Day one: a walk on the beach! Hello Pacific Ocean. I've missed you.
I could listen to the crashing of the waves for hours on end. I don't even mind the grey skies and hazy afternoon.
There are some really amazing murals in the building which houses the Golden Gate Park Visitor's Center. These are from the 1930s and were created as part of the WPA program initiated by President Roosevelt. We ate in the Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant, which has a spectacular view of the ocean. The perfect way to begin a vacation--watching the sun set over the Pacific.
Day two: museums! I love the Legion of Honor. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Impressionists on the Water and Artful Animals exhibits.
Is every view of San Francisco stunning?
Apparently so. Both photos taken from the high vantage point of the Legion of Honor.
One of my favorite galleries in the de Young Museum.
I especially like to visit this painting!
Day three: the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero. On Saturday mornings they have a really terrific farmer's market. The place was packed both inside and out. Inside there are loads of shops, eateries, produce vendors and many of them give out delicious samples.
As Alcatraz was closed a Bay Cruise was in order. It was a bit nippy on the water.
But more amazing views made it all worth while.
The water on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge is quite choppy. It felt like a cork bobbing up and down in the water. I always thought those photos of the bridge engulfed in mist must have been airbrushed, but nope. Quite atmospheric!
Had to buy bread at Boudin's on Fisherman's Wharf. Pier 39 is a madhouse (as is Boudin's), but the bread is pretty tasty.
One of my favorite places in San Francisco is Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill. It's quite a climb, but there are more amazing views.
And more WPA murals, which as you can probably tell I think are really cool.
Day four: shopping! First on Haight-Ashbury, which has loads of unusual and cool shops (not to mention some delicious hole-in-the-wall sorts of restaurants).
And then later in the madness that is Union Square (and the streets surrounding it).
As you can see the weather was mostly gorgeous. If the days began overcast and foggy, it soon all burned off. The first couple of days were on the cooler side, but the weekend was perfect. Sunny, blue skies and warm.
I am ready to go back! San Francisco is a walker's dream (even those hills, which I see as good challenges).
Today the highlights of my sunny holiday. Tomorrow the bookish side of my adventures!
(A side note: I think I am finally back up and running with my home internet connection--some sort of problem outside my house that I hope has now been fixed). I have lots of catching up to do and hope to make some good progress this weekend. As always I thoroughly enjoy your comments and will reply to them soon.)