"<i>My Bad: Guess the Zoo moved years ago?</i>"

The zoo didn't move - it was never in Golden Gate Park. It was built in the early 1930's where it is now.

The OP is going NOW - not 50 years ago so references to Fleischacker Pool are helpful how?

FirsttimertoCA: If you go to Muir Woods - go early because parking can get difficult. It is great for families because there are boardwalk trails so you can use a stroller.

Oh - they had some animals in Golden Gate Park at one time - close to the De Young Museum. Alligators, etc.

And if you appreciate US history - read about FleisHHacker Pool. :)

Thank you all so much - I really appreciate your help! I had no idea parking could be up to $60 per night...that's insane! :) Very good to know things like this ahead of time...that would have been an ugly surprise!

The Columbus Motor Inn near Fisherman's Wharf has free parking.

http://www.columbusmotorinn.com

tom -- the alligator is still there. It is in the Academy of Science. But even <i>you</i> wouldn't confuse the Academy/Aquarium w/ a zoo if you had ever been there.

Have been to the SF Zoo - years ago - and the zookeeper told us that the young male Tiger in with the 3 male lions was not bothered one bit by the Lions. :)

As for a nice area with free parking - try down by the Marina (also see Chestnut Street and the Palace of Fine Arts http://www.chestnutshop.com/ ) - and this is one of the nicer places - the Chelsea Inn. http://www.chelseamotorinn.com/ There are others - which are cheaper - with a bit more noise - so you can decide for yourself.

Just read the posts again - and Sondoc has good advice for trying the websites for getting real deals.

Also - if you do go over the Golden Gate Bridge - to Muir Woods - if it's a clear day - drive up to the top of Mt. Tam (Tampalpais) for a super view of the Bay Area. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=471

We used to love to play frisbee in the park up there.

If you don't want to go all the way to SF & are visiting the UC Berkeley campus, you can go to Lawrence Hall of Science. Your 3 year old will enjoy it, there are stunning views of the Ba y Area. On the road up the hill from the campus to LHS, UC Botanical Gardens is worth a stop. On past LHS, is Tilden Regional Park. It has a farm, one of my children's favorite places to visit when they were little. There is also a vintage merry go round worthy of a ride (also a good one in Golden Gate Park). At the other end of Tilden is a train that goes through the Berkeley Hills. All of these make for a very fun day with a little one.

Another trip that is worth doing is visiting the Chabot Science Center in the Oakland Hills, followed by ice cream at the local favorite, Fenton's ice cream parlor.

In Fremont itself, is Ardenwood Farm. Check out their website for weekend events that your child might enjoy. Btw, the Exploratorium in SF is definitely age appropriate for a 3 year old, as it is for my 26 year old!

Just get a stroller and walk. SF is great town for walking. You won't run out of things to see or people to people watch. Google Walking tours SF and you will find a bunch of free audio tours that are great. I love to walk in SF. Day or night. Never boring.

For parking in SF, the Sutter-Stockton St. garage may be the best bet; it's one block from Union Square. Parking from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. is only $1 per hour.

http://www.sfmta.com/cms/pgar/Sutter...arageRates.htm

We live about 45 min south of GG Park and STILL go there at least once a month. When our kids were little we were there about every weekend. There's a nice kid's playground with a beautiful caurosel (sp?) that your 3 year old would love. The Academy of Science is rather newly re-built and has lots for a three year old. Holiday stuff in the main entry. The bison are still around in the paddock by the windmill. Ocean Beach is right there (could be very cold in December but often decent days still). SF Zoo is also not too far away, but probably too much to do both with a little one in one day. Bet you and your child will enjoy GG Park. Go!

love, Love, LOVE Fenton's ice cream!

Are there any areas we should steer clear of, especially if I am out alone with our son? (i.e. not safe, sketchy characters, rough neighbourhoods). I am looking at hotels in either Berkeley or Oakland instead of SF (to save money - I found a few places with free parking, complimentary breakfast & free wi-fi), but I think Oakland sounds a little rundown and maybe not as safe as other areas may be? Am I being over paranoid? Do you have any suggestions? While we are looking for a budget friendly trip, I can't sacrifice safety! :) I also thought since the parking is free at some of the hotels (during your stay) we could probably take transit into downtown SF so we wouldn't have to pay for parking while over there. I assume there must be a bus or train line that goes across the bay from the Berkeley side?

If looking at Oakland and Berkeley, you might as well look at the motels on the beach front in San Francisco. There are some close to the N-Judah streetcar, and some close to the L-Taraval streetcar (and opposite the SF Zoo)if you decide not to drive into town.

Emeryville is right at the Bay Bridge on the East Bay side. There are good family hotels there, and chain restaurants and higher end shops.

We like the Hilton Garden Inn. Usually has breakfast included, free parking and wi-fi. A good deal.

If the Oakland hotels you are looking at are near the airport, best to avoid them. It's not a nice area.

Emeryville is fine, as are the motels near the beach in San Francisco -- if the savings are significant.

Emeryville or the SF beach would absolutely be fine and big money savers. Oakland would not be fine.

But another possibility could be south of SF near SFO. Milbrae, and other areas. For instance this one is a block from Millbrae BART station. http://www.dylansfo.com/

SFO is a pretty busy place...wouldn't it be really loud at the hotels in that area with all the airport (plane) traffic? I originally steered clear of the SFO area for that reason, assuming we'd hear the planes all day & night. With a 3 yr old who needs his sleep and a hubby that needs some study time, (yes, he has to study while on vacation - boooo) I'm concerned about the noise level. Has anyone stayed in this area? Is this a legitimate concern?

I had booked a hotel in Oakland - sounded great 'on paper' & had nice pics. I Google Street-mapped it, and yikes! Sooo sketchy & inappropriate - cancelled that booking asap!

I think I'll check out the SF beach area as suggested. That sounds nice. Hopefully threre's some good deals!

This may be a stupid question, but can you bring a (jogging style/larger) stroller on a streetcar? I am assuming no, but...maybe? I don't really want to travel with it, but I can't expect the l'il one to hold out all day if we're walking around and there's only so many back & shoulder rides parents can provide before wanting a stroller ride themselves :)

janisj, I sure like the look of the Dylan! (and their breakfast sounds pretty yummy!)

Janis, I'm just wondering if you've seen the Dylan - I'd not heard of it until this thread.

Firsttimer, I live nearby, and will drive by on my way home tonight and let you know what I think!

Thank you sf7307! Much appreciated!! :)