Suggestions for short SF stay

Question

Hi, all! We’re a family of 4 (mom, dad, 2 kids-12 & 9) visiting SF later this month for 2 nights/1.5 days on a longer CA trip.

We’re staying in Union Square area and would like to see/experience the following:

Lombard Street

Golden Gate Bridge

Ghirardelli Square

Fisherman’s Wharf/Pier 39

Riding a streetcar

49ers Stadium (just to see/take a pic for my son)

I’d love some suggestions on itinerary, food ideas (moderately priced), and anything else we may need to see (especially historic things). We’ll have a car but would like to leave it parked for the duration of our time there.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer

For a short San Francisco stay with kids, focusing on iconic sights and easy logistics is key. Since you’ll be staying near Union Square, you can park your car and use public transport or short rides for most sightseeing. Here’s a suggested itinerary and tips for food and historic sites.

Day 1 (Arrival/Morning-Afternoon)

Union Square: Start your day exploring the area. Plenty of shops and cafes nearby for breakfast or a quick snack.
Cable Car Ride: From Union Square, catch a cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf. Kids will love the experience, and it avoids driving in crowded areas.
Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39: Explore sea lions, street performers, and shops. Grab a casual lunch here—clam chowder in a bread bowl is a classic choice.
Ghirardelli Square: Walk or take a short ride from Pier 39. Perfect spot for chocolate treats and photo ops.

Day 1 (Late Afternoon/Evening)

Lombard Street: Head here for iconic photos. Consider walking or driving down if traffic is light.
Optional Historic Stop: Coit Tower nearby offers murals and city views, which adds a bit of history without a big time commitment.

Day 2 (Morning)

Golden Gate Bridge: Go early to avoid crowds. You can drive to viewpoints, walk a portion of the bridge, or visit the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center.
Optional Short Walk: Crissy Field or Fort Point offer great views and space for kids to stretch.
49ers Stadium (Levi’s Stadium): Since it’s outside the city in Santa Clara, plan this as a brief drive if your son wants a quick photo. Otherwise, focus on city sights to save travel time.

Food Suggestions (Moderately Priced)

Boudin Bakery at Fisherman’s Wharf – casual sandwiches and sourdough soup bowls.
The Codmother Fish & Chips – tasty, kid-friendly, casual.
Super Duper Burgers near Union Square – quick and good for breakfast or lunch.
Ghirardelli Square – for chocolate treats and ice cream.

Tips

Park your car near Union Square in a garage for the duration of your stay; you can walk or take public transit to most spots.
Wear comfortable walking shoes; SF streets are hilly.
Layered clothing is recommended—San Francisco mornings can be foggy and chilly, afternoons warmer.
Keep a flexible schedule; with kids, short stops and fun detours make the experience more enjoyable.

This itinerary covers your requested sites efficiently, balances iconic sightseeing with kid-friendly activities, and minimizes driving around the city.