San Francisco Family Attractions
October 12th, 2007 by jamie a

photo uploaded by amyrod
It’s raining, it’s pouring—and you need a place to get away from it all. With this guide to rainy days in San Francisco, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep busy and stay dry!
Exploratorium: An art, science, and anthropological museum all in one, the Exploratorium is full of amazing hands-on experiences. It stimulates creative and scientific thinking as well as indulges the curiosity of both adults and children.
Cartoon Art Museum: The only museum in America dedicated to the art of the cartoon, this museum has been delving into the history of the art form since 1984. There are over 6,000 original pieces here, depicting the great talent and ingenuity of these serious artists.
From cheese, tiny cafes, tea, ice cream to the Scharffen Berger chocolate maker, the marketplace is a perfect place to while away a rainy day! Herb Caen, columnist for The San Francisco Chronicle said that “The waterfront without the Ferry Tower would be like a birthday cake without a candle.” A cherished landmark of the city, it has recently been restored to its original beauty and magnificence.
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory: Just ask yourself: how many times in your life will you be able to tour a fortune cookie factory? This is a favorite kitschy spot for locals and tourists alike. In the heart of Chinatown, you can see fortunes being printed and then carefully folded into the traditional cookie. Be sure to grab a bag of warm cookies to enjoy on your way out.
Lovejoy’s Tea Room: For a cozy retreat on a cloudy day, this tea room is perfect to share a pot of black, green, or herbal tea in many different varieties. Get acquainted with the art of British high tea while enjoying tiny cucumber sandwiches and warm scones with Devon cream. If you fall in love with your teacup, you can even make an offer to buy it since all of the tea accessories are for sale.
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October 11th, 2007 by amy c
Thursday, October 11- Sunday, October 14:
: Enjoy the largest festival of its kind in California at the Festival Pavillion, Fort Mason, and Buchanon Streets. All day activities, performances, food, and drink as Germanic culture invades the city-by-the-bay.
Monday, October 8- Saturday, October 13:
: Don’t miss the last weekend to experience a one-of-a-kind showcase of hundreds of authors, many of which come from the bay area. Celebrate the bay area’s literary past as well as its present and future with talented writers of a variety of genres. Check the for specific events and readings to take place at various locations around the city.
Saturday, October 13- Sunday, October 14:
:Autumn and Halloween spirit will be brewing in this charming seaside town, known as the “World Pumpkin Capitol,” this weekend as thousands of pumpkins decorate the rolling hills, pumpkin carving demonstrations take jack-o-lanterns to whole new fright heights, and non-stop live entertainment takes to 3 different stages.
Saturday, October 13- Sunday, October 14:
: An event no art-enthusiast should miss! Artspan, located at 934 Brannon Street, invites the public to watch local artist work every weekend from October 6- October 28.
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
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October 8th, 2007 by amy c
View of San Francisco skyline from Sausalito
uploaded by hsivonen
The major art museums of San Francisco like the Legion of Honor or de Young Museum are excellent ways to get a hearty helping of fine art. But for the art lover looking for a unique visual experience in a charming seaside town, Sausalito is the place to stroll as it is chalked full of blocks and blocks of inspiration.
A short, delightful ferry ride across San Francisco Bay, historical Sausalito is gaining recognition as the “art mecca” of the Bay Area. The small, visitor-friendly town oozes European charm with its crowded waterfront sidewalks and patio cafes—perfect for the art collector, artist, or casual viewer looking to experience art outside of a stuffy museum.
Local and international artists alike showcase photography, paintings, sculptures, and glass works at the 15 plus galleries that decorate the waterfront. Much of the art includes images of the bay area, offering an insight into the locations that captivate artists’ brushes, chisels, or lenses. Take in the Mediterranean flair and gorgeous views of the Bay Area as you visit some of these must-see galleries. (more…)
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October 4th, 2007 by amy c
Friday, October 5 to Sunday, October 7
Wine lovers should not miss the annual Sonoma County Harvest, Fall Sensations. The fair celebrates the area’s world renowned agricultural tradition with more than 500 award-winning wines, fresh local produce, and tastes of drool-worthy cuisine prepared by famed California chefs.
Thursday, October 4 to Tuesday, October 9
San Francisco’s takes to the sea and sky as a parade of navy ships invades the bay and Blue Angels streak the sky in an exciting air show.
Saturday, October 6
Catch the Blue Angels Air show while enjoying fresh seafood at the annual at SF’s popular Chrissy Field along the Marina. The event offers a catered barbecue by local restaurants and activist booths, including environmental information.
Friday, October 5 to Sunday, October 7
Catch the last weekend of the Rembrandt to Thiebaud exhibition at the Legion of Honor.
Sunday, October 7
Castro Street Fair 11 am-6 pm–an uproarious good time among some of the quirkiest San Francisco characters. Non-stop dancing, food, and art!
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
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October 2nd, 2007 by amy c

Blue Angel’s air show
photo uploaded by Peter576
October in Northern California is the best time to explore the coast and city that is often shrouded in a blanket of fog during the summer months. Surprisingly, a San Francisco day in autumn can oftentimes be warmer and sunnier than in the middle of July. There are several events that will bring you to the waterfront this fall, enjoying the cloudless sky and fresh ocean breeze. Here are some of our picks:
San Francisco’s October 4-9 takes to the sea and sky as a parade of navy ships invades the bay and Blue Angels streak the sky in an exciting air show. You can catch the week-long action along the Embarcadero and Fisherman’s Wharf, conveniently located near the city’s famed Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. Get a taste of chocolate-coated history as you sample sinful sundaes and learn how the famous chocolate was first made.
Wine lovers should not miss the annual Sonoma County Harvest, Fall Sensations October 5-7. The fair celebrates the area’s world renowned agricultural tradition with more than 500 award-winning wines, fresh local produce, and tastes of drool-worthy cuisine prepared by famed California chefs. All the taste-tempting wine and delicious food may inspire you to visit a few local wineries. Enjoy guided tours of the intoxicating Simi Winery or experience another world with the Mediterranean inspired ambiance of Sonoma Enoteca. (more…)
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Francisco Card.