San Francisco
Last summer we packed our bags and landed in San Francisco international airport to begin our road trip. San Francisco, in northern California, is a city on the tip of a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. It’s known for its hilly landscape, year-round fog, iconic Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars and colorful Victorian houses. There is nothing better to connect with your kids than to take a long road trip! Here are a few things we did in the city:
The Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most famous bridge in the world. Approximately 120,000 automobiles drive across it every day. A pedestrian walkway also allows the crossing on foot, and bikes are allowed on the western side. The Golden Gate Bridge is said to be one of the most photographed things on Earth.
Ride a Cable Car
Cable cars have been transporting people around San Francisco since the late 19th century. The cars run on tracks and are moved by an underground cable on three routes. Their familiar bells can be heard ringing from blocks away. As a really requested tourist attraction, it could take from 30 minutes up to two hours on the waiting line, so make sure you have at least a hat and a cold beverage. Each one-way ride will provide spectacular views of the city’s celebrated hills.
Visit the Rock
Alcatraz, the notorious former prison, is located on an island of the same name in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Some of the United States’ most notorious criminals were incarcerated there. The prison was closed in the 1960’s and stories about Alcatraz are legendary. A visit to Alcatraz today is fascinating. To reach the island, take an Alcatraz Cruises ferry from Pier 33. Advance reservations are recommended if you want to visit the Rock!
See the Sea Lions
Fisherman’s Wharf is also home to PIER 39, a festive waterfront marketplace that is one of the city’s most popular attractions. A community of California sea lions has taken up residence on the floats in the PIER 39 Marina and visitors line the nearby railing to watch their antics. From there it’s a short walk to the San Francisco Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and the famous crab vendors selling walk-away crab and shrimp cocktails.
Walk Through the Oldest Chinatown
The entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street is called the “Dragon’s Gate.” Inside are 24 blocks of hustle and bustle, most of it taking place along Grant Avenue, the oldest street in San Francisco. This city within a city is best explored on foot; exotic shops, renowned restaurants, food markets, temples and small museums comprise its boundaries. Visitors can buy ancient potions from herb shops, relax and enjoy a “dim sum” lunch or witness the making of fortune cookies.
We loved the Dim Sum place and afterwards enjoyed a delicious bubble tea with a warm bubble waffle!
Lombard Street
Lombart St. is known for the one-way block on Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, where eight sharp turns are said to make it the most crooked street in the world. Built in 1922, was intended to reduce the hill’s natural 27% grade, which was too steep for most vehicles. The crooked block is perhaps 600 feet long, is one-way (downhill) and is paved with red bricks. The sign at the top recommends 5 mph (8 km/h).
The Port of San Francisco
On the western edge of the San Francisco Bay near the Golden Gate. It has been called one of the three great natural harbors in the world, but it took two long centuries for navigators from Spain and England to find the anchorage originally called Yerba Buena. A port, as was said in its early days, in which all the fleets of the world could find anchorage
The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Is a certified farmers market operated by the nonprofit Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA). The market is widely acclaimed for both the quality and diversity of its fresh farm products, and artisan and prepared foods. It is renowned throughout the country as one of the top farmers markets to visit. On any day, especially Saturdays, some of San Francisco’s best known chefs, and most famous farmers, can be seen at the market. Each week nearly 25,000 shoppers visit the farmers market.
California Cuisine is heavily influenced by Mexican, Asian, and Mediterranean Cuisine. Seafood and fresh fish, salmon being very popular, can be found on many restaurant menus, and avocado is used as a common ingredient due to its widespread cultivation in the state. Californian cuisine tends to reflect the somewhat lighter and more health conscious mindset of the state.
The farmers market is open three days a week—Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the smaller markets occupy the front of the building along the Embarcadero; on Saturdays, the much larger market is held both in front of the Ferry Building and on the rear plaza overlooking the Bay.
Ghirardelli Square
Is a landmark public square with shops and restaurants in the Fisherman’s Wharf area. The square once featured over 40 specialty shops and restaurants. Some of the original shops and restaurants still occupy the square.
Boudin Bakery
Is a bakery based in San Francisco, known for its sourdough bread (self-proclaimed as the “Original San Francisco Sourdough French Bread”). It was established in 1849 by Isidore Boudin, son of a family of master bakers from Burgundy, France, by blending the sourdough prevalent among miners in the Gold Rush with French techniques.
And of course, you can’t leave San francisco without tasting the Clam chowder served on a Sourdough bowl!
This is specially for the people travelling with kids! On piers 15/17 there is an amazing place called The Exploratorium, an eye-opening, playful place to explore how the world works. My girls and my nieces were so happy!
All San Francisco landmarks made in matchsticks, it took this artist over 3,000 hours and 34 years to make – but the results are incredible. Artist Scott Weaver has created a huge but incredibly detailed model of San Francisco using 100,000 toothpicks.
Napa Valley
When taking the road north bound our first stop was at the famous Napa Valley! Yes, we visited two wineries or vineyards Robert Mondavi and V. Sattui! with wine tasting and delicatessen picnic!
Wine tasting at Robert Mondavi’s winery!
Then stopped at V. Sattui’s winery and made a picnic with amazing gourmet food from the deli!!
After that we took the road again, on to our next stop! Mendocino!
Mendocino (formerly, Big River, Meiggstown, and Mendocino City) is a community in Mendocino County, located 9.5 miles (15 km) south of Fort Bragg. The town’s name comes from Cape Mendocino, named by early Spanish navigators in honor of Antonio de Mendoza, Viceroy of New Spain. Many films and movies have been filmed in and around Mendocino and Mendocino County, including Dying Young, The Russians Are Coming; Overboard; The Dunwich Horror; The Karate Kid, Part III; Dead & Buried; Forever Young; Same Time Next Year; Racing with the Moon; Pontiac Moon; and The Majestic.
We found wild berries on the side of the road in front of the sea!
Lots of bed and breakfasts, can be found in town, a large artist community (Paintings, jewelry, crafts). We had an amazing dining experience in Mendocino. At the Mendocino cafe, the best Rock shrimp Thai Potfire.
So far we are having a blast!! Stay tune for the second part of this fun trip!
