San Francisco on a budget with kids...?

Question

I'm trying to plan a trip to San Francisco with my family in November. Anyone have any tips on affordable accomodations and interesting things to do with a 9 year old and an 11 year old (both boys) that don't cost a ton of money?

Answer 1

We've stayed at the Hotel del Sol when we need to hang out in the Marina for a weekend. It is located in the heart of the marina district. Local attractions include Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Moscone Convention Center, and Pac Bell Park. One time, my wife's family visited from Los Angeles (because my wife had her wisdom teeth pulled out... ouch), and they booked an entire floor (about 12 rooms) in this Hotel. Very affordable. It is not the Westin St. Francis, but it was fun enough for everyone.

Lots of things to do. The Legion of Honor is currently displaying Monet paintings during the Normandy years. The De Young Museum is recently renovated and is now open.

Then, there are the usual local attractions of Lombard Street (crooked street), Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Napa and Sonoma, Sausalito, etc.

Pacbell Park (SBC Park, whatever) is also in the SouthBeach Area, and you can hang out in the Embarcadero, which is where the mall is, and also the Ferry Plaza across the street, and you can hit Fisherman's Wharf and have some of the best (and freshest) crab meals around.

Have fun!

Answer 2

Be sure to get a Go San Francisco Card. The kids cards for children under 12 don't cost much and you can see a ton of attractions for one low cost. http://www.gosanfranciscocard.com They'll love the Bay Area Discovery Museum, Zeum, SS Jeremiah Obrien, Steinhart Aquarium, Six Flags Marine World, Exploritorium, Bike Rentals, and the Bay Cruise.

Also be sure to buy before August 10th because it looks like the sale is ending then.

Other great things that don't cost money: Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's Wharf (walking around it--lots of activity there) and be sure to take them to the Cable Car Museum near Chinatown it's free. Also be sure to take them to Fort Funston where you can watch the hand glideres jump off cliffs. Lombard street is a hoot, too. (the crookedest street in the world.)

Answer 3

I would suggest that you choose a hotel in the East bay and use the BART system to go back and forth (15 min. ride under the SF Bay)
take the children to Alcatraz, the Discovery Museum, Pier 39 has an aquarium, Golden gate park and perhaps a baseball game
Both SF Giants and Oakland A's games are easy to attend using Public transit
Perhaps the Marriott hotel in Downtown Oakland or the Courtyard hotel (across the street) Both are very safe, great accommodations and you can walk to Public transit. Also the NBA team (Golden State Warriors) have their practice facility on top of the Oakland Convention center (adjacent to the Marriott hotel)

Answer 4

1) Take a ferry to Angel Island, but oops it is cold
2) Take a ferry to Alcatraz and tour the prison.
3) Go to the Exploratorium
4) Go across the Golden Gate (you can walk), but oops, freezing
5) Go to Muir Woods redwood forest in Marin County (you can get a bus, I think)

San Francisco is kind of cold in November.

Answer 5

Cool things you didn't list are walking across the GGB, watching the Sea Lions at Pier 39 and having a drink at the Cliff House watching the breakers. Those would be the most memorable moments of your whole tour.

Answer 6

definitely get a citypass. i got one when i went to san fran a month ago and it was great. it has coupons and tickets to get you into specific museums and places and if you show it on the cable car or bus, you dont have to pay!!

Answer 7

this is the site for you..www.vrbo.com
great affordable lodging..view pics, price and avaliabilty and contact the owner...start paying for your room now on payments
with the owner and not worry about it when it is time to go...