Things for Teens to Do in San Francisco, California

Traveling with teens is often challenging, as there are usually not many attraction options for them to enjoy. Teens and their families traveling to San Francisco will find that is not the case in the seaside city, as there are many famous sights and destinations from which to choose.

  1. Alcatraz Island

    • Alcatraz Island is home to the famous Alcatraz penitentiary, where inmates such as Al Capone served time. Teens will enjoy hearing about the infamous prisoners and seeing the jail cells at the national park. Alcatraz Cruises, a National Parks Service-approved company, offers visitors several tours of the island, which last a minimum of two and a half hours and include audio narration for individual touring. The early bird and day tours are offered daily, while the night tour is offered Thursday though Monday and the tour of both Alcatraz and Angel Islands is provided seasonally.

      Alcatraz Cruises LLC

      Pier 33, Hornblower Alcatraz Landing

      San Francisco, CA 94111

      415-981-ROCK (7625)

      alcatrazcruises.com

    Golden Gate Bridge

    • A San Francisco icon, the Golden Gate Bridge is an attraction teens surely will recognize. Active individuals are able to walk or bicycle the 1.7-mile-long bridge. The southeast side provides scenic views, a gift shop and cafe. Parking is available at both the southeast and northeast sides of the bridge, though there are no amenities on the northeast side.

      Golden Gate Bridge

      U.S. Highway 101

      San Francisco, CA 94129

      415-455-2000

      goldengatebridge.org

    Lombard Street

    • Lombard Street is famous for being the "crookedest street in the world," according to Frommers.com. The residential street's steep angle resulted in a road that curves back and forth to make it accessible by car. Older, licensed, teens will enjoy practicing their driving skills while winding down the street. Parking is available at the bottom, and teens and their families are able to climb the stairs available on either side to watch other drivers, enjoy the view and take photos at the famous spot.

      Lombard Street

      Between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets

      San Francisco, CA 94109

    Pier 39

    • Pier 39 is home to many tourist attractions including Grey Line bus tours, boat tours, the Aquarium of the Bay and a mirror maze, but the main attraction are the sea lions. Since 1990, herds of sea lions have been visiting the pier's docks. On the weekends, the Marine Mammal Center provides volunteers at the pier's K-Dock, who lead discussions and answer questions about the creatures. The Marine Mammal Center also provides an informative Interpretive Center on the pier's second level.

      Pier 39

      P.O. Box 193730

      San Francisco, CA 94119

      415-705-5500

      pier39.com

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