Oh, you lucky thing! I'm about to fly out the door for dinner, but will post more when I return. You HAVE to take them for a walk across the GG bridge, or a bike ride across. Also to Muir Woods, a redwood grove north of city, over the GG bridge. There is a wonderful hike on Mt. Tampalpais -through Tennessee Valley, and you can end up on the beach! Then there are the incredibly wonderful things in the city -China Town, Fisherman's Wharf, riding the cable cars, going down Lombard St. GG park is especially fun on Sundays when part of it is closed to traffic, and they will really get their eyes and ears full just people watching. There are some good museams in the park, a small "lake" that you can rent a boat on, etc. If you decide to drive in the city, go down Filbert Street (in the area where Lombard curvy part begins. That block is the steepest in the city -feels like the back end of the car is going to come right over the top! If you are not a really good driver, you may want to rethink whether or not you want to drive. The hills and city traffic can be somewhat intimidating. Might be better just to cough up for a cab when you need it. And just rent a car for your outside-the-city travels. Check tripadvisor.com for some family friendly hotels.

Oh, thanks for this. We're going in a month so I'll be paying attention to your responses. We were in SF about 7 years ago and I can't remember everything we did, but we enjoyed exploring the Japanese botanical garden, Chinatown (and the fortune cookie factory), the Golden Gate bridge, cable car rides, and a side trip to Stinson beach. I do have one piece of advice -- if you go to Muir Woods, get there early! We went around midday I think, and there was nowhere to park. This time, we'll plan to get there very early!

OMG, I'm soooo jealous. That is my most favorite city of all time. You can walk the Golden Gate Bridge, take walks at the warf, experience China Town or Alcatraz, the parks are great too as is the shopping. Then there's always the areas south of the city like the Aquarium in Monterey, Big Sur National Forest (which is breath taking), Pebble Beach, AND that's just going south there's even more stuff if you head north!!! Oh almost forgot, there's also the Winchesters Mansion in San Jose, very different and very fun.

There is literally something for every one there, you just can't go wrong.

Be sure to bring along a sweater or light jacket, it can be cool there, not like the beaches in So Cal.

Listen to Pesky. There a quote attributed to Mark Twain: "The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco."

My daughter had a summer internship in SF and can attest to that!

It looks like my most favorite restaurant in SF has closed. :( Eating at Sam Wo in Chinatown really was an experience!

If you really want to explore a cool neighborhood, take a walk through Saint Francis Wood. I find it more interesting than Alamo Square.

I'm about 2 3/4 hours away from San Francisco - in the heart of the Gold Country. If Gold Rush towns and swimming in crystal clear rivers appeal to you, come visit me!!!

It's been 30 years since I've been to San Francisco but what I do remember is how friendly everyone is. I hope it's still the same. My girlfriend and I drove down from B.C., in a standard (who drives a standard in San Francisco?!) and we would be in the middle of the block, with our map spread all over the front seat, starting the standard on a hill and everyone would just patiently wait for us. No horn honking, no fingers wagging, just patiently waiting.
Alcatraz is great, as are the trolley cars, Lomberdo (?) street (the crooked one) which I don;t think you can drive anymore, fisherman's wharf, how about a baseball game. And I remember they had fabulous restaurants.

It can be foggy in the morning so do the stuff with the views in the afternoon.

oh I am salivating at all the info here, I can't wait and looks like SF it is! Oh crystal clear rivers you say?? Check! Best years... I am waiting for more info if you have it.

thanks again. I plan on doing the citypass thing again, did it in New York and it saved me tons!

Okay, I'm back....

The advice about the jackets is spot on. It can easily be 20 degrees colder in SF than in Marin, just over the GG bridge, or the East Bay (just over the Bay Bridge). That said, there are amazing bargains at Fisherman's Wharf, with fleece jackets for less than $20.

Here are a few specific recommendations:

Take a bus tour of the city on one of your first days there. I know some people think they are hokey, but honestly, I think they are great. You see some things that you otherwise wouldn't have time for, and it also helps you know which things you definitely want to spend time at. There used to be a good one, in a double-decker,red, English-looking bus, maybe Grayline Tours or something. Check Tripadvisor.

So.... in no particular order:

Find a place to rent bikes in the Marina, or close by. Ride across the GG Bridge and then back (there is a great spot to stop and take photos). When you get back to the Marina, there are zillions of places to shop, go in and get some hot soup and a baguette, latte's, ice-cream, etc. The Marina Green and Crissy Field, and Palace of Fine Arts are outstanding for people watching. Let the kids get a frisbee and play there, etc. The Exploratorium is a great hands-on museam there. There are some fabulous hills, which could be amazing fun on a bike if your kids are a bit daring and in good shape. If you have the time and inclination, it is an easy bike ride to Fisherman's Wharf from there.

