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San Francisco Family Vacation Ideas - Attractions, Activities & Things to Do for Summer Vacation

By Katie Sagal

Summertime is one of the best times to visit San Francisco. The weather is at its best, nature is thriving, and the best attractions are open and ready for business. If you’re planning a family trip to San Francisco but aren’t sure which attractions are right for you, check out this list of our favorite family-friendly attractions.

Curated by industry experts, they’re the best activities, tours, and museums for family vacations in San Francisco. The top San Francisco summer family vacation ideas include:

  • Big Bus San Francisco Sightseeing Tour
  • California Academy of Sciences
  • SFMOMA
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Madame Tussauds San Francisco
  • Bike Rentals
  • Exploratorium
  • Aquarium of the Bay
  • Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
  • Golden Gate Park
  • Muir Woods

Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour

 

One of the best ways to introduce the family to San Francisco is with a guided bus tour of the city. A hop-on hop-off option is both fun and flexible, allowing you to get off when something intrigues you, and get back on when the kids get tired.

See the sights from the top deck and then simply hop off to explore the streets. This tour from Big Bus includes more than 20 different stops in all the city’s hot spots, plus a selection of free, guided walking tours that begin at selected stops.

California Academy of Sciences

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Among the most popular family attractions in San Francisco is the California Academy of Sciences. Both immensely educational and immensely entertaining, this institution really does have it all. It’s part aquarium, part natural history museum, and part planetarium, with a four-story rain forest thrown in.

They have many special events and kid-centric programming that runs during the summer, so be sure to check their operating calendar before you go to see what’s on. Don’t forget to say hi to their colony of playful penguins!

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

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The SFMOMA is the one for arts and culture fans.

Introduce the kids to some of the best modern and contemporary art in the world with a visit to the recently expanded San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The SFMOMA has expansive collections of art by both iconic figures and up-and-coming artists, so it’s a great place to really get a feel for the artistic movements of the last several decades.

Special summer exhibits are extra fun, too. Be sure to check their events calendar to see if there's anything of interest to you going on during your trip.

Fisherman’s Wharf

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The northern waterfront neighborhood of San Francisco, this popular destination is a haven for visitors who want to explore many of the city’s top attractions. There are a ton of things to do in Fisherman's Wharf.

Buy some delicious chocolate in Ghirardelli Square, wander through the free (and a little bizarre) Musée Mechanique, and visit the USS Pampanito. Then go shopping, have a sumptuous seafood lunch, explore Madame Tussauds, and more. The possibilities are practically endless!

Madame Tussauds San Francisco

 

Speaking of Fisherman’s Wharf... Located in an area of the city we’re sure you’re already exploring, Madame Tussauds is a fun attraction for families. It’s the only place outside of Hollywood where you’ll see so many celebrities.

Take a selfie with your favorite A-list celebs – nobody will know the difference! A visit here is a good opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of San Francisco, too. Their Spirit of San Francisco exhibit highlights famous figures from art, music, and literature.

The San Francisco Dungeon

Learn all about San Francisco's shadier side of history, brought to life in a fun and campy way at this attraction that's part thrill ride, part theatrical experience. You'll see a number of live theatrical performances that re-enact true, local history and take you back in time to the dark days of San Francisco.

This is one of the more creepy things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf. But if your kids are interested in history, it's a fun and entertaining way to learn about it!

Bike Rentals

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While San Francisco may be notorious for its hilly terrain, don’t let that stop you from renting a bike and pedaling your heart out around this incredibly bike-able city. Bike riding is an ideal way to keep the kids entertained and to get out and be active while on vacation!

You can ride around Golden Gate Park, Presidio, the waterfront, or even up those hilly streets -- if you dare. Rent a bike if you weren’t able to bring one, and keep it all day for the ultimate in convenience.

You can use your pass you rent bikes down by the waterfront, or at Golden Gate park.

Exploratorium

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This is one the kids will adore. The Exploratorium is designed to be the most engaging and interactive museum out there, bar none. Play around with and explore more than 600 (yes, that’s right) exhibits.

Your kids will get to learn a little bit about practically everything at this amazing attraction, from science to art and beyond. Be sure to check out their special programming calendar before your visit to see if there is something that especially interests your kids. They offer extended summer hours, too.

Aquarium of the Bay

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Animal lovers of all ages won’t want to miss out on the Aquarium of the Bay. A marine institution dedicated specifically to the flora and fauna of the San Francisco Bay, it’s a distinctive attraction with a lot to teach visitors.

