This year we decided to go to San Francisco for our annual fall trip. It's great to go this time of year because I like to see how different cities are adorned with Christmas decor. We had a great time in San Fran. It's definitely a city full of charm and personality. You've got the bay, mountains, bridges, hilly streets, and a diversity of people and cultures that are visiting from all over the world. I will write a review of what we did each day!
We flew in to SFO on Saturday at around 1pm, and were picked up by one of Nunie's old Marine buddies. The total drive is about 30 minutes from SFO to Union Square. We checked in to our hotel-the Parc 55 which I highly recommend. It's a beautiful hotel, nice staff, great location, and very very nice rooms with a great view of the city. We dropped off our bags and headed straight to Fisherman's Wharf to grab a bite to eat (at this point we were starving)! We ate the famous and delicious clam chowder in sourdough bread from Boudin's Sourdough which is another must do if you're in San Fran! We also stopped to see the entertaining sea lions.
On Sunday we started off the day by having breakfast at the hotel then headed to explore Union Square. Be ready to shop even if you weren't planning on it. Our hotel was right across the street from Westfield San Francisco- a mall that is over 5 stories-go figure! Among those there is Tiffany & Co., Bloomingdale's, Macy's, 5th Avenue Saks, Gap.....etc. etc. Practically every store you can think of. Oh and not to mention the huge Old Navy-it was awesome. We bought a 4 day pass from the MUNI transportation for $18 which allows you to use the buses, electric trolleys, and our favorite and most used the cable cars. It's really not necessary and more PIA to get a rental. We got one for only one day to go to Napa. That evening we went to Alcatraz and really enjoyed the tour. They give you a self guided audio tour with very detailed explanation and allow you to see everything in the cell house. After Alcatraz we had dinner at Fisherman's Grotto. The food was delicious and the restaurant is right in the middle of everything in Fisherman's Wharf. This was another restaurant that was recommened while I did my research, and I second that choice!
Monday we woke up and headed straight to pick up our bikes after breakfast to do our tour of the city and bike ride the Golden Gate Bridge. We picked up our bikes and headed off. We had to stop and get us a sweatshirt as it was very windy and cool. The bike ride was 8 miles from pick up to Saucalito and then you ride the ferry back. We explored the charming neighborhoods that all look like Full House and rode around the bay. You take a bike trail all the way through the bridge. The view is amazing from the bridge and I'm so glad we did this, it was quite fun! Once we arrived in Saucalito we had lunch al fresco in a very cute and yummy restaurant where we ate salmon over rice and salad and Nunie had fish tacos.
On Tuesday we headed straight to pick up our rental. We got a super cute convertible bug.
We headed top down to Napa Valley. The drive was very enjoyable and not long at all from Union Square. I had done some research and discovered that Domain Chandon was highly recommended by many people, so that is where I had my heart set on. We really did not have directions, but we figured once we got to Napa we would ask around. Sure enough we asked and they guided us to the right direction. I knew it was going to be beautiful and it was. We bought the tour and 3 tastings for $25 each and called it a deal! Domain Chandon specialized mostly in sparkling wine, yumm. In the tour they taught us how the blends are made and took us through the factory showing us the fermentation process. It was really neat to see all what happens behind the scene.Once we were done with the tour, the best part was to come. We headed to the tasting room and tasted away. We were supposed to get 3 tastings each but Joe hooked it up. My favorite was Pinot Nior Brut and good thing we brought some bottles home.
Wednesday we were heading back to Houston so we just had breakfast and shopped a little at the Ghirardelli Chocolate store to bring some home. We took a cab to SFO and departed at 2pm.
Over all we had an amazing time in San Francisco and would recommend it to anyone wanting to visit a city with a lots charm and a little romance!
Hope you enjoyed.
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