California Trip Part 1: San Francisco

I'm finally posting about our trip to California!  First up, San Francisco!

My friend Morgan (who I've loved even longer than muffin) was getting married in the California Redwoods. Daniel and I decided to make our journey to her wedding a vacation!  To start the trip, we decided to fly into San Francisco and work our way up California to her gorgeous venue.   Neither of us had ever been farther west than Denver, so we were very excited to see California.

After our plane landed, we spent our afternoon exploring San Francisco--Fisherman's Wharf to be specific.  We did have to split the afternoon in half so that I could attend my Master's Class online (on east coast time).  It gave our feet a nice little break :)

Alcatraz

Playing in the sand

Amazing sourdough bread!

I think the Sea Lions at Pier 39 might be the cutest things I've ever seen!

Talk about a diabetic overload!

That night, after some free beverages at the hotel, we decided to go on a little dinner adventure.  The concierge gave us a great dinner suggestion in an area called "Little Europe."   Little Europe is actually a small hidden street called Belden Place.  Here, each restaurant serves a different european country's specialty food. It wasn't exactly close to our hotel, so we hopped on some public transportation and made our way there.  I really think public transportation and walking are some of the best ways to get to know a city!  

When we got to Belden Place, we decided to try out Café Bastille (serving amazing french food).  Café Bastille held approximately 10 tables with some extra seating outside.  It was incredibly romantic and we had the best time there! It also didn't hurt that the food and wine were pure magic!

Kobe Beef Tartare with a Quail Egg and Crème Fraîche 

Cauliflower Soup

Cesar Salad with Grilled Anchovies

Mussels in White Wine, Shallots, and Garlic

NY Strip with Frites

We began our second day in San Francisco with a Zagat Breakfast suggestion:  Mama's.   We got there before the restaurant fully opened and waited about an hour in line.  It was just. that. good. I had had Dungeness Crab Cake Benedict and Daniel tried the Dungeness Crab Omelette.  They were both fabulous!

We decided to walk off our breakfast in China Town (and a little shopping in Union Square).  I loved all the sights and sounds of China Town, but it can also be overwhelming for people like me that don't deal well with crowds.  Luckily, Daniel helped me navigate traffic so I could enjoy all of the colors and bustle of the area.

Gorgeous street lamps

Posing at the Dragon Gate

Muffin posing at the Dragon Gate

 After shopping, we had to check another item off of our San Francisco bucket list: riding a trolley.  It was a great experience, but it can also be scary when another trolley passes at full speed and is a mere 2 inches away from your face!

After the trolley, we loaded up our rental car and decided to drive to the last places on the bucket list before heading to our next stop (Sonoma).

Full House homes

Just call me Jack Kerouac at Haight and Ashbury

After driving on Lombard or Crooked Street

View of the Golden Gate as we were heading north

Driving to Sonoma!

As you can see, we had a short time in San Francisco, but I feel like we did absolutely as much as we could!  I love to make a bucket list with Muffin before we go on a trip so that we both see and do everything we want.  It's even more important when you have a short time in one place.  We had a great time exploring San Francisco together.  Stay tuned for Part 2: Sonoma!