DK Travel : San Francisco

San Franciscans will, rather candidly, admit that they are the most fortunate people on earth, the occasional earthquake notwithstanding; and most visitors, after a few days of taking in the sights and sounds of this magnificent city, will agree. Ask anyone who has been here and they will tell you it’s their favorite US city. The geographical setting evokes so much emotional drama, the light seems clearer, the colors more vivid, the cultural diversity of the ethnic neighborhoods so captivating and inviting, that it’s a place almost everyone can fall in love with at first sight.

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Alcatraz

The hospitality of the Americans is outstanding and truly leaves you with a humble taste in your mouth.

Yes, the Alcatraz tours are a bit pricey and you will want to make reservations ahead of time. But this is a fabulous option for singles, couples and parents with kids. We enjoyed the entire experience and, even though it was a Saturday afternoon, the island didn't feel crowded.

I suggest starting off your visit to the rock with the informational video--it gives some people on your ferry a head start to the main attraction (the prison) and also gives quite a bit of interesting information before you head up there yourself. The video was only about ten minutes long, so even kids could stay entertained. The island itself was extremely interesting--we could have spent most of the day roaming the gardens and other areas.
Apple Inc.

"Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software and Internet offerings."

Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation with a focus on designing and manufacturing consumer electronics and closely related software products. Apple develops, sells, and supports a series of personal computers, portable media players, computer software, and computer hardware accessories. Apple also operates an online store for hardware and software purchases, as well as the iTunes Store, which sells digital downloadable music, audiobooks, games, music videos, TV shows, and movies. The company's best-known hardware products include the Macintosh line of personal computers, the iPod line of portable media players, and the iPhone.

Apple Inc.'s world corporate headquarters are located in the middle of Silicon Valley, at 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, California. This Apple campus has six buildings which total 850,000 sq ft (79,000 m²). In 2006, Apple announced its intention to build a second campus on 50 acres assembled from various contiguous plots. The new campus, also in Cupertino, will be about one mile east of the current campus.
Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers

A fantastic place to take kids who are ready for some familiar food. Barney's may be named after its burgers, but they're famous for their spicy curly fries.

This isn't health food, but you can always hike to the Golden Gate Bridge and back after lunch.

Barney's is located in the busy, buzzy Marina district (internationally famous for its buildings which sank into the landfill on which it's built in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake). Don't worry, everything's been retrofitted now...
Bay Quackers Duck Tour

A wacky land and sea tour of San Francisco in a decommissioned WWII amphibious vehicle called a "DUKW" and nicknamed a "Duck".

Before the tour, the guide distributes plastic yellow “quackers” and leads everyone in a little warm-up exercise. During the tour, passengers are encouraged to quack at passersby, locals, and tourists, many of whom actually quack back (this alone is worth the price of the tour for me, and frankly restores my faith in humanity).

The 90-minute tour takes you through Fisherman's Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, and Union Square. At China Basin (south of AT&T Park), the Duck magically morphs into a boat, and everyone gets a chance to drive (kids included).

I'm a fan of these tours for the same reason I like the motorized cable car tours: you can see something of the city while sitting on your butt. Who doesn't need a little rest while traveling with kids?
Biking Across Golden Gate Bridge

On Fisherman's Wharf there are a number of bike hire companies that rent by the hour or by the day. As well as 'bike the bridge' a number of other intineraries are available that include ferry connection to Marin County.
Blue Chalk Cafe

The young and cool of Silicon Valley have been flocking to this successful bar/pool hall/restaurant ever since it opened it 1993.
Cable Car Museum

I lived in San Francisco for 6 years, and never visited this museum until last weekend. Big mistake!

Located on Nob Hill in the Washington-Mason line powerhouse and carbarn, this museum is a working piece of history. Amazingly, admission is free!

Your kids can watch the cables running on huge wheels, ring a real cable car bell, and see photos and exhibits of the 1906 earthquake.

There is a particularly poignant video exhibit that tells how the cable cars were saved from "modernization" in the 1940's. It seems funny in retrospect that the cable cars almost fell victim to the lower operational expenses of buses. Tourists don't exactly throng to San Francisco to ride the buses.
Caffe Verona

A relaxing hangout for people to read, converse and work on their laptops over cappuccino.
Chestnut Street

Set in a really nice neighbourhood on the bay side of town, Chestnut street is a nice place to shop, hang out and people watch. Along side the usual shopping chains, you get some nice boutiques and the odd toy and comic shop (which pleases me!).
China Town

China Town is another world. You cross the street and suddenly Chinese characters on street signs, men playing mah jong in the park, corner acupuncturists, and grocery stores selling things you can't identify.

Some of this is for tourists' benefit, but most of it isn't. Hold tight to your children's hands, and immerse yourself here.

Taste tea. Shop for souvenirs. Try on hats. Buy a box of pop pop snappers and wow your kids by setting off tiny explosions at their feet.

Chinatown is fun and unpredictable. You'll often see a Lion Dance parade right down the middle of Grant Street, or a wedding party.

If your kids have an adventurous palate, stop into one of the many restaurants for a dim sum lunch.