A 10-Day San Francisco Itinerary the Whole Family Will Love

Discover local marine life from the San Francisco Bay and nearby waters. Walk through clear tunnels with sharks and rays swimming overhead, and enjoy interactive exhibits. Great for all ages.

"We had a blast. Was a short tour but got to see alot of fish and sea life Loved the tunnel. Great place to take kids. They have some fun interaction stuff too. Can pet a stingray. We will for sure be back. Wasn't a crazy line to get in and prices weren't too bad. Highly suggest if on pier to check it out."— Stone Soup

Wander around the famous PIER 39, enjoy the lively atmosphere, browse unique shops, and spot the playful sea lions lounging on the docks. This iconic pier offers great views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding Dining Experience on the Bay Louis is a true gem for anyone looking to enjoy Swiss, Italian, and seafood cuisine in San Francisco, on the Pier 39. From the moment we arrived, the experience was exceptional. Our server, Connie, did an amazing job—friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Her personalized attention, fantastic attitude, and knowledge of the menu elevated the entire evening. The food was absolutely delicious. I ordered the New York steak, cooked perfectly and full of flavor. My brother had the spaghetti with seafood, which was fresh, generous, and beautifully prepared. Every bite reflected quality and care. Beyond the food and service, the cleanliness, atmosphere, and overall professionalism truly stood out. Dining by the Bay shores made the experience even more memorable. I happily give 5 stars for outstanding service, excellent dishes, and a warm, welcoming environment. I love this place and highly recommend it—please come and visit this wonderful San Francisco restaurant on the Bay shores! 🌊🍽️"— Eugenio Gonzalez Portales

Enjoy a sweet treat at the historic Ghirardelli Square, once a chocolate factory, now a hub for shops and restaurants. Sample famous Ghirardelli chocolates and enjoy an ice cream sundae.

"I’m visiting from Toronto, Canada and had to experience the famous The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop while in San Francisco. It definitely lived up to the hype. The menu has so many delicious options that it was honestly hard to choose. Everything looked incredible and the ice cream was amazing. There was also plenty of seating available, which was great since it can get busy. The location right in Ghirardelli Square makes it a really fun place to stop while exploring the area. The service was excellent and the staff were super friendly. I also loved their uniforms, which added to the classic feel of the shop. It’s very family friendly and has a really welcoming atmosphere. One thing I found a bit odd is that there are no washrooms in this location. Considering it’s an ice cream shop and things can get a little messy, it would also be nice if there were wet naps or a small area to wash your hands. Overall, it was a great experience and I would highly recommend stopping by if you’re visiting San Francisco."— Izzy G

Take the ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the infamous former federal prison with its award-winning audio tour. Learn about its notorious inmates and escape attempts while enjoying stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and city skyline. Book tickets well in advance!

"This was worth the effort. Get there early. Worth doing once. We were 45 minutes early to the first cruise and there were already at least 70 people queuing. Sit in the bottom deck on the way there so you can exit the ship quickly and get positioned closest to the hill to get to the jail quickly after the ranger talk. Ride on top on your way back to make pictures."— Carl Clark

Walk or bike across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, experiencing breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline. An engineering marvel and a quintessential San Francisco experience.

Engage with hundreds of interactive exhibits at the Exploratorium, a renowned science museum that sparks curiosity for all ages. Located on Pier 15, it offers hands-on learning experiences and stunning views of the bay.

"The Exploratorium in San Francisco has been around since 1969, the original home was at the Palace of Fine Arts but moved to its current location at Pier 15 and Pier 17 on San Francisco’s waterfront since 2013. This place is perfect for kids: 2 years old and over. Technically, it’s great for all ages. There are so many hands-on activities everywhere you go! You can definitely be here for 5+ hours! There are outside activities as well. As far as food and where to eat, as of January 2026, The Tinkering Table Restaurant has taken over the Seaglass Restaurant. There’s also a cafe located at the front that’s connected inside and outside of the museum. To get to the Exploratorium, I recommend taking public transportation when possible, there’s ferry and BART, it’s a good 15 minutes walk from the Ferry Building, you can also take the F Line Streetcar/ Muni and it will take you there to the front. Although there’s parking lots and street parking, it can add up and be expensive! I’ve been here at this location and at the Palace of Fine Arts location as a kid when I used to go for field trips! Now I go with my daughter, nieces and nephews! Would I go again?! Absolutely! Maybe one day I’ll try and go on Thursday’s for Exploratorium After Dark."— Nancy C.

