Patti's Family-friendly Guidebook to San Francisco
Essentials
Adored by SF foodies and its staff, Bi-Rite Market is a small family-owned food market with exceptional quality and selection of fruits, veggies, deli, meats, wine, spirits, and chocolates from Bay Area farms and producers.
651 locals recommend
Bi-Rite Market
3639 18th StAdored by SF foodies and its staff, Bi-Rite Market is a small family-owned food market with exceptional quality and selection of fruits, veggies, deli, meats, wine, spirits, and chocolates from Bay Area farms and producers.
Whole Foods is a large food market and hot buffet, sushi and salad bar for instant family feastings. Indoor and outdoor picnic seating and highchairs are available. Ask about the "Kids Club" gratis goodie-of-the-day at the customer service desk.
905 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
3950 24th StWhole Foods is a large food market and hot buffet, sushi and salad bar for instant family feastings. Indoor and outdoor picnic seating and highchairs are available. Ask about the "Kids Club" gratis goodie-of-the-day at the customer service desk.
Dolores Outpost is a high-end bodega with Japanese beer and sake selections, imported snacks, frozen treats, and (sometimes) local kombucha on tap.
6 locals recommend
Dolores Outpost
698 Guerrero StDolores Outpost is a high-end bodega with Japanese beer and sake selections, imported snacks, frozen treats, and (sometimes) local kombucha on tap.
Food Scene
A city-wide favorite. First-timers should try the salted caramel ice cream. Expect a long line on warm days.
476 locals recommend
Bi-Rite Creamery
3692 18th StA city-wide favorite. First-timers should try the salted caramel ice cream. Expect a long line on warm days.
Pizzeria Delfina
3621 18th StUpscale italian fare and wine.
Locals coffee spot, especially when the Tartine Bakery line is untenable. ;)
Best chai in town and open early.
28 locals recommend
Fayes
3614 18th StLocals coffee spot, especially when the Tartine Bakery line is untenable. ;)
Best chai in town and open early.
Commissary
59 9th StUpscale and inventive Korean food beloved by SF foodies.
Ask for the Kids Roll- it's not on the menu but it's a family favorite.
Mango lassi's are also fantastic.
39 locals recommend
Kasa Indian Eatery
4001 18th StAsk for the Kids Roll- it's not on the menu but it's a family favorite.
Mango lassi's are also fantastic.
This Michelin-starred restaurant started as a Mission-based pop-up and has gained culinary acclaim since it's brick and mortar opening in 2014.
Dinner tickets must be purchased in advance for the 15-18 course tasting menu served at two seatings each night.
Pro-tip: You can often find resale tickets on sfbay (dot) craigslist (dot) org and search for "lazy bear".
33 locals recommend
Lazy Bear
3416 19th StThis Michelin-starred restaurant started as a Mission-based pop-up and has gained culinary acclaim since it's brick and mortar opening in 2014.
Dinner tickets must be purchased in advance for the 15-18 course tasting menu served at two seatings each night.
Pro-tip: You can often find resale tickets on sfbay (dot) craigslist (dot) org and search for "lazy bear".
Our favorite, small sushi restaurant. Locally owned and delicious!
Located in the eclectic Portero Hill neighborhood.
72 locals recommend
Umi
1328 18th StOur favorite, small sushi restaurant. Locally owned and delicious!
Located in the eclectic Portero Hill neighborhood.
Hands-down favorite breakfast/brunch spot in San Francisco.
Open early (7am weekdays, 8am weekends) but a LONG line on Saturday and Sunday will be formed by 8:20am. Weekdays are easier to get in, especially if you're willing to squeeze into a high bar seat and watch the eggs on the grill.
Great coffee and lemon ricotta pancakes to die for.
261 locals recommend
Plow
1299 18th StHands-down favorite breakfast/brunch spot in San Francisco.
Open early (7am weekdays, 8am weekends) but a LONG line on Saturday and Sunday will be formed by 8:20am. Weekdays are easier to get in, especially if you're willing to squeeze into a high bar seat and watch the eggs on the grill.
Great coffee and lemon ricotta pancakes to die for.
This is our go-to taqueria.
The baby-size burrito is big, the regular burrito is massive.
Fresh made aqua fresca and a decent selection of bottled beer.
24 locals recommend
El Toro Taqueria
598 Valencia StThis is our go-to taqueria.
The baby-size burrito is big, the regular burrito is massive.
Fresh made aqua fresca and a decent selection of bottled beer.
The signature Saucy Asian Bowl is a favorite along with a the house-made zipee lemonade.
