Planning trip next August to visit Yosemite with our son (who will be 8 then). As my husband and I LOVE San Fran we are planning to spend a few days there are well. We are looking for suggestions for kid friendly hotels including any that may offer larger rooms or suites (or just a sleeper sofa for the child) - in a mid-range price. (under $200) And, we are planning to pack in fun while in SF (from a kid and adult perspective) by riding the cable cars, taking the crookest road, driving to twin peaks, Alcatraz tour, ferry to Salsilito, GG park. What else? And are there any bike paths (a 8 yr old and late 40s parents) could both handle?? Thanks so much in advance!

Oreo, I have had my grandsons (when they were younger) at the Villa Florence on Powell St, (one half block south of Union Sq. many times and they have always loved the hotel and the staff has always been wonderful to them. Now I always had a room with two beds. I think that their suite(s) have a sofa bed. This is part of the Kimpton Group so you could check and see if that is so and also what the suite cost. Great location (right up from the cablecar turn around which is at Market and Powell, all kinds of public transportation, you can walk to ChinaTown etc. BTW, family members with an 8 year old boy often ride their bikes across the GG Bridge..that might be fun.

We live in Seattle and travel frequently to San Francisco to visit my brother and his wife - we always have our little guys (ages 4 and 6) in tow. The last time we visited (Spring '06) we stayed at the Argonaut @ Fisherman's Wharf. They were amazingly accomodating - met the kids with a gift bag - scavenger hunt kit, etc. The rooms were luxurious - but really fun for the kids (heavy nautical theme). Also - located near many fun spots for kids. I absolutely loved it and it has become my favorite San Francisco spot with the kids. Have a great time!

The Argonaut that courtney mentions sounds even better and more fun Oreo. No gift bags or scavenger hunt kits at the Villa Florence (although there is a hosted wine hour along with drinks for children nightly in the lobby) And the Aronaut is new so no doubt the rooms are larger.

Oreo,
I am currently writing the trip report for our trip last month to SF and Yosemite with 10 and 12 year olds. Just click on it (or my name) for suggestions on lodging and activities.

I love this site - folks are so helpful. Thanks!!

You might try The Best Western Tuscan Inn. Just a block or two off Pier 39/Fish Wharf and a cable car.

They usually have specials well within your price range from time to time.
Make sure you ask for a larger room because they do have some smaller interior rooms.

Where's starrsy and her fave?

Starrsy favorite is the Kimpton hotel The Monaco which I don't think is as good as a selection for Oreo as the other suggestions and I think a room for three would be over $200.00.

Are you two packed for bella Italia yet Kal?? Signed, Green With Envy

check out SF zoo, Oakland Museum (take BART underground from downtown SF), Muir Woods - Golden Gate transit bus to Marin city, summer time shuttle #66 runs on weekends only, maybe next year more often?

as i'm not a bike-person (awful superman-like incident when i was a child), i don't know of specific paths. however, they close some of the main roads to cars in golden gate park on sundays and you can bike in there. also, the presidio is another option. i'd suggested calling the san francisco bicycle coaltion (http://www.sfbike.org). they were very helpful when my mom came to town and wanted to explore the city via bike, plus they have wonderful maps online (and for sale in most of the city's bike shops).

In addition to Sunday in GGP, there is a popular bike path along the Bay by the Marina Green and Chrissy Field. Many take this route on their way to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge.

There is also a fire engine ride, a real fire truck will take you over the bridge

http://www.fireenginetours.com/default.htm

The fire engine tour is great fun; both my kids loved it (and I liked it too).

For our last trip, I looked into renting bikes, but we didn't rent them due to a combination of changes in plans and weather. The place we would have rented from is Blazing Saddles bike rental, near Ghiradelli Square.

What else did our kids like: the Exploratorium - we ended up spending almost an entire day here. Chinatown. The free cable car museum. Eating dim sum at Yank Sing (ended up doing this twice on our last trip). Boat ride around the harbor and to Alcatraz. We rode the cablecars every chance we got.

Wonderful ideas! Thanks to all.