Day 2

Road Trip to San Francisco


Jeremy, Mom, and I set out for the City by the Bay — San Francisco, a place where hills rise like mini-mountains and every corner promises a view that makes your jaw slightly ache.


We were warned repeatedly about traffic. But us Denverites? Unfazed. Mom? Totally chill. And luck was on our side — our drive from Campbell is surprisingly smooth, no epic congestion battles today!

The Bridges


First on the sightseeing agenda: the Oakland Bridge. We loop through the city, cross it, and then make our way to the Golden Gate Bridge.


Jeremy has the bridge high on his “must-see” list, so I’m delighted that Mom and I manage to recall a viewpoint I visited back in 2017 — somewhere along Marine Drive by Fort Point. It’s perfect for admiring the bridge’s grandeur, like a vast orange jewel suspended over the bay.


We try to reach the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point on the other side, but alas, construction has claimed it. Tourist season, take note: come prepared.


Not to be deterred, we find the Presidio parking area, as Dad suggested. Jeremy gets his first proper view of the bridge outside the car, and naturally, cameras appear. Moments like these are meant for snapshots and slow breath-taking glances.

View of the Golden Gate Bridge from a hiking trail with scenic bay views.
Golden Gate Bridge stretching across San Francisco Bay with green foliage in foreground.
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge spans across San Francisco Bay with lush green foliage in the foreground.
A vibrant orange Golden Gate Bridge stretches across turquoise waters under clear blue skies.
The Golden Gate Bridge stands majestically against a bright blue sky with mountains in the background.
View of the Golden Gate Bridge from a scenic viewpoint with coastal vegetation.

Ghirardelli


Mom’s true pilgrimage of the day? Ghirardelli Square. Off-season luck blesses us: parking is a breeze in the garage beneath the square, mere steps from the wharf. We wander inside, gaze longingly, but resist purchasing anything… for now. After all, we’ll return later, and Ghirardelli doesn’t disappear just because the sun is high.

Interior view of Ghirardelli chocolate shop with illuminated signage and brick walls.
Exterior view of a Ghirardelli chocolate shop storefront with illuminated signage.
Antique chocolate making equipment displayed inside the historic Ghirardelli factory.

The Wharf


San Francisco itself is mesmerizing. You have the bay, the foothills, streets that twist and steepen as if obeying some mischievous urban wizard, and buildings that seem to grow taller as they climb the hills. Haze and sunlight mix like old watercolor washes across the horizon, creating dramatic contrasts — a city painted in brilliance.


We stroll along Hyde St. Pier, taking in historical ships like the C.A. Thayer. While you can pay to tour the boats, simply standing on the pier and imagining sea-faring tales feels plenty magical.

C.A. Thayer is a schooner built in 1895 near Eureka, California. The schooner is now preserved at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. She is one of the last survivors of the sailing schooners in the West coast lumber trade to San Francisco from Washington, Oregon, and Northern California.

NPS

Jefferson Street beckons next. We duck into tourist shops — Jeremy finds a few treasures, and I spot a sweatshirt I might die for. I restrain myself, hoping for better deals later. Views of the marina peek through the cityscape, Alioto’s seafood restaurant glinting in the distance.

A seagull perches on top of a ship's mast against a bright blue sky with rigging lines visible.
A steep San Francisco street with high-rise buildings and parked cars in black and white.
Close-up of a vibrant red tulip flower with dark center against green foliage.
Tourist walking along Fisherman's Wharf pier with signs and boats in view.
A historic tall ship with dark hull and multiple masts docked in a harbor with blue water.
Old brick building with Cannery signage and blue-trimmed windows in historic architecture style.
Historic sailing vessels moored at Fisherman's Wharf with the San Francisco skyline in the distance.
Modern waterfront restaurant building with boats docked in marina at Fisherman's Wharf.
White and yellow iris flower in bloom with delicate petals against blurred green background.
White painted wall with vintage-style advertisement sign and nautical decorations.
A tall sailing ship docked in San Francisco Bay with clear blue skies overhead.
Outdoor dining area with yellow stools at seafood restaurants along busy waterfront street.

Pier 39


Finally, we reach Pier 39, the heart of tourist chaos: shops, rides, museums, and a carousel. But the real gems? If you walk past the touristy hoopla to the pier’s edge, the views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the sea lions are spectacular.


Fog begins to creep across the bay, curling behind the bridge and even around Alcatraz. It adds a moody, cinematic vibe — yes, I think of Shutter Island, and yes, it’s just as spooky as it sounds.


The sea lions? Initially absent, or perhaps just napping, but Jeremy’s disappointed mutterings seem to summon them. A few playful ones leap, spin, and nuzzle — somersaults and kisses included. Pure chaos and entertainment, and I watch, entranced.

Close-up of a red and white tulip bud in a spring garden with soft bokeh background.
Bright yellow tulip flower in full bloom with dark center pistils against green foliage.
Colorful tourist shops and vendor stalls line a busy waterfront boardwalk on a sunny day.
Tourists stroll along Pier 39's bustling waterfront shopping area in San Francisco on a sunny day.
Sea lion swimming in turquoise waters with splashing waves at Pier 39.
Colorful carousel at Pier 39 surrounded by visitors and blue buildings under clear sky.
Alcatraz Island prison complex perched on rocky cliffs above San Francisco Bay.
Sea lion swimming and splashing in the turquoise waters of San Francisco Bay.
A sailboat cruises past the iconic Golden Gate Bridge shrouded in fog over San Francisco Bay.
Sea lion surfaces in choppy green waters near San Francisco's Pier 39.
Visitors explore the crowded boardwalk at Pier 39 with shops and restaurants visible along the walkway.
Sea lion's flipper breaks through green ocean water while swimming near Pier 39.
Golden Gate Bridge towers emerging through rolling fog over San Francisco Bay in black and white.

Back to Campbell


Satisfied, we wander back to the car and drive home to Campbell, hearts full of San Francisco’s magic, fog, and seaside charm. A whirlwind day, but one worth savoring like chocolate squares from Ghirardelli itself.