Family Weekend in San Francisco: Iconic Sights and Easy Adventures
FamilyWeekend
$$$ Comfortable

San Francisco

Family Weekend in San Francisco: Iconic Sights and Easy Adventures

Iconic bridges, Alcatraz thrills, and family fun in foggy SF

IconicFamily-friendlyAdventurousFoodieUrban coastal

This stress-free 3-day itinerary balances must-see attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz with family-friendly activities in Golden Gate Park and Fisherman's Wharf. Enjoy quality dining, comfortable stays, and practical tips to keep everyone happy without rushing. Perfect for creating lasting memories in the City by the Bay.

Where to Stay

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Stay

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Modern hotel steps from the wharf with family rooms, pool, and bay views.

$250-400/night
The Marker San Francisco
Stay

The Marker San Francisco

Stylish Union Square hotel with spacious suites, rooftop bar, and central vibe.

$300-450/night

Good to Know

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Book Alcatraz Early

Reserve ferry tickets and audio tours at least 2-4 weeks ahead via the official site.

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Get a Go City Pass

Purchase a 2-3 day pass for Alcatraz, aquarium, cable cars, and more at a discount.

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Layer Clothing Always

Bring jackets, hats, and comfy shoes; weather shifts from sunny to foggy quickly.

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Use Rideshares Freely

Opt for Uber/Lyft over driving; parking is scarce and expensive downtown.

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Early Starts Beat Crowds

Aim for 9 AM openings at major sites like wharf or bridge viewpoints.

Your Weekend Itinerary

Boudin Bakery at Fisherman's Wharf
Eatmorning

Boudin Bakery at Fisherman's Wharf

Iconic sourdough bread bowls filled with clam chowder; grab pastries too.

45m
$25-45 per person
Fisherman's Wharf
Domorning

Fisherman's Wharf

Watch sea lions at Pier 39, explore street performers, and visit the aquarium.

2h
$30-50 or Free
Alcatraz Island
Doafternoon

Alcatraz Island

Ferry roundtrip with self-guided audio tour of the prison cells and history.

3h
$50/adult $30/child
In-N-Out Burger
Eatevening

In-N-Out Burger

Fresh burgers, animal-style fries, and shakes at this CA classic.

45m
$15-30 per person
Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point
Domorning

Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point

Viewpoint parking, short walk toward bridge, photo ops with city skyline.

1h
Free
Golden Gate Park
Doafternoon

Golden Gate Park

Visit California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, and bison paddock.

3h
$40-60 or Free
The Slanted Door
Eatevening

The Slanted Door

Modern Vietnamese with family-style plates like shaking beef and pho.

1h 30m
$40-60 per person
Chinatown Restaurant
Eatafternoon

Chinatown Restaurant

Dim sum and family-style Chinese dishes like Peking duck.

1h 15m
$30-50 per person

13 activities across 3 days

Map

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