Thanks for tuning in for the 3rd and final leg of our California trip! As you read in the last post (found HERE), we traveled up the coast to complete our journey in San Francisco. Time was limited as we had a night tour scheduled for Alcatraz! Night 4 concluded at Alcatraz (detailed below), followed by our final 48 hours in San Francisco which included traveling over the Golden Gate Bridge to see the famous Redwoods!
48 Hours in San Francisco
Night 4: Alcatraz/San Francisco
Our stops while traveling up the coast were limited time wise due to our Alcatraz night tour reservation. Boy was this worth it! If your trip and itinerary allows, I highly recommend booking the night tour. You’ll head to the island via ferry while it’s still light out. By the time you begin touring the island and prison, the sun will have set providing quite an eerie feel throughout. The allure of Alcatraz is quite interesting itself; however, I feel the tour further adds to the fascination most people have regarding the island. Also known as “The Rock”, Alcatraz housed some of the nation’s most notorious prisoners from 1934-1963. Some of the most famous include Al Capone, “Birdman” Robert Shroud, and Machine Gun Kelly. This tour is quite simply something I would have no problem experiencing every time I visit California! For an added bonus, make sure to check out the infirmary and “makeshift hospital” upstairs, which happened to be open during our tour. Very interesting to see their idea of “medicine” and “healthcare” back in those days! I promise you will not be disappointed with the Alcatraz Island/Prison night tour during your 48 hours in San Francisco.
48 Hours in San Francisco
Day 5: San Francisco
Sutro Historical Baths/Lands End Trail
Our day started driving along the coast to view the historical Sutro Baths. Developed in 1894, the Sutro Baths were known for their glamor and several pools of varying temperatures. After the initial excitement and appeal wore off, the baths at one point were converted into ice skating rinks before a fire struck in 1966. The ruins, even from afar, provide quite a view of what there once was. We continued onto the Lands End Trail. A nice trail, with some areas of steady elevation change, allowed us to capture some gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. Unfortunately, it was a little bit of an overcast day therefore the bridge was not crystal clear in the background; however, still a great view nonetheless.
Battery Spencer/Golden Gate Bridge
For additional views and a perfect vantage point of the Golden Gate Bridge, be sure to check out Battery Spencer. This overlook sits nearly 500 feet above the bay and provides amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Even on an overcast or foggy day, you’ll be certain to have pretty great views of the iconic bridge and surrounding bay.
Point Bonita Lighthouse
We continued over the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Area to explore one of our favorite stops, the Point Bonita Lighthouse. Built in 1855, this was the 3rd lighthouse built on the West Coast and is surprisingly still active today, being maintained by the US Coast Guard. Rather unique to this lighthouse is the Fresnel lens, a system of ground glass prisms arranged in rings, which was developed by the French physicist, Augustin Fresnel, in 1822. The trail to the lighthouse provides pretty amazing views of the bay, as you walk through a tunnel, and subsequently cross a hanging bridge to your final destination. There’s a small museum within the lighthouse and a few NPS Rangers (National Park Service) were present to answer any and all questions.
Sausalito/Fish Restaurant
After visiting the lighthouse we traveled to Sausalito, which in my opinion, is rather underrated. This wasn’t really on anyone’s suggestion list when we had said we’d be traveling to California; however, there were quite a few nice areas to walk around and enjoy some food right on the water. We stumbled upon Fish Restaurant for some pretty phenomenal eats. You order at the bar upon walking in and subsequently venture outside to sit at numerous picnic tables. The sun finally came out and provided an amazing dining experience right on the water, with plenty of boats at the nearby harbor and dock. We decided on a family style approach, which allowed us to try several dishes and plates including the clam chowder and grilled fish of the day.
Muir Woods Park
If time allowed, we more than likely would have traveled to the Redwood National Park/Forest; however, given limited time we adventured to Muir Woods Park. I have absolutely no complaints about this park! There were a couple of trails very easily accessible and detailed on the provided map. There were still plenty of Redwoods to see, each offering breathtaking views. Pictures really don’t do these magnificent trees justice, until you’re standing next to one upwards of 200+ feet tall. Of note, a parking reservation is required and must be booked ahead of time. There is also very limited cell service (nonexistent in some parts) so please plan accordingly and ahead of time! You don’t want to miss out on this stop.
