San Fran Recap Day 4

Our fourth and last morning in San Francisco was reserved for America's Cup races. We started our day, though, with brunch at Presidio Social Club before walking to Marina Green to watch the boats.

Palace of Fine Arts

When we got to the water we noticed that there really wasn't a crowd. After a little Google-ing we figured out that the Italian team was boycotting while awaiting the final verdict on some newly implemented safety regulations. The New Zealand team still did the course in order to get a point so we at least got to see one boat.

After the one boat race we stopped by the America's Cup Village at Marina Green to look around.

After browsing (and buying P a t-shirt) we walked to Ghirardelli for a snack. Yes, this was our second trip there.

And then rode a cable car to Union Square.

We debated about what to do next (and even changed our minds about destinations in the cab a couple of times) but decided to bike through Golden Gate Park. We had 1 hour to bike 6 miles. With hills. And a few picture breaks. We made it! Barely. 

Conservatory of Flowers

Japanese Tea Garden

Yes, I am on a child's bike. The bike originally assigned to Ryan had a flat tire. Since we were pressed for time we couldn't wait around for them to fix it so we had to take the kid's bike. I ended up on this one first and then Ryan switched with me. I think we both agreed that it was much harder on the mini bike. :)

So, our first trip away without Parker was a success- for us and him! We ended up getting home Monday a little earlier than originally scheduled due to the plane that crashed while landing in San Francisco on Saturday (we were able to change our flight to leave from Oakland free of charge since there was a travel advisory) and it was nice to be back in our normal routine as a little family.

San Fran Recap Day 3

First stop on Day 3: Muir Woods! It was packed. As in we literally had to park 1 mile from the entrance. We did a short, easy little path to see some redwoods, which were amazing, and then we headed up the Ocean Trail to Tourist Club where we had a picnic lunch. Tourist Club is only open to non-members (us) on weekends in May, July and September. 

Tourist Club nestled in the trees.

After all of our hiking in Muir Woods, we drove to Napa/Yountville for a little relaxation and dinner.

The warmer temperatures in Napa and the food at Bottega totally justified the drive and late bedtime.

San Fran Recap Day 2

After our morning trip to Starbucks we headed to the pier to catch our ferry to Alcatraz. Ryan has been too many times to count, but she was such a good sport about going yet again (her second trip in less than a week actually since she'd been with her brother just a few days before). Our reason for booking our Alcatraz tour when we did was so that we'd be on the island for the America's Cup timed trials. Of course, the trials ended up being cancelled due to weather conditions. We did get to see a boat parade, though, and the America's Cup Village from the water.

This was Keith's first trip to Alcatraz and he was pretty impressed with the tour. If we make it back to San Francisco I definitely want to do the night tour where they open up the hospital. Sounds so creepy! 

After Alcatraz we went by Pier 39 to see the sea lions. Turns out (as Ryan warned us) the sea lions have all migrated south except for this one guy.

We also stopped by Fisherman's Wharf and had a late lunch at Boudin .

The Boudin demonstration bakery and museum was just down the street.

We hadn't planned on stopping at the museum, but we decided we could spare $2 and half an hour or so. It was well worth it. There were boards on the history of Boudin, history of San Francisco, San Francisco food originals, and how some famous San Francisco landmarks got their names. We also took quizzes on what kind of bread we are (I'm a French Long, Keith is a French Baguette and Ryan is Rye- I think).

We also got to see the baker in action.

We strolled past the beach and through Fort Mason to the Off the Grid Food Truck Festival.

We grabbed dessert at Off the Grid before dinner at Tacolicious. Oh my yummy! Loved that crème brulee and the tuna tostadas. Perfect end to another fun day!