Walk through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels that wind through a massive tank filled with thousands of critters in all shapes and sizes. The kids will especially love the Touch the Bay exhibit, where they have the chance to interact with sharks, rays, and sea stars.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

A theme park is a great summer idea for families, so why not take a quick drive a bit north of the city to reach the delightful Six Flags Discovery Kingdom? This popular park combines all your favorite amusement park rides – like roller coasters, bumper cars, water rides, and much more – with the educational fun of animal exhibits.

Visit the animal inhabitants of Discovery Kingdom all throughout the park, like the playful creatures of Dolphin Harbor, Seal Cove, and the Butterfly Habitat. You also have the opportunity to upgrade to a number of animal encounters to make the day a truly special one.

Golden Gate Park

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Easily among the most famous parks in the country, Golden Gate Park is a must-visit for your family vacation to San Francisco. This massive oasis in the middle of the city is filled with opportunities for picnicking, biking, playing Frisbee, a round of golf, and so much more.

There are also a number of attractions within the park itself, from the serene Japanese Tea Garden to the artistic de Young Museum to the gorgeous Conservatory of Flowers. There’s even a children’s playground that’s definitely worth taking your littler ones to.

Muir Woods

For those families looking to explore the expansive natural world around San Francisco, a trip up to Muir Woods is non-negotiable. Home to the majestic redwood trees, Muir Woods National Park is a wondrous place to explore. You’ll immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of this ancient forest, and get to see an incredible diversity of plant and wildlife all throughout the park. Remember to bring a camera to Muir Woods for pictures – you’ll get no cell reception and this may drain your phone’s battery.

Remember to Save on Family Friendly Admission

There you go. A few suggestions for attractions and activities for your upcoming San Francisco family vacation. Regular admission to a number of these family friendly attractions are available with a pass by Go City. We hope you consider adding some of these fun ideas to your family vacation itinerary. Learn more about our San Francisco passes, attractions and prices.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Visiting the California Academy of Sciences - Admission, Tips & More

