No Hassle Family Plans in San Francisco?

[Fergasun]

My family has been up in Northern California for the past 2 months. Last weekend we ended taking a trip to San Francisco and went to Pier 39 on Saturday afternoon. It was interesting to go, and we ended up driving around the city a bunch... but parking looked like a complete ***** so we ended up eating outside of the city.

Anyone here know enough about the city to suggest a better plan for a family? We've got a 3.5 year old and a 6 month old. We actually didn't know anything about San Francisco other than we wanted to see the Golden Gate and someone had suggested Pier 39 to me as a place to go. It was a bit crowded and had a feel like the Ocean City boardwalk... I didn't expect that. It seemed like that area would've been cool to walk around in, but I'd like some activity that is more family friendly and a little less of a crowd.

[Predicto]

My family has been up in Northern California for the past 2 months. Last weekend we ended taking a trip to San Francisco and went to Pier 39 on Saturday afternoon. It was interesting to go, and we ended up driving around the city a bunch... but parking looked like a complete ***** so we ended up eating outside of the city.

Anyone here know enough about the city to suggest a better plan for a family? We've got a 3.5 year old and a 6 month old. We actually didn't know anything about San Francisco other than we wanted to see the Golden Gate and someone had suggested Pier 39 to me as a place to go. It was a bit crowded and had a feel like the Ocean City boardwalk... I didn't expect that. It seemed like that area would've been cool to walk around in, but I'd like some activity that is more family friendly and a little less of a crowd.

There are a million fun things to do in SF and a million great places to eat. Unfortunately, Pier 39 and Fishermans Wharf are not among them (IMO). That is the tourist trap corner of the city, and it sucks. The only good things down there are the Musee Mechanique and the Submarine.

With a 6 month old, it gets a little more difficult. You don't want to go to Alcatraz, for example.

Tell me what you are looking for, and I can make recommendations.

I definitely would consider hitting Chinatown/North Beach, ride a cable car, go to Golden Gate Park (especially the new science museum), bike or walk along Crissy Field to the Golden Gate (or walk on Baker Beach on the other side of the Bridge), explore the painted lady Victorians and mansions, etc.

Here's a list I found, might be useful.

http://www.alphamom.com/hotspots/2008/07/activities-with-kids-san-francisco.php

[Fergasun]

I guess I'd need some basics. I'm not sure we'll be going next weekend, which is the last I'm here. Chinatown sounds great; but where the heck is there any parking? Are there some secret underground garages with tons of space around or something?

I suppose our main folly was not having much of a plan.... not knowing where to park, etc. We do go to Los Angeles quite frequently (and I hate cities to start with), but it seems like SF has a lot less parking (seems like in LA there are private lots every block or so...).

[Predicto]

I guess I'd need some basics. I'm not sure we'll be going next weekend, which is the last I'm here. Chinatown sounds great; but where the heck is there any parking? Are there some secret underground garages with tons of space around or something?

I suppose our main folly was not having much of a plan.... not knowing where to park, etc. We do go to Los Angeles quite frequently (and I hate cities to start with), but it seems like SF has a lot less parking (seems like in LA there are private lots every block or so...).

Parking is tough in some neighborhoods, but in general there are lots near all major points of interest. For example, in Chinatown there is a city run lot underneath Portsmouth Square, there is a huge parking tower in the shopping district (Union Square), another one just south of Market near the Museum of Modern Art and Yerba Buena Garden, one under both major museums in Golden Gate Park, etc.

Think about what you want to do or see, and I'll tell you the best way to do it. Also, think about what kind of food you want, and I'll tell you some good places to go.

[deejaydana]

The North Beach area rocks imho. Great places to eat (seems like there is a ton of Italian eateries from what I remember). And even though it's not officially baseball season yet, take a loook (if you're in the area) at the stadium where the Giants play (it's one of the coolest ballparks in the country).

[zoony]

Party at Predictos! I'll bring bean dip

[Predicto]

Party at Predictos! I'll bring bean dip

You forget, I have a San Francisco house.

3 million dollars, 250 square feet of space :laugh: