Trip in July with 2 teenage boys

Question

I have no idea where to even start. We are looking for fun things to do in San Francisco. I don’t know how long things take. We were looking to go to a Giants game one day, Alcatraz, fisherman‘s wharf, Chinatown. What else is there to do? I haven’t really done a ton of research. We were just looking for a new place to go explore and see with our boys and we love baseball so it was a new ballpark and figured there would be lots of other cool things to do. We also considered renting a car and driving to Lake Tahoe for one night. What all is there to do?

Answer

San Francisco is a fantastic city for teenagers, especially if they enjoy baseball and a mix of outdoor and urban adventures. With two teens, you’ll want to balance sightseeing with activities that keep them engaged and moving. Here’s a detailed guide for a trip in July.

Base Activities:

Giants Game at Oracle Park: A must for baseball fans. Arrive early to explore the ballpark, grab a snack, and enjoy views of the Bay.
Alcatraz Island: Book tickets in advance, as tours sell out in July. Plan for 2–3 hours including the ferry rides and audio tour.
Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39: Classic SF attractions with sea lions, souvenir shops, and casual dining. Teens often enjoy the street performers and arcade-style attractions.
Chinatown: Great for walking, exploring shops, and trying snacks like dim sum or bubble tea. Allow 1–2 hours for a casual walk-through.

Other Fun Things to Do:

Exploratorium: Hands-on science museum that is interactive and fun for teens. Plan 2–3 hours.
Golden Gate Bridge: Walk or bike across for iconic views. Renting bikes can add some excitement, especially for teens who like active experiences.
Mission District & Murals: Take a short walk to see colorful murals and street art, plus grab tacos or ice cream from local spots.
Lombard Street: Quick stop to see the “crookedest street” in the world. Fun for photos.
Coit Tower: Great views of the city, and teens often enjoy climbing or taking the elevator to the top.
Ghirardelli Square: For chocolate treats and souvenir shopping.
Crissy Field or Marina Green: Beach and park areas with space to run, fly kites, or enjoy Bay views.

Optional Day Trip:

Lake Tahoe: If you rent a car, a one-night trip is possible, but it’s a long drive (roughly 3.5–4 hours each way). You could focus on Emerald Bay State Park, hiking, or renting kayaks. Keep in mind traffic and check July conditions.
Alternatively, consider Muir Woods for redwood walks or Sausalito for a quaint, scenic town just across the Golden Gate Bridge—much shorter drive from SF.

Tips:

Public transport in SF is good, so you can do a lot without a car unless you plan on Lake Tahoe.
Layered clothing is key—July can be cool and windy near the water.
Booking tickets in advance for Alcatraz and Giants games is recommended.
Mix active experiences (biking, walking bridges, redwoods) with more relaxed stops (food, souvenir shopping) to keep teens engaged.

With this plan, you can easily fill 2–3 full days in San Francisco with a mix of sightseeing, activities, and baseball, while keeping teenagers interested and engaged. If time allows, the Lake Tahoe trip is a fun addition, but plan carefully to avoid feeling rushed.

Trip in July with 2 teenage boys

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