The California Academy of Sciences (CAS) is "an aquarium, rainforest, planetarium, and natural history museum--all under one living roof." The building itself is a modern marvel with its 2.5 acre 'living roof' comprised entirely of native plants, grasses, and shrubs. As a bonus, its LEED-certified design makes it the world's greenest museum. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the California Academy of Sciences, packed full of tips for visiting, ways to save on admission, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for California Academy of Sciences Tickets? We’ve got you covered – California Academy of Sciences admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 5 attractions. 3. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Tips for Visiting the California Academy of Sciences Image credit: California Academy of Sciences Get to the Academy early to get a timed ticket to the Planetarium Show and beat the largest crowds. Download the free Academy Insider App for iPhone to enhance your visit. This app contains exhibit info, self-guided tours, a live daily programs feed, museum maps, and more. Outside food and beverages are welcome in the Academy and can be consumed at designated areas in the museum in the indoor Piazza and outdoor eating area. Water fountains are located on level 1 next to the elevators. Dress in layers. The rainforest exhibit is hot and humid so you'll appreciate being able to lighten up a bit when you're exploring. Tips for visiting with a family: Strollers are not available for rent at the Academy, but they are allowed in the museum (with the exception of the Shake House exhibit). Elevators are located next to the Academy Café and the Swamp. Changing tables are available in all restrooms on the museum floor and a family restroom next to the swamp Check the calendar of events online to see if you can coordinate your visit with any fun upcoming events. They often have special events around the holidays, for example, so keep an eye out if you're visiting in the fall or winter. Planning a class field trip? Check out the Academy's grade-specific Free Educator Guides. What to Do There The Academy is home to lots of fun, fascinating, and informative exhibits. In fact, it's the only place in the world where you can explore an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under one roof. A few exhibit highlights include: NEW! Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs Image credit: California Academy of Sciences This exciting new exhibit is one for the dinosaur lovers of all ages. It has a specific focus on the Mesozoic era and the fascinating pterosaurs that roamed the skies. Featuring a sample of the 150 different different species of flying dinosaur, it's also an amazing collection of newly-discovered fossils and realistic dioramas. The fossils are a particular highlight of this exhibit. Because pterosaurs were much lighter than other dinosaurs, their bodies have been less successfully preserved over the millennia. Fortunately, this exhibit features fossils from a still-unknown species of giant pterosaur and the first known fossilized pterosaur egg! Tusher African Hall Play the livestream above for a sneak peek at the African Hall's most popular exhibit--a colony of African penguins. In addition to the playful penguins, the African Hall explores other African wildlife and the evolution of the human species with immersive dioramas portraying scenes from 7 million years ago to today. Insider tip: Visit this exhibit around 10:30 am or 3:00 pm to catch the penguins' daily feeding and an informative presentation and feel free to ask the knowledgeable trainers questions. Color of Life Image credit: Kathryn Whitney, California Academy of Sciences Learn about the different roles that color plays among different species of the live animals and environments in this exhibit. You'll be able to explore how color affects animal behavior, how it's used for communication, attraction, choosing a mate, camouflaging, and more to help species survive and thrive. Whales: Giants of the Deep Image © Brandon Cole Check out the massive collection of whale skeletons in the immersive and informative whale exhibit. You'll find out the functions they serve in the ocean food chain, what threatens difference species' well being, and the work that Academy scientists are doing to help protect these large animals. Morrison Planetarium Image credit: Tim Griffith The Academy's 75-foot dome is a way to experience the cosmos like never before on one of the most accurate and immersive digital universes. Shows at the Planetarium explore a range of topics, including traditional star shows and special films, live broadcasts from Academy scientists in the field, or films that explore the fragile ecosystems of the planet Earth. Insider tip: As soon as you arrive at the Academy, be sure to stop by the Planetarium kiosk when you arrive to receive your timed ticket for a show. What to expect: the dome itself mimics the tilt of planet Earth and the frame of the dome supports a NanoSeam projection screen which portrays a seamless picture for a true-to-life view. Visitors have described a sensation of flying when watching a presentation in the Morrison Planetarium. Kimball Natural History Museum Image credit: California Academy of Sciences Experience what it feels like to be caught San Francisco's two biggest earthquakes, a 6.9 and 7.9-magnitude, from inside The Shake House, a Victorian-era "Painted Lady" house. Next, explore what's under the Earth's surface in the walk-through replica