ON THE ROAD AGAIN in San Francisco, CA

12/14/2019

DAY 1
DiscoverCOS is ON THE ROAD AGAIN in beautiful San Francisco, California. Southwest offered a great deal on a direct flight from Denver. It's only about a 2-1/2 hour flight and a great place to get away and enjoy a sea-side adventure. The flight was on time and arrived SFO at 12:45pm. Since most of what was planned to do and see this trip was in the same area, it was decided a rental car would not be needed. A "shared van" took six of us directly to our destinations at Fisherman's Wharf.

Fisherman's Wharf.

We were very happy with our accommodations at the Hotel Caza, a four-star boutique hotel by Kimpton. The entire hotel was clean and comfy, the rooms well appointed and brand new. The bay view from room 516 was awesome, and all of the staff we encountered during our stay were wonderful. We found the location of the hotel extremely handy and just a short walk to the many things to see and do at Fisherman's Wharf.

Hotel Caza by Kimpton.

Well appointed guest rooms.

Awesome bay view from room.

Brand new, cozy and comfortable rooms.

Just a short walk from the hotel we found many dining options. We chose to try the fish and chips at Pompei's Grotto, locally owned and operated since 1956. While eating a light rain shower started, which is not uncommon this time of year. Afterwards I took an Uber ride downtown for a night at the theater.

Pompei's Grotto.

Red Snapper and fries.

LIVE at the Sydney Goldstein Theater
A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION Christmas Show
What an awesome, live, Saturday night performance of A Prairie Home Companion at the packed Sydney Goldstein Theater with the entire original cast. A Prairie Home Companion is a weekly radio variety show created and hosted by Garrison Keillor that aired live from 1974 to 2016 on NPR (National Public Radio) every Saturday evening from their home at the Fitzgerald Theater in Minneapolis or some large city throughout the United States when they took the show “on the road”. The group reunited for four Christmas performances in Minneapolis, San Francisco, Atlanta, and New York City for 2019.

After the show and a short Uber ride back to the hotel, a late night snack at Fisherman's Pizza, just a block from the hotel, really hit the spot.

Fisherman's Pizza

Midnight crave cure.

DAY 2
Any visit to the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area should include a visit to Fisherman's Wharf, famous for seafood dining. The Franciscan Crab Restaurant was just a short walk from the hotel and offers superb panoramic seafood dining. Enjoy seafood favorites including Dungeness Crab, Crispy Crabcakes, Seafood Antipasto, fresh oysters, and steamed mussels. They also features freshly made burrata and salumi. To further enhance your visit, you'll find unforgettable views of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, San Francisco's spectacular skyline, Alcatraz and of course, historic Fisherman's Wharf right from your table. A local favorite since 1957.

Bacon, Lettuce, & Tomato Salad.

Slow-roasted boneless short rib.

View of Alcatraz from table.

Franciscan Crab Restaurant

DAY 3
After securing tickets for a BigBus Tour there was just enough time for a terrific breakfast at Boudin's Bakery. I had the traditional breakfast, which was very filling and included fresh-toasted sourdough bread. They have an amazing gift shop too!

Boat and bus tours from Fisherman's Wharf.

Boudin's "Traditional" breakfast.

I've alway's felt a connection to San Francisco since my mother spent her teen years living in Mill Valley. My grandfather often referred to her as his "California Sunflower". Like her, my first visit to the area was as a teen, and one I will never forget. Taking a BigBus Tour is a great way to see the area, allowing you to hop off and hop on at various stops along the way. A tour guide narrates and calls out points of interest. Our tour ended at the waterside village of Sausalito.

North Vista Point - 2019

North Vista Point - 1976.

San Francisco Bay - 2019

LIVE at Grace Cathedral
ORGAN & BRASS Christmas Concert
By doing research ahead of your visit you may discover additional things to see and do. We happened to find that a Holiday concert was being held at the beautiful Grace Cathedral on one of the evenings we were in town. It featured San Francisco's own Bay Brass performing alongside the church's 7,466 pipe organ. By purchasing our ticket ahead of time on line we were able to secure a fifth row seat for the event.

DAY 4
Just a short walk from the hotel is the Powell & Hyde Street Cable Car. We got off at the top of Lombard Street to walk down the "Crookedest Street In The World".

Powell & Hyde Streets cable car.

View from top of Lombard Street.

Crookedest street in the world.

Views from Lombard Street.

Private residence along Lombard Street.

A steep downhill block or two away I stopped in at the 901 Columbus Street Cafe for a light breakfast before catching the next cable car that would take me to the Bart Station that takes you to the airport.

Comments are closed.