The City By The Bay

"If you’re alive, you can’t be bored in San Francisco.  If you’re not alive, San Francisco will bring you to life……San Francisco is a world to explore. It is a place where the heart can go on a delightful adventure. It is a city in which the spirit can know refreshment every day."- William Saroyan

I went home for a week and spent some time in the City by the Bay (San Francisco). Now that I am a real life adult, a lot of my friends live in the City, and every time I head back to California, I end up spending time there. I made the mistake while growing up of not really taking advantage of living so close to arguably the greatest city in America (FOOLISH).

Foggy Day on the Golden Gate

My mom and I decided to head across the Golden Gate to the more scenic side of the San Francisco area.  We decided to do a bit of hiking in the Marin Headlands. I had never been out there before, and I was completely awe-struck by how gorgeous it was. I honestly didn't even feel like I was in CA anymore; it had that mystical, foggy, craggy feel of the British Isles or Ireland.

Marin

We pulled over at the research/information center and decided to walk down a trail towards the ocean. It was a typical foggy Bay Area day, but the perfect brisk temperature. I couldn't believe how green the area was, especially considering the major drought in the state. (My parents have been rationing water like champs).

We walked along until we hit the Pacific Ocean, and we would have had a perfect view of the Golden Gate Bridge, but the fog was ridiculously thick. Either way, the fog adds to the aura of San Francisco.

After our walk, we decided to drive over to the lighthouse (which I honestly didn't know existed until we saw it on a map). Lighthouses are my mother and my new thing. We ventured out to Tybee Island when we were in Savannah to go see one, so we figured it would be worth it to go see one closer to home.

This is my favorite picture from our adventures. I loved the wild flowers against the water. 

It was a very different lighthouse than the ones I've seen previously. It's located on this desolate rock that is only accessible via a wobbly suspension bridge. 

You have to go through a few dark tunnels before you get to see the ocean, the Golden Gate, & the Lighthouse. 

After venturing around the outskirts of the city, we ventured into San Francisco and met my father for dinner at Gary Dankos. 

Honestly, for the quality and price of the restaurant I expected more, but it was a really fun experience. You pay a flat fee and then choose either 3, 4, or 5 courses.  By far the best parts of my meal were the lobster courses. I had a lobster avocado salad and a lobster tail that were both amazing. 

My least favorite course was the beef. It was over marinated and salted way too much for my liking.  I did have decent experiences with the cheese plates and the variety of desserts we ordered (we lover our desserts).

I can't wait to go back to San Francisco and do the tourist thing all over again!

Cheers xx