Just a 2 hour drive away from Sacramento, San Francisco is a wonderful place to take a fun day trip with the family. Last summer, we decided to take the kids. Planning a trip with 4 kiddos and trying to find something for everyone can be challenging, but we did it! We found something for everyone to enjoy on this trip and here I’d like to share with you 5 places to go in San Francisco that are both budget and family-friendly.

1. The Golden Gate Bridge

Both budget and family-friendly, it’s a must-see in San Francisco! We enjoyed walking around and taking pictures of the ocean, the bridge itself, and the San Francisco skyline. 

Depending on your budget, you can choose to walk or bike across the 1.7-mile bridge for free, take a ride on a ferry, or drive across for a few dollars. We drove across and then parked and walked. The kids love just walking and running in the fresh air. We also took some super fun and scenic pictures with the bridge and ocean behind us. 

2. Japan town

One of only three left in the United States, San Francisco’s Japan town is a unique locale with attractions for all ages and budgets.

Sushi, manga, anime, and Japanese fashion can all be found here, with an authentic taste for the culture. Fun for everyone, Japan town is a venue you don’t want to miss. This is where we ate lunch and let the kids burn some energy while the parents rested. The highlight of our visit to Japan town was the dragon breath treat. Basically, it’s cereal that has been dipped in liquid nitrogen. If I’m being honest it isn’t the yummiest treat, but it was super cool to be able to have “dragon breath” after taking a bite.

3. Lombard Street

Commonly known as “the most crooked street in the world”, because of its eight hairpin turns on a sharp natural grade. I have to admit it’s much more scary to take the family on this adventure as an adult than it was as a kid. You worry about things like “Are my breaks in good condition?” rather than putting your hands up as if you were on a roller coaster. 

Lombard Street offers a picturesque view of San Francisco from the top. You can cruise through the turns if your children are very young or burn off some energy by walking and enjoying the view!

4. Pier 39

This is a great place that you could spend at least half a day on! And by Pier 39, I mean all the surrounding piers. At Pier 39 check out the sea lions. They don’t do much beside lie there. But it’s super fun to watch them and it was one activity that all my kids enjoyed. Also at Pier 39 is some pretty amazing shopping and treats. If you love sourdough bread, do not miss out on the Boudin Bakery and Cafe. If you love good entertainment, the street performers are not to be missed. They have everything from comedians, to magicians and jugglers. 

Over at Pier 45, you have to check out the Musee Mecanique. Here you’ll find a fun collection of old arcade games. Don’t forget to sign the guestbook and bring some change to try some of the games! After you play, be sure to head over to Fisherman’s Wharf for some yummy clam chowder. I’m not the biggest fan of clam chowder, but I do admit it was pretty yummy over here. And the best part, my kids LOVED it. Even the pickiest eaters! Just be careful of the seagulls. They are night shy and will literally grab food out of your hand. I lost a lot of my calamari that way. 

5. Ghirardelli Square

You cannot end your trip to San Francisco without visiting this gem. My kids love going into the gift shop and looking at all the chocolates. Their favorite part is the piece of (FREE) candy they get when they first enter the store. 

You can also sit down and order some yummy food. We ordered sundaes and hot chocolates. They also have lots of shopping, but my kids only care about the fun fountains. 

I hope you found this guide useful. I would love to hear which places and attractions you love best! What are your favorite mini vacays and weekend getaways?

-Janice