Embark on a scenic coastal hike along the Lands End Trail, offering dramatic cliffside views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and the ruins of Sutro Baths. This trail provides a perfect blend of nature and stunning vistas.

"Beautiful coastal spot with amazing views of the ocean and cliffs. It’s a peaceful place to sit, relax, and take in the scenery. Great for photos and just getting away from the city noise for a bit. Definitely worth visiting if you like nature and ocean views."— Omar Torrentera

Admire the classical Roman architecture, beautiful rotunda, and serene lagoon of this iconic landmark. Great for family photos and a peaceful morning stroll.

"Honestly, I didn’t expect the Palace of Fine Arts to be this beautiful until I saw it in person. I was only in San Francisco for two days and dealing with rain, so I made a quick must-see list—and this ended up being one of my favorite stops. The scale alone is incredible. The architecture is massive, detailed, and makes you feel tiny in the best way. It’s very accessible too. My boyfriend at the time was on crutches, and the entire area is wheelchair- and disability-friendly. The layout is one large loop, easy to walk, and perfect for photos—especially if you love Instagram shots with dramatic backdrops. The lake adds so much charm with ducks, geese, turtles, and beautiful greenery all around. The history, the art, the nature—everything comes together perfectly. We stopped here before heading to the Golden Gate Bridge, and it’s an ideal pairing (Lombard Street → Palace of Fine Arts → Golden Gate). Rain or shine, this spot is absolutely worth it. Highly recommend—check the photos and you’ll see why."— Savanna J

Learn about Yosemite's geology, wildlife, and history through interactive exhibits. Families can participate in the Junior Ranger Program, offering an engaging way for children to connect with nature.

"Such an amazing experience! So beautiful with the snow. It wasn't super busy when we went. We arrived super late at night and lost GPS signal. So we were able to park at the Yosemite sign and sleep in the car until morning. They had bathrooms just through the entrance thank goodness. I dont think anyone wouldn't recommend Yosemite. It's amazing!!"— Amanda

Experience the grandeur of Yosemite Valley with stops at iconic Tunnel View and Valley View for sweeping panoramas of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Conclude with a visit to the majestic Bridalveil Fall, feeling its refreshing mist.

"We booked the Deluxe Room in advance via Expedia. It took us only a few minutes to get to the entry and it was a nice road to Yosemite Valley. The area is really big with different buidlings and many many rooms. We stayed at the weekend in October and it was still easy to find a parking lot close to the building that we stayed in. The property was always clean. The room was very big with a kitchen inside and we had a great view/riverside. Generally it was also quiet in the evening and morning. We havnt booked any breakfast here. You can do your own breakfast in the kitchen and there is also a Little supermarket at the reception (a bit more extensive than a regular supermarket). There was also a Pizza Store on the property which I cannot recommend (expensive and no good quality). I can recommend to go to Mariposa by car and have some dinner there. You have to ways to get to the Lodge. when you come from the West/ mariposa, you do not pass any entry. But if you take the Road comming from the north (super views) you already pass an entry gate before you get to the Lodge. Why only 4 Stars? - the Room was clean generally but the bathroom was old and very mildewed - Chairs would be a better choice than armchairs. They are worn out and we were not able to eat properly on the table - smart tv would be great"— Ja Lu

Marvel at the panoramic vistas of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra from this iconic viewpoint. Enjoy some time for photography and soaking in the grandeur.

