Okay… maybe not my heart. That is a really vital organ. Maybe I just left my gall bladder or a piece of my liver. Have you ever been to San Francisco? I hadn’t until just recently. We decided to take a quick family vacation to San Francisco right before the boys headed back to school. And apparently we went during the foggiest time of year. The tour guide told us San Francisco has 3 season. Winter, Spring, and Fog. And August just so happens to be fog.
Fog aside (Which I didn’t mind at all. It really just adds to the allure of San Francisco.) I absolutely fell in love with the city. It is so rich in culture, food, and fun. I did quite a bit of research (as always) prior to us leaving on our trip. I wanted to make sure we visited the best tourist attractions for families. Because yes… We go on vacation to be tourists and have fun. And to flash random family gang signs. Well they aren’t actually from our family… But we do them as a family. You know what they say about a family that flashes gang signs together… Yeah, I don’t either.
Now here is my list for the Top 5 Family Tourist Attractions in San Francisco: (You know since I am an authority and all after my one visit.)
Fisherman’s Wharf-It doesn’t really get any more touristy than this. From delicious, yet overpriced, seafood restaurants… To fun souvenir shops… To quirky museums… To Pier 39 You are sure to spend the day wandering, eating, shopping, and taking endless photographs.
Open Top Tour Bus-Yes, I consider this to be an attraction. It is a gateway attraction to many of the other attractions. And if you choose wisely and book a hop on, hop off bus you can use it as a mode of transportation to all the spots you want to visit on the tour. (hint-I would take the 2 hour tour one time to decide where you want to visit then start hopping off the next time around. The bus will take you to Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, and Haight-Ashbury just to name a few hot tourist spots.
Golden Gate Bridge-It’s big. It’s a bridge. And it’s beyond breathtaking. It is one of those things that makes you want to take out your old erector set and build something great. Even on a foggy day you will still be awe inspired.
Japanese Tea Garden-Located inside Golden Gate Park I consider it to be a must see. The kids will love the fish in the tranquil ponds and all the bright colored pagodas. Parents will marvel at the awe inspiring peace and beauty. Plus… It’s Asian. I love me some Asian.
Sea Lions at Pier 39-I know… predictable. But it is SOOOO much fun. After you get over the smell (and oh boy is it smelly) you will sit and ooooh and ahhhhh for hours. Seriously… bring comfy shoes. Who would of thought that stinky marine life could be so amazing. Sea Lions are so cute.
I know there are tons of other places in San Francisco to visit. And we probably visited several of them… But these are some bonafide hits to make your next vacation FABULOUS.
Looks like a great trip. I have always wanted to ride on one of those huge tour buses. I would however, be totally disappointed if Will Smith or Jackie Chan did not jump off a bridge and onto the top of the bus while I was on it.
I envy you, really. My family always wanted to go to SF and see those places pictured. We actually have a relative there where we could stay but my schedule is really unforgiving. The crazy thing is that I always update myself on family events their through Feelday. I’m looking forward to the day that we’ll finally go there.