4 weekdays in SF with a 14 yr old
Jun 29th, 2008, 09:34 AM
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4 weekdays in SF with a 14 yr old
We are headed to SF for 4 days (plus 2 additional days that will be spent at a wedding) in mid-August.
This is our first time to California and would like to see as much as possible without needing a vacation from our vacation.
I am looking at lodging in SF for the whole time, doing the Alcatraz trip (although I'm not sure how smart this is with a 14 yr old girl with no interest in history), Muir Woods as a day trip and a small trip to Sausalito.
We would also love to go to the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, but I am wondering whether we will have anytime to fit this in? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We haven't booked any lodging/rental cars yet, so at this point we are pretty open to changing our itinerary around.
If it helps, the 14 yr old is not very into museums, loves sports, the outdoors and the beach. I just want to see some redwoods and explore SF a little too. Thanks!
This is our first time to California and would like to see as much as possible without needing a vacation from our vacation.
I am looking at lodging in SF for the whole time, doing the Alcatraz trip (although I'm not sure how smart this is with a 14 yr old girl with no interest in history), Muir Woods as a day trip and a small trip to Sausalito.
We would also love to go to the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, but I am wondering whether we will have anytime to fit this in? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We haven't booked any lodging/rental cars yet, so at this point we are pretty open to changing our itinerary around.
If it helps, the 14 yr old is not very into museums, loves sports, the outdoors and the beach. I just want to see some redwoods and explore SF a little too. Thanks!
Jun 29th, 2008, 09:48 AM
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Does the 14-year old love baseball? I would see if the Giants are in town. The stadium is fabulous even if the team isn't (this year). The walk along the Embarcadero is lovely.
If you're into food and will be in SF on a Saturday, head to the Ferry Building on Saturday morning for the fantastic farmers market. We're not "foodies", but we still love it -- it's very vibrant (lots of locals shop there every Saturday morning. Some travel magazine, I forget which one, recently referred to it as the "grandaddy" of urban farmers' markets). Even when the market isn't operating (it's open until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday), the Ferry Bldg is still cool, lots of permanent food shops and restaurants. If it's a nice day, you can sit outside in the back and watch the bay and boats (and people).
Re Alcatraz, I think it's interesting even if you're not into museums or history (neither is my daughter - she prefers movies, sports and shopping!). I haven't done it, but a lot of people say the night tour is the best.
You can do Muir Woods and Sausalito in the same day (Sausalito is on the way to and from Muir Woods from San Francisco). Go to Muir Woods in the morning, then head to Tiburon for lunch, then poke around Sausalito in the afternoon, all before heading back to San Francisco in time for dinner.
Can't comment on Julia Pfeiffer or anything else south of San Franciso - have to wait and see how the Big Sur fires play out.
Depending on where you're from, spend some time in Union Square (shopping district).
If you're into food and will be in SF on a Saturday, head to the Ferry Building on Saturday morning for the fantastic farmers market. We're not "foodies", but we still love it -- it's very vibrant (lots of locals shop there every Saturday morning. Some travel magazine, I forget which one, recently referred to it as the "grandaddy" of urban farmers' markets). Even when the market isn't operating (it's open until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday), the Ferry Bldg is still cool, lots of permanent food shops and restaurants. If it's a nice day, you can sit outside in the back and watch the bay and boats (and people).
Re Alcatraz, I think it's interesting even if you're not into museums or history (neither is my daughter - she prefers movies, sports and shopping!). I haven't done it, but a lot of people say the night tour is the best.
You can do Muir Woods and Sausalito in the same day (Sausalito is on the way to and from Muir Woods from San Francisco). Go to Muir Woods in the morning, then head to Tiburon for lunch, then poke around Sausalito in the afternoon, all before heading back to San Francisco in time for dinner.
Can't comment on Julia Pfeiffer or anything else south of San Franciso - have to wait and see how the Big Sur fires play out.
Depending on where you're from, spend some time in Union Square (shopping district).
Jun 29th, 2008, 09:55 AM
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One quick thought depending on interests - a trip over the bridge to Berkeley might be fun - lots of small burrito places, bookstores, music stores, the campus of course - sort of a younger person's scene, it might be fun for half a day.
