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San Francisco Journals

"City by the Bay" for families

A travel journal to San Francisco by millsy99

The Rock Photo - Alcatraz Island/The Rock, San Francisco, California More Photos
Quote: Some not-to-be missed sites in one of the most beautiful cities in the world

"City by the Bay" for families

Overview

City by the Bay Photo - San Francisco, California
Quote:
Don't miss Fisherman's Wharf and the Exploratorium. If you have your car, be sure and drive down the 'crookedest street in the world,' Lombard Street, and head over to Chinatown. Take a day trip to Sausalito, check out Alcatraz, and consider taking the kids to SF's great zoo. Leave money in your budget for some of San Francisco's wonderful (but expensive) restaurants!Quick Tips: Comfortable walking shoes are a must!! San Francisco can be expensive to stay and eat. Consider staying on the outskirts and driving into the heart of the city. The weather is usually quite cool and you may need sweatshirts and jeans even in July.Best Way To Get Around: Walking can be tiring. Driving c...Read More

Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa

Hotel | "Casa Madrona"

Quote:
This hotel is housed in a lovely Victorian mansion, with gorgeous views of the bay. We picked a "superior room" which featured a fireplaces. The furnishings were elegant and the service was great.

They also have cabins, suites and family-style rooms with kitchens. It's a bit pricey, but well worth it if you want a retreat from the hectic city. They have a brunch in the so-so restaurant here.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 26, 2002

Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa
801 Bridgeway
Sausalito, California 94965
415-332-0502

Scoma's Restaurant

Restaurant | "Scoma's"

Quote:
Scoma's is a wonderful restaurant for a nice evening on the town. It has a romantic atmosphere with a great view! Scoma's can also accommodate children and families. They feature wonderful seafood and pasta, in addition to the usual salads, etc. My family always makes time for a trip to this lovely place, located in Fisherman's Wharf.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 20, 2002

Scoma's Restaurant
Pier 47 on Al Scoma Way
San Francisco, California 94133
(415) 771-4383

Far East Cafe

Restaurant

Quote:
This restaurant is one of the better ones we sampled in Chinatown. They offer all the traditional specialites you would expect, in both the Cantonese and Szechuan styles. The Peking Duck is a specialty. Order several dishes and share! ~~ The restaurant has cozy booths and a great atmosphere. It seems like a very authentic experience, and the establishment was clean and comfortable. ~~ Our waiter pointed out a landmark church right across the street, which we also checked out.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 25, 2002

Far East Cafe
631 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, California 94108
(415) 982-3245

Sea Lion Cafe

Restaurant

Quote:
This restaurant is right next to the sea lions and you can watch them out of the window while you eat. Plus, there are wonderful views of the pier itself.

The Sea Lion Cafe has a pretty big menu, and they offer lots of sandwiches and salads. They have wonderful homemade potato chips here, fresh fish, and pasta meals. Try the crab cakes, with really quality crab and a somewhat spicy flavor. Also, the fish and chips were quite good.

This place is casual and most dishes are around the $8-$10 range. However, they also offer more expensive steak and lobster combos if you want to spend $30.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 26, 2002

Sea Lion Cafe
Pier 39, Building K
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 434-2260

Seven Seas Restaurant

Restaurant | "Seven Seas"

Quote:
On the recommendation of a local, we grabbed a meal at this place which was right up the street from the hotel. However, we were pretty disappointed. The place is pretty rundown inside and the food was blah. They have the basic American food: hamburgers, pizza, etc. But unless you are in dire straits, head into the city for a real meal.

