Beer Nerds

When you visit San Francisco for the first time, visiting Alcatraz is definitely a must-do. The Rock, as Alcatraz is known locally, was originally a lighthouse and a military out post and prison before becoming a federal prison. The likes of Al Capone, among others, served their time here. The tour takes you from the shore to this ominous island and the guides are all well-informed and always ready to answer your questions. The inherent drama of Alcatraz itself makes it worth seeing, but the added touches and expert treatment by the guides only underscore how essential it is to see this dramatic facility when you are in the Bay Area.

The California Academy of Sciences is located in Golden Gate Park and offers the whole family a chance to learn about science in a new and entertaining way. Among the many popular exhibits and attractions are those focused on various types of fish and other aquatic life, the rain forests of the world, and the newly added roof garden. The spirit of scientific discovery is very much alive here, and that pursuit of knowledge will no doubt inspire your kids to not only ask more questions, but find the answers in this highly regarded facility.

The Palace of Fine Arts is one of San Francisco's most historic and stunning attractions. Originally built in 1915 for the Panama Pacific Exposition, this famous landmark began to show signs of wear and was recreated in cast concrete in the 1960s to preserve its classic style and essence. The inviting rotunda was preserved in its reconstruction, and the structure is now a popular site for concerts and various other types of performances that still echo with the Palace's regal history.