Help with a visit to San Francisco

[tigress]

We went in April 2016. We are not fancy so I'm not good at restaurant recs. And we stayed at a timeshare so that doesn't help much.

But we did do the alcatraz tour and we did a bus tour of the city and enjoyed both a lot.

[RoxMonster]

We went at the end of July once for four days. We did the Alcatraz tour (book it early), rented bikes and biked the Golden Gate over to Sausalito then had lunch there and took the ferry back (our favorite day in the city!) We also did a day trip to Napa since it's close and most tour companies pick up from SF hotels. If you want a recommendation, Max Napa Tours was FANTASTIC!

We also enjoyed just walking or riding the cable cars to different neighborhoods to explore. Had a delicious lunch in Little Italy. We explored Golden Gate Park and walked around Fisherman's Wharf (a bit touristy for us, but still fun). We also took a cab out to Alamo Square Park for a while because I wanted a photo in front of the "Painted Ladies" (houses in Full House) because I'm a nerd like that lol. But the park was very pretty, too.

For food, our best meal was at Frascati. We also enjoyed drinks at the Top of the Mark. I totally don't remember the place we ate in Little Italy but it was very good!

We stayed at the Westin St. Francis which is in Union Square and I liked the location. There is a cable car stop right out front, so it was pretty easy to get anywhere and there were always cabs lined up outside (we went pre-Uber).

ETA: I know weather can be pretty chilly in July but we lucked out with 70+ and sunny every single day.

[lolo]

Stay in an Airbnb, either Marriott, the Westin or the Fairmont.

Drink all the coffee--blue bottle, sight glass, etc.

Eat all the things--Ferry Building, ice cream and chocolate covered strawberries at Ghirardelli square, hipster fancy at foreign Cinema, delicious Mexican food in the mission (I can give specific recs if you like), Fog City diner for burgers with avocado

Buy all the things--Valencia street has the best shopping, not Union square, unless you want the same stores you see everywhere else

Golden gate Park has something for everyone--art museum with a tower that has gorgeous panoramic views over the city, a science museum with a rainforest exhibit that you can walk through AND an aquarium, sprawling botanical gardens and Japanese garden that is also lovely for tea

Get out of the city--redwoods at Muir woods (or big basin or Portola if you come South); take the ferry to Sausalito and eat at scoma for views across the water to SF; wine country; gorgeous coastline (drive to half Moon Bay for a fairly close option that's still extremely pretty)

[goldengirlz]

What do you like to do?

For views, I like the Ferry Building and the Embarcadero, or walking along the park near Coit Tower (you don’t necessarily have to go up.) Also for views, Bernal Heights Park and the slide street (Esmeralda Slide Park) are worth checking out if you’re in the neighborhood. The Saulsalito idea is a good one. The SFMoma recently reopened and it’s supposed to be amazing; buy tickets in advance. Hayes Valley is cute for shopping. See a comedy show. Go to a tiki bar. Drink Philz coffee.

I copied this from another thread, but some of my favorite restaurants are Cala (upscale Mexican), Aster (American), aina (Hawaiian), Cotogna (Italian), Namu Gaji (Korean), Akiko's (sushi), Ichi (sushi), Petit Crenn (New American), La Taqueria or La Espiga De Oro (burritos) or Yank Sing (dim sum). Most of these will probably require reservations.

I’m glad someone mentioned the weather. It’s not so much that the weather will be “chilly;” it’s that it won’t be East Coast July weather. Mornings and evenings will be cooler and foggier and you’ll probably want pants and a jacket. Once the fog burns off, afternoons usually warm up to bright sunshine so dress in layers.

And have fun!

[rbp]

Jan 8, 2018 9:49:31 GMT -5 @juno said:

Is she strong enough for a full day of sometimes strenuous walking? I have a walking route with highlights of the city i take first-timers on if they are relatively fit. I can give you a rundown if you want it.

I should have come to the board before my trip to SF. (I was alone because it was a work trip.) Somehow I ended up walking 13 miles one day, but it was nice!

