After enjoying our treat at Ghirardelli, we strolled down Jefferson Street and shopped as we went. We made it to Fisherman’s Wharf and spent some time at the Musée Mécanique, located on Pier 45. Musée Mécanique is one of the largest privately owned collections of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade machines that are still in original working condition. It was so fun to see all of the arcade games that were previously played at places like Coney Island in Brooklyn. Jason really loved this place! A bonus: the stunning views of Alcatraz from the back of the museum.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day that ended at Boudin Bistro. We loved Boudin’s atmosphere, the views of the street from the bar and their food! We initially went in to have some drinks before dinner and ended up staying for dinner. We had sourdough fish tacos, pepperoni pizza with a sourdough crust and cinnamon-sugar dusted sourdough beignets. Are you sensing a common denominator here? Boudin’s big on the sourdough, and I’m not complaining! It was all delicious, but let’s talk about those beignets. They were so good and served with vanilla gelato! Jason and I agree, one apiece was not nearly enough.

Recently, Jason and I were able to take a trip up north and explore the Bay Area a bit. We fell in love with San Francisco – the history, the food, the bay, the fashion, the cable cars, the quirkiness, the row houses, the individuality, the fog. This city has definitely gotten public transportation right and it was so fun and easy to get everywhere. We rode the cable cars, the electric buses and historic streetcars (from different cities around the world).

First on our agenda was a sighting of the Golden Gate Bridge! It was so surreal to see it in person. Can I just say, I am in love with this red bridge?! We spent some time at the Walt Disney Family Museum and took in some Disney history on our first day, a half day, in the city before having dinner and settling into our room.

The following day, our first full day in the city, we started our day out with a walk (which obviously included hills, seemingly placed with no rhyme or reason) to grab a coffee (more on that later) and then headed to see ‘The Crooked Street,’ a portion of Lombard Street. Seeing people traverse this crooked little street in their vehicles was quite entertaining! We didn’t drive it, but we did start at the top and walk down.

Next stop was Ghirardelli Square for lunch at Lori’s Diner and a sundae for dessert at Ghirardelli. Jason and I have been pretty lucky in that Disneyland has a Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and we frequent that happy little place, but it was neat to be able to take in some of the history and enjoy a treat where the company got its start.

View from Walt Disney Family Museum

I just love these pretty little row houses + the scooter parked out front!

View atop Lombard Street

Lombard Street