I’m pretty sure I fell in love with San Francisco during the full house episodes back in the 90’s! I mean, c’mon that row of colored homes. This was our third visit to the bay area and we did it car-less (totally do-able and it will save you money!) While San Francisco is many things….gorgeous, culturally diverse, full of iconic sights- cheap is not one of them. It can be over $65 a night fee to park your car at your hotel in the downtown fisherman’s wharf area. What?! My must see’s and easily do-able particularly with kids are the following:
1. Golden gate bridge-top two places to view it from-crissy field, baker’s beach, and my number one viewing spot for the golden gate is right underneath of it pictured in our pics from Fort Point.
2. Bus tour- I’m a huge fan of bus tours, they’re typically a great deal, you see tons of sight in a short period of time and you can get off and on all day long. totally worth it in my book and my kids love it! (Ive done the bus tours in hawaii, hong kong, san fran, and san diego-love them all)
3.Alcatraz-my husband has done it but i haven’t, its sold out everytime we go, so grab those tickets early.
4. Hotel zephyr- this hotel is made for design affecionados (like myself) and for kids! They have a game room, but not with video games, real games like ping pong, pool, jenga, life-size connect 4, and a ton more. My kids did not want to leave this room.
5. Clam chowder- Fisherman’s Grotto in Fisherman’s wharf is the best clam chowder you will have in your life. I promise. If you go please mail me a bowl. IM NOT KIDDING. THIS SOUP IS LIFE CHANGING! I”m convinced they’ve laced it with something addicting because i had four bowls. I could not be stopped. its embarrassing really.
6. Musee Mechanique Museum- First of all this is FREE. Its a museum of old and still usable arcade games, such a fun nostalgic experience. Kids and grown men will be equally in heaven.
7. Ghiradelli square- As you approach this place you’ll know what to do, buy chocolate. enough said.
8. Fisherman’s Wharf- You can get all the seafood your heart desires here and likely see them pull it right off the boat….I mentioned the clam chowder, right? There’s also lots of shops, restaurants, and street entertainers.
9. Ride the trolley. It must be done….just a fair warning its much like a rollercoaster ride without seat belts-hold your children.
10. John Muir Woods- We didn’t hit go during this trip, but experienced it the first time we were there and I would be amiss if I left it out…. its that spectacular plus a welcomed break from the city. Just cross the golden gate bridge and yo’re there!
