Curator’s statement
Few cities in the US are true metropolises—with the traditional and imagined big-city look, feel, and vibe—while also being so close to awe-inspiring natural wonders. San Francisco is a rare gem of this kind. It's a bustling city with diverse neighborhoods and culture such as Chinatown and Union Square and world-renowned architecture and landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, and it's just a stone's throw from giant redwoods, California 1, and even Yosemite National Park. Most importantly, my family loved it! My teen daughter is always asking when we're going back. Here's how to have a great time and a memorable experience doing SF as a family vacation.
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Things to do in San Francisco
Powell & Mason Street Cable Car on Market Street Turnaround
My youngest loved looking for and taking photos of and with the Hearts in San Francisco sculptures. It's part scavenger hunt, part cool Instagram photo op. Some of the easiest ones to see, but no less pretty, are located right in Union Square on the four corners. It's a fun activity to do with the family.
My wife really enjoyed the view from Twin Peaks, a panoramic view of the city, the bay, and the Pacific. It's a spectacular sight to take in and a very easy but scenic drive up the hills. We did it after a day of exploring the city's neighborhoods and local food scene as sort of a prize to cap the day.
My personal favorite thing to do is not in the city itself, but it's to get up early and take the three-hour or so road trip to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. In my opinion, if you are not from the West Coast, you cannot let a SF trip pass without taking the time to experience at least one of these great parks. If I had to choose, I'd definitely spend an entire day in Yosemite, which might be the greatest national park experience you will ever have. Do all the hikes and take all the photos that you can, and you will not regret it.
Of course, you must take a cable car, aka trolley, ride up the famous hills of the city and over to Fisherman's Wharf. Pier 39 has great shopping, food, and photo ops (even a bunch of sea lions having a good ol' time) but my family loved taking the walk to the western end for the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience. Sugar overload! Be sure to wear comfortable sneakers so you can burn all those calories you will consume with their hot fudge sundae.
Visit Alcatraz for the history and educational aspect. You'll need to book your tour/ferry in advance because they fill up quick, often days ahead of time.
You can not only visit and drive across, but you can also walk the Golden Gate Bridge.
Places to eat & drink in San Francisco
Dim sum at Harborview Restaurant
Do yourself a favor and visit the Mission District and stop by Taqueria El Farolito on Mission or 24th Street. The food was amazing, specifically their Super Quesadilla with a side of crema, salsa roja, and salsa verde. Amazing!
The dim sum at Harborview Restaurant was so good. The vibe is nice and comfortable—white tablecloth, dim lighting in the main dining room. It's hard to choose a favorite, but I could have eaten an unlimited supply of the barbecue pork buns and taro fritters. You can also get window or outdoor seating for a view of the bay while you eat.
While you will get 10 different answers from 10 different people on where to go for breakfast, I am a sucker for old-school style diners. Pinecrest Diner on Mason and Geary fits that mold. Traditional diner food done right. I typically order either corned beef hash with eggs over easy or chicken fried steak with gravy, and the kids usually order the French toast. The food is always delightful and cooked fresh and hot. Plus it is a short walk to the Market and Powell Cable Car Turnaround, so you can walk off breakfast for a few minutes, then hop on a cable car headed uptown.
Nobody goes to San Francisco just to eat at chain restaurants that you can find and eat at in your hometown, but the Cheesecake Factory in Union Square is an exception. Particularly, because it is located upstairs in the Macy's building (take the elevator on the right-hand side after the entrance up) and has outdoor seating on a rooftop terrace with a great view of the city, especially at night. Be prepared to wait for an outside seat, but it is absolutely worth it. My favorite menu item at the Cheesecake Factory is the Chicken Madeira—delicious, scratch-made, and pairs well with....you guessed it...cheesecake afterwards.
Need to know
There is so much to see and do, and you can spend a week in the city and surrounding areas and only see a third of it all. Don't worry and just go with the flow of what feels like the best thing to see and do on that day. Just make sure to spend at least one day to take a road trip to see either Yosemite, Sequoia National Forest, or both. Pictures can never do these locations and vistas justice. Your eyes must see and witness the beauty and splendor to truly appreciate it.
SF can have some very cool weather in spring and fall, so bring proper attire to be prepared.
Remember that San Francisco, like most big cities in the US, has had some economic problems, especially after the pandemic. A lot of stores have left, there was a rise in thefts, and so many of the department stores and drugstores have beefed-up security in place. Also, while there are great restaurants, bars, and hotels in the Tenderloin District, just west of Union Square, there is also a lot of homelessness. Nothing to be overly concerned with, but just stay aware of your surroundings if you venture into that area, as you would if you were in New York or Chicago—especially with the family in tow.
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