Family-Friendly San Francisco and San Jose Itinerary

Friday, December 15: Arrival in San Francisco

Morning: Start your trip by exploring the iconic Golden Gate Park. Visit the California Academy of Sciences, a natural history museum, and Steinhart Aquarium. Afternoon: Head to Fisherman's Wharf and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring Pier 39, where you can see sea lions and visit the Aquarium of the Bay. Evening: Take a leisurely stroll along the Embarcadero and enjoy the beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay.

• Golden Gate Park: Free, 3-4 hours
• California Academy of Sciences: $39.95 per adult, $34.95 per child, 2-3 hours
• Fisherman's Wharf: Free, 2-3 hours
• Pier 39: Free, 2-3 hours
• Aquarium of the Bay: $27.95 per adult, $17.95 per child, 1-2 hours
• Embarcadero: Free, 1-2 hours

Saturday, December 16: San Francisco Sightseeing

Morning: Visit Alcatraz Island, the infamous former prison. Take a ferry to the island and enjoy the audio tour. Afternoon: Explore Chinatown and experience the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine. Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory for a fun and tasty experience. Evening: Enjoy a cable car ride and admire the city's beautiful skyline.

• Alcatraz Island: $41.90 per adult, $27.65 per child, 3-4 hours
• Chinatown: Free, 2-3 hours
• Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory: Free, 1 hour
• Cable Car Ride: $8 one-way, $14 round-trip, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, check out Mama's on Washington Square. This cozy cafe serves up delicious homemade breakfast classics like fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
• If you're looking for a tasty lunch spot, head over to Golden Boy Pizza in North Beach. This neighborhood favorite serves delicious square slices of pizza with a variety of toppings. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
• For dinner, indulge in fine dining at Gary Danko. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a prix fixe menu with a range of delectable dishes and impeccable service. Average cost for a meal is about $100 per person.

Sunday, December 17: Exploring San Francisco Museums

Morning: Visit the Exploratorium, a hands-on science museum that offers interactive exhibits for all ages. Afternoon: Discover the Musee Mecanique, an antique penny arcade with vintage games and machines. Evening: Enjoy a scenic sunset view from Twin Peaks, offering panoramic views of San Francisco.

• Exploratorium: $32 per adult, $24 per child, 3-4 hours
• Musee Mecanique: Free admission, cost for games and machines, 1-2 hours
• Twin Peaks: Free, 1-2 hours

Monday, December 18: San Francisco to San Jose

Morning: Check out of your San Francisco hotel and drive south to San Jose. Afternoon: Visit the Tech Museum of Innovation, a hands-on science and technology museum. Explore the interactive exhibits and enjoy the IMAX theater. Evening: Take a walk in Downtown San Jose and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

• Tech Museum of Innovation: $24 per adult, $19 per child, 3-4 hours
• Downtown San Jose: Free, 2-3 hours

Tuesday, December 19: Family Fun Day in San Jose

Morning: Visit the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. Let your kids explore the interactive exhibits and participate in educational activities. Afternoon: Head to the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, a family-friendly amusement park and zoo. Enjoy rides, see animals, and have a picnic. Evening: Take a relaxing stroll in San Pedro Square and grab dinner at one of the many restaurants.

• Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose: $15 per person, 3-4 hours
• Happy Hollow Park & Zoo: $16 per person, 2-3 hours
• San Pedro Square: Free, 1-2 hours

Wednesday, December 20: Silicon Valley Exploration

Morning: Visit the Computer History Museum, which showcases the history and evolution of computing technology. Afternoon: Explore the Winchester Mystery House, an eccentric mansion with architectural oddities. Evening: Relax in Santana Row, a vibrant shopping and dining district, and enjoy some leisure time.

• Computer History Museum: $15 per adult, $10 per child, 3-4 hours
• Winchester Mystery House: $39.95 per adult, $36.95 per child, 2-3 hours
• Santana Row: Free, time spent varies

Thursday, December 21: Departure from San Francisco

Morning: Check out of your San Jose hotel and drive back to San Francisco. Afternoon: Explore the famous Lombard Street, known as the "Crookedest Street in the World." Take a drive down the zigzag road and enjoy the scenic views. Evening: Visit the Ghirardelli Square and indulge in delicious chocolates.

• Lombard Street: Free, 1-2 hours
• Ghirardelli Square: Free, time spent varies

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you're looking for off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. It houses a stunning collection of rare and exotic flowers. Another local favorite is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, located near San Jose. It offers thrilling rides, games, and beautiful beach views.

Hotel and Flight Deals

Click here to find the best hotel and flight prices for your San Francisco and San Jose trip.