We made it back from our trip late Saturday night. In case you missed it, we did a whirlwind tour through California, and it was so great to have some fun with Russ. We’ve been together for 13 years (married for 7), and we are definitely set in our ways and routines. We are so ready to have a baby and welcome all the change it will bring. I think it makes me savor our time as a twosome a little more though. We flew in to San Francisco, rented a car and drove down the coast staying one night in Carmel and Santa Barbara, before ending in LA. Today I thought I’d share my San Francisco travel diary with others to come. We arrived on Sunday afternoon giving us time to get our bearings and explore a little. We spent all day Monday there before leaving Tuesday morning. I will say, out of all our stops this was our least researched which I think ended up making it less fun. Here are some highlights with my recommendations. This is by no means an exhaustive list.
San Francisco Travel Diary
What to do in San Francisco
- Golden Gate Bridge – Unfortunately it was foggy most of our visit. Though we saw the bridge from a distance, we didn’t get any good photos.
- Union Square – Great shopping if you are interested.
- Ferry Building – A neat market place with lots of stops and food. Unfortunately we went on the 4th, and many of the shops were closed.
- Cable Car Ride and Museum – The old cable cars are so neat! The line was very long at Union Square, so we walked up a couple stops and hopped right on. FYI, the cars get pretty crowded. We didn’t make it to the museum, but I bet it would have been cool.
- Giants Baseball Game (pictured) – We got to watch the Giants on July 4th. The game included a flyover and military reuniting (including a proposal). It was really a fun experience and cool ballpark with views of the pier.
- Tea Garden – We didn’t get to try this, but it looks amazing.
- Explore neighborhoods – see below
- Check out Chinatown – Wish we’d made it to this! Ran out of time, but it is supposed to be one of the best.
- Fisherman’s Wharf – Not worth the time in our opinion, very touristy.
- Alcatraz – I was so sad to miss this! Not realizing you needed to purchase tour tickets in advance, we looked into it a week before our trip only to find everything sold out. Don’t be like me!
Where to Eat in San Francisco
- Hayes Valley – Cool neighborhood to walk around in and get a bite to eat. We ended up eating Thai, and it was my favorite meal in SF. Miette (mentioned below) and Loving Cup Ice Cream are located there as well.
- The Mission District – Ran out of time to check this out.
- Filmore Street – I’m kicking myself about this one. I didn’t learn about it until Monday evening when we finished the game and were close to the Ferry Building, so we just ran out of time. Filmore is supposed to have awesome shops and eateries including the well known La Boulangerie bakery. Bakeries speak my love language if you cannot tell…
- Mr. Holmes Bakehouse (pictured) – My favorite stop of the trip! Warning: be prepared to wait in line. The treats are worth it though.
- Ferry Building – We ate at the Slanted Door, and it was delicious. Everything looked good though!
- Miette (pictured) – Cutest bakery/sweet shop located on Hayes Valley and inside the Ferry Building
Things to Note
- We learned San Francisco was all about the neighborhoods. I wish I’d done a bit more research about the areas.
- It was also much colder than I expected, especially in the shade and at night. Pack layers!
Outfit Details
Top and Sandals c/o Goodnight Macaroon // Jeans: Gap maternity (I have and love the non-maternity version too!) // Bag: Rebecca Minkoff c/o Shopbop
Sorry, I know this post is already long, but I had to tell you Shopbop is offering 25% off their “designer” (from what I can tell, not too restrictive) sale with the code DESIGNER25. Of course that means I looked at the shoes. Duh. So many good options on major sale including my favorite Rebecca Minkoff nude studded sandals.
88 Comments
Seriously love your adventuring look! Those shoes are beyond chic! I am in love with style diaries i am so glad that you guys had such a blast!
xoxo,Victoria
http://www.coffeeandablonde.blogspot.com
I always love your outfits. So cool. I love those shoes so much!! and that top… oh I love its all xxxx
X Hayley
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Glad to hear you guys had an awesome time in Cali! I love SF and I have yet to try Mr. Holmes Bakehouse!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
I wish we had enough time while we’re in Cali next week to drive up to San Francisco! What was your favorite spot in LA? We only have a few hours there before we drive to Santa Barbara! LOVE that top!
http://www.rosyoutlookblog.com
I’ll be doing a full post on both next week, but it sounds like that will be too late! We loved Cafe Gratitude and Gracias Madre (both vegan). I heard Zinc, Guisados, and Ledlow are also good. For dessert, we tried California Donuts and Milk. I heard Afters Ice Cream and Carmellas are also great. For coffee we tried The Assembly and Alfreds. We stayed on the border of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, so those were things close. My favorite thing we did was the bus tour. Wish we’d had time for Universal! Have fun!
Glad you were able to somewhat enjoy your San Francisco trip. Thanks for sharing what you did as I plan to go one day soon. Those Rebecca Minkoff espadrilles are so cute!
http://www.thebeautybeau.com/
This is a great list of places in San Francisco and sounds like it was a fun trip! We spent a day there while visiting Napa, but I feel like we need to go back because we didn’t have enough time. How amazing do those sweets look?! Also, totally obsessed with this cute look. Love this ruffle top and of course those pom pom sandals!
xo, Rachel
A Blonde’s Moment
I would love to go to San Francisco and explore some day! Sounds like you had such a great time! I loved seeing your photos! That is the perfect outfit – that top is darling!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Mr Holmes Bakehouse looks great, I love the branding! You’re looking really stylish whilst pregnant, the pom pom sandals are lovely
We hope to take a similar trip sometime soon! Glad you had fun! Loving your top 🙂
So happy you had this treasured time with Russ!! I just saved this as my Mr. And I really want to get to San Fran someday. What a great outfit to browse the city, so fun and Summery and of course you look beautiful as can be!
Such a cute outfit, love the subtle dots! Love San Francisco, such a pretty place! Have to save these tips for later! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Cannot wait to go back to Cali next year, this time I will focus on the Northern part. You look so pretty and fresh, love your outfit.
xo
PinkSole
Really gorgeous outfit and photos, Looks like you had a great time! Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Those donuts look bloody amazing! Really want to visit San Fran one day. It’s def on my wishlist!
http://www.duchessoffashion.co.uk
Your trip sounds so amazing, it’s always been on my list to travel along the coast of California so I’m jealous! Great pics and tips too! Love your ruffled top.
Marta
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
It looks like you had a great tip. Beautiful photos.
http://www.mydailywear.co.uk
Love your summery outfit and photos of San Francisco! Those bakeries look amazing
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
So nice! Hope you’re having a great time and these pastries looks amazingly delicious! Have fun!
http://violettedaily.com
Oh San Francisco is such a great city! After looking at these pictures and reading through the post, I want to go back even more 🙂 You look fabulous in this look dear!
xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com
Looking beautiful in this elegant and summery outfit! Your top is simply fantastic. 🙂
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