SF with kids!

Question

We're a family of 5 with kids 10, 6, and 4. We're planning a trip for July to SF, Carmel, Yosemite, and maybe Sequoia NP (trying to decide on that). I thought we would stay in the SF area for 3 (?) nights when we arrive. At first I thought we'd stay in Sausalito or somewhere in that area and just do a day trip into the city one day, but now I'm thinking we should probably just stay in SF. Looking at hotels near Fishermans Wharf. We've been to SF twice but that was more than 10 years ago (pre kids). Is it generally somewhat safe to walk around with kids in the touristy areas? I've heard about safety/crime issues, but I heard the same thing about Seattle and we were fine walking with the kids there. If we do stay on the other side of the GGB, I'm assuming parking would be pretty difficult if we come over for the day. I first thought it might be nice to stay over there because it seems more quaint and natural.

I'm rambling, but does anyone have insight into what area to stay, or how the city is with little kids in tow? Thanks so much!

Answer

San Francisco can be a wonderful city to explore with kids, but like any major city, there are areas that require a bit more vigilance. Tourist-heavy areas such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Union Square, and the Embarcadero are generally safe for families during the day. These areas are well-patrolled and busy, so walking around with young children is quite manageable.

Staying in San Francisco itself, especially near Fisherman’s Wharf or the Embarcadero, is highly convenient when traveling with kids. You’ll have easy access to attractions like the Exploratorium, Pier 39 sea lions, ferry rides to Alcatraz, and cable car lines. It also reduces the stress of commuting from across the Golden Gate Bridge, where parking can be tricky and traffic heavy.

If you are considering staying across the bridge in Sausalito or Marin County, it can offer a quieter and more scenic environment, but there are some challenges:

Daily commuting into the city can be time-consuming, particularly in July when traffic is heavy.
Parking in San Francisco, especially near popular tourist sites, can be very limited and expensive.
For small kids, long drives or ferry rides every day can be tiring.

Some practical tips for exploring SF safely with children:

Stick to daylight hours in the city, as some streets can feel less safe in the evening, particularly in areas like Tenderloin or Civic Center.
Use family-friendly transport options like Muni buses, cable cars, or rideshares if you need to cover longer distances or avoid steep hills.
Keep children close in crowded areas like Fisherman’s Wharf and cable cars, as pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist spots.
Plan visits to attractions with clear entrances and exits so you always know where your kids are, especially in areas like Pier 39 or the Ferry Building.

Overall, staying in San Francisco proper is likely the best option for families with young children. It provides a balance of convenience, safety, and accessibility to attractions, minimizing stress and maximizing sightseeing time. You can still plan a day trip to Sausalito or Muir Woods if you want a more natural setting without the challenges of overnight stays across the bridge.

SF with kids!

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