Jun 29th, 2008, 12:46 PM
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Ditto the recommendation for the night tour to Alcatraz. I think the 14-year-old will enjoy the tour and since they use "wands" for the self-guided tour, she can go at her own pace. BTW, my 15-year-old daughter, who is not interested in history either, enjoyed our trip out to Alcatraz.
Even though you say your daughter does not enjoy musuems, I don't see how she couldn't like the Exploratorium--a hands-on musuem. There are tons of things to try and I would also recommend getting a reservation for the Tactile Dome, where you walk and crawl through a huge dome that's entirely in the dark! We spent an entire day at the Exploratorium with our daughter and she loved the Tactile Dome.
Even though you say your daughter does not enjoy musuems, I don't see how she couldn't like the Exploratorium--a hands-on musuem. There are tons of things to try and I would also recommend getting a reservation for the Tactile Dome, where you walk and crawl through a huge dome that's entirely in the dark! We spent an entire day at the Exploratorium with our daughter and she loved the Tactile Dome.
Jun 29th, 2008, 01:19 PM
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These are all great ideas! I love farmer's markets so the Ferry Building is definately being added!
We may add Berkeley to the list as well. We are from Massachusetts, so the 14 yr old has lots of experience with cute college locales, but it might be a good area to poke around.
I also had never heard of the Exploratorium. I will look into that to. Any advice on mixing some animal encounters in. I don't think we want to devote a whole day to an aquarium or zoo, but I know she would get a kick out of just seeing some sea lions hanging out somewhere. Is this something we may on our way over to Alcatraz?
We may add Berkeley to the list as well. We are from Massachusetts, so the 14 yr old has lots of experience with cute college locales, but it might be a good area to poke around.
I also had never heard of the Exploratorium. I will look into that to. Any advice on mixing some animal encounters in. I don't think we want to devote a whole day to an aquarium or zoo, but I know she would get a kick out of just seeing some sea lions hanging out somewhere. Is this something we may on our way over to Alcatraz?
Jun 29th, 2008, 01:43 PM
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The Golden Gate Park is a recent discovery of mine and next trip I plan to rent bikes and bike through it.
I did not love the Exploratorium....it's a nice Museum of Science experience especially for age 5-10 IMO. I think my 11 yo son had outgrown that.
Fisherman's wharf is unique....we/I loved the old ships at Pier 39? can't remember the number. The Balthusa is gorgeous and views of San francisco from the ships are beautiful. You can stop at Ghirardelli square for the traditional hot fudge sundae which is a great treat.
I did not love the Exploratorium....it's a nice Museum of Science experience especially for age 5-10 IMO. I think my 11 yo son had outgrown that.
Fisherman's wharf is unique....we/I loved the old ships at Pier 39? can't remember the number. The Balthusa is gorgeous and views of San francisco from the ships are beautiful. You can stop at Ghirardelli square for the traditional hot fudge sundae which is a great treat.
Jun 29th, 2008, 02:13 PM
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Alcatrez is truely amazing, you daughter will find it interesting. I think it's one of the best sites I've seen and I've been all over the world and I live in San Francisco. I always take people there.
Julie P. Burns state park has a nice waterfall and that is it. It's not worth the 3 hour drive each way. Muir woods has nice redwoods. You might also drive to the top of Mt. Tamaplois for the view, since it's right close by Muir woods. (Muir woods is on the mountain). And while you are at it, Stenson beach is in the area and you can drive along the coast to get there. It's a beaitful drive. Though, our beaches are kinda of chilly and not great for swimming because of the cold water. If you head a bit north, and still in a day's drive you'll get to the earthquake trail at Point Reyes National Park. It's pretty cool, the stone fence was seperated 20 feet (so it ends and then twenty feet away, it starts again due to the 1906 earthquake. The ground just sleed apart 20 feet.
You can also go whale watching out of half moon bay. Golden gate park has lots of fun things to do too, just google it.
Depending on how protective you are, a walk down haigh-ashby might be fun. I think Berkley is actually a little dull, I would not make the trip out there.
There is a very cool arcade museum at Fisherman's wharf.
She is too old for the exploratirum and it's nothing special anyway. I think it's dull. I never take people there.
