San Francisco, California Things to Do - Family-Friendly Attractions Abound!
With all the fun, free things there are to do in San Francisco, California, you will never be bored. Indulge your sweet tooth at the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. Explore the narrow alleys and unique markets of Chinatown. Tour Alcatraz Island and see the former home of famous gangsters. Check out these awesome tourist attractions along with several others in the below list.
Ghirardelli Square -
Chocolate lovers will fall madly in love with the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, which is situated in Ghirardelli Square. Exceptional chocolates and heavenly ice cream treats await you. Ghirardelli Square is also home to a wide array of art galleries, restaurants, boutique shops, and amazing views of San Francisco Bay. www.ghirardellisq.com/ghirardellisq/.
Fisherman's Wharf -
You'll have no trouble finding things to do at Fisherman's Wharf. There are innumerable souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, and street performers. Stop by Pier 39 to watch the sea lions sunbathing on the rocks. Or walk on over to the Maritime Museum for a local seafaring history lesson. www.fishermanswharf.org
Alcatraz Island -
Get an up-close-and-personal look at Alcatraz, a former high-security prison where big-time criminals like Al Capone resided. Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Alcatraz Island is accessible by ferry. Along with prison tours, the island offers a working lighthouse, tide pools, a fort, and gardens. www.nps.gov/alcatraz
North Beach -
San Francisco's Little Italy neighborhood will make you feel welcome the moment you enter it. Located in between Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown, North Beach features authentic Italian cuisine, superb coffee and pastries, and various walking tours. www.sfnorthbeach.org/.
Chinatown -
This lively neighborhood was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and then rebuilt. Stroll the narrow alleyways, browse the many markets, and seek out the hidden temples. Make sure to stop by the Golden Gate Cookie Factory where each day 20,000 fortune cookies are made by hand. www.sftravel.com/china.html.
Lombard Street -
Your visit to San Francisco would not be complete without driving down a portion of Lombard Street that's become famous as the "crookedest street in the world." If you're wearing a hat, you'll want to hold onto it as you'll encounter eight sharp turns on a road that slopes 40 degrees. www.sftravel.com/lomabardcrookedstreet.html
Golden Gate Bridge -
The Golden Gate Bridge was opened in1937 and it never ceases to wow tourists and locals alike. Spanning 4,200 feet, the bridge, which connects San Francisco with Marin County, is traversed by cars, bicyclists, joggers, and walkers. Bring your camera to the Golden Gate Bridge for some truly fantastic photo-ops. www.goldengatebridge.org
San Francisco Zoo -
Spend the day at the San Francisco Zoo and you'll come away with quite an education. Discover 250 species of animals that are spread out among many fascinating exhibits, such as African Savanna, Lipman Family Lemur Forest, and Hearst Grizzly Gulch. www.sfzoo.org/
Golden Gate Park -
Verdant Golden Gate Park beckons with an endless amount of activities for young and old alike. Discover playgrounds, the California Academy of Sciences, a Japanese tea garden, the De Young Museum, Stow Lake, walking paths, and a botanical garden. www.golden-gate-park.com
Union Square -
Top shops of all types can be found in Union Square, the city's main shopping district. First-class boutiques mingle with gigantic Westfield San Francisco Centre, which is anchored by Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's. Fine dining, excellent theatre, and cable cars round out this desirable destination. www.unionsquareshop.com