Fisherman's Wharf: very touristy, but your kids will love it.
Pier 39 is the area with lots of shops and restaurants, and is a bit more upscale than the rest of FW. For better prices on souvenirs, sweatshirts, food, etc. look at the shops along The Embarcadero (the road that runs along the water). There were hundreds of sea lions on the docks at FW, but I seem to remember that they all suddenly left.... Lots of street artists performing, etc.
There is a wonderful Cost Plus World Imports store just a block in or so, that is fun to browse.

From FW, you can take a cable car to chinatown. Chinatown is so much fun, just filled with shops of stuff you and the kids will love, noisy and crowded and very authentic. Great, great, great chinese food there (again check Tripadvisor for latest recommendations).

The Ferry Bldg Marketplace.: Just down the street from Fisherman's Wharf. Similar to Fanueil Hall in Boston. Lots of gourmet food stalls, street art, etc. Lots of fun. You could easily ride your bikes from FW to the Ferry Bldg.

Alcatraz: I'm putting this in here, just because a lot of people seem to like it. Honestly, it is about the last place I would bother with if I was in SF, but if you do want to go, you can get a ferry from Fisherman's Wharf.

GG Park: Go on a Sunday if you can plan it that way. Rent bikes. It is a HUGE park. There are a couple of fabulous museams. You can rent row boats at the Stow Lake Boathouse (and get icecream etc. there too). There is a herd of buffalo, a Japanese Tea Garden, ...Bring a map of the park with you. Despite lots of signage, it is very easy to get lost (ask me how I know, LOL!). The kids will see all kinds of neat people there, street art, musicians, etc.

North Beach: this is the Italian area of the City. Great family style italian restaurants. Be forewarned, there are also lots of burlesque show type things in this area, with barkers outside trying to lure you in. They are generally pretty respectful of families, but just a heads up.

Tennessee Valley: This is north over the GG Bridge, and is part of the Golden Gate Recreation area. 101 North, take the Stinson Beach exit, and you'll see signs. Fabulous trails, and you can actually hike right down to the beach, which is pretty neat. Mt. Tamalpais (Mt. Tam) is another fabulous hike in this area).

Muir Woods: this is the nearest redwood grove to SF. It's a wonderful spot, and an easy drive north over the GG bridge. Try to get here first thing in the day. The parking gets more and more difficult throughout the day.

You should definitely plan to drive 101 North as far as you want to go, but at least for a few miles. Lots of hairpin turns, ocean waves crashing against steep cliffs, etc.

If you think you want to venture outside the immediate area, consider Carmel, about 2 hours south of the City. It is a wonderful little spot. The Carmel/Monterrey area is home to the famous Pebble Beach golf course, the amazing 17-mile-drive scenic route, with lots of amazing homes on the coast, etc. Carmel itself is a charming village, and is where Clint Eastwood runs a restaurant (the Hog's Breath Inn), and was mayor for awhile. Home to some famous people, shopping, dining, sightseeing. There is a wonderful aquarium in Monterrey, which adjoins Carmel. You'll see darling sea otters in Monterrey Bay.

Okay, that should get you started. Keep a city map with you all the time, so that you can take advantage of nearby things when you suddenly find yourselves with a free hour.... have a BALL!!!!

Okay, I'm back....

The advice about the jackets is spot on. It can easily be 20 degrees colder in SF than in Marin, just over the GG bridge, or the East Bay (just over the Bay Bridge). That said, there are amazing bargains at Fisherman's Wharf, with fleece jackets for less than $20.

Here are a few specific recommendations:

Take a bus tour of the city on one of your first days there. I know some people think they are hokey, but honestly, I think they are great. You see some things that you otherwise wouldn't have time for, and it also helps you know which things you definitely want to spend time at. There used to be a good one, in a double-decker,red, English-looking bus, maybe Grayline Tours or something. Check Tripadvisor.

So.... in no particular order:

Find a place to rent bikes in the Marina, or close by. Ride across the GG Bridge and then back (there is a great spot to stop and take photos). When you get back to the Marina, there are zillions of places to shop, go in and get some hot soup and a baguette, latte's, ice-cream, etc. The Marina Green and Crissy Field, and Palace of Fine Arts are outstanding for people watching. Let the kids get a frisbee and play there, etc. The Exploratorium is a great hands-on museam there. There are some fabulous hills, which could be amazing fun on a bike if your kids are a bit daring and in good shape. If you have the time and inclination, it is an easy bike ride to Fisherman's Wharf from there.

Fisherman's Wharf: very touristy, but your kids will love it.
Pier 39 is the area with lots of shops and restaurants, and is a bit more upscale than the rest of FW. For better prices on souvenirs, sweatshirts, food, etc. look at the shops along The Embarcadero (the road that runs along the water). There were hundreds of sea lions on the docks at FW, but I seem to remember that they all suddenly left.... Lots of street artists performing, etc.
There is a wonderful Cost Plus World Imports store just a block in or so, that is fun to browse.

From FW, you can take a cable car to chinatown. Chinatown is so much fun, just filled with shops of stuff you and the kids will love, noisy and crowded and very authentic. Great, great, great chinese food there (again check Tripadvisor for latest recommendations).

