There are more than 40 neighborhoods to explore in San Francisco. Below is a listing of some of the more popular areas where families congregate:
Chinatown
San Francisco’s more than 140,000 citizens of Chinese ancestry, and the 15-million visitors who pour through Chinatown every year, participate in the enclave’s everyday street pageantry in almost equal parts. Explore Chinatown’s shops filled with fun trinkets, tour a fortune-cookie factory, take a walking tour and more.
Fisherman’s Wharf
At Fisherman’s Wharf, the crab pots are out in force most times of year, but especially during Dungeness crab season (mid-Nov.-mid-June), when tasty, fresh crab is available in abundance. Tour a real submarine or a national Liberty ship, visit wax replicas of famous people, find out how to make San Francisco sour bread, sample Ghirardelli chocolates in a simulated factory at Ghirardelli Square, or enjoy a picnic in Aquatic Park. PIER 39 has many family attractions, kid-friendly restaurants, and the world-renowned sea lions.
Ocean Beach
Where the Pacific Ocean meets the western edge of the City, families will find the perfect beach to fly a kite, throw a Frisbee or simply build castles in the sand.
Yerba Buena
More than a dozen museums are located in the Yerba Buena District – many with special programs for families. The rooftop garden and playground at Yerba Buena Gardens provides a welcome respite.