that illustrates the forces and phenomena that drive the movement of tectonic plates. Osher Rainforest Image credit: Chris Picon Housed within an impressive, 90-foot diameter glass dome, this four-story neotropical rainforest is the largest of its kind in the world. With temperatures of 82-85 degrees and humidity at 75% and above, you'll feel like you've been transported to an actual rainforest. The dome contains three levels of rainforest from three distinct ecosystems: a Bornean forest floor, a Madagascan mid-story, and the canopy of a Costa Rican forest. In addition to diverse plant life, the rainforest is home to over 1,600 animals, including 250 free-flying birds and butterflies and almost 100 exotic reptiles and amphibians. Steinhart Aquarium Image credit: California Academy of Sciences Get an amazing underwater view of aquatic life. The Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums in the world with nearly 40,000 animals and 900 unique species. Be sure to check out the Philippine Coral Reef, a 25-foot deep tank featuring a large, live coral ecosystem. You'll see colorful fish native of the coral reefs and mangroves of the Philippines, one of the most diverse reef ecosystems in the world. Insider tip: Head to the lower level of this exhibit at 11:30 am or 2:30 pm to catch the daily Coral Reef Dive. A diver will plunge in the tank and answer any reef-related questions. Living Roof Image credit: Tim Griffith Learn about the power of green on the iconic "Living Roof" of the California Academy of Sciences. The roof consists entirely of California native grasses, shrubs, and plants that make an inviting home for many local wildlife, including birds, insects, butterflies, people, and more. The Swamp Image credit: Kathryn Whitney, California Academy of Sciences Meet an albino alligator known as Claude, colorful freshwater fish, reptiles, arachnids, and alligator snapping turtles that live in the Swamp. Go to the lower level of this exhibit for an underwater eye-to-eye view of Claude and more of the Swamp's other wildlife. You'll learn all about Claude's albinism and life in American swamps for alligators, how the alligator snapping turtles have strategically evolved to entice prey, and more. Insider tip: Gather beneath the moss-draped bald cypress to catch a presentation about the life of the American alligator, 3:30 pm daily. Things to Do Nearby The California Academy of Sciences is located in Golden Gate Park, the largest park in the country. Make a day of exploring the park and all the attractions inside by checking off all of the top things to do in Golden Gate Park: Picnic in the park. Find a comfortable spot to park yourself for a mid-afternoon break and take in your surroundings. Explore all things art at the world-class de Young Museum, located right across the way from the CAS and stop by the Japanese Tea Garden and San Francisco Botanical Garden nearby, too. Take a stroll through the Conservatory of Flowers for an up close look at the seasonal blossoms. Rent a bike for the day and use it to make the most of your time at the park by biking around to each attraction and getting to know the trails (the CAS even has a camera security area to lock bikes). Check out the Dutch wind mills near Ocean Beach on the westernmost side of the park. Let the kids run around and get out any extra energy at the Koret Children's Quarter Playground on the easternmost side of the park. Check out our San Francisco neighborhoods guide and plan to visit attractions by area to get the most out of your trip. We also have a guide for getting around San Francisco to help plan, too. Places to Eat Nearby If you're planning to spend the day at the California Academy of Sciences and Golden Gate Park, there are a couple of dining options nearby, including: Academy Café - Head to the Academy Café for an indoor-outdoor setting and family-friendly fare with a menu that highlights local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients year-round. Their menu is a great way to experience the food cultures of California regions and San Francisco. The Terrace - Admission to the Academy gets you access to The Terrace, a farm-to-table dining experience with easy, fast-casual service. Located in the Academy's West Garden, you can dine amidst sculptures by artist Maya Lin and enjoy the weather and beautiful views. Insider tip: Happy Hour is daily from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm, buy a glass of wine or beer and get a second free. de Young Café - Located in the de Young Museum, the de Young Café features a variety of American and European classic dining options for morning, mid-day, and afternoon. Pack a picnic - One of the best ways to experience the Golden Gate Park like a local is to pack a picnic lunch and dine al fresco. There are lots of grassy areas, benches, and inviting places to pull up a blade of grass and enjoy a picnic lunch. Save on Admission No trip to San Francisco is complete without experiencing the California Academy of Sciences. Save up to 55% with the Go San Francisco® Card All-Inclusive Pass or San Francisco Explorer Pass®, depending on the pass you choose, on combined admission to the Academy and other top museums, tours, cruises, and activities. Pay nothing at the gate. Or, Build Your Own Pass and save 20% guaranteed when you buy two or more attractions together.
Katie Sagal
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
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San Francisco 4th of July Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in July

