Nicole Findlay

Latest posts by Nicole Findlay

Safari West: Glamping in the Sonoma Serengeti

Submitted by Nicole Findlay on Fri, 10/20/2023 - 5:15am

Safari West is sure to be an unforgettable adventure!

Safari West is known as the "Sonoma Serengeti." Home to nearly 1,000 wild animals, the gorgeous 400-acre preserve is so stunning that families won't want to leave. A three-hour African-style safari is the highlight at Safari West to see zebras, giraffes, rhinos, gazelles, and more before dining on-site and sleeping in a private luxury tent. Simply put, Safari West has everything a family needs for a unique glamping experience.

Families will love the large tents, comfortable beds, and private bathrooms that make glamping much fancier and more convenient than camping. Safari West is well worth the short drive from San Francisco for an unforgettable adventure in the middle of wine country.

For more things to do with kids in wine country, check out the best kid-friendly wineries in Napa and Sonoma, discover the best day trips from San Francisco, and pack up the car and get ideas for more one-of-a-kind experiences in our Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for San Francisco.

Best Kid-Friendly Wineries in Napa, Sonoma, and the San Francisco Bay Area

Submitted by Nicole Findlay on Sat, 09/16/2023 - 12:00pm

V. Sattui Winery is the perfect place for a picnic.

Kid-friendly wineries do exist, and you can find them all over the San Francisco Bay Area.

Vibrant vineyards, rolling golden hills, fresh country air, and delicious wine make for the perfect day out for grown-ups. But many of the Bay Area's wineries also cater to kids with fun games and activities, animals, playgrounds, non-alcoholic beverages, lots of open space to roam, and plenty of kind hospitality. One Sonoma winery even has a swimming pool!

With nearly 500 wineries in Napa Valley alone, it can be hard to know which ones are family-friendly. We're here to help with our list of the best kid-friendly wineries in Napa, Sonoma, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Whether you're taking an epic California family road trip through wine country or just looking for a fun day trip from San Francisco, these wineries are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

For more family vacation ideas in the Golden State, check out our California Family Travel Guide.

Best Beaches in San Francisco

Submitted by Nicole Findlay on Sun, 07/02/2023 - 10:00am

Play in the sand and wade in the surf at Stinson Beach. Photo by Stefan Klocek, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The best beaches in San Francisco are sure to be a popular summertime tradition for families in the Bay Area and visitors alike to play in the sand and splash in the surf.

From sandy beaches on the Pacific Ocean to calm bay waters, lagoons, and lakes, the best shorelines near San Francisco are all within a one-hour drive from the city, and many are accessible via public transportation. Don't forget the snacks for scenic sand-lined picnics on the coast, beach towels, sunscreen, and a few extra clothing layers for that chilly Bay Area breeze. Jump in to discover the best beaches in San Francisco to build magical summer memories.

There are so many fun and free things to do during a San Francisco summer, from urban hikes in San Francisco, and free outdoor movies in the Bay Area. Find more seasonal splendor in our Ultimate San Francisco Summer Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Family-Friendly Urban Hikes in San Francisco

Submitted by Nicole Findlay on Sun, 05/28/2023 - 10:30am

Hike amongst iconic landmarks. Photo courtesy of Nicole Findlay

Hikes in San Francisco are plentiful, with an assortment of stunning and iconic landscapes. With Redwood forests and coastal trails to deep valleys, big mountains, small creeks, and colorful wildflowers—family-friendly hikes in San Francisco and the Bay Area are as beautiful as they are enjoyable. And they’re not just for grown-ups! With tots in tow, lace up those sneakers, pack lots of snacks, and explore the natural beauty of the Bay Area.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite kid-friendly hikes in San Francisco to help families enjoy weekend urban adventures. From hiking in Golden Gate Park with little ones to scaling rocks in Glen Canyon, strolling along the bay at Crissy Field, or walking to the beach in Tennessee Valley—exploring the great outdoors with loved ones is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

For more excursions in San Francisco, check out free museum days in the Bay Area, the best day trips from San Francisco with loads more hiking options, plus explore our Weekend Getaway and Day Trips for San Francisco Guide.

Visiting Golden Gate Park with Kids: Everything You Need To Know

Submitted by Nicole Findlay on Sun, 03/12/2023 - 5:30am

Kiddos will love the arched drum bridge. Japanese Tea Garden photo by Nicole Findlay

Golden Gate Park, the crown jewel of San Francisco, has over 1,000 acres to explore—all packed with things to do with kids! With row boats on Stow Lake, hikes up Strawberry Hill, museums, carousels, Ferris wheels, and botanical gardens—where is a family even supposed to start? With this guide to all the best things to do in Golden Gate park, you can plan an itinerary for one day or many.

Locals and tourists alike won't want to miss favorite activities, like visiting Claude, the albino alligator, at the California Academy of Sciences, searching for butterflies on Strawberry Hill, and digging into a burger and fries at Beach Chalet.

While planning your visit to Golden Gate Park, explore some family-friendly urban hiking trails in San Francisco, and check out this list of free museum days for kids in San Francisco. And for more great ways to explore the city, check out our list of fun things to do in San Francisco this weekend with kids.