As a note, if she really likes outdoors, you might just fly into Fresno, rent a car, go to Yosemite which is 30 min away, see the valley which has 5 out of the 10 tallest waterfalls in the world) and sequoias (sorry no redwoods there), but sequoias are pretty cool and big trees.
You can also stop at the Auburn river and go white water rafting on your way to SF.
It's a 4 hour drive to SF from the Valley floor.
Hope this helps.
Julie P. Burns state park has a nice waterfall and that is it. It's not worth the 3 hour drive each way. Muir woods has nice redwoods. You might also drive to the top of Mt. Tamaplois for the view, since it's right close by Muir woods. (Muir woods is on the mountain). And while you are at it, Stenson beach is in the area and you can drive along the coast to get there. It's a beaitful drive. Though, our beaches are kinda of chilly and not great for swimming because of the cold water. If you head a bit north, and still in a day's drive you'll get to the earthquake trail at Point Reyes National Park. It's pretty cool, the stone fence was seperated 20 feet (so it ends and then twenty feet away, it starts again due to the 1906 earthquake. The ground just sleed apart 20 feet.
You can also go whale watching out of half moon bay. Golden gate park has lots of fun things to do too, just google it.
Depending on how protective you are, a walk down haigh-ashby might be fun. I think Berkley is actually a little dull, I would not make the trip out there.
There is a very cool arcade museum at Fisherman's wharf.
She is too old for the exploratirum and it's nothing special anyway. I think it's dull. I never take people there.
As a note, if she really likes outdoors, you might just fly into Fresno, rent a car, go to Yosemite which is 30 min away, see the valley which has 5 out of the 10 tallest waterfalls in the world) and sequoias (sorry no redwoods there), but sequoias are pretty cool and big trees.
You can also stop at the Auburn river and go white water rafting on your way to SF.
It's a 4 hour drive to SF from the Valley floor.
Hope this helps.
Jun 29th, 2008, 03:04 PM
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Hello travelnewbie, although Stu Dudley is out of the country now you might want to type his name into the Fodor's search box. He has a wealth of information on his posts including ideas for teens. I think his posts would give you some very good ideas. And of course you have received a lot of good thoughts here.
My daughter at that age was not all that interested in Alcatraz but living here it wasn't a waste of time as it would be for someone with 4 days. But the ferry ride can be fun and if your daughter is bored you can leave on whichever ferry you want to return to SF. I would think your daughter might enjoy the ferry ride to Sausalito, have lunch and look around? Berkeley is another good idea possibly but not sure I would do that in that you have only 4 days in SF. The Exploratorium is probably not something she would enjoy from what you have said given her age and interest. For some reason even teens always seem to enjoy exploring Chinatown. If she does do take some side streets off of Grant. Maybe walk a bit up Stockton, less touristy. Also, your daughter can see the SeaLions that hang around on the decks at Pier 39.
Generally speaking teens love San Francisco. Have a wonderful time!
My daughter at that age was not all that interested in Alcatraz but living here it wasn't a waste of time as it would be for someone with 4 days. But the ferry ride can be fun and if your daughter is bored you can leave on whichever ferry you want to return to SF. I would think your daughter might enjoy the ferry ride to Sausalito, have lunch and look around? Berkeley is another good idea possibly but not sure I would do that in that you have only 4 days in SF. The Exploratorium is probably not something she would enjoy from what you have said given her age and interest. For some reason even teens always seem to enjoy exploring Chinatown. If she does do take some side streets off of Grant. Maybe walk a bit up Stockton, less touristy. Also, your daughter can see the SeaLions that hang around on the decks at Pier 39.
Generally speaking teens love San Francisco. Have a wonderful time!
Jun 29th, 2008, 03:40 PM
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We loved the Exploratorium when our kids were little, but I do think 14 is probably a little on the old side for that particular museum.
Re: Berkeley, I wouldn't characterize it as "cute" (not like Williamstown or Amherst, for example) because it's a pretty big city itself. Still, the campus is beautiful and there's a lot of "street life" (i.e. student population). School starts Aug. 21st so "activity" will definitely have started by mid-August.
The As play in Oakland and they might be home. The team is fun but the stadium is horrible.
