A Family Road Trip from Vancouver to San Francisco: Exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, Cable Cars, and More

Today, I want to take you to the birthplace of clam chowder – San Francisco. My family and I drove from Vancouver to San Francisco, which was a very long trip taking us around 17 hours. We made sure to stop every 2 hours for bathroom breaks, food, and stretching. On the way, we stopped at Roseburg, a small town in Oregon, where we visited the house where my husband stayed for a year during high school. We also saw where he lived and studied, and even the spot where he broke both arms while riding a bicycle.

 

Upon arriving in San Francisco, we stayed at Hotel Zephyr, which I highly recommend for families. The hotel has everything you need, from games like ping pong, foosball, giant connect 4, and chess, to a fire pit for roasting marshmallows. Plus, it’s located in the historic Fisherman’s Wharf, with Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, Alcatraz tours, and the famous sea lions all within walking distance.

fire pit and the striped sofas create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The oversized Connect Four game board in the background adds a playful touch to the scene.

We saw sea lions lounging in the sun, undisturbed and relaxed. It turns out these sea lions arrived in 1989 and have taken to “hauling out,” a phenomenon allowing them to rest comfortably. Their population in San Francisco increased after the Loma Prieta earthquake, as boats were moved away from the pier, creating more space for the sea lions to hang out.

 

San Francisco is a city full of history and interesting facts that make it worth visiting. Although we only had two days, we managed to visit several places. There are still more places I would love to visit on my next trip to San Francisco.

Ride A Cable Car

Did you know that cable cars have been a fun way to travel around San Francisco since the late 19th century? When you ride the cable cars, you can enjoy some amazing views of the city’s famous hills, and it’s a super exhilarating experience! Plus, you might hear the familiar bells ringing from several blocks away. Each one-way trip costs $8, but it’s totally worth it for the fantastic ride!

Ride a Waymo “no human behind the steering wheel”

The future is here! Imagine zipping around from Union Square to Serramonte Center in an all-electric Jaguar I-PACE, without a human behind the steering wheel. With over 2 million rides served and tens of millions of miles driven, they provide safe transportation in the city. My family  took a 20-minute ride to our hotel in the Wharf area and we absolutely loved the experience. It was unbelievable – these cars are all over the city, making commuting so safe and convenient. All you have to do is download the app and you’re good to go. For more information, click here: https://waymo.com/waymo-one-san-francisco/. This amazing service is currently available in Los Angeles, Austin, Phoenix, and of course, San Francisco.

Boudin at the Wharf

“Home of the mother dough. This beautiful building is the place to see the bakers at work, dine with a view or in a casual cafe, and learn the full story of this famous sourdough bread and the city that made it possible. In this place, I tried the clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl, and let me tell you, it was delicious. The flavor is so rich, and combining the bread served in a soup is a nice experience you should try. Visit them at https://boudinbakery.com/boudin-at-the-wharf/.”
a rack filled with multiple shelves of bread, specifically sesame seed buns. The rack is located indoors near a glass pane, through which an outdoor seating area with chairs and tables is visible. A streetlight or similar light source outside casts a warm glow.
a bowl of creamy soup served in a bread bowl with a portion of the top sliced off and placed next to it. There is also a biscuit on the side. The soup is garnished with herbs. The meal is presented on a dark wood table, accompanied by a spoon, with other dining elements like napkins and possibly another plate in the background. The setting suggests it could be in a restaurant.

Alcatraz

Alcatraz, the infamous former prison, is located on an island of the same name in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Some of the United States’ most notorious criminals were incarcerated there. Despite several attempts, no inmate ever made a successful escape from “The Rock.”
shows a police officer standing next to a metal detector archway placed outside a building. The officer is wearing a reflective vest and appears to be monitoring the area. The setting suggests a security operation, possibly at an event or a public place.

The prison was closed in the 1960s, and its stories have become legendary. A visit to Alcatraz today is fascinating. Recorded cell-house tours are available, allowing visitors to learn about the prison as they explore the buildings and grounds.

 

To reach the island, take an Alcatraz Cruises ferry from Pier 33. Advance reservations are recommended. If you don’t feel like visiting and just want to see it from the outside, you can take a cruise that circles the island.

See the Sea Lions

Fisherman’s Wharf is such a fun place to visit! It’s home to PIER 39, a vibrant waterfront marketplace that’s one of the city’s most popular spots. You can even see a community of California sea lions hanging out and doing their thing on the docks at the PIER 39 Marina. It’s so cool to just stop and relax while watching the sea lions chilling out on the pier.
a group of sea lions resting on a wooden dock over a body of water. The sea lions are various sizes and appear to be basking in the sunlight. Some are lying down, while others are sitting upright. The water is calm, and there are additional poles sticking out of the water around the dock, possibly for mooring boats

Feel the Love in Haight-Ashbury

Haight-Ashbury is known as the center of San Francisco’s hippie counterculture. It’s a haven for vintage finds and 1960s nostalgia. You can take a Flower Power Walking Tour, walking in the footsteps of Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead, while learning about how music shaped the vibrant history of the Haight.