"On Labor Day 2025, hiked from Glacier Point to Taft Point and bagged Sentinel Dome on the way back. Easy to find parking when we got to the trailhead at around 3:45pm. Total hike was around 9 miles with 2200 feet elevation gain, and took us a little less than 4 hours. We were able to get back in time to catch sunset at Glacier Point, and then drive out to Curry Village to stay the night there. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow throughout. Plenty of opportunities to peek into the valley and get lots of nice photos. Taft Point is a bit lower than the rest of the trail, so you have to ascend a bit to come back from it, but nothing strenuous. Sentinel Dome has vast open space on top, so even with large crowds, it's easy to spread out and move around. Great views of Half Dome from both Sentinel Dome and Glacier Point. We got to the Yosemite entrance just after 2pm, so didn't need a timed entry permit, although we had booked one just in case."— Vipul Singh

Embark on a moderate 2.2-mile round trip hike to the summit of Sentinel Dome. The trail offers fantastic views of El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and the high country, culminating in a 360-degree panorama from the granite dome.

"Had a trip to Yosemite national park in August 2025. The trail to Sentinel dome starts from the Yosemite village - Glacier point road. You have essential parking and rest room facilities at the starting point. Sentinel dome is a granite dome-like rock around 2500m high. You can have 360 degree view of Yosemite national park from the summit with iconic items like half dome, El capitan, north dome and many waterfalls (not in hot summer) ... You need a moderate trek of around one mile to reach the top."— Sunny M A

Engage with interactive exhibits to learn about Yosemite's natural history, geology, and diverse wildlife. Participate in the Junior Ranger Program, a family-friendly activity to earn a badge and deepen understanding of park conservation.

"Such an amazing experience! So beautiful with the snow. It wasn't super busy when we went. We arrived super late at night and lost GPS signal. So we were able to park at the Yosemite sign and sleep in the car until morning. They had bathrooms just through the entrance thank goodness. I dont think anyone wouldn't recommend Yosemite. It's amazing!!"— Amanda

Visit the iconic Griffith Observatory for breathtaking panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline, the Hollywood Sign, and celestial exhibits. Enjoy the night sky through its powerful telescopes (weather permitting).

"First of all, you can’t beat free! But more importantly, the narrators all seem to love their job. Very insightful and entertaining speakers. They seem very well educated and informed about what they’re speaking about. Everything was clean and well kept and easy to navigate. Parking was super simple as well, but we did go at 12 o’clock in the afternoon. Make sure to check when the sunsets and arrive one hour early if you want to look through the telescopes. The experience was beautiful nonetheless with nice views of LA."— T G

Stroll along the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, spotting stars dedicated to your favorite celebrities and soaking in the legendary entertainment atmosphere.

"It is nice street with lots of Hollywood souvenirs and clothing. If you are lucky might spot a celebrity or some red carpet event. Over all a nice place to spend evening. If going with children take a stroller. Wear comfortable shoes as involves lot of walking."— tarun sethi

Immerse yourselves in the magic of movies with thrilling rides, shows, and attractions based on popular films and TV shows, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.

"If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable theme park experience, Universal Studios Hollywood absolutely delivers. I’m not usually a huge theme park person, but I would go back here in a heartbeat — and I’m already looking forward to checking out the Universal Orlando location! One major tip: pay for the early access pass to Super Nintendo World. It allowed us to enter the park an hour early (8am instead of 9am), and nothing else in the park is open yet besides this area. We were able to ride Mario Kart Challenge twice and explore the world and gift shop before the main crowds arrived. Once the park officially opens, people swarm the Super Nintendo World area, so this early access is a game-changer. The level of detail and immersive design in Super Nintendo World was absolutely breathtaking — every little element was thoughtfully executed. The park overall was incredibly clean, and the staff were outstanding. I even needed to visit the medical center due to an injury the day prior, and they took amazing care of me, allowing me to enjoy the park despite my situation. I seriously cannot thank them enough. Without them, my experience wouldn't have been the same. The rides were so much fun! My personal favorite was Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey, which combined visual effects with practical animatronics for an immersive experience. The Mummy ride was way faster than we expected, and the Jurassic World water ride had a drop so steep that my husband got completely soaked — I was grateful for my poncho and had to brace myself for the drop. The Secret Life of Pets ride was fun, though the experience in the line area could have been executed better. Meet-and-greet experiences are short (about 15 minutes), so be sure to get in line early if that’s a priority. Food highlights included the Lard Lad Donuts — the pink donut was sweet, fresh, and delicious. My husband loved the Jurrasic Water drink. It came in a souvenir cup and the drinks was strong. Well worth the price. The studio tour was enjoyable, though I wouldn’t recommend it on a holiday; it was very quiet, and we would have loved to see more activity and action in the studios. Overall, Universal Studios Hollywood was an incredible experience from start to finish. From immersive worlds and thrilling rides to excellent staff and attention to detail, this park is worth every bit of planning and early-morning effort!"— Brittaney McCarthy

