Business trip

Question

Hi everyone,

I have a work trip coming up, and my husband and our almost 3-year-old will be joining me. We’re arriving in San Francisco around 10:30 AM on Monday, and our flight back is Friday at 9:00 PM. I’ll be working Tuesday through Thursday, so we’ll have Monday and Friday wide open to explore — and evenings after 5 PM on the workdays.

We’ll be staying near Oracle Park, and since it’s our first time in SF, we’d love to see some of the classic tourist spots like Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Lombard Street, Chinatown, and maybe the Presidio and Palace of Fine Arts too.

Here’s the rough plan I have so far:

• Monday: Thinking we might take the Mission Street train to Chinatown-Rose Park station and then explore on foot — Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Lombard Street, and whatever else we can fit in.

• Evenings (Tues–Thurs): We’ll probably just walk along the San Francisco Bay Trail toward the Ferry Building to keep things simple.

• Friday: Hoping to visit the Presidio and Palace of Fine Arts, though I still need to figure out the best way to get there from our hotel.

If anyone has recommendations on how to make this plan better — or if there’s anything we’ve missed that’s family-friendly or a must-see — I’d really appreciate it! I’m also wondering if this plan seems realistic or too ambitious, especially with a toddler in tow. We’re planning to walk a fair bit but are also mindful of safety and energy levels. My general understanding is that SF is like most big cities — mostly fine as long as you stay aware and avoid certain areas.

Thanks so much in advance for any tips or advice!

Answer

Your San Francisco itinerary is a solid start, especially with a toddler in tow. San Francisco is very walkable in many areas, but keep in mind that the city is hilly, which can be tiring for little ones and adults alike. Since you’re staying near Oracle Park, you have a convenient starting point for exploring both the Embarcadero and South Beach areas.

Monday – Arrival Day:

Taking public transit to Chinatown and then exploring the nearby areas on foot is reasonable. However, trying to hit Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Lombard Street all in one day could be a bit ambitious with a toddler. Consider focusing on just a few key spots to avoid feeling rushed.

Start with Chinatown – walking around and grabbing a snack or early lunch.
Walk or take a short ride to North Beach, which is nearby, for a change of scenery and maybe coffee or gelato.
End at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 for some bay views, sea lions, and toddler-friendly attractions.
If energy allows, take a quick detour past Lombard Street to see the famous crooked section from the bottom.

Evenings (Tuesday–Thursday):

Walking along the Embarcadero toward the Ferry Building is perfect for a relaxed evening. You could grab an early dinner or snack at the Ferry Building Marketplace, which has lots of options suitable for families.

Consider catching the sunset by the Bay Bridge or near Pier 14 – beautiful views without needing to go far.
If you want a bit more activity, explore the Exploratorium’s outdoor exhibits near Pier 15 – they’re fun for toddlers and adults alike.

Friday – Departure Day:

Visiting the Presidio and Palace of Fine Arts is doable, but you’ll need transportation since it’s a bit far from Oracle Park for walking, especially with a toddler. Consider a rideshare, Muni bus, or rental bike for adults if you’re comfortable.

Presidio: Walkable trails, Crissy Field beach, and toddler-friendly open spaces.
Palace of Fine Arts: Short walk around the lagoon and beautiful photo opportunities; toddler can enjoy open spaces.
Optional: If time allows, nearby Marina District has cafes and parks for a relaxed lunch before heading back to the hotel for departure.

Additional Tips:

Consider using a stroller, even if your toddler likes walking – SF streets are hilly and some areas have uneven sidewalks.
Plan for breaks and snacks throughout the day; many cafes and small parks are available in tourist-heavy areas.
If you want a slightly calmer day than Monday, you could split the walk from Chinatown to the Wharf over two shorter outings.
Safety-wise, stick to well-traveled streets and tourist areas; avoid wandering into less populated neighborhoods, especially at dusk or night.

Overall, your plan is realistic if you adjust for toddler pacing and focus on quality experiences rather than trying to fit in every tourist spot. A flexible approach will make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

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