Ian and I were fortunate to visit the great city of San Francisco back in March. Patton had a school trip to D.C. so we took off to S.F. and we are already planning our next trip and taking Patton with us!  While we were out there we sweet talked our friend and travel partner, Adam into snapping a few engagement photos of us at Muir Woods. First, if you visit California and do not see the Red Wood trees you are missing out!! Muir Woods is literally and 15 minute drive from San Fran and you get to cross The Golden Gate Bridge in the process. Muir Woods has beautiful trails and you can do as much walking and hiking as you like or just stick to the easy path like us. I was wearing sandals so no hiking for me! There is even a little gift shop and cafe there. (They have amazing cookies) If you plan to visit you will need to purchase a parking pass at least a day before and they encourage you to either show up early or late afternoon to avoid the crowd. You can find more info here. 

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Like I mentioned above we had Adam snap some engagement photos for Ian and I. Our wedding date is 10/6/18! Here are a few of our faves!

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Once we left the park we drove up to Mount Tamalpais. The views up there are breathtaking. I could have seriously stayed all day. We had to FaceTime my sister at this point just to rub it in. Photos can’t do this view justice. 

On our next trip I would like to do more hiking and pack a picnic!

From there we drove to Napa Valley. We didn’t spend a lot of time there but it was a beautiful drive and how to you not go to Napa Valley when you are that close. 

 

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I am no expert on San Fran but I do know there is plenty to do and take in there. Pier 39 is pretty much set up for the tourist type stuff. We stayed at Hotel Zoe had a wonderful experience and it’s walking distance to the Piers. We were able to walk to most spots in the city and others that weren’t walking distance we would use Lyft.  

A few of my highlights of the week… (minus our Muir Woods day trip)

 

• Palace of Fine Arts 

We walked there from our Hotel. It’s quite the walk but it’s along the bay and beautiful. Also, gotta get those steps in!

• China Town 

So on the recommendation of a local we Ubered to the start of China Town, walked through China Town which led to the “Italian” part of the city. Lots of interesting shops and bars. 

• The iconic houses from Mrs Doubtfire and Full House 

We ubered to these houses. It took less than 30 minutes and it was fun. #howrude #cutitout

• Trolley Ride/Cable Cars

Another experience that screams San Fransisco!  I mean, I feel there are a few things you HAVE to do and this is one. We took the trolley down to Union Square which is the shopping district. Did you hear that…trolley ride to the shopping district? It’s a no brainer. 

TIP ALERT! If you sit in a seat on the open portion of the car, people can and will stand in front of you thus blocking your view.  

• Anchor Brewing Co.

We enjoy a good beer and when we travel to other cities we usually hit up a local brewery. The tours are always fun and you get to sample most their beers for a small fee. It cost $25 for the tour of Anchor Brewery and they were generous with their samples. 🙂

• Fort Point

This is the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. There is parking down there and a pier that you could fish off of. We went down there right at sunset because….it’s golden hour at the bridge!

If you are still reading this, I hope I have inspired you at least a little to travel to this gorgeous city. I’m a country girl and tend to plan my vacations away from cities and more towards god made sights instead of man made, but this place stole my heart almost 20 years ago. It’s one city I truly love and have had the pleasure of visiting 3 times now. I leave you with a little throw back and present day photo. Left photo from 1999 and the right photo from 2018. (yes, I’m wearing the same hat) 

 

 

One last thing, tour Alcatraz! We waited too long to get tickets so book those in advance. However we did the Golden Gate Bay Cruise which I would recommend as well. 

Until next time!