One of the best times to visit San Francisco is Independence Day - there's even more going on than usual! From bay cruises to bus tours and scavenger hunts, there are lots of fun and festive activities in the Bay Area. Since 4th of July falls on a Thursday this year, it's the perfect excuse to plan an extra long weekend in San Francisco. If you’re looking for San Francisco 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out some of these ideas! There are many local activities and fun things do in San Francisco in July, including... Fireworks from Fisherman's Wharf SoMA & the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Golden Gate Park Events PIER 39 Activities Sightseeing Cruises and more... Save on Admission to Popular Attractions The Go San Francisco pass provides admission to a number of these attractions. Choose as you go from dozens of San Francisco attractions and activities and save up to 45% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and San Francisco attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special July and 4th of July weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go San Francisco pass. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in San Francisco in July to help you plan your 4th of July weekend itinerary. Remember, a San Francisco pass provides admission to many of these attractions. You can save up to 45% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!  
Katie Sagal
Things to do in San Francisco for a Birthday
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Things to do in San Francisco for a Birthday

If you're looking for the best things to do in San Francisco for a birthday, you've come to the right place. From white-knuckle rides to spooky tours, we've picked the very best birthday entertainment for you and yours. So, without further ado, let's get into it. Including: Six Flags California's Great America GoCar San Francisco Escape from the Rock and more! If you, or the birthday person, are a thrill-seeker, these white-knuckle attractions will surely make it one to remember! Image courtesy of Cassiohabib/Shutterstock Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Six Flags is a national treasure, so it hardly needs an introduction. Arguably the second most popular set of theme parks behind the House of Mouse, Six Flags offers thrill-seekers plenty of bendy, windy, heart-pumping rides to test their mettle. And San Fran's Discovery Kingdom is no different. Visitors will find it full of exciting rides, animal attractions, and live entertainment that's suitable for little ones and us oldies too. But let's be honest; if you're heading to Six Flags, you're going for the rollercoasters. And Discovery Kingdom doesn't disappoint. The park's signature coaster is the Joker, a hybrid coaster with multiple inversions, twists, and turns, which is themed around Batman's arch nemesis - the dastardly maniac. Other popular coasters include the Medusa, a floorless coaster with a 150-foot drop, and the Superman Ultimate Flight, which takes riders on a flying experience through loops and twists alongside the Man of Steel himself. Delightful. Image courtesy of Sundry Photography/Shutterstock California's Great America For a unique theme park experience you won't find anywhere else, head to California's Great America. Sure, it's not in San Fran per se, but it's only an hour's drive away in Santa Clara. And, for a theme park this fantastic, it's worth the miles. Like any park worth its salt, you'll find plenty of thrilling rollercoasters to ride, including Gold Striker, a rollercoaster ranked in the top ten wooden coasters in the world! Not bad. Other popular coasters are Flight Deck, a suspended coaster that takes riders on a high-speed flurry of twists and turns, and Rail Blazer, which throws riders around a rocky course of rocks. It's like a minecart ride but without the fear of death. And for the little ones who won't make the height requirement, there's the Planet Snoopy Construction Zone, a park-within-a-park that's dedicated to everyone's favorite 2D beagle. With kid-friendly rides, interactive play areas, and opportunities to meet and take photos with Snoopy and his friends, it's ideal for little ones who don't need all that coaster stress. Now, for all you seekers of the strange and satisfying, we've collated some unconventional means of seeing San Francisco! Image courtesy of meunierd/Shutterstock GoCar San Francisco Why not see the city in style with GoCar San Francisco. But what is GoCar? Well, it's a compact, three-wheeled, two-seater, GPS-guided car. So, a mini-car, then. The benefits of traveling around in such a small vehicle are plenty. Firstly, it's easy to drive, which is a godsend for anyone unfamiliar with San Fran's peaks and troughs. Secondly, its compact size means it's easy enough to navigate through the city's many smaller streets. And, like Kit from Knightrider, the GoCar even talks to you as you drive. It will tell you where to go while also providing color commentary for each landmark and area you pass. But you aren't just sent off into the great unknown. In fact, you book specific tours before heading off. The most popular tour is the Golden Gate Bridge and Back Tour , which takes visitors on a scenic route across the Golden Gate Bridge and through the Presidio, with stops at popular landmarks like Lombard Street, Fisherman's Wharf, and Coit Tower. If you're in a small group, GoCar could be one of the best things to do in San Francisco for a birthday! Escape from the Rock Ever watched The Rock? Ever wondered if you have the steel to escape from a floating prison? Well, wonder no more, because Escape from the Rock is here to give that very experience. And, if you want to do something entirely unique for a birthday, it's easily one of the best things to do in San Francisco. This tour/prison break starts with a ferry ride from Pier 39 to Alcatraz Island, where you'll be greeted by a park ranger. They'll fill you in on the island's history as America's once-most secure prison. Then, you'll head into the prison itself to take a tour of the facilities. You'll visit cell blocks, the exercise yard, and other areas of the prison that are off-limits to regular visitors. Because you're special; never forget that. You'll learn all about the many famous inmates that once called it home, including Al Capone, as well as Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, who escaped the prison a year before its closure in 1963. Looking for a birthday fright-fest? Check out these spooky birthday adventures! Ghost Hunt of Chinatown Why not try a spooky exploration of San Fran's Chinatown? There are plenty of paranormal legends to discover and haunted sites to visit, and you get a tour of the area to boot! Your spooky guide will fill you in on all the supposed ghostly goings-on. They'll take you through the oldest parts of the district built during the Gold Rush era, and share stories of every apparition and haunting that is said to remain today. Expect to see and learn about phenomena reported at the old Chinese Phone Exchange building, a former opium den, and the Hang Ah Tea Room, one of the oldest tea houses in the city. They also do some delicious dim sum if you need a bite. A haunted bite? Maybe. Winchester Mystery House The Winchester name is famous in the US for the lever-action repeating rifles popularized during the Wild West. You may also know the story of Sarah Winchester, the inventor's wife. Once widowed, she was overwhelmed with guilt. After all, her husband's rifles had taken untold lives. In response, she started remodeling her house in bizarre ways. Some say it's because she feared the ghosts of those who fell to her husband's weapons were after her. But the truth of the matter has never been revealed. That didn't stop Hollywood from completely embellishing the story a century after Sarah's death. However, you can now make up your own mind by visiting the house! On your tour, you'll find stairs that lead to ceilings, brick walls behind doors, and rooms hidden behind secret panels. Then, when you're done, visit the on-site museum, or sit in the garden and contemplate the bizarre structure you just explored. It's all in a hard birthday's work! And those were our picks of the best things to do in San Francisco for a birthday! If you're not keen on some of the above, or just want some more ideas to fill out your birthday weekend bonanza, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of San Fran's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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