Touristy Stuff for Teenage Nieces (San Francisco, Berkeley: houseboats, neighborhoods, university)

[Jane12345]

My 15 and 16 year old nieces are visiting next week. They live in a small town in the Midwest and have never been to the Bay Area, or spent much time in big cities. They really like sports, but the A's are out of town during their visit and I'm too cheap to spring for Giants tickets. So, my list so far includes:

• Pier 39/Ghiradelli Square
• Alcatraz
• Chinatown
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Cable cars
• Lombard Street

Their one request is to play some beach volleyball. Is there any in SF?

Any other sites we should add to our list?

[SiliconWriter]

Santa Cruz for beach volleyball. I don't know about San Francisco.

[Ruth4Truth]

Yes, drive down the coast to Santa Cruz for beach volleyball. Get a map of the town and drive through the University of California campus in town; it's nestled in the redwoods, and is very scenic.

There are 2 cable car lines. One goes to Ghirardelli Square from downtown, but it's always very crowded and there's a long waiting line to get on. It's definitely the most interesting and scenic, though. Be sure to visit the Chocolate Factory in Ghirardelli Square, which features an old-fashioned ice-cream parlor that serves huge sundaes and banana-splits. Very popular with kids and teens.

Golden Gate Park: the Japanese Tea Garden, the plant conservatory, and the DeYoung Museum. Also the aquarium at the Calif. Academy of Sciences. The park will keep you busy all afternoon. From there, drive north to Clement St., and explore colorful neighborhood restaurants for dinner.

Your list is pretty comprehensive. If you need another excursion to fill time, drive across the Bridge to Muir Woods. Everyone should have the experience of walking in a redwood forest, at least once in their lifetime! If you have time, and don't mind driving, you could take them up to Fort Ross, to see the Russian fort and learn about the history of Russian America.

Don't forget to tour the Presidio if you take them to walk part-way across the Bridge.

[gizmo980]

I always had fun shopping in downtown Sausalito as a teen, and also on Haight Street... lots of "funky" & artsy shops in those neighborhoods, as opposed to the generic "I Love SF" t-shirts, etc. Pier 39 was another favorite spot of mine, which is already on your list, also sea lion-watching at the Cliff House. Have the sea lions returned, and do they still have that penny arcade?

[Jane12345]

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. I had forgotten about Sausalito (we just moved here and I've only been a tourist a few times). We will definitely check out Santa Cruz for volleyball.

[Ultrarunner]

the 17 year old daughter of my cousin and her soon to be 18 year old friend visited CA last summer...

I would take them to BART each morning... they loved SF and Berkeley and spent days exploring.

They also rented bicycles and rode across the Golden Gate to Sausalito for lunch and to see the houseboats...

I was surprised at how independent they were and at the detail of their list of things to see.

[Ruth4Truth]

Sausalito is, indeed, really fun for teens. They could take the ferry from SF, and have a day of fun on their own.

[Natural510]

Haight Street or Telegraph Avenue would be a must for teens...give them plenty talk about with their friends when they get back.

[clongirl]

Not a very touristy or well known attraction, but this place is a lot of fun--think Rube Goldberg sort of thing that has a focus on San Francisco culture and landmarks.

Urban Putt | Miniature Golf made in San Francisco

I also love to take visitors to Lands End--- fantastic trail with gorgeous views!

Lands End - Golden Gate National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service)

[clongirl]

I forgot to mention this place---a must visit if you're anywhere near Santa Cruz! Your nieces will love it!

The Mystery Spot Official Website