My brother’s seaside wedding
Driving the Oregon Coast
Visiting the Redwoods
After spending the night in Fort Bragg, California, we stopped by the famous Glass Beach before continuing on our way. During the first half of the 20th century, the area was used as a garbage dump. Today, all that is left of the dump are millions of smooth pieces of glass that have washed up on shore.
We stopped for lunch at Ocean Cove Lodge in Jenner, California, where we enjoyed a beautiful view of the ocean.
Then we continued driving down the California Coast to San Francisco! The road was quite harrowing, especially the spots where there was nothing keeping our car from toppling down the cliff to the ocean more than 100 feet below.
We had dinner on the bay at Guaymas, a Mexican restaurant in Belvedere Tiburon.
Later that evening, we drove across the Golden Gate Bridge for a few hours of sightseeing. Fort Point is one of the best spots to photograph the bridge.
We are avid fans of the TV series Monk, so we stopped by the street corner that is shown in the opening credits (Montgomery Street and Green Street). It also happens to have an iconic view of the skyline, which is why many commercials and TV shows have been filmed there over the years.
Before heading to our hotel, we stopped by Ghirardelli Square to pick up some milkshakes and chocolates. (Is your mouth watering? Mine sure is!)
Do any of you live in San Francisco? If you do, your leg muscles must be made of steel! The hills were beautiful, but boy were they steep. I was amazed to see so many townhouses with garages built on the hills.
The next morning, we drove Mr. Handsome’s family to Oakland Airport and then spent two hours sitting in traffic on the Oakland Bay Bridge. Before returning to the airport to catch our own flight at 1:00pm, we did a quick tour of the SS Jeremiah O’Brien, a WWII cargo ship, at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Our goal was to take a double-decker bus tour of the city, but the heavy traffic caused us to miss it. If you’re planning a vacation in San Francisco, be sure to ride the historic trolleys (schedules and maps can be found online). I grew up watching the show Full House and was eager to see the Painted Ladies (a block of Victorian row houses), but we will have to save that for our next trip.
We did stop at In-N-Out Burger (any fans?) It was greasy, but oh so delicious! Overall, we had a great trip.
Yup! Every time we visit San Diego CA, we go to In N' Out. Family favorite! 🙂
We don't have one in ND but I LOVE a good burger, I bet its good!
It's really good! It takes about 10 minutes for them to make your order because they make it fresh.
Ellie
The Painted Ladies are not the same as the Full House (house)! So if you are ever back make sure to look up the address if you are interested in seeing the actual house. The Painted Ladies are also nice though 🙂
That's good to know! Did you grow up watching Full House, Jen?
Ellie
I'm stopping to San Francisco for a couple of days on my way to Nashville (I live in New Zealand – helping at a Christian ministry for two and a half months in rural Nashville area) so this is really interesting! Being from New Zealand I have never been to the US before… it was really cool seeing the sort of things you can do in San Fran.
Blessings to you Ellie! I've been reading your blog and enjoying it since it began.
That sounds like an awesome adventure, Bonnie! I hope you enjoy the Nashville area. We definitely do. 🙂
I'm blessed to have you as a reader!
Ellie
Thank you for sharing your great trip. Do you have a remote device for taking pictures?
I just use my iPhone. I do have a digital camera, but it's several years old, so my phone is better quality.
Ellie
I love Ghirardelli Chocolate! I went to Ghirardelli Square when I was in SF last year. What flavor is your favorite? Mine is the 86% dark chocolate, or as Ghirardelli calls it, Midnight Reverie.
That's my favorite too! The darker the better, in my opinion. The flavors are good, but nothing beats plain dark chocolate.
Ellie
Love In and Out!!!!
I agree! Do you spend a lot of time in California, Odie?
Ellie
It sounds like you covered territory well in short order from my native perspective. Did you know that there are bible verses on some of the In and Out packaging? On a cup, I believe the paper sleeve holding the fries? If you did not see them, you have an additional excuse to come back! What do you think of that?
I didn't notice that. We were in a rush to make our flight, so we had to eat quickly That's neat! So you live in California?
Ellie
Once again, great pictures, Lilly!
Thank you!
Ellie
Sounds like a great trip! Thanks for sharing 😊
My pleasure. Thanks for reading my blog. 🙂
Ellie
I live in the East Coast, but I've visited San Francisco several times; it's one of my favorite cities in the world! There's just something special about it 🙂
I enjoyed looking at your pictures of San Francisco (have been following for a while, but don't know if I've commented much!) I was born and raised in San Francisco, but after graduating from college, moved to Colorado to teach in a Christian school. After living there for 19 years (and getting married during that time, as well as adopting 5 children), we are close to you now, living in Portland, TN. Every couple of years, we go to San Francisco, where my parents and youngest sister still live, to see them and see the sights. I love the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown areas. And yes, those hills are something else! My father is a letter carrier in a very hilly area and he does get his exercise! So glad you had a great trip there. –Theo-Ann Johnson
Hi Theo-Ann,
Thanks for sharing your story. Did you live in the city or outside it? I can only imagine how fit your father must be! I haven't been to Portland, TN, but I hear it's a nice area.
Ellie
Oh I love In-N-Out! We have it right by our house too!!! If you might have noticed they have bible verse references right underneath their cups and fry holders. They are an awesome, wonderful, and great company! Glad you enjoyed it!- G.
I didn't notice the Bible verse references, but that's very neat! Now we will have to plan a trip back to California so we can look for them. LOL
Ellie