The famous Golden Gate Bridge. Photo / Getty Images
Whoever you're travelling with, San Francisco has something for everyone, writes Jane Jurgens.
Walt Disney Family Museum
Okay, it's not quite Disneyland — although there is a miniature replica of the park — but kids and adults alike will find plenty of magic within the walls of the Walt Disney Family Museum. Founded by Walt Disney's eldest daughter, the museum is a journey through his fascinating life. If you've been inspired by the story, you can try your hand at animation in the Open Studio — or just chill out and watch some Disney classics in the Fantasia-inspired theatre.
Pier 39
Your family holiday won't be complete without a trip to Pier 39, on Fisherman's Wharf.
There are resident sea lions, who took over the wharf after the 1989 earthquake, plenty of street performers, including magicians, jugglers and comedians, as well as a classic caricature stand. Kids will love running up and down the oversized musical stairs and there's also a mirror maze, carousel, aquarium and a retro video game arcade to explore.
Alcatraz tour
Older kids will be fascinated by a visit to this famous historic former prison on The Rock — plus, you can threaten to leave them behind if they act up. You'll want to put aside about four hours to look around and be sure to book your ferry ride in advance, as they fill up quickly. When you arrive, ask for a Junior Ranger booklet — it'll help your kids get immersed in the crazy history of the place. At the end of the visit, a ranger can check your kids' work and give them a special badge. Another thing to remember is to eat before you leave. There is no food allowed on the island, but you can bring a water bottle — essential for the climb to the top.
Picnic
With so many beautiful parks, there's nothing like a picnic with your sweetie in San Fran. Dolores Park has great views and prime people watching, plus you can pick up some food while you're there. The nearby Bi-Rite Market offers a great selection of cheese, fruit, bread and wine, as well as delicious sandwiches. Or head to the hills for Alamo Square. Overlooking the iconic Painted Ladies villas, you can channel the opening sequence of Full House — the perfect way to impress a pop culture vulture.
Golden Gate Bridge
Sure, it's the obvious choice, but tourists flock here for a reason — in any weather, it's breathtaking. Take a leisurely stroll across the bridge and admire the city and the beautiful landscapes of the bay. It's a great place to watch the sunset — plus all the cute pictures you could take are sure to be a hit on your Instagram. If you're feeling adventurous, rent bikes — or a tandem — from Fisherman's Wharf and take a ride over the Golden Gate to Sausalito. If you're too tired to bike back, jump on the ferry.
Cable Car ride
After a special dinner at one of San Francisco's numerous great restaurants, take a moonlit cable-car ride back to your hotel, while listening to the clanging of the bells.
Sure, it's another one of those obviously touristy ventures, but it's hard to deny the romantic images it conjures up. There are three cable car lines in the city — stand on the outside decks if you're keen to feel the wind in your hair.
Browse the Farmers Market
You won't need anyone to talk to when you wander the Ferry Building; your mouth will be so full of delicious treats from all the local producers, growers and artisans that you couldn't speak, even if you wanted to. The market, held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays is renowned as one of the top five farmers markets in the entire US, and is visited by nearly 40,000 shoppers every week. Go hungry, take time to talk to stall holders, and try as much Bay Area produce as you can manage. You won't regret it.
Hiking
San Francisco is home to some incredible landscapes with an abundance of natural beauty — so get among it and go for a hike. Across the Golden Gate Bridge you'll find the Marin Headlands — there are a variety of hikes from moderate to advanced, and all offer incredible views of the city and the bay. The Lands End trail is another good option, an easy 5km walk around the coastline of SF. Or, for the best possible view of the city, hike up to the top of Twin Peaks — just make sure it's not going to be a foggy day.
Get cultured
There's plenty of art, music, museums and architecture to take in while you're in San Francisco and, travelling alone, you'll be able to do it all at your own pace. Put a day aside to explore the Musuem of Modern Art, take in a performance at the San Francisco Ballet or get lost in some of the city's many museums. Around Fisherman's Wharf you'll find the Maritime Museum, Madam Tussaud's wax museum, and Ripley's Believe it or Not, as well as a plethora of art galleries.
Day trip to wine country
The wineries of Napa Valley and Sonoma County are less than two hours' drive from Downtown San Francisco, but you don't want to be the friend that draws the short sober-driver straw. In fact, no one needs to miss out; there are a number of tour operators and shuttle services that will get you out of the city and into the vines so you can taste away to your heart's content.
Go to a game
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to sport in San Francisco, your only problem will be what kind of ball game you want to see. Whether it's baseball, American Football, basketball, soccer or ice hockey, it's always the right season to see a big game. The atmosphere in American stadiums has to be seen to be believed — thousands of fans, cheerleaders, half-time shows, crowd competitions, beer and hot dogs — it's an unforgettable sensory overload.
Hire a boat
San Francisco Bay is world famous for its sailing — it hosted the America's Cup in 2013, how could we possibly forget — so why not get out on the water with your crew? Private charters are available where you pay for a boat and a captain, and you can be as hands-on as you like. You can help take the helm, or if you'd rather sit back and relax with some drinks and food, that's fine too. You'll get great views of the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, Alcatraz and the impressive city skyline, which is best seen from the water.
GETTING THERE
Air New Zealand flies directly from Auckland to San Francisco
STAYING AND PLAYING THERE
helloworld has three nights at the Hotel Zephyr for $399pp twin share and two-day Yosemite National Park tours from $569pp twin share.
DETAILS
visittheusa.com
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