We recently took our kids on a walk on San Francisco's Barbary Coast Trail, a 3.8 mile (usually flat) trail that winds its way through Downtown, Union Square, Chinatown, Portsmouth Square, Jackson Square Historic District, Old Barbary Coast, Beat San Francisco, North Beach, Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco Maritime Historical National Park, Ghirardelli Square and Nob Hill.
The Barbary Coast Trail connects many of The City's most important historical sites (you will pass approximately 20). What makes this walk exceptional for families with children (in addition to it being mostly level) is that each corner and turn is marked with a bronze plaque in the sidewalk. Each of the plaques has two arrows. One arrow points you to the next plaque, and one points you to the last plaque.
Because of the scavenger hunt nature of the walk, our three year old became quickly obsessed with finding the next plaque. This lasted well into the evening. Although the kids will likely be looking at the sidewalk for the next plaque, historical highlights that parents and other adults will enjoy include: ·
- The old US Mint
- Hallidie Plaza (Powell and Market)
- Union Square
- Old St. Mary's Cathedral, the first Roman Catholic cathedral on the west coast.
- Waverly Place, also known as the street of the painted balconies
- Bank of Canton, constructed in 1909
- Portsmouth Square
- Commercial Street
- Montgomery Street
- Jackson Square
- The Old Barbary Coast
- Beat San Francisco
- Washington Square
- Telegraph Hill
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Hyde Street Pier
- Ghirardelli Square
If you are visiting San Francisco and are looking for a way to see The City, this is a great alternative to paying for a guided tour.
Start the walk by finding the first bronze plaque located at Fifth and Mission. Follow the arrow to the next one. The San Francisco Historical society maintains an interactive map that highlights the course and there is also link to a printable map (pdf) in on their website.
One final tip, San Francisco sidewalks are frequently narrow, busy, and crowded. If you have a double wide stroller be aware that it will be tight in spots.