Larkspur Ferry to San Francisco

Just a quick drive (traffic permitting) south from Santa Rosa is the Larkspur Ferry Terminal. Why not take your preschooler for a ride across the bay to San Francisco? They ride for free (your round trip ticket is about $14). When you arrive, have a picnic across from the ferry terminal, take a cable car down The Embarcadero ($1.50) to Pier 39 to ride the carousel ($3) then walk on down to Fisherman’s Wharf. After you have seen all there is to see, catch the cable car back to the Ferry Terminal, enjoy some gelato ice cream ($4) out on the dock then catch the boat back to Larkspur. All this for less than $30!

Let the journey begin...

To begin your journey, pack a lunch for you and your preschooler, sweaters, sunscreen, camera, water and an umbrella stroller. Be sure to leave Santa Rosa at a time to miss the morning commute, probably around 9am and head to the Ferry Terminal in Larkspur. They have boats leaving about every half hour so no matter what time you get there you won’t have to wait long to get across the bay. Buy your ticket ($14 round trip) and get on board. Try to ride outside on the deck of the boat if it isn’t too cold or windy. Your preschooler will love it!

After a pleasant ride across the bay you will land at the San Francisco Ferry Terminal. They have totally remodeled the inside and it is lined with shops and restaurants. Walk up and down and share information about these shops with your preschooler – fish market, flower shop, local produce, etc. Notice the gelato shop and let your preschooler know that at the end of the day, he/she can have some ice cream before riding back on the boat.

Next, go out the front of the building and across the street toward Market is a large grass area perfect for your picnic. Enjoy your lunch there (or near the water if you prefer). The Embarcadero has vintage street/trolley cars that run up and down it for only $1.50. So, hop on one and ride down to Pier 39.

At Pier 39 there is a seashell shop with amazing shells to show your preschooler. There is a treasure chest at the entrance full of pretty cool shells for only $1.95 each – a perfect souvenir for the day. Follow the pier toward the ocean and you will find the two story carousel smack dab in the middle. Buy a ticket for your preschooler ($3) and take a ride.

When you have seen all there is to see at Pier 39, walk south along The Embarcadero and check out Fisherman’s Wharf. There is plenty there for your preschooler to ask questions about!

At this point, it’s time to start the journey back to Santa Rosa. Catch the cable car back up to the Ferry Terminal and enjoy that gelato ice cream you promised and hop back on the ferry. If you used your time wisely, you will miss the afternoon commute and your preschooler will be ready to nap on the drive home.

Benefits to Preschoolers

Fun, fun, fun! Getting to ride the ferry is cool enough but add ice cream, a carousel, and cable car ride and you’ll have your self a happy camper! You can add more to the trip by including a visit to the aquarium at Pier 39 - an additional $14 per adult ($12 with coupon that they hand out in front) and $7 for children 3+. Or, take a cab to other exciting San Francisco destinations.

Disadvantages to Preschoolers

Mainly, younger preschoolers may get tired or might not be interested in all there is to see. If this is the case, cut out a few of the activities and just ride the ferry and have a picnic then ride back. It will still be an adventure! Also, there are a lot of things that your preschooler may want to buy. If you want to keep your costs down, stand firm and redirect them.