The Ferry Bldg Marketplace.: Just down the street from Fisherman's Wharf. Similar to Fanueil Hall in Boston. Lots of gourmet food stalls, street art, etc. Lots of fun. You could easily ride your bikes from FW to the Ferry Bldg.

Alcatraz: I'm putting this in here, just because a lot of people seem to like it. Honestly, it is about the last place I would bother with if I was in SF, but if you do want to go, you can get a ferry from Fisherman's Wharf.

GG Park: Go on a Sunday if you can plan it that way. Rent bikes. It is a HUGE park. There are a couple of fabulous museams. You can rent row boats at the Stow Lake Boathouse (and get icecream etc. there too). There is a herd of buffalo, a Japanese Tea Garden, ...Bring a map of the park with you. Despite lots of signage, it is very easy to get lost (ask me how I know, LOL!). The kids will see all kinds of neat people there, street art, musicians, etc.

North Beach: this is the Italian area of the City. Great family style italian restaurants. Be forewarned, there are also lots of burlesque show type things in this area, with barkers outside trying to lure you in. They are generally pretty respectful of families, but just a heads up.

Tennessee Valley: This is north over the GG Bridge, and is part of the Golden Gate Recreation area. 101 North, take the Stinson Beach exit, and you'll see signs. Fabulous trails, and you can actually hike right down to the beach, which is pretty neat. Mt. Tamalpais (Mt. Tam) is another fabulous hike in this area).

Muir Woods: this is the nearest redwood grove to SF. It's a wonderful spot, and an easy drive north over the GG bridge. Try to get here first thing in the day. The parking gets more and more difficult throughout the day.

You should definitely plan to drive 101 North as far as you want to go, but at least for a few miles. Lots of hairpin turns, ocean waves crashing against steep cliffs, etc.

If you think you want to venture outside the immediate area, consider Carmel, about 2 hours south of the City. It is a wonderful little spot. The Carmel/Monterrey area is home to the famous Pebble Beach golf course, the amazing 17-mile-drive scenic route, with lots of amazing homes on the coast, etc. Carmel itself is a charming village, and is where Clint Eastwood runs a restaurant (the Hog's Breath Inn), and was mayor for awhile. Home to some famous people, shopping, dining, sightseeing. There is a wonderful aquarium in Monterrey, which adjoins Carmel. You'll see darling sea otters in Monterrey Bay.

Okay, that should get you started. Keep a city map with you all the time, so that you can take advantage of nearby things when you suddenly find yourselves with a free hour.... have a BALL!!!!

Oh thank you thank you best years. I am so excited and your remarks are sooo helpful! Which area do you think is best for a hotel? Beach, mountain side, gate etc? We are fit and can hike, bike. I am acutally thinking of beach side? Hell, is there a beach in SF? I have no idea! I am going to google after I post here!

BTW, I am on east coast, 30 mins from DC if you need help there!

I think Alcatraz is a highlight, especially for the kids.

Peytonroad, it doesn't matter too much where you stay because the city is easy to move about. If you have a car, that may be a factor, and maybe others have better suggestions. We usually stay Union Square area, but we don't ever have a car. Any trips we've done to wine country, etc, we've booked a tour. I'm looking forward to Saulsalito by ferry.

You also could look into vrbo.com for an apartment that you can rent. Since hotels are high, you can often get an apartment or condo for a comparable or lower price, and have the advantage of a kitchen. After I booked my convention hotel and paid a night's deposit, I thought of this and found some really good places for the same price.

There are beach areas, but the water is about 50 degrees. You can't actually go in the water and will likely need your jackets.

I'd highly recommend Alcatraz (lot's of history and they have the headphone walking tour that tells lots of stories). Getting out on the water gives a different perspective of the city---and how cold and choppy the waters are.

I'd also recommend Coit Tower, a historical landmark on Telegraph Hill. We walked there from Fisherman's Wharf---up a very, VERY steep set of winding stairs through trees. Coit Tower gives a full circle view of the city.

We are going back in late August once all the kids are back in college! My best friend lives in Moraga, so we always stay with her. Alcatraz is very interesting, and we love GG Park. With kids, a drive down to Monterey to see the aquarium is fun. We have stayed in Pacific Grove at Old St Angela B&B - love it, and there is a wonderful walking/biking trail all along the ocean. If you want to go north, the Russian River area is fun and beautiful. There are tons of wineries and activities, and even a redwood grove. So much to do! Have fun!

Enjoy your trip!

The VRBO suggestion is an excellent idea! We've done that in other locations, and just love it.

Here are a few in the Marina, with hotel-ish rates, and wonderful locations:

http://www.vrbo.com/248292#rates
http://www.vrbo.com/262112#rates

http://www.vrbo.com/347491

When we were in SF 12 years ago with our children, then ages 11-16, one place we enjoyed, in addition to the many already mentioned, was Fort Point. It's located under the Golden Gate Bridge and was once a US Army installation. You will get some up close and unique views of the Golden Gate Bridge here. And it's FREE!