9 locals recommend
Saucy Asian
3801 17th StThe signature Saucy Asian Bowl is a favorite along with a the house-made zipee lemonade.
Four Barrel Coffee
375 Valencia StLocal favorite.
Ritual Coffee Roasters
1026 Valencia StLocal favorite.
Local favorite with lots of great breakfast/brunch options and pastries.
137 locals recommend
Craftsman and Wolves
746 Valencia StLocal favorite with lots of great breakfast/brunch options and pastries.
Drinks & Nightlife
A neighborhood favorite. Wine bar with light fare and great people watching. The owner, Bodhi, is a Mission local with great taste in music and decor.
Fun fact: Scenes from Woody Allen's Blue Jasmin where filmed in the flat upstairs.
55 locals recommend
20 Spot
3565 20th StA neighborhood favorite. Wine bar with light fare and great people watching. The owner, Bodhi, is a Mission local with great taste in music and decor.
Fun fact: Scenes from Woody Allen's Blue Jasmin where filmed in the flat upstairs.
Tucked away in the New Mission Theater, Bear vs Bull is low-lit and pours great classic cocktails. Snacks and noshes available too.
7 locals recommend
Bear Vs. Bull Bar
2550 Mission StTucked away in the New Mission Theater, Bear vs Bull is low-lit and pours great classic cocktails. Snacks and noshes available too.
Off the Grid: Presidio Twilight
Every Thursday from May 12 through October 6, 2016
5-9 pm | FREE Admission
Presidio Twilight takes place on the Presidioâs lush Main Parade Ground, with gorgeous views of the park and the sun setting over San Francisco Bay. Enjoy free sunset yoga, lantern-lit cabanas, shared fire pits, and live music from local musicians. The best of the Bay Area food scene, cocktail service, and a convivial communal atmosphere make this one of the cityâs best places to gather.
Main Parade Ground
Montgomery StreetOff the Grid: Presidio Twilight
Every Thursday from May 12 through October 6, 2016
5-9 pm | FREE Admission
Presidio Twilight takes place on the Presidioâs lush Main Parade Ground, with gorgeous views of the park and the sun setting over San Francisco Bay. Enjoy free sunset yoga, lantern-lit cabanas, shared fire pits, and live music from local musicians. The best of the Bay Area food scene, cocktail service, and a convivial communal atmosphere make this one of the cityâs best places to gather.
Parks & Nature
This newly-renovated park and playground are the locals favorite. On sunny days, the park can host upwards of 5000 patrons.
This is the starting point of the annual Dyke and Trans March during Pride, and hosts both the San Francisco Symphony's free concert and multiple Movies in the Park events throughout the summer.
Tennis, basketball, and bicycle hockey courts are located at the 18th street side while the playground and amazing venue bookend the 20th street end of the park.
107 locals recommend
Helen Diller Playground
This newly-renovated park and playground are the locals favorite. On sunny days, the park can host upwards of 5000 patrons.
This is the starting point of the annual Dyke and Trans March during Pride, and hosts both the San Francisco Symphony's free concert and multiple Movies in the Park events throughout the summer.
Tennis, basketball, and bicycle hockey courts are located at the 18th street side while the playground and amazing venue bookend the 20th street end of the park.
As of May 2016 the museum was closed for renovation but it's worth the visit because of the stunning view the short hike behind the museum offers.
59 locals recommend
Randall Museum
199 Museum WayAs of May 2016 the museum was closed for renovation but it's worth the visit because of the stunning view the short hike behind the museum offers.
Fenced playground, soccer field, tennis courts, basketball court, and a public lap pool make this Dolores Park alternative a must-visit.
36 locals recommend
Mission Playground
36 Cunningham PlaceFenced playground, soccer field, tennis courts, basketball court, and a public lap pool make this Dolores Park alternative a must-visit.
Just a 30-45 minute drive from our house, Little Farm is a great day trip to a lovely kid-friendly farm with cows, goats, pigs, sheep, ducks, chickens, and rabbits.
Bring 2-3 heads of celery or romaine lettuce to feed the animals.
There's also a nice little playground with a slide and climbing structure adjacent to the Little Farm parking lot.
Note: cellular service can be unreliable while at Little Farm.
38 locals recommend
Tilden Little Farm
1500 Canon DrJust a 30-45 minute drive from our house, Little Farm is a great day trip to a lovely kid-friendly farm with cows, goats, pigs, sheep, ducks, chickens, and rabbits.
Bring 2-3 heads of celery or romaine lettuce to feed the animals.
There's also a nice little playground with a slide and climbing structure adjacent to the Little Farm parking lot.
Note: cellular service can be unreliable while at Little Farm.