Member Rating 1 out of 5 on June 26, 2002

Seven Seas Restaurant
682 Bridgeway (on the boardwalk)
San Francisco, California 94965
(415) 332-1304

Cable Car Museum

Attraction | "Cable Cars (museum & ride)"

Cable car Photo - Cable Car Museum, San Francisco, California
Quote:
If you have young children, especially boys (who seem to be fascinated by any type of machinery), this museum is an exciting way to spend a morning. The museum has many different models of cars on display, and also features the very first cable car from the 1870s. Older kids can find out how the cable car system works and how it came about in San Francisco. Hours are 10 to 6 (at least in summer) and it's free. You can get on a cable car at the museum, where the cars begin and end their routes.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 24, 2002

Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason St.
San Francisco, California 94108
(415) 474 1887

San Francisco Zoo

Attraction

Polar bear Photo - San Francisco Zoo, San Francisco, California
Quote:
The SF Zoo has all the usual animals you would expect at a large zoo--monkeys, giraffes, hippos, elephants. They definitely have a large assortment of animals. The lion and gorilla sections are highlights. They also have nice sections for the Koalas. Obviously, you want comfortable shoes for this trip-- it's a large park.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 24, 2002

San Francisco Zoo
1 Zoo Road
San Francisco, California
415/753-7080

Alcatraz Island/The Rock

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Alcatraz"

The Rock Photo - Alcatraz Island/The Rock, San Francisco, California
Quote:
"The Rock" aka Alcatraz Island is a must-see for any first-time visitor to the city. This most unusual prison has served to house all types of inmates, from Native Americans to the notorious Al Capone. ~~ The Blue and Gold Fleet sells tickets on Pier 41 and takes you to the island via ferry. They have several trips per day, and the tour takes about 2 and a half hours. You can rent audiotapes to enhance the tour. ~~ Wear comfortable shoes, as there is lots of walking, including hilly trails to get to the prison. The island is now a National Park, with a bird sanctuary and lighthouse. From this area, you can see great views of the city and the bridge if it's not too foggy. ~~ It costs about $...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 25, 2002

Alcatraz Island/The Rock
San Francisco Bay
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco 94133
(415) 705-5555

Exploratorium at The Palace of Fine Arts

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Exploratorium"

Palace of the Fine Arts Photo - Exploratorium at The Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco, California
Quote:
The Exploratorium is located near the Golden Gate Bridge, in the Palace of Fine Arts. ~~ This was a great experience for our family. It's very fun and hands-on for kids, who will also learn a lot. Your kids can blow huge bubbles, learn about (and feel) a tornado, work on brain teasers, and learn about optical illusions. ~~ The Tactile Dome is a completely dark area where you must rely on touching and no other senses to find your way through. It's a really unique experience to feel all the textures, while crawling and feeling your way through. ~~ This is a great outing for a Sunday when other things are closed. You can make a picnic and enjoy it on the grounds and take in the views, then tour...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 25, 2002

Exploratorium at The Palace of Fine Arts
15/17 Pier
San Francisco 94111
(415) 563-7337

Chinatown

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction

Chinatown Photo - Chinatown, San Francisco, California
Quote:
Chinatown can be frustrating to find in your car. You might want to take a cab to the area and start out in Ross Alley. This alley is decorated with colorful murals of life in Chinatown. ~~ The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is a fascinating way to start your visit. Learn how fortune cookies are made and get a free sample!! ~~ Chinatown has tons of quaint shops and wonderful architecture to enjoy. You can see the usual gift and souvenir stands, and also visit a traditional herbalist store, flower shops, Chinese churches and hospitals, etc. ~~ There are a plethora of wonderful restaurants in Chinatown. I recommend the Far East Cafe, which I have reviewed in a separate journal.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 25, 2002

Chinatown
Grant Avenue
San Francisco, California

Pier 39

Attraction

Mime Photo - Pier 39, San Francisco, California
Quote:
Pier 39 is a really hard area to put in a category. It has restaurants, shops, street performers, movie theaters, and more. My younger sister was once traumatized by a mime who decided she was his "volunteer" in a performance. Kids will enjoy the old fashioned carousel and seeing the sea lions at the famous K Dock. (You can also check them out at the Sea Lion Cafe--see separate journal). The area is wonderful for people-watching and just walking around, taking it all in. There are tons of t-shirt/souvenir shops, an aquarium, and street vendors. This is a great area to take pictures, with the backdrop of the Golden Gate bridge and the bay. There is parking available i...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 26, 2002

Pier 39
Beach Street & The Embarcadero
San Francisco, California 94133
(415) 981 7437

About the Writer

millsy99

millsy99
Knoxville, Tennessee

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