Pleasing a teenager on a family vacation may often prove a difficult task. However, luckily for parents, San Francisco is a city that caters to a young crowd. Teens will find that there are plenty of places to have fun and stay out of trouble at the same time, from hip boutiques and record shops to island tours and sunny beaches.
Amoeba Music is a small, independent record chain in southern California. Amoeba's San Francisco store is located in Haight-Ashbury, where teens will also find a variety of hip clothing stores and boutiques to explore. Amoeba is actually a record label, new and used CD store and concert venue all-in-one. Teens will have seemingly endless amounts of music to browse, as well as a wide selection of music memorabilia and clothing. Amoeba holds concerts for all ages on special nights, so teens won't have to worry about identification or underaged cover charges.
Amoeba Music
1855 Haight St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-831-1200
amoeba.com
Stretching from Seal Rocks to Daly city, this large beach is San Fran's main city beach. Family-friendly and excellent for surfing and beach games, teens will have fun spending some extra energy or relaxing in the sun. Check the weather report, for it is often windy or cloudy by the shore. In addition, swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. Also, the water is often too cold in which to spend a lot of time without a wetsuit. At night, teens are permitted to make bonfires, granted that they follow National Park Service regulations.
Ocean Beach
Great Highway
San Francisco, CA 94121
Alcatraz Island, also known as The Rock, is the home of the famous maximum security prison located off the shores of San Francisco, which operated from 1934 until1963. Today, boats and ferries head to the island for a captivating tour of the island and prison facilities. Visitors will be able to see prison cells and learn from audio-guided tours recorded by ex-cons from The Rock. In addition to the prison tour, visitors may also enjoy sighting rare plants and wildlife that inhabit the island. Tickets sell out quickly and should be purchased at least a few days in advance. Fees in June 2010 ranged from $10 to 20.
Alcatraz Island
Pier 33, Hornblower Alcatraz Landing
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-981-7625
alcatrazcruises.com/
