San Francisco
Like most '90s kids, I grew up watching Full House and The Princess Diaries. I always wanted to travel to San Francisco to see the Painted Ladies and sloping hills for myself. They didn't disappoint!
In our four-day trip to San Francisco we toured Alcatraz, had amazing dinners in Sausalito and the Mission District, wound our way down Lombard Street, enjoyed Ghirardelli chocolate and Boudin sourdough to our hearts content, and made a few trips across San Francisco's icon, The Golden Gate Bridge. We even had time to explore some of the iconic places outside of the city, like Muir Woods and the Point Bonita Lighthouse. Having a car gave us the flexibility to travel to these destinations, including a two-day excursion to Yosemite National Park.
Of all my trips, I feel like I had the best food in San Francisco. The bread and wine were divine, not to mention the fresh fish and rich Italian cuisine. My favorite restaurants included:
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Alcatraz
Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US built fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the history making 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock—gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare.
Point Bonita Lighthouse
A secret jewel of the Bay Area, the Point Bonita Lighthouse, built in 1855, was the third lighthouse built on the West Coast and helped shepherd ships through the treacherous Golden Gate straights. Today, the lighthouse is still active and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Discover Point Bonita's wild landscape, geology and fascinating history by hiking the partially steep half mile trail to the Point Bonita Lighthouse! Make sure to bring your own water when visiting and remember to stop by Battery Wallace, one of the parklands' most scenic picnic spots.
Muir Woods
Walk among old growth coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh water of Redwood Creek and lifting their crowns to reach the sun and fog. Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908, this primeval forest is both refuge and laboratory, revealing our relationship with the living landscape.
Haight-Ashbury
Birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement, Haight-Ashbury draws a lively, diverse crowd looking to soak up the historic hippie vibe. Upper Haight Street is a hodgepodge of vintage clothing boutiques, record shops, bookstores, dive bars and casual, eclectic restaurants. Bordering Golden Gate Park, the neighborhood features many colorful, well-preserved Victorian homes, including the storied Grateful Dead House.
