Help Planning San Francisco Family Trip
Feb 10th, 2010, 02:21 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Help Planning San Francisco Family Trip
My husband and I are thinking about spending a week in San Francisco this summer with our two daughters, ages 3 and 6. We usually like to rent apartments/houses when we travel with the kids, but we've never been to SF before and know nothing about the various neighborhoods. Can anyone recommend a nice neighborhood to stay in with young children? Also, if anyone has suggestions for activities and/or daytrips, that would be great, too. Thanks!
Feb 10th, 2010, 02:34 PM
#2
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Welcome to Fodors! This is your first post and to help you get the most out of what's here, I suggest you give a bit more info so that folks can reply with ideas.
What is your budget for an apartment?
Will you have a car?
What kinds of things are you interested in seeing or doing?
Shopping, museums, outdoor activities etc.
There are dozens of threads here. Try typing in San Francisco into the search and see some of them. Also, click on the the DESTINATIONS link above and then on San Francisco to get an overview of what the city has to offer.
Come back and give us a bit more to work with and if you can't find this thread, don't start a new one. Simply click on your screen name and you will see all of your posts.
Deb
What is your budget for an apartment?
Will you have a car?
What kinds of things are you interested in seeing or doing?
Shopping, museums, outdoor activities etc.
There are dozens of threads here. Try typing in San Francisco into the search and see some of them. Also, click on the the DESTINATIONS link above and then on San Francisco to get an overview of what the city has to offer.
Come back and give us a bit more to work with and if you can't find this thread, don't start a new one. Simply click on your screen name and you will see all of your posts.
Deb
Feb 10th, 2010, 04:14 PM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here's a little more info:
We're looking to spend about $1500 on a rental for the week. I've seen some decent looking ones on VRBO, but again, knowing little about the neighborhoods I can't really judge. Some neighborhoods that I've noticed in our price range while looking at rentals are Noe Valley and Nob Hill. It would be helpful to know what areas we should specifically avoid, as well as areas that are particularly nice/family friendly.
As for activities, we're up for anything that is do-able with young kids, so outdoor activities and interesting walks are great. Museums and shopping are fine, but won't be the focus of our trip. We plan to rent a car and would love to get out of the city and explore a little, as we're from the east coast and have never been to that part of CA before.
I've looked at the Destinations section and found that it was a good overview, but I'm looking for some more candid opinions, especially about neighborhoods to avoid staying in.
Hope these details help.
We're looking to spend about $1500 on a rental for the week. I've seen some decent looking ones on VRBO, but again, knowing little about the neighborhoods I can't really judge. Some neighborhoods that I've noticed in our price range while looking at rentals are Noe Valley and Nob Hill. It would be helpful to know what areas we should specifically avoid, as well as areas that are particularly nice/family friendly.
As for activities, we're up for anything that is do-able with young kids, so outdoor activities and interesting walks are great. Museums and shopping are fine, but won't be the focus of our trip. We plan to rent a car and would love to get out of the city and explore a little, as we're from the east coast and have never been to that part of CA before.
I've looked at the Destinations section and found that it was a good overview, but I'm looking for some more candid opinions, especially about neighborhoods to avoid staying in.
Hope these details help.
Feb 10th, 2010, 04:44 PM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I lived in SF for 10 years.... I didn't have kids then, but I do now. I would stay in Noe Valley over Nob Hill with kids any day. There are places to eat, shops and parks around Noe Street. You can also jump on the train and easily go anywhere in the city form Noe Valley.
If you rent a car - take trip south out of town, on Highway 1, down towards Half Moon Bay. You'll pass by -- Montara, CA. There is a beach there, which is small, but nice. I saw whales there year after year. And, make sure to visit the Montara Lighthouse, it's lovely. Half Moon Bay is fun, too.
Elizabeth
www.adaysouting.com
If you rent a car - take trip south out of town, on Highway 1, down towards Half Moon Bay. You'll pass by -- Montara, CA. There is a beach there, which is small, but nice. I saw whales there year after year. And, make sure to visit the Montara Lighthouse, it's lovely. Half Moon Bay is fun, too.
Elizabeth
www.adaysouting.com
Feb 10th, 2010, 06:19 PM
#5
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree about Noe Valley - in fact, I lived in Noe Valley until my son was 16 months old (when we moved to the 'burbs). 24th Street is the "main street" of the neighborhood, and has all kinds of restaurants and shops. You'll see plenty of people with children, including babies in strollers. Nob Hill is more upscale, more apartment buildings and fewer single-family homes. Also, it's at the top of some pretty steep hills, making getting around quite a bit more of a challenge, especially with your daughters.
The other areas that would be good with kids are the Marina and Cow Hollow, but I loved Noe Valley, just funky enough for me.
The other areas that would be good with kids are the Marina and Cow Hollow, but I loved Noe Valley, just funky enough for me.