Continue exploring the park, catching any shows or rides you missed in the morning, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

"If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable theme park experience, Universal Studios Hollywood absolutely delivers. I’m not usually a huge theme park person, but I would go back here in a heartbeat — and I’m already looking forward to checking out the Universal Orlando location! One major tip: pay for the early access pass to Super Nintendo World. It allowed us to enter the park an hour early (8am instead of 9am), and nothing else in the park is open yet besides this area. We were able to ride Mario Kart Challenge twice and explore the world and gift shop before the main crowds arrived. Once the park officially opens, people swarm the Super Nintendo World area, so this early access is a game-changer. The level of detail and immersive design in Super Nintendo World was absolutely breathtaking — every little element was thoughtfully executed. The park overall was incredibly clean, and the staff were outstanding. I even needed to visit the medical center due to an injury the day prior, and they took amazing care of me, allowing me to enjoy the park despite my situation. I seriously cannot thank them enough. Without them, my experience wouldn't have been the same. The rides were so much fun! My personal favorite was Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey, which combined visual effects with practical animatronics for an immersive experience. The Mummy ride was way faster than we expected, and the Jurassic World water ride had a drop so steep that my husband got completely soaked — I was grateful for my poncho and had to brace myself for the drop. The Secret Life of Pets ride was fun, though the experience in the line area could have been executed better. Meet-and-greet experiences are short (about 15 minutes), so be sure to get in line early if that’s a priority. Food highlights included the Lard Lad Donuts — the pink donut was sweet, fresh, and delicious. My husband loved the Jurrasic Water drink. It came in a souvenir cup and the drinks was strong. Well worth the price. The studio tour was enjoyable, though I wouldn’t recommend it on a holiday; it was very quiet, and we would have loved to see more activity and action in the studios. Overall, Universal Studios Hollywood was an incredible experience from start to finish. From immersive worlds and thrilling rides to excellent staff and attention to detail, this park is worth every bit of planning and early-morning effort!"— Brittaney McCarthy

Enjoy the iconic Ferris wheel, amusement park rides, and arcade games right on the ocean, with stunning views of the Pacific coastline. This spot offers classic family fun and a quintessential California beach experience.

"I visited Santa Monica Pier for the first time, even though I’ve seen it countless times in movies, shows, and animation. Experiencing it in person was so much better than I expected. The colorful lights from Pacific Park, the ocean breeze, and the lively boardwalk atmosphere made the whole place feel amazing. There are lots of food spots, shops, and photo spots, and everything feels very lively at night. I can definitely see why this pier is so famous — it’s a great place to walk around, relax, and enjoy the view. I’d absolutely come back again."— SAMUEL OKOLE

Explore a vast collection of classic, custom, and futuristic vehicles, showcasing automotive history and design. This modern and interactive museum offers a fascinating experience for all ages.

"The only negative thing here is that the website says they have electric vehicle charging but they do not. Due to museum patrons arguing over the chargers or using them as a parking stall, the chargers are not online anymore. Other than that, I had a wonderful experience there. I did sign up for the family membership and entered The Vault. When you go, you definitely want to go to the Vault first because the car collection is extensive in there. Definitely you'll need to spend at least 2 hours on that level. The rest of the levels can probably be seen in another one and a half to 2 hours depending on how fast you walk through it and how many questions you ask to their very very helpful and educated staff. As I said, I signed up for the family membership so I will be going back to make it worthwhile. Of course, because these are classic and exotic cars (and bicycles/motorcycles) they cannot be touched or walked around, in most cases, but there is a room where there are some cool things to touch such as a fuzzy Fiat and artwork you can get inside of. That's probably the best for kids I did see another area for little children but I did not go into it this time. It's funny to think that a car from the 1990's is considered a classic now but... such is life. Cool place to see the progression of time through automobiles."— Jazz A

Explore diverse animal habitats and conservation efforts at this family-friendly zoo located within Griffith Park. A great experience for all ages to connect with wildlife.

