10+ things to do in San Francisco with teens during your California vacation

If your teen is interested in how the world works, then you're in luck. San Francisco has an excellent collection of scientific attractions, from aquariums to natural history museums. Visit the California Academy of Sciences for an unbelievable experience that combines the best of all scientific institutions, including an all-digital planetarium, a four-story rainforest, a natural history museum, and an aquarium.

Especially love sea creatures? Head to the Aquarium of the Bay at Fisherman's Wharf for more aquatic fun. A visit to either of these institutions is an excellent educational opportunity, too, so they'll be engaging their minds as they explore. 

Getting In: California Academy of Sciences tickets and Aquarium of the Bay tickets are included on on all San Francisco passes.

It's one of the most popular places in San Francisco for tourists to explore, and we promise that teens will enjoy the many delightful experiences available at Fisherman's Wharf. There are attractions for all ages, whether you're into the super weird and wacky (Ripley's Believe it or Not!), the scary and campy (the San Francisco Dungeon), or the celebrity-centric (Madame Tussauds San Francisco).

Want some more ideas? Check out our post on things to do at Fisherman's Wharf during your vacation. 

Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most rewarding activities to do in San Francisco. Leave from North Beach or Fisherman's Wharf area and you'll pass through the beautiful Ghirardelli Square (an excellent place to pick up some souvenir chocolate) and Crissy Field (where you can stop for great photos of the bridge) before crossing the bridge on your bike. Grab a bite to eat in Sausalito and explore the beautiful oceanside town.

From there you can turn around and bike back to downtown San Francisco or, if you're up for it, continue to Tiburon and poke around the shops or grab an ice cream, before hopping on the ferry for your ride back.

If Alcatraz is a bit too spooky for your teen, or if they love the water so much that they're up for another bay-based adventure, then consider taking the whole family on a sightseeing cruise. You have several options that explore the San Francisco Bay, like the Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise.

These cruises showcase the best and biggest highlights of the city, the shoreline, and the natural world around you. Their informative narration will keep teens from getting bored. Plus, depending on the time of year, it's a great way to soak up the sun and get some fresh air. 

Taking a trip to the Exploratorium is a great activity for a rainy day in San Francisco for your teens. Located on Pier 15, this museum combines science, art, and human perception into a unique experience that is distinctly San Francisco. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and have fun while interacting with the hands-on exhibits and workshops.

This attraction is also good for younger kids, which is perfect for big families or those with a big age range. It's also super exciting for any fans of science - where else do you get to step inside a tornado?

Once named "One of the Most Amazing Inventions of the Year” by Time magazine, you can drive yourself in the first-ever GPS-guided Storytelling Car® that narrates what you're seeing via GPS coordinates as you drive around the city. GoCar San Francisco lets you explore at your own pace and get around to some of the spots tour buses can’t.

One thing to keep in mind is that while your teens can't pilot these GoCars themselves (you must be 21+ to be the driver). However, they can still enjoy directing you where to go, and which attractions to seek out.