You might not need a reason to visit the stunning West Coast—but exhibiting at a San Francisco trade show is a great excuse to enjoy a historic city.
After your custom trade show booth has been packed up and you say goodbye to the Moscone Convention Center, take a few extra days with the family to explore the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how much the City by the Bay has to offer, and many of its attractions are quite wallet-friendly.
Free (or Nearly Free!) Family-Friendly Things to Do
In a great town like San Francisco, family fun doesn’t have to break the bank. You and the kids can have an absolute blast just taking in the diverse natural beauty and immersing yourselves in Northern California’s rich culture.
Take an Historic Ride
Don’t have a plan mapped out for a free day after your San Francisco trade show? No problem. Grab the kids and hop aboard any of the historic cable cars, then sit back and enjoy the ride. These iconic modes of transportation were invented in San Francisco over 150 years ago and were named a National Historic Landmark in the 1960s.
Today, you can take a single ride for as little as $8. However, if you plan to return your rental car and use the cable cars to get around, a visitor Passport is likely your most economical option.
See Where Classic Movies and TV Shows Were Filmed
Depending on your children’s ages, this budget and family-friendly excursion might be more exciting for you than them. Even if they aren’t familiar with some of your favorite movies and shows, they’ll still be able to take in some awesome sights. Here are some classics that were filmed in the Golden City:
- Bullitt
- Dirty Harry
- Doubtfire
- The Rock
- Full House
As a bonus, you can show your kids your favorite scenes and episodes on the plane ride home.
Stroll Around an Infamous Wharf
Few spots are so closely associated with San Francisco as Fisherman’s Wharf. In addition to delicious dining offerings and paid-entry attractions, the Wharf offers all sorts of free and economical things to do as well.
Start by taking the Bayside History Walk, which guides you around the Wharf and teaches you and the kids about the Wharf itself and San Francisco as a whole. Then, treat yourself to an interactive art display in Umbrella Alley. Before you leave Fisherman’s Wharf, be sure to walk over to PIER 39 to see—and hear—the sea lions who have long called the area their home.
Soak Up the Sun and Panoramic Views
If the kids are begging for a beach day, head to the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula. There you’ll find the Presidio, a gorgeous national park site that’s packed with family-friendly amenities.
Choose any of the five beaches to set up an umbrella and throw down your towels, or enjoy the serene Mountain Lake. The Presidio is renowned for breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge, so anywhere you choose to spend time will provide you with stunning surroundings.
And here’s the best part: the park is free to enter. Some parking areas and onsite amenities may have fees, but this is a fantastic way to enjoy a free—or nearly free—day after you’ve closed your San Francisco trade show.
Attractions That Are Worth the Money
In addition to a long list of family and budget-friendly attractions, San Francisco also boasts a huge variety of can’t-miss spots that require tickets or admission. From professional sports to educational opportunities, this town has it all.
Root, Root, Root for the Home Team
According to a 2024 estimate, San Francisco is home to over 827,000 people—and many of them are diehard sports fanatics. While you and the family are in town, why not check out what all the fuss is about and treat the kids to a game? Here are some options:
- San Francisco 49ers, the local NFL team that plays at Levi’s Stadium
- San Francisco Giants if you’re a baseball fan and can’t wait to see Oracle Park
- San Francisco City Football Club, the soccer team that calls Kezar Stadium home
Be sure to check each team’s schedule and ticket availability for the dates your family will be in town.
Visit an Off-Shore Prison
A short boat ride in San Francisco Bay lies the infamous—and daunting—Alcatraz Island. This former federal penitentiary was once home to notorious convicts like Al Capone, Robert Stroud, and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Nowadays, you can take full tours of the island and the prison.
Alcatraz Island is open year-round (closed on major holidays), but if your family is interested in this iconic attraction, you’ll want to plan in advance. Ferry and tour tickets sell out well in advance, so consider booking your tour as soon as you book the flight and hotel for your San Francisco trade show.
Explore the World in New Ways
It might sound like a children’s museum, but The Exploratorium has activities and interactive exhibits for all ages. You and the family will be immersed in innovative hands-on displays. You can learn about everything from human thoughts, feelings, and social behavior to how STEAM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts work.
The Exploratorium is divided into six main areas:
- Observing Landscapes
- Outdoor Exhibits
- Living Systems
- Seeing & Reflections
- Tinkering
- Human Phenomena
Each area can create memories that will last your family a lifetime.
Immerse Yourself in Science and Nature
Sticking with the immersive and educational theme, the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park is an absolute must-see. In addition to temporary exhibits, the facility is the permanent home to four awe-inspiring areas:
- Steinhart Aquarium
- Morrison Planetarium
- Osher Rainforest
- Kimball Natural History Museum
If you left the kids at home for your trip to the San Francisco trade show, you might as well see what the Academy’s Thursday NightLife is all about. This weekly 21+ event features live music, DJs, and plenty of food and drink. Plus, you’ll get to experience the campus after dark for only $25 per ticket.
Go Enjoy the Family-Friendly Spots While We Handle Your San Francisco Trade Show!
We know that trade shows are stressful, and we want you to be able to kick back, relax, and enjoy some family time when you’re not working your booth at the Moscone Center. We’ll take care of your exhibit and graphic design, fabrication, logistics, and on-site installation and dismantle. That gives you more free time to hang out with the family and enjoy the City by the Bay!
Contact us to learn how we can remove the stress and add some fun to your next San Francisco trade show.
