After much discussion, AJ and I decided there's no better first time to go on a trip sans kids than our tenth anniversary. We have done the beach/cruise thing several times and really wanted to experience something new together. We have never been sightseeing or to the West Coast, so we decided on San Fran. We are so blessed to have our family to take such good care of our babies while we are gone. Without further ado...
Day One
Top tourist attractions
Top tourist attractions
We got up super early, at 3:20 am, to catch a 6:15 nonstop flight from Nashville to San Francisco. I was running on Starbucks and excitement after only getting 3 hours of sleep the night before. We arrived in SF around 9:45 after a 4 hour and 50 minute flight. Thank you, time change...we still had the full day to explore! We booked a rental car because it ended up only being about 9 dollars more than the bart transport from the airport, and I'm so glad we did! I highly recommend doing this. We were able to drive all around the city and see all the top tourist sights. First up...full house of course! AJ was too cool to take his pic with the house. I read somewhere that the creator of the show has purchased this house to remodel to look like the inside of the set so people would be able to tour the inside. I don't know if that's true or not, but it would be pretty awesome if he did. There are signs up that say "please remember that people live in this neighborhood and be quiet."
Next up, Lombard Street. The perk of having the rental car is that you can actually drive down the 5 mph street. I was in awe of all the architecture and hilly streets. The views in this city are amazing.
After we visited Lombard Street, we drove across the Golden Gate bridge. We went to the Marin City Hub and purchased a shuttle pass to take us to Muir Woods to see the California Redwood trees. But the shuttle never came like it was supposed to. Womp. Womp. If I'd planned ahead and knew we would have had time to do this, I would have purchased a parking spot pass for the park in advance, because all the times were sold out when we actually decided to go. You can't just drive to the park, you have to be shuttled in or have a time slot reserved to park there. After waiting an hour for the shuttle that never came, we drove to Bakers Beach. This is a must-see. The views are breathtaking and it's the most serene place you could be. The water was frigid, but I can now say that my toes have been in the Pacific.
Our last stop before returning our car was Alamo Park and the painted ladies. This is the iconic row of houses in the intro. of full house. You know, the one where they are having the picnic and baby Michelle runs and plops into Danny's lap? Did I mention that SF is windy? And as the sun goes down...it's cold! Brrrr!
We ended the evening with dinner at Pier 39. We ate at Pier Market Seafood and dined right on the bay with some lazy sea lions. After dinner, we had our eye (and by our, I mean I) on some of Trish's mini donuts. Isn't everything better when it's miniature? These donuts were no exception. Oh. My. Word.
We finally made it back to our hotel around 10:30 (12:30 am central time). 21 hours after we woke up. Didn't know I had it in me. Vacation is not for rest.
Day Two
Alcatraz.
This island is so rich with history, facts, and information. You can do a self-guided audio tour throughout the prison and hear voices of former prisoners and guards. You are also subject to some of the best SF skyline views the city has to offer. This island was originally used as a U.S. military fortress to guard the city, then as a penitentiary for some of the most dangerous criminals, then Native Americans claimed it as their land, then the government reclaimed it and declared it a national park.
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| View of Alcatraz island from the boat |
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| Standard Cell |
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| The yard used for recreation |
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| The hole: used for inmates who don't behave |
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| Famous Inmates including Al Capone |
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| The most desired cells in the prison because of the natural light. |
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| Standard guard uniform |
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| The three prisoners ever to successfully escape Alcatraz used a spoon to tunnel out behind the grate. They made models of their heads using soap and newspaper. By the time the guard did the count, they were already long gone. They are still on the most wanted list until 2020, when they would be over 100 years old.
After Alcatraz, we explored Fisherman's Wharf and took some trolley rides through San Fran. At Pier 39, you can see loads of Sea Lions basking in the sun.
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To transport around the city, you can use public transportation called MUNI buses, cable cars, or trolleys. We did a combination of the public transport and Uber/Lyft. We debated buying the three day pass for the public transport for $33/ person the first day, but didn't think we'd get the value out of it. We just purchased single MUNI rides and a one day unlimited trolley pass for $22/person. After all our transport costs, we should have just paid for the three day pass because it would have come out a little bit cheaper. You live...you learn. Here's my advice, either stay within walking distance of Pier 39/Fisherman's Wharf, or buy the three day transport pass.
That evening, we ventured down to Ghirardelli Square to eat dinner and enjoy a $14 sundae. Yes, you read that correctly. FOURTEEN DOLLARS! Ghirardelli originated in this area.
Day Three
Golden Gate and Sausalito.
We used a Groupon to get a discounted rate on a full day bike rental. Biking across the Golden Gate was a bucket list item for me. It was exhilarating and amazing and beautiful. And a little bit scary. Those lifestyle cyclists are SERIOUS about some cycling and you better get the HECK out of their way. There's two side lanes on the bridge. During the week, bicycles and pedestrians are allowed to go together, but on Saturday bicycles are restricted to one side and pedestrians are restricted to the other. We biked about 10 miles altogether. Once we rode into Sausalito, we ate at Napa Valley Burger Company. Wow. Probably the best burger I've ever had. We were able to ferry back to SF with our bikes in tow.
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| Arriving on the ferry from Sausalito |
What an amazing trip. If going to San Fran isn't on your list of must-sees, you should add it. It's a city full of history and culture and breathtaking views throughout. I'm adding it to the top of my favorite places list.