Meet the LGBTQ Community

Given that San Francisco is the city that essentially pioneered gay culture, it’s no wonder that the Castro is a thriving and popular area to explore. Its lively and upbeat atmosphere makes it an excellent destination to visit at any time of the day. If you happen to be in San Francisco in October, I recommend checking out the annual Castro Street Fair.
castro street

Visit Famous Film and TV Locations

If you’re a movie buff, these San Francisco locations are a must for your itinerary. San Francisco has been the backdrop for a variety of films, from classic comedies like “Full House” and “Mrs. Doubtfire,” to exhilarating thrillers including “The Rock” and “The Matrix Resurrections,” and barrier-breaking stories like “Tales of the City,” along with a few Marvel films.
shows two individuals standing in front of a Victorian-style house on a sunny day. The house features decorative trim, a bay window, and an elevated entrance with stairs leading up to the front door. The sky is clear and blue, indicating good weather conditions.

Delve Into Chinatown

When you enter Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, you’ll be greeted by the Dragon’s Gate. Inside, you’ll find 24 blocks full of excitement, especially along Grant Avenue, the oldest street in San Francisco. It’s best to take a leisurely stroll and explore this vibrant city within a city on foot. You’ll discover exotic shops, famous restaurants, food markets, temples, and charming small museums waiting for you to explore. Don’t miss the chance to buy traditional remedies from herb shops, savor a delightful dim sum lunch, or even watch fortune cookies being made!
shows a street scene with an individual standing in front of a traditional Chinese archway, adorned with intricate designs and Chinese characters. To the right of the archway stands a stone lion statue, commonly seen at the entrance of Chinese temples. The background reveals a street lined with various shops and red lanterns hanging above, suggesting this may be located in a Chinatown district.

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is known as the most famous bridge in the world. It impresses even the most experienced travelers with its stunning 1.7-mile span. Every day, around 120,000 vehicles drive across it. Pedestrians can walk across it, and there’s a pathway for bikes too. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most photographed things on Earth.

Get Cultured

A visit to San Francisco would not be complete without experiencing its vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to internationally recognized symphony, opera, and ballet companies. Many playwrights introduce their works in San Francisco, and avant-garde theatre and dance companies are scattered throughout the city. San Francisco boasts an impressive array of art institutions and galleries including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art Museum, the de Young Museum, the Legion of Honor, and the Contemporary Jewish Museum, all dedicated to showcasing the finest classical and contemporary arts. Additionally, San Francisco is home to the California Academy of Sciences, the only place on the planet with an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a four-story rainforest all under one roof.

The Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is a monumental structure located in the Marina District of San Francisco, California. It was originally built for the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition to exhibit works of art. The building was constructed from concrete and steel, claimed to be fireproof. While visiting this location, we witnessed a romantic proposal where a violinist, videographer, and photographer were all set up to capture the special moment.
The image shows the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, featuring a large rotunda with intricate architectural details and columns. There is a body of water in the foreground reflecting part of the structure, and trees are visible around the sides. The sky has a gradient of colors suggesting it might be early evening or sunset.

Sausalito

Explore the scenic town by walking south along Bridgeway. Take in the sights and sounds, such as the seals frolicking in the bay, including the famous sealion statue, and the stunning SF skyline. Continue to Swede’s Beach via the wooden boardwalk, passing by Sally Stanford’s former establishment on the southernmost corner. Visit the art galleries and boutiques in town, including the hidden alley on Princess Street, Princess Court. Don’t miss out on the iconic Lappert’s Ice Cream, which is definitely worth the wait in line. Many people buy the ice cream and enjoy it on a nearby park bench. Learn more about this place at https://visitsausalito.org/sausalito-in-two-hours-or-two-days/ and https://lapperts.com/our-story/.

The Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli Square is an amazing place with a really cool history. It’s considered the first successful adaptive reuse project in the country and has a history that spans more than a century and covers three continents. This place is a specialty retail and dining complex with shops and restaurants, and it was originally a chocolate factory set up by Domenico “Domingo” Ghirardelli.
The image shows an individual sitting at a table in what appears to be a cafe or restaurant. The individual’s face is obscured by pixelation for privacy. The person is wearing a black hoodie with the “Hard Rock Cafe” logo and the word “LONDON” below it. In front of the individual, on the table, there is a large glass filled with what looks like a dessert, possibly an ice cream sundae or parfait, topped with whipped cream and garnished with a piece of chocolate. There are other patrons and elements of the cafe visible in the background.

My family and I visited because we’re huge chocolate lovers. We had the most delicious ice creams served in glass cups made with Ghirardelli’s ingredients, and we found chocolates in different flavors all in one place. There are also local restaurants and shops that encourage buying and eating locally. It’s definitely a must-visit for chocolate fans!

 

https://www.ghirardellisq.com/history

Cousins Main Lobster at Wharf

If you’re in the mood for a laid-back dining experience with local flavors, this place is a winner. You absolutely can’t miss the Maine roll, which showcases chilled Maine lobster with mayo on a New England roll, served alongside a refreshing lemon wedge. This classic roll style is adored by both locals and lobster enthusiasts. For further details, please check out https://www.cousinsmainelobster.com/.

Conclusion

San Francisco is a delightful destination with a rich history, delectable seafood, artisanal chocolates, captivating museums, and vibrant arts scene. Our brief visit left us eager to return and uncover more of the wonders that this fantastic place has to offer.

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