"What a fun zoo!!! We especially loved the chimpanzee and rhino habitats! It was adorable seeing all of the newborn primates. This zoo is great for a day trip/ couple hour adventure. It's very walkable and is easy to navigate. They also have plenty of snack/food options within the zoo, but they allow you to bring your own things as well. Perfect for a family trip!"— Sophia

Step back in time on Olvera Street, Los Angeles's birthplace, a vibrant Mexican marketplace with historic buildings, colorful stalls, and traditional food. Perfect for a cultural stroll.

"I came on a Monday morning so it was pretty empty. I used to come as a little girl and it looks just the same. If you are not local, it's a place you need to come. Little shops selling different souvenirs from Mexico along with small restaurants that have the "hole in the wall" look but with Aaamazing food! There is parking across the Placita but you pay for it. If not you could prob find street parking but in the weekend I could see that being an issue. I saw a mixture of cash only places and others that offer zelle, cashapp or regular card payment. Hope you enjoy!"— Jesi Boresoff

Discover a historic public market offering a diverse array of food vendors, from gourmet tacos to artisanal coffee, in a lively setting. Perfect for sampling local flavors and grabbing a snack.

"Absolutely loved the experience. Love the many different cultures of food and there was nothing that wasn't excellent. The dumplings were phenomenal. The service was excellent and the people were very friendly, both from the service side and even a customers were all very polite and courteous. The atmosphere is just phenomenal. We will be back."— Duane Gray

Discover fascinating exhibits ranging from dinosaur fossils to California's ecosystems, offering engaging experiences for all ages.

"I have been coming to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles since I was a little kid. I have gone here with school, church, and family over the years. So being back home for the week, I was adamant about taking my Boyfriend here as he loves museums as much or more than I do. My favorite thing has always been the animal rooms with various taxidermy species from all over the world. Some things have changed over time, but there are so many things that still look the same as when I was a child. The entrance has moved to a different location than it used to be and there have been some updates over the years but it is still amazing every time I am there. We visited while they had the "Unearthed: Raw Beauty" exhibit as well as the "Fierce! The Story of Cats" exhibit. Unearthed, is one of the most incredible exhibits I have ever seen here. It was amazing, breath taking and so beautiful. We unfortunately didn't make it through every last room as we were exhausted from our previous few days of activity. This was an amazing experience and it definitely wont be my last visit here."— Lizzy Carter

Explore California's largest new and used bookstore, renowned for its labyrinthine layout, creative art installations made from books, and unique atmosphere.

"The Last Bookstore is so cool! Unassuming from the outside but you walk into a wonderland of books. Different sections and levels with cool decor and structures. The aesthetics of each area is unique and fits the genre that it holds. I loved the tunnels made of books and there is a "hole in the wall" shaped out of books as well. Highly recommend stopping in if you are in the area just to check it out even if you are not looking for a particular book to purchase. Now for my standard comments. The location is clean and well kept."— Christine L

Travel to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for your flight home. Please allow ample time for transit, check-in, and security procedures.

"We had a short layover at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and were pleasantly surprised by how smooth and comfortable the experience was. Even with limited time between flights, everything felt organized and easy to navigate. Our connection was straightforward, with clear signage and helpful staff making it simple to move between terminals. For such a large and busy airport, the flow was better than expected, and we never felt rushed or stressed. LAX offers plenty of places to sit, relax, and recharge. Whether you want to grab a quick snack, stretch your legs, or just take a breather before the next flight, there are convenient options throughout the terminals. Even during a short layover, we found several good spots for food and drinks. The variety is great, and it’s easy to pick up something quick without wandering far from your gate. Our brief time at LAX was genuinely positive. Clean spaces, helpful staff, and an easy connection made the layover smooth and enjoyable. For a major international airport, it delivered exactly what we needed."— Lonnie Perry