Anyone Been to the San Francisco Area?

I'm originally from SF, grew up there. In what area will you be staying? The beach is close and Fort Funston has wonderful trails to walk, it's a off-leash area for dogs so if you don't like dogs don't go there. If you like submarine sandwiches you must visit the Sub Center in West Portal. I always make sure to have at least two when I visit. My parents still live there. The SF Zoo is a fanastic place for kids. At least I loved it when I was a kid. The exploratorium is super cool at the palace of Fine Arts for kids and adults alike. I could go on and on, let me know more about what you like to do and i'll try to point you in the right direction. Its the city of opportunity and diversity - so basically whatever you want to do is within an hour drive. As far as wineries, Mondavi is one of my favorites as well as Coppola for the touristy value. And the Gloria"something" champagne estate is beautiful too. Feel free to contact me directly. Have blast!

I went to school there, its an awesome city! Def go to ghiradeli square and fishermans wharf. Alcatraz is fun but I'm not sure if it would keep your sons intrest but it does have an awesome view and the ride over is fun. golden gate park is beautiful and you can take a walk on the bridge. There is tons of shopping too, I love the huge anthropology store. Oh and if you like clam chowder there is a sea food place on the pier that has the best and it is served in a sour dough bread bowl. Yum! I can't think of the name for the life of me but I know it is on the left and it is across from a hawain jewlery store. I'm so jealous have fun!

We loved Napa Valley. We stopped at a lot of wineries :) One of our favorites was V.Sattui (might be misspelled). They had a little shop with deli products, cheeses, etc and a large area for sitting outside to picnic. We had a wine, cheeese and deli meats out in the grass. There were a lot of families there.

As far as other wineries, we just visited as many as we could and really enjoyed ourselves.

We went to Fisherman's Wharf for dinner once, we went to Chinatown, rode the trolley. We like to find things that are not on the "tourist" routes such as neighborhood bars and restaurants.

We had a great time and are planning to take daughter there in a year or so.

When we were there, it was hot which is not usually the norm for the time we were there. We also walked up on a parade and it was full of motorcycles and men and women on the cycles. A lot of the women were shirtless as well. It was some gay pride parade. We had a blast there and it sure was interesting!!!! We still talk about the parade when we think of San Francisco!!! Now we are very open minded and things like that do not bother us. I'm sure some people would have been offended in some way or another.

Enjoy!!!

ghiridelli square!! yummy !!..also pier 31 fishermans wharf..the alcatraz tour is cool and san fran also has the crookedest street in the worl..lombard street..or something like that ..but it is cool to drive down.

The wine train is lovely - travels through the valley and you are served a lovely meal. Pricey but worth it. Peju winery is very nice and has nice wines, especially the dessert wines. It's near the Coppola winery which is fun cause it has stuff from his movies - an interesting tourist attraction. There's a shop on the corner near Coppola's - I can't remember the name, but it has lovely food and stuff also. If you like garlic, check out the Stinking rose restaurant - yummy!

My husband's family live in SF and we go there regularly. Definitely go to Alcatraz...your kids will love it and the night tour is really cool. Buy your tickets in advance. Drive over to Sausalito...it's gorgeous. Go up in Coit Tower...fantastic views...only do it when it's a clear day...many days in SF is cloudy. Chinatown is fun. Walk around Union Square...eat at Cheesecake Factory that is located on the rooftop of Macy's overlooking Union Square...fabulous at night. Eat Chinese food. Eat Italian. Go to Golden Gate Park, lots to do there. Drive up to Muir Woods...it's giant redwoods and they are amazing. Buy a travel book on SF and get organized. Have a great time.

Me and my kids visited my brother and SIL last year. I don't think there is anything your son will like about that sightseeing. But we had a blast but my kids are older, early teens and pre-teen, not toddler.
We drove to see Muir Woods, saw everything in S.F., drove through the San Joquin Valley, Kinds Canyon and Sequoia National Forest, Hollywood and Legoland. Then back to my brothers house in S.F. We also visited Half Moon Bay. Alcatraz, Fishermans Wharf, Painted Ladies, The Golden Gate, Angel Island, everything we could squeeze in. Didn't get to see the Napa Valley, but I have tasted wine from the Pachetti Winery. So it is worth a shot.
Have fun,
L.