Terrence

Please forgive me if this seems like a silly question, but for those who live or have toured around the city, I would appreciate your thoughts on the ease of travelling with a baby and everything that goes along with that, e.g. stroller, diaper bag... It's amazing how one tiny person can take up the space of two adults.

I am wondering in particular about travel on the cable cars, tours of the city and the bay, going over to Alcatraz (basically all of the touristy things that my wife and I would like to do as first time visitors to the city).

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

seetheworld

Hi, Terrence. It's been a *few* years since I've had to worry about diaper bags or strollers, but having been to San Francisco I can say the following.

SF is very, very hilly -- so your upper body and legs will get a workout pushing that stroller, LOL We basically either walked (lots of walking) or rode the bus (this worked out well for us). The cable cars were always too full to hop on -- and that's really what you do, hop on. So, that might not be the best way to get around with your little one.

Of course, you could take a cab - but that presents the carseat issue.

Alcatraz is wheelchair accessible - so you could do the tour with a stroller, no problem.

Just plan your days so that you can take "baby breaks". Other than that, have a great time -- San Francisco is beautiful!

sfamylou

I hate to be negative, but my first child was born in San Francisco, and I found it to be a tough city for young kids. I didn't really notice it until I moved to Southern Cal. and realized how much more relaxed things were. I found a baby sling or front carrier to be the best way to get around, because strollers were so tough to deal with on buses, cable cars, etc. I invested in the combination stroller/car seat, which is not great as a car seat or as a stroller but is a nice combination in a city where you may be taking a lot of taxis. Restaurants aren't all baby friendly; check to make sure before you go. Just remember to keep a smile on your face and you'll do fine. By the way, when I lived in SF, Sacramento Street around Presidio had a lot of baby stores for clothes, shoes, furniture, etc. Have fun!

FainaAgain

The stroller is allowed on buses. Don't expect seats to be vacated for you. Otherwise, you'll be fine.

Cable cars are usually packed, and people hang on for dear life outside of the cars. 2 very steep steps to get the stroller on. Maybe you can do it on the California line going from end to end.

Tour buses - I have no idea, they may have age requirement not to have crying babies on board, you'll have to confirm.

BART and MUNI underground (line L to the Zoo, for example) are absolutely kid-friendly, maybe not easy to find an elevator, but if you can use escalator - no problem at all!

Traveling with babies is not easy, period. Doesn't matter where you are.

Can't say anything about baby food, mine are adults. Some restaurants (even Tonga Room, that was a shock!) offer children menus and high chairs, confirm each one.

Terrence

Thanks for the great advice to everyone who replied.

Terry

nancytwo

We always take my baby granddaughter to Houston's on the Embarcadero across from Hornblower Yachts. It is noisey and not fancy and they are babyfriendly and the food is good.