Tips for Visiting San Francisco with Kids

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Transportation

Walking

It’s possible to explore much of the city on foot, as long as you’re prepared to climb some hills. You’ll blend right in pushing a stroller along the sidewalk or wearing your baby in a carrier. If you’re planning to eat in one of the many quaint (read: tiny) restaurants in the city, be prepared to fold up your stroller, so it can be tucked out of the way. Side-by-side double strollers may be a bit trickier to navigate down narrow or crowded sidewalks and in tiny stores but not impossible.

BART

These underground trains run through the north-east section of the city and then out to the East Bay and down the Peninsula. If you’re staying in the Union Square or Financial District area this will be an easy option for day trips to Oakland and Berkeley or to explore SF neighborhoods like the Mission. During morning rush hour and evening commutes, the trains will be busiest. Strollers are allowed on BART, but the elevators to the train platforms are often out of service, leaving you to carry the stroller down the stairs. If you can avoid taking the stroller onboard, I would. You can purchase tickets for your trip right in the station. The price will be based on the distance you’re traveling.

MUNI

The MUNI buses and trains traverse the entire city. Google maps makes it easy to figure out which ones you need to take – plug in your desired destination, click the little icon of the bus, and it’ll tell you what bus to take, where to pick it up and get off, and where you’ll need to walk to arrive at your final destination. Strollers are allowed on MUNI, but the buses and trains can get very crowded during rush hour and some bus lines seem to be crowded all day long making it much harder to bring strollers onboard. If you do need to carry one, have it folded before the bus arrives so you can board quickly. Pay with exact change onboard or consider purchasing a visitor passport.

Cable Cars & Street Cars 

What’s a visit to San Francisco without riding on a famous cable car? These iconic trolleys are part of the MUNI system so your bus passes will work or you can pay cash onboard. The lines to board at the Powell Street turnabout can get very long in peak visiting seasons. It’s sometimes easier to jump on at a stop along the street, and this actually increases your chances of getting to ride standing along the side of the car. Check the routes for stops, which will be marked with street signs. Strollers are allowed on cable cars, but they must be folded up before boarding. I’d avoid taking them on since the cars can get very crowded.

Hop On and Off Bus Tours

I’ve never taken one of these in San Francisco but have tried them out in other cities. They’re an easy way to get a feel for the layout of the area. Hop off at the sites you want to see and then get back on the next bus that comes by when you’re ready to leave. Alternatively, you can sit and enjoy the ride, listening to the guided tour. Dress warmly if you plan to ride on the top, open-air deck.

Uber/ Lyft/ Taxi: 

As I mentioned before, these are easy options if you don’t need car seats, have your own, or are using these amazingly transportable car seat vests.

Car Rentals:

There are several car rental locations centrally located in San Francisco, making it easy to rent a car for the day to explore the greater Bay Area.

Bike Rentals:

Bike around San Francisco or across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito to maximize the sites you can see in one day while still getting your exercise and being up close and personal with all the city has to offer. Electric bikes and group tours are also available.