[jlt19]

We like touristy spots so we enjoyed the Hyatt near fisherman's wharf. There was a really good breakfast place there, upstairs. I can't remember the name though.

We had a great fresh lobster and crab roll from a vendor.

Also really liked taking the ferry to Sausalito then the public bus to Muir Woods followed by tacos on the main road in Sausalito when we got back.

Definitely do Alcatraz but yes, book a few months out!

[HRH Queen Dick I, Orphan]

Jan 8, 2018 10:01:10 GMT -5 @barefootbarista said:

@juno , she isn't in a wheelchair or anything, but a full day with sometimes strenous walking would be a no.

SF is very hilly, everywhere. Nothing is flat, unless you're out by the beach. I would take that into close consideration.

[winecat]

Bi-Rite Creamery for ice cream. Tartine for everything but a brownie. Their sandwiches are so, so good too. If you want to go to Oakland, Bakesale Betty's has the best fried chicken sandwich and strawberry shortcake I've ever eaten. I haven't been to Craftsman & Wolves but I've watched its owner at a demo and tasted the samples, and it was amazing.

[formerlyak]

When I lived in SF you could get a multi-day Muni pass. I'd see if that is still an option. When I lived there you could call a phone number and say, "I'm standing on this corner and want to get to that corner, which Muni do I take?" and someone would tell you. I hear that is in an app now. The public transportation is fantastic there.

Mona Lisa in North Beach is fantastic for Italian food. Walking the Embarcadero is nice. Spend a day in Golden Gate Park at one of the gardens. I second Half Moon Bay being a nice drive.

Beach Blanket Babylon is a fun show if she is into that kind of thing. If you guys like theater, 42nd Street Moon and ACT do good shows and are right in the city.

I think other things I'd recommend have already been mentioned.

[thejen626]

I'd plan on doing the Hop On Hop Off bus. We stayed at the Hyatt by the Ferry Building. We took a cab to Golden Gate Park (which is NOT by the bridge at all, lol), explored some museums, then took the Hop On bus back to our hotel. That would be really easy for someone with limited mobility. It was a great way to see everything we wanted to see, and get ideas for what we wanted to do the next day.

[bananapancakes]

Can I piggyback on this thread? We're going in February with our two kids (nearly 4 years and 6 months). I realize the weather could be crappy but it'll be warmer than it is here!

Best things to do with the kiddos? We're planning on just using public transit but are Uber/Lyft with car seats pretty easy to find?

[sonrisa]

1) wine country for a day - you'll need some sun after all that foggy, gusty wind. (Go on the coldest SF day. It should be clear and nice up north).

2) On a clear day, drive the GG bridge and Marin headlands for great views. Muir Woods is great for redwoods, but ridiculously crowded these days. Soon you'll need a reservation to visit. You can eat in either Sausalito or Tiburon for views.

3)Museums: there are a few hubs to choose from if you are interested.
* Exploratorium (hands on science demonstrations - very kid friendly but also great fun for adults interested in science. Who knew Oppenheimer could make something so positive after killing so many people?) it's on the bay waterfront.
- The Museum of the African Diaspora and SF MoMA (modern art) are near each other and Yerba Buena Gardens.. visit samovar tea (https://www.samovartea.com/locations/#more)
- The de Young (assorted art and artifacts) is in Golden gate park right beside the Japanese tea garden. The California Academy of Sciences (live butterflies, aquarium, planetarium) is in the same complex if you prefer science to art. Both museums are large enough I wouldn't do them together but the Japanese tea garden would be a lovely calm complement to either.
- Asian art (very tranquil) is near city hall.

[thebreakfastclub]

I went to SF for my honeymoon.

We stayed near Fisherman's Wharf and a lot of stuff was walkable, like Alcatraz. We took a day long tour to Muir Woods and then Sausalito, and another one to Carmel. That is a bit of a longer day. We also did a downtown segway tour. All of that stuff was fun.

Definitely do not get a car. With public transit, you can get everywhere you need, and parking is outrageous at hotels. There are are a ton of tour companies offering excursions.

