by Rob Whitley

Created on: July 01, 2008   Last Updated: December 04, 2008

Travel Tips Family Fun in San Francisco

Next time you find yourself in San Francisco, try out these lesser known tourist activities:

1) Discover how the world works at the Exploratorium. In this "hands on" museum learn how to grow marshmallows, make your own telescope and take a walk through total darkness in the Tactile Zone. There are hundreds of art, science and what the Exploratorium calls "human perception exhibits". Admission is $14.00 for adults age 18 - 64, children age 4 17, people with disabilities, students over 18 with ID, adults 65 and older are $11.00, children 3 and under are free. Admission is free the first Wednesday of the month. There is no charge for parking. The Exploratorium is located in the Palace of Fine Arts at Bay and Lyon near the Golden Gate Bridge. For more information contact the Exploratorium at (415) EXP-LORE or visit their website at www.exploratorium.edu.

2) Take a scenic drive 49 mile drive through the streets of San Francisco. This drive is a fantastic way to see the high points of "The City" in less than 2 hours. Look for the blue and white seagull signs as you loop through the Embarcadero, Presidio National Park, historic Chinatown and on to the Pacific Ocean via the Great Highway. For a map of the loop, visit the San Francisco Convention and Visitor's Bureau's website at http://www.sfvisitor.org/maps/html/49MileMap.html.

3) Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. Pick up your bike at Blazing Saddles Bike Rental at one of their five convenient locations then ride along the waterfront through Marina Green, Crissy Field and Presidio National Park then cross the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. Return by ferry or peddle your way back over The Golden Gate to your starting point. Guided tours are available. Bike rentals rates are $7.00/hour or $28.00 for 24 hours. Tandem bikes are available for $11.00/hour or $48.00 for 24 hours. Children's bikes and trailers are also available. Reservations are not required. For more information call (415) 202-8888 or visit their website at www.blazingsaddles.com.

4) Visit the San Francisco Zoo. See 250 species of animals at Northern California's largest Zoo. There you will find giant ant-eaters, lions, tigers kangaroos to name a few. There are fun activities for children age 3 and above. Activities include a petting zoo, family farm and the Little Puffer Steam Train. General admission is $11.00 for adults, $8.00 for ages 12-17, $5.00 for ages 5-11. There is no admission charge for children age 2 and younger. Admission in free the first Wednesday of the month. The San Francisco Zoo is open every day of the year from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. For more information call (415) 753-7080 or visit their website at www.sfzoo.org. 1 Zoo Road, San Francisco.

5) Take a Ferry Cruise on the San Francisco Bay with the Blue and Gold Fleet. Get panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline on a one-hour cruise. Originating from Pier 39, you will cruise the waterfront past barking sea lions, venture out to the center of the Bay for a close-up view of Alcatraz Island and pass under the Golden Gate Bridge as you listen to narrated highlights, facts and figures about the San Francisco Bay area. Ferries depart every 45 minutes to an hour depending upon demand and weather. Rates for adults are $23.00, $19.00 for ages 12-18 and seniors 62 and over and $10.00 for ages 5-11. Children ages 4 and under ride at no charge. Purchase tickets online and receive a $3.00 per person discount. Reservations are suggested. For more information call (415) 773-1188 or visit their website at www.blueandgoldfleet.com.

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