California Road Trip Part 3: San Francisco Highlights

Hello, dear readers!

If you’ve been following along, this is the third and final installment of our California road trip adventure!

As mentioned in earlier posts, we based ourselves in Japantown, and it was fantastic—everything we wanted was within walking distance of our hotel. Exploring on foot was a joy. Our first evening, we wandered through the Kintetsu Mall at the Japan Center, browsing the quirky shops and picking up wonderful souvenirs for the kids. Dinner was at a lively, authentic sushi spot with a conveyor belt, where fresh sushi drifted by on charming wooden boats. Chris savored a Japanese beer while I enjoyed a delicate rose sake—the perfect end to our day.

After a late lunch, we headed to the pier. I was determined to ride a trolley, and Chris made it happen. He found the stop, and we hurried up San Francisco’s famously steep streets to catch one. Riding that piece of living history felt like being a kid in a candy store. When we hopped off near the pier, I was amazed by the city’s preserved heritage—old police and fire call boxes still standing on corners. How cool is that? We strolled along the waterfront, popped into tourist shops, and enjoyed dinner before calling it a night, tired from a long day of travel.

The next morning, we braved those steep streets again in search of coffee—believe me, just walking them is a serious workout. If I lived here, I’d have the best legs without ever stepping into a gym. We grabbed our java and sat in the sunshine, mapping out the day. Then we boarded a city bus—probably mundane for most, but thrilling for me since it was my first time on one, and in San Francisco no less! Downtown, we wandered through a massive business district that made me feel tiny, reminding me how small I am in this world. It helped me let go of little worries. Don’t sweat the small stuff, right?

We got off the bus and explored downtown, soaking in the scenery. San Francisco’s architecture is stunning and imposing; the city seems to envelop you. We passed a lively town square where people were dining, relaxing, and enjoying a Saturday market. Crossing the busy street, we reached the pier area and discovered a wonderful market inside a building that felt like a refurbished old bar—it reminded me of Chelsea Market in New York. With specialty items and gourmet foods, it was a foodie’s paradise! I bought some truffle salt—delicious! We continued along the pier, with Chris on a mission to find the seals for me.

We strolled along The Embarcadero, a boardwalk brimming with shops, food stalls, and endless entertainment. It felt like a dreamy carnival by the sea—the kind you imagine, not the sketchy ones! The shops were wonderfully varied, each offering something unique. We grabbed a snack from a stand making mini doughnuts fresh on the spot, dusted with cinnamon and sugar—pure heaven. As we rounded the back of the pier, there they were: seals! Dozens of them, sunbathing, playing, and dozing. Watching their antics was hilarious and heartwarming. We also caught sight of Alcatraz, that imposing island fortress in the bay—creepy yet mesmerizing, steeped in history.

As we walked the pier, a trolley rolled by, and both Chris and I were captivated. These vintage cars are impeccably maintained. Continuing our public transit adventure, we hopped aboard to ride back to Pier 1. The best part? Our earlier bus passes worked, so for just $2 we traveled downtown and then from Pier 39 to Pier 1. How cool is that? I read about the trolley’s history as we rode: ours had started in Philadelphia in the 1940s and was purchased by San Francisco in the late 1950s, I believe. Don’t quote me on that! Regardless, it was old and fantastic. The city has preserved these trolleys beautifully, down to the original paint, and they’re clean inside too. Riding something so historic was incredible—imagine the stories it could tell. San Francisco’s public transit is genius, convenient, and connects you everywhere. More cities should follow suit.

After getting off the trolley, we wandered downtown, stopping for coffee and a snack before some shopping. By day’s end, we were pleasantly exhausted—the good kind of tired from seeing and learning so much, and creating wonderful memories. The bus dropped us right at our hotel’s doorstep—score! We relaxed, enjoyed some Japanese cuisine, and then headed to dreamland.

The next morning, we began our journey home, but first, we had to see the Golden Gate Bridge—you can’t leave San Francisco without admiring that breathtaking masterpiece. Chris, with his uncanny knack for finding perfect spots, led us to Fort Point. The view was phenomenal: the bay, waves crashing against rocks, clear blue sky, and the iconic bridge. We sat there sipping coffee, soaking in a truly magical moment together.

Back on the road, the drive home was surprisingly peaceful. Chris and I reflected on our journey, sharing feelings and lessons learned. I’m a talker—hence my dad’s nickname for me, “motormouth.” I’m in a strange but wonderful phase of life, feeling like I’m not just trying to figure things out but actually making progress. This trip played a huge role, especially being with Chris, who understands me even when I don’t understand myself. It can get murky, but what emerges is beautiful: love, growth, and understanding. Travel nourishes the soul, mind, and my relationship with Chris. I shed a lot of emotional baggage on that trip, some of it hard to release. As Chris says, “The backpack of shit you’ve been carrying is too heavy and none of it serves you.” It was time to unload, both refreshing and scary. I learned invaluable lessons and will forever be grateful for our travels together.

I hope you’ve enjoyed following our road trip. Please share your own travel stories, life lessons, and challenges with me. Wishing you a peaceful day!

K