I’d only ever been to San Fran once before, coincidentally it was with Mat last time we were in the US together in 2013. We were flying to Cancun and had to do a one night stopover in the city so didn’t get time to do any of the better attractions besides Fisherman’s Wharf. This time we remedied that and armed with 4 full days we biked, walked, ubered and drove all over the city.
The first night in the city we took an evening stroll from the Marina district where we stayed, along the waterfront, around to the east, to Fisherman’s Wharf. After a stroll along the main streets, we had some delicious clam chowder in a bread bowl and then wandered up through the city in search of some good night time views across the city and into the bay.
Day one was all about the Golden Gate Bridge and there is only one way to properly do that…on a bike! Hiring one across the street from our hotel, I navigated us through the busy streets to the famous curved section of Lombard Street. We only had to climb two or three small hills to get there and so Michelle was only mildly angry with the navigator. But given we were only half an hour into our day she continued like a trooper and we next headed into Golden Gate Park. The rolling hills, serene forest and grassy parks were perfect for a gentle cruise westward through the length of the park and out to the beach.
We continued to climb the sea cliffs in the brilliant hot sun and make our way around the coastline to the Golden Gate Bridge. The views of the Bridge and then of the city from the bridge were phenomenal. The churning waters far below with massive ships passing underneath the bridge was breathtaking, dotted with the occasional sea lion crossing the bay entrance.
Day two was spent walking across the city and visiting the SFMOMA. After the art museum we wandered into Chinatown and ordered dim sum from a bustling, no frills, hole in the wall shop and walked around the next block to a little park where we ate our authentic Chinese while watching Chinese ladies dance and the men play mahjong. That night we watched the SF Giants play (baseball) the Cincinnati Reds at AT&T Park.
On day three we went to Alcatraz and spent hours wandering the prison and grounds, learning the history and fascinating stories. We even met a former inmate (he is now 85) and Mat got a signed copy of his book.
The final day in San Fran was a little more chilled with a visit to Presidio Park and some shopping for hiking essentials that we would need when heading to Yosemite National Park the next day. The highlight of day four for me (and Mat) was this cute little sandwich shop we found a couple of blocks from our hotel that did some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had.
