Trip in July with 2 teenage boys

Question

I have no idea where to even start. We are looking for fun things to do in San Francisco. I don’t know how long things take. We were looking to go to a Giants game one day, Alcatraz, fisherman‘s wharf, Chinatown. What else is there to do? I haven’t really done a ton of research. We were just looking for a new place to go explore and see with our boys and we love baseball so it was a new ballpark and figured there would be lots of other cool things to do. We also considered renting a car and driving to Lake Tahoe for one night. What all is there to do?

Answer

San Francisco is a fantastic city for families with teenagers, and there’s plenty to see and do beyond the Giants game and the classic tourist spots like Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Chinatown. With July being peak season, planning in advance will help you make the most of your time.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of ideas for a multi-day visit:

Giants Game at Oracle Park: The park itself is worth exploring even before the game, with great views of the Bay, food options, and the ballpark museum. Allow 3–4 hours for the game experience.
Alcatraz Island: Book your tickets in advance for the ferry. The audio tour takes about 2–3 hours. Morning or late afternoon slots can help avoid peak crowds.
Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39: Great for walking around, seeing sea lions, trying local snacks, and visiting the quirky shops. Budget 2–3 hours.
Chinatown: Explore Grant Avenue, try dim sum, and browse souvenir shops. About 1–2 hours is sufficient for a casual stroll.

Other attractions teens often enjoy:

Exploratorium: Hands-on science and art museum right on the Embarcadero. Plan 2–3 hours.
Golden Gate Bridge & Presidio: Walk or bike partway across the bridge for iconic photos. The Presidio has trails, picnic spots, and scenic views.
Lombard Street: Famous winding street; quick stop for photos.
Coit Tower & Telegraph Hill: Short climb or elevator ride for panoramic city views.
Golden Gate Park: Includes the California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, and playgrounds. A half-day could be spent here.

If considering a day trip to Lake Tahoe:

Driving to Lake Tahoe is roughly 3.5–4 hours one way, so a one-night trip is doable but will be a long day. Consider staying overnight to enjoy hiking, kayaking, or beach activities on the lake.
Truckee or South Lake Tahoe both have rental options, restaurants, and lake access. Summer is ideal for swimming and hiking.

Additional tips:

Public transit (Muni and BART) is convenient in the city if you want to avoid parking hassles.
Layered clothing is recommended; San Francisco weather can be cool and foggy even in July.
Booking tickets ahead for Alcatraz, Giants, or museums is strongly advised during summer.

With these options, you can mix sports, iconic sightseeing, hands-on fun, and outdoor activities for your teenage boys while also exploring the unique vibe of San Francisco.

Trip in July with 2 teenage boys

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