Best Areas to Stay in San Francisco for Families | San Francisco Travel
Children playing on a playground.

Best Areas to Stay in San Francisco for Families

Every year, thousands of families visit San Francisco to enjoy the many incredible attractions available in the majestic City by the Bay.

To make it easier to decide where to stay, we've rounded up the most popular areas for families to stay.

Best Places to Stay in San Francisco for Families: Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is located in the northeastern part of the city and is home to some of the city's most popular shops and tourist attractions. This area is a family favorite, and it's not hard to see why: PIER 39, Ghirardelli Square and the Wharf are just a few popular destinations within the neighborhood. There is plenty for everyone in the family to enjoy, from the sea lions basking in the sun to street performances and top seafood restaurants.

If you're visiting San Francisco with your family, Fisherman's Wharf is a great place to stay. You'll have easy access to fun attractions and entertainment within steps of your hotel.

Find a Hotel in Fisherman's Wharf

Best Places to Stay in San Francisco for Families: Union Square

Union Square is located in the heart of San Francisco and features countless restaurants, department and boutique stores, and entertainment options for the whole family. Take the family for a ride on one of the historic cable cars or easily hop on BART or Muni to explore the other neighborhoods of San Francisco. If you're fortunate enough to be in San Francisco during the holiday season, take a twirl on the ice skating rink and visit the many department store displays.

If you're visiting San Francisco with your family, Union Square offers plenty of options and is centrally located to many of the city's best attractions.

Find a Hotel in Union Square

Best Places to Stay in San Francisco for Families: Nob Hill and Russian Hill

Nob Hill and Russian Hill are home to some of the city's most iconic views. Here you will also find the most famous "crookedest street," Lombard Street. Take the iconic cable car from your hotel to Lombard Street or use it to visit other neighborhoods, including Union Square, North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf. 

If you're visiting San Francisco with your Family, Nob Hill and Russian Hill are classic neighborhood options. 

Find a Hotel in Nob and Russian Hill

Best Places to Stay in San Francisco for Families: North Beach

With its rich Italian heritage, families love this neighborhood for its abundance of family-style restaurants and gelato parlors. Washington Square Park anchors the neighborhood, where locals come to practice morning tai chi or enjoy coffee. Families can easily take Muni or hike up Telegraph Hill to visit the historic Coit Tower, a popular place to explore and take in the views. You might also hear or glimpse the famous wild parrots of Telegraph Hill, which call this neighborhood home. 

Find a Hotel in North Beach

San Francisco is an incredible city with lots of family-friendly activities. Whether your children are pre-teens or in their 20s, San Francisco offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Plan your next trip to San Francisco.

Close up of a row of Victorian houses in the Castro district of San Francisco.

Short-Term Rentals Are Family Friendly Too!

You can book a short-term rental, ranging from single rooms to entire places, which can be booked on AirbnbVRBO or Booking.com.


The Golden Gate Bridge at sunset with a multicolored sky and the San Francisco Bay in the foreground.
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