San Francisco is a diverse city that offers many interesting and exciting activities and attractions. Although San Francisco's mild climate makes it an ideal destination for many outdoor recreational activities, the city also offers many interesting indoor diversions. From museums to aquariums as well as shopping and entertainments centers, there are many things that the entire family can enjoy.
Located in famous Pier 39, Aquarium of the Bay exhibits more than 20,000 marine animals. Visitors walk through a 300-feet glass tunnel surrounded by 700,000 gallons of water where they can view animals from the San Francisco Bay and nearby waters. Touch sharks, bat rays and other marine life or watch events such as shark feedings. Aquarium of the Bay is open every day except for December 25. General admission is for adults, children and seniors but a family rate for two adults and two children ages three to 11 is available.
Aquarium of the Bay
The Embarcadero at Beach Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-623-5300
aquariumofthebay.org
Visitors can take a cruise to Alcatraz Island, once a prison to some of America's most notorious criminals. The federal penitentiary, nicknamed, The Rock, once held Al "Scarface" Capone as an inmate. Groups explore the cells of infamous criminals during the audio tour and learn about the history of Alcatraz not only as a prison, but as both a harbor defense fort and a military prison. There are also rare flowers and plants, marine wildlife and thousands of sea birds to view. Early bird, day or night tours are available every day except for December 25 and January 1. Kids up to four-years-old are free.
Alcatraz Cruises
Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-981-ROCK (7625)
alcatrazcruises.com
The Metreon is a 350,000 square-foot technology and entertainment center in the heart of downtown San Francisco. It features four levels of restaurants, shops, theatres, exhibits and entertainment destinations. Guests enjoy a movie in the largest IMAX theatre in the West Coast or take a walk throughout the entire complex and explore everything it has to offer. The Metreon is open every day with varying times during the holidays.
Metreon Shopping Center
101 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-369-6002
metreon.com
The Exploratorium is located in the Palace of Fine Arts and features hundreds of interactive science exhibits. Visitors learn about nature, sports science, the universe, earthquakes and even language in this experimental, hands-on museum. Youngsters might enjoy viewing insects in the Microscope Imaging Station or finding their way out of the Tactile Dome using their sense of touch. Children under four-years-old are free but admission is free for everyone on the first Wednesday of every month. The Exploratorium is closed on Mondays.
Exploratorium
Palace of Fine Arts
3601 Lyon Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-561-0360
exploratorium.edu
