Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Road Trip – Part 4 San Francisco!
In my last post on our Road Trip I left you in the tunnel where San Francisco loomed large!
We’d already traveled the Oregon Coast, through the Redwoods and California’s Coast to get here. I honestly had my doubts about stopping in San Francisco; it was Bob’s idea.
“Remember we’re in a pandemic dear and it’s only just reopening after a year in lockdown. It’s not easy to drive in either.”
But all my worries were in vain – they usually are. We arrived fresh off Highway 1 on a Friday afternoon with light traffic, and easily found our hotel on Fisherman’s Wharf. The streets were mostly empty and those who were out were masked up. We walked to Pier 39 as the sun began to set and I remembered why I love visiting this city!
The cable cars and trolleys weren’t running so the next day we settled for the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus (on top open air) to get around town. Our first stop was the Ferry Building where we had coffee and pastries – not mushrooms in case you wondered.
From there we walked to Union Square when our bus failed to appear in a timely manner. Fortunately we know the city and enjoyed the walk.
But after lunch we rode through the remaining stops so we weren’t forgotten again! Here are some highlights of our tour.
Eventually we were back where we started. We still had plenty of daylight so we explored more of Pier 39, then walked over to Municipal Pier for another look at the skyline and bridge.
We had dinner at McCormicks at Ghiradelli Square where they even took our temperature upon entry. The lobster bisque was wonderful.
Afterwards we returned to our hotel to relax for the evening. That is, until I realized it was almost time for sunset, and ran back over to catch it. I’m glad I did.
And that mostly concludes this road trip – after San Francisco we took I-5 and were back home in two days.
I say ‘mostly concludes’ because there was a stop at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival outside of Portland, which was quite wonderful.
Stay tuned for that! 🙂
~ Susanne
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 
I always thought I might love to visit SF. But I never went to America, so never did. Thanks for showing me what I missed, Susanne.
Best wishes, Pete.
It’s a great city to visit Pete. I’m glad you could see some of it through my blog! 😊
Hop-on, Hop-off buses are such a great way to see a city. I only visited San Fransico once but I loved it. Great pictures.
Thanks so much! It really works well to get an overview of the city.
It’s a magical city with the same problems all cities have: congestion, homelessness, etc. But it is a city that loves the outdoors, the water, the scenery, and walking the streets – and hills – is always incredible! Terrific photos!
Thanks so much John! I know it has its share of problems but it’s such a great city to visit! I could do it again and again! Thanks for your comment. 😊
We stay at a hotel directly across from The Ferry Building…and walk all the way to Giradelli Square from there!
Wow! That’s great! I think I looked into that hotel. I put 20,000 steps on my Fitbit the Saturday we were there, the most ever. Its such a fun place to walk.
I lived In San Francisco in the 1960’s. I visited a couple years ago – there were some changes!! A city to love!
Quite a city in the 60’s I imagine! And definitely a fun city to visit! 😊
Amazing photos 👌🙏🌷Specially mesmerised Sunset 👍🏻🌷😊
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I’m glad you had a good time in San Fransisco. I’ve visited a few times and always enjoyed it. Such a great city to explore on foot.
Thanks! It really is! I put 20,000 steps on my Fitbit on Saturday, the most yet! Great fun!
I loved San Francisco when we spent a few days there on our 1991 California road trip and hope to revisit some day. Meanwhile your photos are an enticing reminder of much that I loved about the city, especially along the waterfront. I always favour cities that are on the water or on large rivers 🙂 Thanks for taking us on your trip!
Thank you! There are so many great neighborhoods to explore in SF but the waterfront is my favorite!
Thanks for the pics. Been there several times, last time five years ago. I felt some of the funky ambience of previous visits back in the 90s was gone. However, my two favorite spots, City Lights Bookstore and the Sinking Onion (an insane restaurant where all the food is steeped in garlic) and it’s always a big yum.
Glad you enjoyed the pictures! I’ve been there a few times before too and I always enjoy going back!