Whether you spend a few days or a week in San Francisco, be sure to check out these Top 10 San Francisco Attractions for Families – many are FREE!
1) Lombard Street
Lombard Street is famous as the crookedest street in the world with 8 hairpin turns. Drivers can drive down this one-way street while walkers can walk up or down on sidewalks on both sides of the street.
2) San Francisco Trolley
You can’t visit San Francisco without riding a trolley, a true icon of San Francisco. There are 3 to choose from the original 23 with routes from downtown area to Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, and California Street.
3) Ride The Ducks Tour (City and Bay)
Ride The Ducks is the best sightseeing tour in San Francisco. It is the only tour that takes you throughout the city and into the water at McCovey Cove! We were even able to get behind the wheel and drive our duck while cruising the waters!
4) Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular destination in San Francisco, reminiscent of the early days of the 1800s Italian immigrant fishermen days. Now, it is a popular tourist destination for food, attractions, and entertainment. Check out the sea lion colony next to Pier 39 on the wooden docks too.
5) Historic Pier 45
Visit Historic Pier 45 to explore a submarine and a liberty ship. You can actually get on board the USS Pampanito, a World War II Submarine. Take a tour of the Liberty Ship SS Jeremiah O’Brien.
6) Musee Mechanique Mechanical Museum
The Musee Mechanique Mechanical Museum is a fun family attraction with over 300 coin operated antique video games, animations, pianos, and more. We had a blast for a hour with just a handful of quarters! It is free to enter and located on Pier 45.
7) Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and San Francisco Dungeon
Enjoy learning about the famous figures of San Francisco (and beyond) at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and the dark history 200 years ago at San Francisco Dungeon. Both locations offer a unique family fun time with many interactive elements for all ages.
8) San Francisco Street Performers
There are a designated 12 performance locations along Fisherman’s Wharf offering guests liver performances throughout the day and evening. Enjoy musicians, mimes, magicians, jugglers, dancers, and a variety of human statues. Slow down, and take in a ‘show’ or two. Many are interactive like the magicians, offering a unique, one-of-a-kind experience.
9) Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest Chinese community outside of Asia with many shops, restaurants, and attractions to take in the culture and atmosphere. Many have compared it to the tourist district of Hong Kong. Enjoy authentic food and great souvenirs.
10) Golden Gate Bridge
Last but not least, visit the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco and one of the longest suspension bridges in the world at 4,200 feet. You’ll find fantastic views across the city.
There are many options on experiencing the Golden Gate Bridge including hiking (the Golden Gate National Parks), walking, biking, guided tours, and driving on the bridge. There are several ways to pay the average $7 toll to go across, from opening a license plate account to paying with a credit card ahead of time. There are also picturesque pacific overlooks near the bridge.
Stay in Downtown San Francisco
To experience San Francisco to the fullest, stay in the heart of it all at Comfort Inn By the Bay. They offer spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge from guest rooms and are within walking distance of the majority of attractions listed above. They offer clean, comfortable rooms with San Francisco decor and even a free hot breakfast every morning. Location is everything in San Francisco, stay in the middle of it all at Comfort Inn By the Bay!
Comfort Inn By the Bay
2775 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, CA, 94109-1497
Phone: (415) 928-5000
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