Polly Ann Ice Cream
Of course for dinner we decided on ice cream. Who doesn’t love dessert as their meal! We stopped at Polly Ann Ice Cream. A cute, almost vintage appearing shop, on the corner of a main street. They have a pretty endless menu including dozens of unique ice cream flavors, sundaes, milkshakes, and even pints of ice cream to go! The staff was friendly and will let you sample flavors as well. After a rather busy day, we ended back at the hotel before our final day in beautiful California.
48 Hours in San Francisco
Day 6: San Francisco --> Buffalo
Fog City Coffee
After checking out of the hotel, we stopped for coffee at a local shop. Fog City Cafe was a cute cafe to stop at before concluding our 48 hours in San Francisco. There were a few breakfast items on the menu; however, we had already enjoyed the free breakfast at our hotel. I always prefer stopping at a local coffee shop instead of the big chains so this checked that box for sure.
Royal Donuts
Coffee in hand, we stopped briefly at Royal Donuts shop, where there were dozens of flavors and varieties. One of their glazed donuts was as big as my face! They offered a few other pastries and desserts as well but seemed known for their donuts more than anything.
Painted Ladies/Alamo Square Park
A trip to San Francisco isn’t complete without visiting the famous Alamo Square Park and backdrop of the intro to Full House. On the street adjacent to Alamo Square Park, you’ll see the well known Steiner Street lined with several Victorian Style homes. Known as the “Painted Ladies” or “Postcard Row” these beautifully colored homes are seen in some favorite movies/shows, most notably Full House. Whether you have a picnic on the side of the hill like the TV show, or sit to relax on several available benches, the view of these homes will be sure to leave you in complete awe.
Gourmet Haus Staudt Biergarten
It seems ever since returning from our trip to Germany, we are stumbling upon some German favorites right here in the states! We had some time to kill before heading to the airport for our late night flight and found this biergarten while walking around Redwood City. Upon entering the front, you walk through a German style store before entering the restaurant portion, complete with larger style picnic tables and some outdoor seating. Family style sharing was yet again a must and the food definitely exceeded our expectations. We felt as though we had stepped right back into Germany! After eating outdoors, we browsed the front store where some of our favorites were found. The more authentic Haribo gummy bears imported directly from Germany along with paprika flavored chips! These delicacies were two of our favorites from our previous trip (blogged about and found HERE). Multiple German beers were also available in the front if you’re interested in taking some to go!
This not only concludes our 48 hours in San Francisco, but also the 3-part series for California! This was such a fun trip, packed with last minute touristy “must sees” as well as some more off the beaten path adventures. There’s so much more I’d like to experience in California, which simply means I’ll have to return. Hopefully everyone enjoyed the bullet point format of this California series. As always, thanks again for following along on my adventures with AWF!
Other Top Posts!
24-Hour Off-Season Itinerary for Independence Pass and Aspen, Colorado
From crossing the infamous Independence Pass to hiking at the Maroon Bells, plan your perfect day trip to Aspen, Colorado!
A 24-Hour Autumn Escape to Cooperstown, NY
From a fall foliage train to a family-friendly brewery, this Cooperstown itinerary will give you all of the autumn feels!
Exploring Denver and the Surrounding Areas
Hitch along with my college friend and local Coloradan as we explore Denver and the surrounding area with quick stops and day trips alike!
24-Hour Off-Season Itinerary for Breckenridge, Colorado
From a ski lodge-themed cafe and mining exhibits, to a giant troll in the woods and alpine lakes, there’s a lot to do in Breckenridge all year!
Epic Day Trip From Zion to Antelope Canyon
Looking to plan your day trip from Zion to Antelope Canyon? Join us on an epic adventure from Zion to Antelope with some epic stops in between!
16 Things You Can’t Miss on Your Next Trip to San Francisco
From the Painted Ladies to the Palace of Fine Arts, there is plenty to see in San Francisco, also known as “The Paris of the West!”