San Francisco Waterfront with Kids, San Francisco, California

There's a fantastic variety of things to see and do along San Francisco's waterfront, and great public transportation to get you between activities. Picking and choosing the best activities for your family might be the most difficult part of the day!

Ferry Building Marketplace

Address Ferry Bldg, San Francisco, CA Map, Tel (415) 693-0996 Call, Hours M-F 10-6; Sat 9-6; Sun 11-5 Website

The ferry building marketplace is the center of a transit hub that connects all of San Francisco's neighborhoods and the surrounding bay communities. It was completely renovated and reopened in 2003 as a marketplace for specialty food producers, restaurants. cafes, and food-related shopping. more

Mastrelli's Delicatessen

Address Ferry Bldg, San Francisco, CA Map, Tel (415) 397-3354 Call, Hours Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 8:30am-6pm; Sun Closed Website

This excellent deli is a perfect place to pick up sandwiches and drinks for a picnic or to take with you on a ferry ride. Ingredients are of excellent quality, and everything is super fresh. There is also a limited selection of side dishes, chips, and other accompaniments. more

Yank Sing Dim Sum

Address 101 Spear Street, San Francisco Map, Tel 415.781.1111 Call, Hours Mon-Fri 11am-3pm; Sat, Sun, Hol 10am-4pm Website

For the best dim sum in the city, head to Yank Sing. Everything is super fresh and delicious, and your kids will enjoy the opportunity to order by pointing. For fussy eaters, order some noodles, fresh fruit and one of the excellent custard pastry. Adults should make sure to get some of the excellent soup dumplings and the duck. more

Street Car - F line

Address 77 Steuart Street, San Francisco CA 94105 Map, Tel (415) 974-1948 Call, Cost Adult $1.50; Ages 5-17 50¢; Under 5 Free, Museum Wed-Sun 10:00am to 6:00pm Website

While everyone knows about San Francisco's hill-climbing Cable Cars, most are not as familiar with its historic streetcar system. The electric rail vehicles serve Market street and the waterfront… a perfect route for tourists. Cars were taken from historic streetcar lines around the world, refurbished, and put into use here. more

Pier 39

Address pier 39, san francisco Map, Hours Change seasonally, check website for details, Cost Free to visit, activities are at extra charge, Streetcar F line, Discounts Show your AAA card at the welcome center for a coupon book Website

Pier 39 is super touristy, but it's also super fun for kids. There are live shows, a carousel, a bungee trampoline (kids must weigh at least 30lbs), shopping, and a small aquarium. If the weather is good, you can also take a ferry tour or rent a kayak. The highlight, however, is the sea lion population, which swells to 900 during winter months and is almost all elsewhere during the summer. more

Shanghai 1930

Address 133 Steuart St, San Francisco, CA 94105 Map, Tel (415) 896-5600 Call, Website

Shanghai 1930 is an elegant Chinese restaurant serving upscale Chinese food near the Ferry Market Building. We highly recommend "fish on a vine" and the claypot chicken. For picky eaters, the Chow Mein noodles can be prepared with chicken or vegetarian. High-chairs are available and the restaurant accommodates children with style. more