Arts & Culture
Women's Building Mural
3543 18th StDon't miss one of the cities most beautiful murals.
Getting Around
Right Of Way/18th St station
J-Line inbound will get you to Powell St. station in ~10 minutes.
(Category: Live like a local.)
It is well worth your time to download the Uber or Lyft app and utilize one of these alternatives to taxi service while in San Francisco.
74 locals recommend
Uber HQ
1455 Market St(Category: Live like a local.)
It is well worth your time to download the Uber or Lyft app and utilize one of these alternatives to taxi service while in San Francisco.
(Category: Live like local.)
If you are using your car to go out for the evening in San Francisco or the surrounding area you should consider installing the Luxe app for on-demand valet service. Many restaurants in the city do not offer valet nor provide parking so luxe is a super convenient way to make it to your dinner reservation on time.
Luxe Valet H.Q.
77 Federal St(Category: Live like local.)
If you are using your car to go out for the evening in San Francisco or the surrounding area you should consider installing the Luxe app for on-demand valet service. Many restaurants in the city do not offer valet nor provide parking so luxe is a super convenient way to make it to your dinner reservation on time.
Entertainment & Activities
Just across the Golden Gate Bridge and with a terrific view of San Francisco, BADM is a great place to take your toddler/younger kids.
Indoor and outdoor activity stations. Great little gift shop with a curated selection of toys and gifts focused on learning.
On-site cafe with adult and kid-friendly options OR walk over to the gift shop at Cavallo Point Lodge (adjacent to BADM) for sack lunches and grab a spot on the big public lawn in front of the lodge.
85 locals recommend
Bay Area Discovery Museum
557 McReynolds RdJust across the Golden Gate Bridge and with a terrific view of San Francisco, BADM is a great place to take your toddler/younger kids.
Indoor and outdoor activity stations. Great little gift shop with a curated selection of toys and gifts focused on learning.
On-site cafe with adult and kid-friendly options OR walk over to the gift shop at Cavallo Point Lodge (adjacent to BADM) for sack lunches and grab a spot on the big public lawn in front of the lodge.
June - September Sundays ONLY. 11am - 4pm
Grab your picnic blanket (provided by your host!), sun hat and head over to the Presidio for lunch from one of 20 food trucks while gazing at the Golden Gate Bridge and bay.
Great for families and meeting up with friends. Bring an extra layer as it can be breezy.
Family-friendly DJ music and porta potties are free.
Adjacent to the Disney Museum too.
9 locals recommend
Off the Grid: Catering
2 Marina BlvdJune - September Sundays ONLY. 11am - 4pm
Grab your picnic blanket (provided by your host!), sun hat and head over to the Presidio for lunch from one of 20 food trucks while gazing at the Golden Gate Bridge and bay.
Great for families and meeting up with friends. Bring an extra layer as it can be breezy.
Family-friendly DJ music and porta potties are free.
Adjacent to the Disney Museum too.
(Category: Live like a local.)
Mission Position Comedy Night
Located in Theater 5 of the cinema.
Come check out one San Francisco's longest running and most popular stand up comedy showcases, at the Alamo Drafthouse! The Mission Position is a popular independent comedy showcase, hosted by two of San Francisco’s most accomplished comedians — Adrian McNair and Irene Tu (featured in Viceland's Flophouse, SF Sketchfest, and the Bridgetown Comedy Festival). Every month, we'll be bringing a dynamite lineup to Alamo Drafthouse’s intimate theater, for a show that provides club-level talent without irritating drink minimums or filler comics. The Mission Position welcomes a new lineup of special guests every month that include the Bay’s brightest comics alongside nationally touring headliners from NBC, TBS, E! and Comedy Central. Doors at 7:30, show starts at 8:00!
229 locals recommend
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
2550 Mission St(Category: Live like a local.)
Mission Position Comedy Night
Located in Theater 5 of the cinema.
Come check out one San Francisco's longest running and most popular stand up comedy showcases, at the Alamo Drafthouse! The Mission Position is a popular independent comedy showcase, hosted by two of San Francisco’s most accomplished comedians — Adrian McNair and Irene Tu (featured in Viceland's Flophouse, SF Sketchfest, and the Bridgetown Comedy Festival). Every month, we'll be bringing a dynamite lineup to Alamo Drafthouse’s intimate theater, for a show that provides club-level talent without irritating drink minimums or filler comics. The Mission Position welcomes a new lineup of special guests every month that include the Bay’s brightest comics alongside nationally touring headliners from NBC, TBS, E! and Comedy Central. Doors at 7:30, show starts at 8:00!