I was single, carefree and the travel bug had well and truly hit me when I fell in love with San Fran 12 years ago. I've just arrived home from my 2nd trip there and this time, I took my eldest son with me. My sister was getting married over there (she now lives in the States) and I thought this was a great opportunity to show Groover the city that his Mummy fell in love with.
We hit the ground running when we arrived - we checked into our cute little B&B and then it was off to Fisherman's Wharf for a look around and for some lunch. I was salivating at the thought of having "Clam Chowder" from a Sourdough bread bowl again - a famous San Fran dish. I love eating yummy soup accompanied by yummy bread ... and to serve one inside the other ... pure genius! It didn't disappoint ... it was just as delicious as I remembered it to be all those years ago.
Fisherman's Wharf is very touristy but its got a great vibe about it. There are always buskers providing entertainment for everyone - great singers, magic shows, break dancing which Groover loved watching. There is plenty to do here - visit the Aquarium, hop on a ferry ride, wander around the shops or dine at the many restaurants. A great little tip, check out the restaurant at the end of Pier 39 as they have the best Clam Chowder and the best view of the Seals that bask themselves on the docks. It kept Groover entertained over lunch.
There is a great submarine stationed at Fisherman's Wharf and I would highly recommend taking your kids here. Admission was only USD $9 and it was great to show Groover what life on a real WWII sub would have been like. He enjoyed seeing how small all the rooms were and was really surprised that grown men could even fit into the teeny weeny shower!
A trip to San Fran wouldn't be the same without hopping onto the famous Cable Cars. We caught it from Powell/Market Turntable which took us up Nob Hill to Fisherman's Wharf. Rides are USD $5 per person (4 yrs and under are free). Here is a tip, to avoid the long queues walk up to the next block and hop on there - we found that out after we waited in line for about 40 mins! The views from Nob Hill are just amazing and I was too much of a chicken to hang off the side of the cable car. Although, Groover was well up for it, I managed to convince him to stay seated!
Stay tuned for my next entry for the rest of our trip.
3 comments:
Lovely travel story and it must have been very special to be able to spend the time with just one little one and do some sight seeing.
I loved San Fran when I was there 18 years ago. While I read your wonderful story, I was taken on a trip down memory lane. Thank you!
Sounds wonderful! And what a great experience for your son.
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