The city of San Francisco is as active as it is colorful and energetic. The temperate climate and consistent weather throughout the year lends itself to a lifestyle that carries you outside to the water, trails, parks or many cultural destinations. For teens in San Francisco it's easy to get about through the BART system or from Muni transportation and teens will have no trouble keeping busy in this lively destination.
Bike Tours
Riding a bike throughout the city and especially on the waterfront gives access to points that are not always accessible by car. Teens can rent bikes through many rental outlets and are easiest to find in areas that cater to tourists such as Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. Biking the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most popular routes, however a ride through the Haight Ashbury may offer more interesting moments to remember and is truly a cultural icon with an interesting past. Take tours with groups or feel free to pick up a map and go on a self-guided tour.
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a haven for art, culture and numerous outside activities. You can rent bikes, traditional skates or in-line skates and explore this park that is home to the De Young Museum and newly renovated Academy of Science. Numerous trails for running and walking traverse the park, and for an added bonus visit the bison that live in the park, located off John F. Kennedy Drive. As with any park-like setting, always be aware of your surroundings and use common sense.
Water Tours
For a new view of the city, try kayaking along the bay where you can experience breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline, which includes the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and the Embarcadero. Kayak tours depend on the weather but generally trips are available year round except for major holidays.
Ghost Hunting
San Francisco has an interesting and somewhat ghoulish past and many visitors enjoy going on a ghost tour to learn a little bit more about the people that once inhabited this city. Ghost tours will take you through neighborhoods in the Haight Ashbury and then over to the Panhandle and on to the supposedly haunted Stowe Lake. Professional ghost hunters lead tours where they share stories of supposedly haunted buildings and the investigations that followed. Modern technology mixes with urban lore for these very entertaining experiences.
Arts and Culture
Art and culture are deeply ingrained in the heart of San Francisco; attending an exhibit or visiting artists' studios is inspiring and compelling. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, located just blocks from the Montgomery Street BART station, exhibits contemporary artists in a beautiful setting; the permanent collection of art is astounding and comprehensive. Just a few blocks away you will find the Contemporary Jewish Museum and the Yerba Buena Arts center--both an integral part of the this city. Each fall, San Francisco hosts Artists Open Studios where you are free to drop in and watch an artist at work and wander among the many studios where you will see first-hand the talent at work.
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