[goldengirlz]

Jan 8, 2018 12:42:00 GMT -5 bananapancakes said:

Can I piggyback on this thread? We're going in February with our two kids (nearly 4 years and 6 months). I realize the weather could be crappy but it'll be warmer than it is here!

Best things to do with the kiddos? We're planning on just using public transit but are Uber/Lyft with car seats pretty easy to find?

My kid loves:
Golden Gate Park and the California Academy of Sciences
Yerba Buena (carousel, children’s museum, playground ... there’s also ice skating and bowling)
Esmeralda Slide Park (and then Mitchell’s for ice cream)
Riding the ferry to Sausalito
Exploratorium
Sea lions at Pier 39
Riding the cable cars
Going to the beach at Half Moon Bay or Montara (Moss Beach)

Foreign Cinema has the best children’s menu we’ve seen here.

I wouldn’t count on Uber and Lyft having car seats. I don’t think we have UberFamily yet but someone correct me if I’m wrong.

In your case, you might want to consider ZipCar. You can rent by the hour or the day.

[sonrisa]

Jan 8, 2018 12:42:00 GMT -5 bananapancakes said:

Can I piggyback on this thread? We're going in February with our two kids (nearly 4 years and 6 months). I realize the weather could be crappy but it'll be warmer than it is here!

Best things to do with the kiddos? We're planning on just using public transit but are Uber/Lyft with car seats pretty easy to find?

That's my world :-)

1) Outdoor discovery day in Marin:

Morning kids museum: drive the golden gate bridge to the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito - right under the golden gate bridge. They have a wonderful "tot spot" area the 6 month old can enjoy (outdoor and indoor portions) and everything else (indoor and outdoors) is perfect for the four year old.

If the weather is clear and warm head into Sausalito for lunch at Fish or Bar Bocce (outside seating at both). If you want something inexpensive an easy, there is an In-N-Out at the highway before the Mill Valley exit.(Or I can suggest other Marin food options, like terrapin crossroads if you are Grateful dead fans)

Redwoods in the afternoon: instead of Muir Woods, take the kids to Old Mill park playground in Mill Valley - you get redwoods, swings and no fees. (https://www.yelp.com/biz/old-mill-park-mill-valley) 
There is an easy redwoods waterfall trail a short drive up the hill from the park. (http://theflirtyguide.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-not-so-secret-waterfalls-of-mill.html)

2) SF waterfront day: 

Exploratorium is a fantastic, hands on science museum It's located right on the piers and worth visiting. Spend your morning at the museum, then take the old fashioned muni towards Pier 39 and see the sea lions. (you can decide ho much fisherman's wharf/ghiradelli tourism you want to link in with that).

3) Park morning: California Academy of Sciences for butterflies, fish, penguins. 

[lolo]

Jan 8, 2018 13:24:01 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

Jan 8, 2018 12:42:00 GMT -5 bananapancakes said:

Can I piggyback on this thread? We're going in February with our two kids (nearly 4 years and 6 months). I realize the weather could be crappy but it'll be warmer than it is here!

Best things to do with the kiddos? We're planning on just using public transit but are Uber/Lyft with car seats pretty easy to find?

My kid loves:
Golden Gate Park and the California Academy of Sciences
Yerba Buena (carousel, children’s museum, playground ... there’s also ice skating and bowling)
Esmeralda Slide Park (and then Mitchell’s for ice cream)
Riding the ferry to Sausalito
Exploratorium
Sea lions at Pier 39
Riding the cable cars
Going to the beach at Half Moon Bay or Montara (Moss Beach)

Foreign Cinema has the best children’s menu we’ve seen here.

I wouldn’t count on Uber and Lyft having car seats. I don’t think we have UberFamily yet but someone correct me if I’m wrong.

In your case, you might want to consider ZipCar. You can rent by the hour or the day.

I suggested foreign Cinema up thread but wanted to echo it as surprisingly kid friendly. They were SO accommodating of our toddler. Their kid menu is 3 courses, each reasonably sized. Course 1 when we went was a raw veggie platter and we asked if they would be willing to steam them since our daughter at that time still struggled to chew raw veggies. Well, not only did they do that, but they made a delicious garlic butter dip to go with it. Every adult at the table was sneaking bites. SO good!