Feb 10th, 2010, 07:19 PM
#6
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, I agree with Noe Valley and the Marina. I enjoy Nob Hill, but it may not be the best with young children. My husband and I just spent the day in SF today, and we love walking. Pick up the book "Stairway Walks in San Francisco," and you can plan some great outdoor outings that cost nothing. Today when we did the walk down the Lyon Street Steps (Presidio Wall and the Marina District), we saw a large group of preschoolers on an outing with their teachers. There is a gate to a beautiful trail through the woods of the Presidio to the left of this stairway as well. The San Francisco views of the Golden Gate and the Bay and Alcatraz are spectacular while you enjoy this walk. Have a wonderful holiday!
Feb 10th, 2010, 07:22 PM
#7
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Also, after you descend the Lyon Street Stairway you will end up at the Palace of Fine Arts. The lagoon there is a lovely spot for a picnic and feeding the ducks. But INSIDE the Palace of Fine Arts is the Exploratorium = a fascinating hands-on museum for kids and adults alike. Highly recommended.
Feb 15th, 2010, 08:03 AM
#9
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,434
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Russian Hill is quite upscale and uphill (as the name implies). The Castro can get very hectic at times - especially on weekends. You mentioned that you are not familiar with our neighborhoods - just note the the Castro is our Gay neighborhood.
What's wrong with the Noe Valley????? I can't think of a better area in the city to stay - especially with kids. We lived there for 7 years, and still go there regularily to dine, shop, have coffee, wander around, do nothing. Had dinner at Pomelo Sat night (best "valued" restaurant in SF, IMO). There are several playgrounds for the kids - largest is at Day/30th & Sanchez. There are probably 30 restaurants in the Noe Valley - every type of ethnic food, and several simple "burger" places. Lots of carry-out places too & perhaps 4-5 pizza parlors. There is now a Whole Foods on 24th st, along with many "mom & pop" places.
Lots of parents pushing baby strollers in the Noe Valley. Start the day with a great breakfast at Savour (sit outside in the covered courtyard), and end the day with a dinner at Firefly, Pomelo, Incanto, Zinc, Haystack Pizza, Barney's burgers, Alice's Chinese, Regent Thai, etc.
Good transportaton options too. J-Church will get you downtown in 20 mins. It is about a 10 min drive to Golden Gate Park.
I've never had trouble parking the car in the Noe Valley. Russian Hill & the Castro are famous for difficult street parking.
The SF Chroicle and another magazine described the Noe Valley as the best neighborhood in the Bay Area.
Stu Dudley
What's wrong with the Noe Valley????? I can't think of a better area in the city to stay - especially with kids. We lived there for 7 years, and still go there regularily to dine, shop, have coffee, wander around, do nothing. Had dinner at Pomelo Sat night (best "valued" restaurant in SF, IMO). There are several playgrounds for the kids - largest is at Day/30th & Sanchez. There are probably 30 restaurants in the Noe Valley - every type of ethnic food, and several simple "burger" places. Lots of carry-out places too & perhaps 4-5 pizza parlors. There is now a Whole Foods on 24th st, along with many "mom & pop" places.
Lots of parents pushing baby strollers in the Noe Valley. Start the day with a great breakfast at Savour (sit outside in the covered courtyard), and end the day with a dinner at Firefly, Pomelo, Incanto, Zinc, Haystack Pizza, Barney's burgers, Alice's Chinese, Regent Thai, etc.
Good transportaton options too. J-Church will get you downtown in 20 mins. It is about a 10 min drive to Golden Gate Park.
I've never had trouble parking the car in the Noe Valley. Russian Hill & the Castro are famous for difficult street parking.
The SF Chroicle and another magazine described the Noe Valley as the best neighborhood in the Bay Area.
Stu Dudley
Feb 15th, 2010, 08:08 AM
#10
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,434
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Feb 15th, 2010, 09:23 AM
#11
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Another possibility would be Cole Valley. It is filled with gorgeous Victorians, has nice sidewalk cafes, a real relaxed community feel, and lots of young families with small children. It is very convenient to many different parts of the city. The heart of it would be the Cole/Carl intersection if you want to google map the area.
The especially nice thing about Cole Valley for visitors (and residents) is that Golden Gate Park is just a few blocks away, with tons of activities for kids - playgrounds, carousel, duck ponds, the aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences, Japanese tea garden, etc. all within walking distance.
It also has convenient public transportation - you can jump on the N Judah train and be in the downtown/Union Square area in 11 minutes (I've timed it). If you ride the N in the other direction, you can be at Ocean Beach in 15 - 20 minutes (haven't timed it).
If you find a place you are seriously considering, in whatever neighborhood, I'm sure you could post about its location (street and cross-street) on this forum and people might be glad to give you specific opinions about the exact location.
re: renting a car - many centrally located neighborhoods in SF have parking permit regulations that apply when parking for longer than 2 hours, for example, during the week. So inquire about the parking rules in the neighborhood for any apartment you consider, if you're going to rent a car. And find out about pay parking lots near your apartment. I'd suggest trying to rent a car only for days you are exploring outside the city - it's more of a liability than a convenience in the city - and expensive besides.
