Planning a trip to San Francisco in July. I haven't been there for years. 2 kids and plan on a Giants Game. Any advice on must do's in the city? What else is a must do around the area?

Much has been posted here about SF trip. Just my comments as we spent 5 days there with 2 kids 2 years ago (ages 10 and 14 at the time). They loved Alcatraz, walking near Fisherman's Wharf and seeing the live crabs (we even brought some home), cable cars (and were oddly intrigued by the Rice-a-Roni ads on the back of some), Chinatown. We took a 1/2 day city bus tour which they also surprisingly enjoyed (had to do that to get tickets to Alcatraz as all trips were sold out otherwise - make reservations in advance). We were there over 7/4 and saw great fireworks. Bring warm clothes - we are from Boston and thought we knew about cool summers, but we froze on some evenings. PacBell park is great - we saw Barry Bonds hit a ball into the Bay. Have a great trip.

The Exploratorium (science museum) would be great for the kids if they are >8 yrs old or so, maybe younger if they are mechanically inclined.

I spent two nights there in June on my way back to London from Hawaii. It is surprisingly cool so be sure to pack a couple of sweaters just to be sure.

Alcatraz was excellent, but does need to be booked in advance. You can do this on a website, but be sure to keep your confirmation - they messed mine up and even though the confirmation had me on the correct day they had booked us in for the following day, but did get me on the ferry anyway. Basically, if you don't book ahead though, you won't get on.

THe kids will probably also like seeing the seals at the ferry terminal, and you can get a fantastic view of the Golden Gate from the Alcatraz ferry.

Assuming they like chocolate, then a visit to Ghirardelli's (sp?) is probably in order. There is something near Fishermans' Wharf but I'm not sure if this is the main place. There's plenty of chocolate for sale, though.

Joyce,

Don't forget to walk around Union Square and take in the wonderful odor of urine in the streets. Also, the experience of being harassed by the homeless for money can't be beat. If you go to the beach, watch out for the hypodermic needes in the sand, they really hurt when you step on them. Bring your camera, because there's a good chance you will see someone using a fountain as a public toilet
Have fun in San Francisco, the city that calls itself the "city", but is really nothing but a large town.

Joyce, Please forgive xxxx. His mother was one of those people he speaks so poorly of so he is transferring his negative feelings to The City versus the real culprit, his mother.
Then again, he could just be another dumb San Jose fan.

Very warm jackets for Alcatraz and Pac Bell. Call for tickets for both right now. The Ghiardelli Chocolate Factory is in Ghiardelli Square, an easy walk from the Wharf. You can indulge in a wonderful hot fudge sundae. If they're small enough to like a carousel, there's one at Pier 39. Boys, especially, like the cable car museum which is FREE! Have a great time and ignore xxxx.

Here are some things we enjoyed with visiting nieces and nephews:

* California Academy of Sciences (Aquarium and more) in Golden Gate Park

* City's largest playground - near Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park.

* Crissy Field - at the base of the Golden Gate bridge. A beautiful spot to enjoy the beach and fly a kite.

* Lunch in Chinatown.

* Muir woods. Just north of San Francisco. A wonderful day trip.

* Point Reyes seashore. Another day trip north of San Francisco.

* Santa Cruz boardwalk. A day trip south of the city.

Just some thoughts.

Several folks have already mentioned Alcatraz, but I'd recommend in particiular the Alcatraz Night Tour. It's much better than going during the day (though much colder too). A lot less crowded, a spooky atmosphere, and behind-the-scenes tours and other activities you can't get when you go during the day. It's a few dollars more, but well worth it in my opinion.

Also, be sure to go up into the Marin Headlands if you get a chance and you like to be outdoors. The Headlands are part of the National Park and are directly north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Take the first exit, called Alexander Ave., after you cross the GG Bridge, and then follow the signs to doubleback under the freeway and go up into the Headlands. If it's not foggy (which it may well be in July), there are spectacular views of the ocean and the city. There's also a fantastic visitor center in the Headlands with lots of hands-on activities for kids. My nephews (ages 7 and 10) loved it.

Enjoy!

Several folks have already mentioned Alcatraz, but I'd recommend in particiular the Alcatraz Night Tour. It's much better than going during the day (though much colder too). A lot less crowded, a spooky atmosphere, and behind-the-scenes tours and other activities you can't get when you go during the day. It's a few dollars more, but well worth it in my opinion.

As mentioned by others, be sure to buy Alcatraz tickets AT LEAST a week ahead of time, and longer if you can.

Also, be sure to go up into the Marin Headlands if you get a chance and you like to be outdoors. The Headlands are part of the National Park and are directly north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Take the first exit, called Alexander Ave., after you cross the GG Bridge, and then follow the signs to doubleback under the freeway and go up into the Headlands. If it's not foggy (which it may well be in July), there are spectacular views of the ocean and the city. There's also a fantastic visitor center in the Headlands with lots of hands-on activities for kids. My nephews (ages 7 and 10) loved it.

Enjoy!

xxxx:

Poor poor David, of the San Jose Visitor's Bureau just *had* to post in this thread. Couldn't STAND the thought that someone might actually want to visit The City instead of his beloved San Jose. David, please please go away and keep your biased opinion to yourself. You add nothing to this or other threads. Thanks! Ta ta.

Gail... admit: did you try rice-a-roni? did you take home several packages?

Just came back from SFO two weeks ago, raining most of the days, but other than that everything is ok, for me here are the place to go:
1. Pier 39 and Fisherman's wharf try eating shrimp and lobsters there.
2. Yosemite
3. Sausalito by blue and gold ferry.
4. Monterey is ok but not the aquarium.
5. Chinatown

I am also visiting San Francisco in July with two kids (teenage boys). I booked our Giants tickets online as I understand they often sell out. If you are persistent online, there are internet deals on 4* and 5* hotels that come and go (at each hotels website) We booked at the Hilton near Union Square for a decent rate and was able to get a room with two queen size beds. This is much harder to get in SF than many cities. The Fodors site has been wonderful with advice, and some time spent viewing past messages is well worthwhile.

I would suggest a ride on the F Market Street car so that you can see all the hookers on Market Street. Always a great thing for the kids to see. Interestingly enough, those restored F Market trolleys are from other cites such as Chicago and Philadelphia. A town like San Francisco had to go to some real cities to search for some added character to a blighted Market Street.

A must-do: ride on the outside of a cable car. It's fun but scary. We couldn't believe the city lets people do it -- seems kinda dangerous.

Re: Monterey aquarium -- I thought it was great.