Re: Berkeley, I wouldn't characterize it as "cute" (not like Williamstown or Amherst, for example) because it's a pretty big city itself. Still, the campus is beautiful and there's a lot of "street life" (i.e. student population). School starts Aug. 21st so "activity" will definitely have started by mid-August.
The As play in Oakland and they might be home. The team is fun but the stadium is horrible.
Jun 29th, 2008, 04:25 PM
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I think the SF Zoo in Golden Gate park would be a better choice than the Exploritorium. You're only in SF for 4 days, so what about China town? My teen visitors loved poking around in all the shops there. There is also a hop on hop off bus in SF that might be a good choice for you as a family.
Jun 29th, 2008, 05:00 PM
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Golden Gate Park, Angel Island and the Marina Green area pop to mind for an outdoor loving teen. Also the Metreon, if the teen is into high tech. Ditto on Chinatown, also check Stu Dudley's name for walking tours.
Jun 30th, 2008, 05:17 AM
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Golden Gate Park
Pier 39. Having clam chouder at night on one of the stand.
The Hyatt offers a great view of the bay at night.
Chinatown- Park your car at the underground parking lot but be there early of the day. Try the dim sum offers in small plate.
There is a beach spot next to the SF light house where you can swim.
If you can stay longer, take a 4 hours trip to Lake Tahoe.
Pier 39. Having clam chouder at night on one of the stand.
The Hyatt offers a great view of the bay at night.
Chinatown- Park your car at the underground parking lot but be there early of the day. Try the dim sum offers in small plate.
There is a beach spot next to the SF light house where you can swim.
If you can stay longer, take a 4 hours trip to Lake Tahoe.
Jul 1st, 2008, 07:06 AM
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Thanks for all of the advice!
Has anyone biked to Sausalito going over the Golden Gate bridge? We have done bike tours in Paris and other cities, so I'm thinking we could try it and if it is to long, just plan to take the ferry back instead of biking back.
Are bikes allowed in Muir Woods, or is it strictly walking trails (I know wheelchairs and strollers are allowed, but didn't see anything about bikes)? I hear parking is a nightmare there on the weekends. I'm thinking about limiting our car use (just getting a rental for the wedding and walking/biking/barting/ferrying everywhere). Is there anyway to get to Muir Woods without a car from downtown?
Has anyone biked to Sausalito going over the Golden Gate bridge? We have done bike tours in Paris and other cities, so I'm thinking we could try it and if it is to long, just plan to take the ferry back instead of biking back.
Are bikes allowed in Muir Woods, or is it strictly walking trails (I know wheelchairs and strollers are allowed, but didn't see anything about bikes)? I hear parking is a nightmare there on the weekends. I'm thinking about limiting our car use (just getting a rental for the wedding and walking/biking/barting/ferrying everywhere). Is there anyway to get to Muir Woods without a car from downtown?
Jul 1st, 2008, 07:40 AM
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Here's the Angel Island visitor link (also has links to ferries):http://www.angelisland.org/faq2.htm
Jul 1st, 2008, 07:48 AM
#18
Is there anyway to get to Muir Woods without a car from downtown?
Yes, take the ferry to Sausalito. The shuttle meets the ferry.
http://goldengate.org/news/transit/muirwoods.php
As for biking within Muir Woods, I think walking would be nicer.
There's a good map of bike trails in Marin County on
www.marinbike.org
When I was that age, I found the Bay Model in Sausalito fascinating. Of course, I had nerd tendencies.
http://www.spn.usace.army.mil/bmvc/
Yes, take the ferry to Sausalito. The shuttle meets the ferry.
http://goldengate.org/news/transit/muirwoods.php
As for biking within Muir Woods, I think walking would be nicer.
There's a good map of bike trails in Marin County on
www.marinbike.org
When I was that age, I found the Bay Model in Sausalito fascinating. Of course, I had nerd tendencies.
http://www.spn.usace.army.mil/bmvc/
Jul 2nd, 2008, 12:08 PM
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You can rent bikes in San francisco and bike around. YOu can ride over the GG bridge, and to sausilto. But you can't really bike to muir woods unless you want climb some huge hills on your bike.
There are segway tours too. ;-) I bet she'd like that
Beth
There are segway tours too. ;-) I bet she'd like that
Beth
