The City is an annual trip for us. Since it’s close by sometimes we’ll take the weekend and enjoy a night in San Francisco. Or just enjoy a one-day blowout. But if you’re not into jumping on a cable car or catching a show. There are still multiple city options for you and your family if you think of this trip as a mental health break in the great outdoors. Consider the many green spaces in this urban jungle and you’ll see numerous possibilities open up. Here are our top five.
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Golden Gate Bridge
One of my favorite hikes in the city makes you feel like you’re not in a city at all. While hiking across the Batteries to Bluffs Trail you can hear the ocean waves at Marshall Beach and climb over the historic concrete gun batteries. And on a not-too-foggy day, you can catch amazing shots of the Golden Gate Bridge. Though this is a relatively easy hike there are lots of places that involve steps and climbing should you decide to go down to the shoreline, so be aware if you have someone in your tribe who may struggle. Parking is free at the Langdon Court parking lot. There’s no fee to enter the trail but dogs are not allowed.
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If you still have the energy you can walk across the Golden Gate Bridge or rent a bike and ride across. There are numerous bike rental agencies still open and they prioritize sanitizing each bike before use. For those of you that don’t feel like putting out too much effort on your weekend away, there’s always Fort Point just under the bridge for more great photo opportunities.
Hike the Presidio
There are over 24 miles of trails at the 2 square mile area known as the Presidio. This historical spot boasts museums, beautiful views, and varied landscapes. Whether you want to catch the Goldsworthy art installations or geek out at the offices of Industrial Light and Magic at the Yoda Fountain, there is a little bit of something for everyone at the Presidio.
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Tour the Mission District
This is not your typical crowded touristy San Francisco neighborhood. We first took the boys here to see the mission because I respected the fact that they included a Native American perspective is their presentation of the artifacts and history of the mission. We were able to tour the chapel area and the cemetery outside.
There are lots of family and budget friendly options open for takeout right now in the area. Take your to-go order to Dolores Park and use the circles they’ve painted in the grass to create your own socially distanced picnic!
San Francisco Zoo
Another enjoyable outdoor experience in the city is the San Francisco Zoo. The website still states that you must reserve entry by purchasing tickets in advance. But we just took an impromptu trip and were able to grab our new membership and entry right at the ticket window. You can check updated hours and ticket availability at their website here. There are still signs that state masks are mandatory. For additional questions you can find out more by going to their reopening FAQ page here.
Golden Gate Park
Gorgeous open spaces, museums, and trails. Take your pick of how you’d like to enjoy this massive space. Both the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum are open and taking timed entry reservations. But if you’d prefer to stay outdoors, the Japanese Tea Garden is also close by and open. They are open Wed-Sun. They have renovated the area with one-way paths in order to prevent crowding. You can check out their most up-to-date admission prices here and purchase your tickets here.
The Ferry Building
With broad sweeping views of the Bay, this is one of our family’s favorite places to visit. At the Ferry Building, the dining options are endless. If you wander long enough every member of your tribe will find something. They go to great lengths to create a safe space so be on the lookout for plenty of outdoor dining options, increased take-out and curbside pickup, as well as hand sanitizer stations.
The best days to visit the Ferry Building are Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. Those are the days the Farmer’s Market is open. You’re out in the open air here talking with those who know the produce you’re selecting firsthand. It feels good to know you are supporting local farmers and merchants while shopping safely. Tip: cash may not be accepted at some places so bring your credit/debit card as well.
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Is San Francisco Your Base?
If the city is your stepping-off point for more time away then consider a trip down the coast. You may want to spend some time in the Monterey/Carmel area.
If you are spending time in Monterey County it would not be complete without hiking one of the nation’s newest national parks. We’ve got tips on how to enjoy a day at Pinnacles National Park.
Or head further south toward the edge of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to Cambria. You can find amazing ways to enjoy the outdoors and surrounding areas by reading our article.
I spent a few days in San Francisco 5 years ago and loved it. I visited much of what you describe in this post. So, it’s good to know I got some of the best bits of this fabulous city.
So glad you got to enjoy these spots!