One thing to keep in mind about SF in the summer is that it can be foggy and chilly - say 60 degrees. Meanwhile, 20 miles away in any direction can be sunny, hot, and 30 degrees warmer - say 90 degrees or more. So plan clothing layers appropriately!
Have a wonderful trip.
The especially nice thing about Cole Valley for visitors (and residents) is that Golden Gate Park is just a few blocks away, with tons of activities for kids - playgrounds, carousel, duck ponds, the aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences, Japanese tea garden, etc. all within walking distance.
It also has convenient public transportation - you can jump on the N Judah train and be in the downtown/Union Square area in 11 minutes (I've timed it). If you ride the N in the other direction, you can be at Ocean Beach in 15 - 20 minutes (haven't timed it).
If you find a place you are seriously considering, in whatever neighborhood, I'm sure you could post about its location (street and cross-street) on this forum and people might be glad to give you specific opinions about the exact location.
re: renting a car - many centrally located neighborhoods in SF have parking permit regulations that apply when parking for longer than 2 hours, for example, during the week. So inquire about the parking rules in the neighborhood for any apartment you consider, if you're going to rent a car. And find out about pay parking lots near your apartment. I'd suggest trying to rent a car only for days you are exploring outside the city - it's more of a liability than a convenience in the city - and expensive besides.
One thing to keep in mind about SF in the summer is that it can be foggy and chilly - say 60 degrees. Meanwhile, 20 miles away in any direction can be sunny, hot, and 30 degrees warmer - say 90 degrees or more. So plan clothing layers appropriately!
Have a wonderful trip.
Feb 15th, 2010, 10:47 AM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
NorCalif-hush, we Cole Valley residents can't get into the boulangerie on the the weekend as it is.
Stu--the Castro is full of straight people and all kinds of families, it is not an exclusively gay neighborhood. It is very mixed, gay and straight, just like most of SF--except maybe the Sunset.
Stu--the Castro is full of straight people and all kinds of families, it is not an exclusively gay neighborhood. It is very mixed, gay and straight, just like most of SF--except maybe the Sunset.
Feb 15th, 2010, 11:22 AM
#13
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,434
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SAB - I am very familiar with the Castro. We've driven through it thousands of times (we lived 1/2 block off Castro in the Noe Valley) and walked through the Castro dozens & dozens of times. We had lots of gay & non-gay friends living in the Castro, just like we had gay & non-gay friends on Jersey St where we lived in the Noe Valley. There is probably a higher percentage of gays in the Castro than any other neighborhood in the City - and I'm guessing more than in the OP's home town.
The Noe Valley is still mostly non "sticker" parking - but that is changing. Watch out for weekly street cleaning - you'll have to park elsewhere on street cleaning day.
Stu Dudley
The Noe Valley is still mostly non "sticker" parking - but that is changing. Watch out for weekly street cleaning - you'll have to park elsewhere on street cleaning day.
Stu Dudley
Feb 15th, 2010, 11:40 AM
#14
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stu, I don't doubt that you are familiar with the Castro, I just get a little concerned when people feel it is necessary to note that a neighborhood is gay. I assume that you in your inimitable style are just giving out information, however, others saying a neighborhood is gay is a negative, a warning, something to be concerned about. As a point of reference, would you inform visitors that the Western Addition is predominately African-American or that the Mission is Latin. Just something to mull over.
Feb 15th, 2010, 02:26 PM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A predominantly gay, Latin, African-American neighborhood is no problem...limited parking is another story. I am totally tolerant and open to just about anything but parallel parking. Thanks for all of the advice, everyone!
Feb 17th, 2010, 06:25 PM
#20
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We were just in Noe Valley for Christmas vacation with our kids (ages 5 and 7). My brother and his family live very near to the Upper Noe Rec Center (on 30th/Sanchez). This park is my kids' favorite part of San Fran! It is wonderful!
We had a vacation rental on Jersey, near Sanchez. I could find the VRBO number for you if you are interested. It was a beautiful 2nd story flat.
Parking wasn't an issue (except for the ticket due to street cleaning day...so watch out for that!!). We rode the J train which delighted the kids.
As for things to do, we have enjoyed the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, the farmer's market in Noe Valley (on 24th, I think?), the Children's Museum (I think the Bay Area Discovery Museum... which they BOTH really loved a couple years ago when we visited), the Zoo, playing in the sand at the beach near the Zoo.
I hope you have a great visit. I can ask my sis-in-law for more recommendations -- she is usually our tour guide!! Ask specifics and I'll check back.
We had a vacation rental on Jersey, near Sanchez. I could find the VRBO number for you if you are interested. It was a beautiful 2nd story flat.
Parking wasn't an issue (except for the ticket due to street cleaning day...so watch out for that!!). We rode the J train which delighted the kids.
As for things to do, we have enjoyed the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, the farmer's market in Noe Valley (on 24th, I think?), the Children's Museum (I think the Bay Area Discovery Museum... which they BOTH really loved a couple years ago when we visited), the Zoo, playing in the sand at the beach near the Zoo.
I hope you have a great visit. I can ask my sis-in-law for more recommendations -- she is usually our tour guide!! Ask specifics and I'll check back.
