8 . ITINErArY BUILdEr | Never the same. Always San Francisco. SIGHTSEEING, SAN FRANCISCO-STYLE CONTINUED Kids Interacting with an Exhibit at the Exploratorium San Francisco Pride Parade Union Square A DAY OF FAMILY FUN MORNING ACTIVITIES THAT APPEAL TO KIDS AND PARENTS ALIKE 24 HOURS OF LGBTQ FUN & CULTURE MORNING A ONE-DAY SHOPPING SPREE MORNING EXPERIENCE SAN FRANCISCO’S WORLD-RENOWNED LGBTQ SCENE DISCOVER SOME OF THE BEST SHOPPING THE NATION HAS TO OFFER AFTERNOON AFTERNOON For some Disney-style fun, the Presidio features a 40,000-square-foot museum celebrating the life, art and imagination of famed animator Walt Disney. Commemorating its 10th anniversary in 2019, The Walt Disney Family Museum includes a 13-foot model of Disneyland and a Fantasia -themed theater that screens Disney classics six days a week. In the late afternoon, families can head to the Exploratorium. Located on Pier 15, this interactive museum blends hands-on activities that will delight younger visitors with thought-provoking exhibits that will keep parents engaged, too. EVENING Visitors can head to the GLBT History Museum. Affectionately known as the “Queer Smithsonian,” this archive is the first of its kind in the United States. Run by the GLBT Historical Society, the museum houses dynamic exhibits and hosts programs exploring a variety of topics. Leave an hour or so to browse the aisles of Cliff’s Variety, a Castro favorite since 1938. EVENING AFTERNOON On PIER 39, families will enjoy watching the popular colony of sea lions and stunning waterfront views at sunset. There are also dozens of shops, restaurants and attractions including the Aquarium of the Bay. Older kids will love the nearby San Francisco Dungeon with its thrilling drop ride and interactive storytelling. Travelers can catch a performance of the renowned San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. (Be sure to check for upcoming performances.) The world’s first openly gay men’s chorus blends a season of local performances with ongoing social and political activism. Or, head to the historic Castro Theatre, an ornate 1922 picture palace screening vintage films, sing-a-long musicals and a live performance by a Mighty Wurlitzer organist. Afterwards, LGBTQ visitors can discover the vibrant nightlife and popular clubs in the Castro and beyond. Travelers looking for one-of-a-kind items will love the unique shops and chic boutiques in North Beach. Browse the aisles of City Lights Booksellers and Publishers, founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin. It is a mecca for booklovers all over the world. A few blocks away on Grant Ave., visit Schein & Schein, which is stocked with map collectibles ranging from $5 to $5,000. Located just three blocks from Coit Tower, they also offer items in the Tower’s gift shop. For unique items made in San Francisco, visit one of San Francisco Travel’s official Visitor Information Centers, which offer a variety of unique gifts and souvenirs. EVENING With more than 200 stores and restaurants — including luxury retailers such as Kate Spade, Tiffany & Co. and Michael Kors — Westfield San Francisco Centre offers something for everyone. After a full day of shopping, travelers can rest their feet and catch a movie at the theater. sftravel.com © Exploratorium; EddieHernandezPhotography / Shutterstock.com; GagliardiImages / Shutterstock.com Families can start their day in Golden Gate Park at the California Academy of Sciences. This massive, one-of-a-kind institution houses an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum and four-story tropical rainforest all under one living roof that’s covered by 1.7 million native plants. Their Academy Café and The Terrace restaurant feature plenty of kid-friendly options, so lunch can be enjoyed without leaving the museum. Kick the day off with brunch and a morning stroll through the Castro, which has proudly dubbed itself the “Gayest Place on Earth.” Home to businesses catering to the LGBTQ community, local landmarks include the historic Castro Theatre, Pink Triangle Park and Harvey Milk Plaza. Union Square is a shopper’s paradise and a great place to commence a full day of shopping. It’s home to big-name stores such as Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Uniqlo and Bloomingdale’s, as well as well-known local stores including Wilkes Bashford and Tourbillon Boutique. Visitors can also enjoy one of the outdoor cafés on Maiden Lane for brunch and people-watching. Or, book a guided luxury shopping excursion with Shop-it-tude Tours, offering both public and customizable private tours.
San Francisco Travel Planner's Guide 2019 TPG: Page 8
