in San Fran? You bet! Since the 1800s, these animals have called Golden Gate Park their home. Free.
Bonus Attractions:
Don’t forget the Cable Car Museum, Walt Disney Family Museum, Fisherman’s Wharf, the sea lions on Pier 39, Lombard Street, Coit Tower, Angel Island, Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum and the San Francisco Zoo, Discovery Kingdom Solano County and Old Faithful Geyser of California in Calistoga.
North of the City
Jelly Belly Factory
1 Jelly Belly Ln., Fairfield
1-800-9-JELLYBEAN 
www.jellybelly.com
Learn the secrets of its famous jellybeans! Free tours operate daily from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The 40-minute tours start every 10–15 minutes. Gift shop.
Mrs. Grossman’s Sticker Factory
3810 Cypress Dr., Petaluma
1-800-429-4549
www.mrsgrossmans.com
Tours last an hour and include an art activity and a visit to their famous sticker museum. Tour tickets: $3. Tours Monday–Thursday by reservation only.
Bonus Attractions:
Don’t forget to check out the Oakland Zoo and Children’s Fairyland!
South Bay
California’s Great America
4701 Great America Pkwy.
Santa Clara
www.cagreatamerica.com
Theme park with tons of fun attractions. Live music, thrill rides, kid’s rides and Planet Snoopy! Tickets are $54.99. Check website for seasonal hours.
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Tide Pools at Half Moon Bay
California Ave. off Highway One at Moss Beach
650-728-3584
www.fitzgeraldreserve.org
Some of the most famous tide pools in the world are found in Half Moon Bay. Check tide tables for low tides. Tours available.
Cantor Arts Center on Stanford University
Museum Way, Stanford
650-723-4177
http://museum.stanford.edu
See breathtaking artwork such as the Rodin exhibit, exquisite watercolors, oils, indoor and outdoor sculptures. Visit the Cool Café while you are there and stop by the bookshop. Free.
Winchester Mystery House
525 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose
www.winchestermysteryhouse.com
Secret passageways, odd stairs and 160 rooms in this allegedly haunted home once owned by Sarah Winchester (the rifle heiress) offer creepy thrills to visitors. Be careful on your tour … you could get lost! Tickets range from $25–$55.
Bonus Attractions:
Don’t forget to check out the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose and the Monterey Bay Aquarium!
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Autumn Johnson is a longtime fan of San Francisco, a freelance writer and mom of two young children.