[alleinesein]

My favorite hotel is the Taj Campton Place. I also like the Fairmont if you can get a room in the main building. The Taj occasionally runs room specials and you might be able to snag something for under $300 a night. It is in a great location and the hotel is quiet.

Things to do: Muir Woods (go early b/c parking can be a bear), Disney Family Museum, California Academy of Science, Ferry Building (grab ice cream at Humphry Slocombe), Alcatraz tour, Chinatown.

[redheadk]

Jan 8, 2018 12:42:00 GMT -5 bananapancakes said:

Can I piggyback on this thread? We're going in February with our two kids (nearly 4 years and 6 months). I realize the weather could be crappy but it'll be warmer than it is here!

Best things to do with the kiddos? We're planning on just using public transit but are Uber/Lyft with car seats pretty easy to find?

Last time we went (mid-August), we did some playtime at Sue Bierman park, lunch at the Ferry Building, then walked over to the Exploratorium and did a few hours there. DD had so much fun that she's asked to repeat it when we are there at the end of February. We were there in February last year, too (yearly conference for DH) and the weather was lovely. Better than the times we've been in the summer. 

She also loved the California Academy of Sciences. It's very kid friendly and I appreciated that everything there is included in the ticket price (our Museum of Natural Science has a LOT of extra charges and ends up costing a fortune). The Japanese Tea Garden is a short walk from there.

My DD is a bit older (5.5) so I just had her wear her SkipHop backpack when we were there in February 2017 with a MiFold booster. She's still in a 5-point at home but we only took Uber a few times so it was fine. No advice for you because obviously that won't work with the baby. 

SaveSave

[pinkdutchtulips]

Jan 8, 2018 12:42:00 GMT -5 bananapancakes said:

Can I piggyback on this thread? We're going in February with our two kids (nearly 4 years and 6 months). I realize the weather could be crappy but it'll be warmer than it is here!

Best things to do with the kiddos? We're planning on just using public transit but are Uber/Lyft with car seats pretty easy to find?

if no one has mentioned these places- the Exploratorium, the aquarium at pier 39, the marine mammal center in Sausalito, the playground on embarcadero by the ferry building, the zoo at golden gate park ...

[sessy]

Jan 8, 2018 12:42:00 GMT -5 bananapancakes said:

Can I piggyback on this thread? We're going in February with our two kids (nearly 4 years and 6 months). I realize the weather could be crappy but it'll be warmer than it is here!

Best things to do with the kiddos? We're planning on just using public transit but are Uber/Lyft with car seats pretty easy to find?

I would not count on finding any uber or lyfts with carseats. My sister was visiting me last July with her 1 year old and 3 year old and we tried to find an uber/lyft with carseats for her and we were unsuccessful.

There aren't a lot of kids in this town so I don't think most uber/lyft drivers prioritize having that option available.  

[sonrisa]

Jan 8, 2018 12:42:00 GMT -5 bananapancakes said:

Can I piggyback on this thread? We're going in February with our two kids (nearly 4 years and 6 months). I realize the weather could be crappy but it'll be warmer than it is here!

Best things to do with the kiddos? We're planning on just using public transit but are Uber/Lyft with car seats pretty easy to find?

where are you staying? 

[bananapancakes]

Jan 9, 2018 14:22:30 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

Jan 8, 2018 12:42:00 GMT -5 bananapancakes said:

Can I piggyback on this thread? We're going in February with our two kids (nearly 4 years and 6 months). I realize the weather could be crappy but it'll be warmer than it is here!

Best things to do with the kiddos? We're planning on just using public transit but are Uber/Lyft with car seats pretty easy to find?

where are you staying? 

We're thinking of doing an Air BNB but haven't booked anything yet. Any recs on areas to look into/avoid?

[zitiqueen]

If Alcatraz still offers the self-guided tours, definitely do that. I went during the day when I was there a million years ago, but I've heard the night-time tours are the best. And yes, look into booking that as soon as possible.