San Francisco

I'm from that area, and there are a few other things I can recommend with kids: the beach! (go to the ocean side of town by Golden Gate park), the aquarium in Golden Gate Park, the Exploratorium (a huge hands-on museum for kids that explains scientific phenomena), the Marin headlands on the north side of the Golden Gate for a fantastic overlook view of the city and ocean, and Muir Woods for a beautiful walk through the Redwoods. If you want to get out of town and see the wine country, I recommend Sonoma. You can get there in 30 minutes. It's built around an historic town square from Spanish colonial days. The square has a park and playground for kids, duck pond, etc. surrounded by cute shops and eateries. Our absolute favorite is the Sonoma Cheese Factory for deli sandwiches that are out of this world (ask for the sourdough roll). Of course, there's plenty of wineries in and around Sonoma too!

We went for our 1-year wedding anniversary and loved it! Your kids may be old enough to bike across the golden gate. My husband and I did that, and it was a lot of fun. It took about 30 min to bike over the bridge and into Sausalito, which is a super cute town to visit and have lunch at. Then, you can take the ferry back to San Fran. Alacatraz is great--I'd recommend booking that b/f you actually arrive. You can do it via internet or over the phone. Pay the extra few dollars to get the audio headphones for the alcatraz tour--it's so worth it! In San Fran, there are so many great neighborhoods--you can plan your trip around visiting specific neighborhoods each day, and plan to eat at fun restaurants in those areas. I'm thinking your kids would love to take a trolley ride too. We stayed at the Orchard Hotel--great place-and the trolley car picked up right on the corner next to our hotel. We take that down to the wharf and just shop around. Have fun!! Oh, and I'd pick up a travel book like Frommers or Fodors to plan your trip. Take care.

I've been there once for a short visit & loved it!! It's a short drive to Napa Valley & I highly recommend it, even if you don't drink wine. The vineyards are absolutley beautiful! Have fun!

Coit Tower - Hike up it and get some of the best views in the city.

Take a cable car from Union Square to Fisherman's Wharf or vice versa. (Grab fresh seafood at Fisherman's Wharf for lunch, visit the wax museum. Visit Pier 39 to see the barking sea lions).

Walk/Bike the Golden Gate Bridge.

Drive the crookedest street in the world, Lombard Street.

Visit Alamo Square for a beautiful restored victorian neighborhood.

Eat at Tomasso's (excellent Italian..best tiramisu ever) in North Beach, North Beach PIzza (best pizza!) or House of Nan King for best Chinese Food.

Chinatown

Golden Gate Park: Rent boats on Stow Lake, Visit the new Academy of Sciences aquarium is supposed to be excellent. Just got done with a huge renovation, Visit the art museum, Japanese Tea Garden, etc.

Buy a book about SF and get yourself a good map!