San Francisco is a culturally vital city. From the psychedelic sounds of native sons The Grateful Dead to the proto-metal of Blue Cheer, the Bay Area is a Mecca for modern musical innovation. Independent publishing giant McSweeny's, the brainchild of author Dave Eggers, challenges the structure of corporate media. No matter a teen's interest, from sports to science to music, San Francisco has something to offer that will capture the adolescent imagination.
Prison Tour
Few things speak to the curious teenage mind like an island prison that was home to untold depravities and torture for its operative existence. Alcatraz Island is intricately connected to America's history, from the sordid days of hard labor and 12-pound ball-and-chain shackling to Al Capone's tenure to the 19-month Native American occupation of the island that led directly to legislation approving tribal self-rule. Alcatraz is open every day but Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, though can sellout weeks in advance in busier seasons.
Baseball by the Bay
For teen sports fans, the San Francisco Giants are a great draw. The team has seen countless baseball greats pass through its ranks over the years, from The Say Hey Kid Willie Mays to reigning lifetime home run champion Barry Bonds. Though the formerly historic Candlestick Park is now the less illustrious AT&T Park, the stadium's location on the San Francisco waterfront makes for a classic baseball experience and will no doubt please teen aficionados.
Music Lovers
San Francisco's world-famous Amoeba Records is a must see for any teen music fan. The store's enormous collection of vinyl and CDs will keep record collectors busy for hours.
In-store performances are another major draw at Amoeba. The store has previously mounted shows for British post hip hop MC M.I.A., Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., punks No Age, and '90s rock titans Smashing Pumpkins. Check Amoeba's website for upcoming shows and events and a sampling of its impressive collection.
Science Activities
San Francisco's Exploratorium is a hands-on museum with activities for teenagers of all persuasions. Activities at the museum explore the science of sports, look into geometry and examine the minds of musicians such as Brian Eno through recorded interviews.
A 2010 exhibit explores traditional methods of Polynesian marine navigation, and an ongoing series of after-dark science and arts activities give teens something educational and fun to do in the evening. The Exploratorium is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A Little Culture
From the broken-backed Chinese laborers of the gold rush to the contemporary Japanese company men, San Francisco has a long, rich, and complicated cultural and historical relationship with peoples of East Asian ancestry.
The city's Asian Art Museum will appeal to teens with a thirst for art, foreign cultures and Asian aesthetics. The museum's collection runs the gamut from ancient religious figures to Chinese ink-brush paintings to 19th century Japanese woodblock prints. Art from Korea and Tibet expands the museum's vision, and gives depth to cultures often considered minor by the Western art world.
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