The big city edition: San Francisco

I walked backward, camera in hand, attempting to capture the moment.

Perched on my husband's shoulder was my son.

His hair tousled by the wind. His laughter mingled with the sounds around us.

The Golden Gate Bridge formed the perfect backdrop. It's iconic orange-red color dusty with age.

And it’s long pedestrian walkway packed with people.

Some impatiently brushed past us. ("Don't have all day, you know.")

Others were more permissive. ("Can I take that picture for you?")

And in the horizon, the city of San Francisco (SF) beckoned.

Inviting us to explore its quaint (and slightly scary) streets.

So, how about we start our San Francisco journey from the streets today?

#1 Drive down Lombard street

Lombard Street is called 'The Crookedest street in the world' for a reason. With its steep slope and eight sharp hairpin bends, this unique street is a San Francisco native.

The wait in line (It's popular!) will probably be longer than the actual drive down hill. But for a first timer, it's a place worth visiting.

See: Great views of the city and Golden Gate Bridge. For passengers only. Drivers kindly focus on the driving :)

Do: Enjoy the twists and turns in a car or take the stairs on either side of the street.

For more information, click here.

#2 Ride a cable car

San Francisco's historic cable cars are a unique form of transportation that run on tracks throughout the city. Currently, there are three cable car lines in operation.

The cable cars are a fun way to explore the picturesque neighborhoods of San Francisco. Enjoy the hilly terrain and let someone else take the wheel for a change.

See: The scenic neighborhoods of Nob Hill and Russian Hill.

Do: Have fun! Get off at different stops like Fisherman's Wharf and explore.

For more information, click here.

#3 Wander in Muir woods

The Muir Woods National Monument, home to the majestic redwood trees, is a short drive from San Francisco. The ancient redwood trees can reach up to 250 feet, and many are centuries old.

It has numerous hiking trails to wander off into, so remember to wear comfortable footwear.

See: The Redwoods!

Do:  Hike one of the trails. Take pictures with the ridiculously tall redwoods. Thank the powers that are for the wonders it shares.

For more information, click here.

#4 Walk the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is to San Francisco what Times Square is to New York City.

This wildly popular suspension bridge was considered way ahead of its times when construction was completed in 1937. It was designed to withstand high winds, strong ocean currents, and seismic activity in the region.

On a good day, it stands tall and proud, symbolizing the power of human innovation. On a foggy day (which happens often in San Francisco), it disappears behind a thick white cloud.

See: Sweeping views of the Pacific ocean, San Francisco bay and the cityline.
Alcatraz, a historical federal prison notorious for housing famous criminals.

Do: Walk the Golden Gate Bridge pedestrian walkway.
  

For more information, click here.

#5 Wine taste at Napa Valley

An hour drive from San Francisco, Napa Valley or 'Wine country' is a world of its own. The Valley is known for great wine, as well as a beautiful countryside.

While not strictly San Francisco, it is worth visiting if you are in the SF area.

See: How wine is made - right from grape to the retail wine bottles.

Do: Visit 2-3 wineries. Taste different wines. Laugh - a lot.

For more information, click here.

What do I remember?

During one of our trips to San Francisco, my family (adults only!) decided to explore a medieval castle winery in Napa Valley.

After detailing the intricacies of the wine-making process and touring the castle, our guide led us to a wine-tasting room.

Here, we were each given a piece of paper to jot down the wines served, and asked to score them on a scale of 1 to 10.

Easy enough.

My first tasting got a 5. " The red should have been redder."

The second got a 6. "The white could have been whiter."

"Perhaps a 7 for this one? "

"No! no ! that's definitely a 5."

And so it went. I was at my discerning best. Nothing deserved more than a 6.

Just as the last glass was served, my brother caught a glimpse of my list. We looked at each other for a brief moment, and then burst out laughing.

At this point, every single name on my list had a 10 next to it :)

And those are the things I remember about San Francisco.

A heart squeezing watching a little boy on big shoulders.

A palm sweating sitting in a stalled car on a steep hill.

A neck hurting trying to find the end of a tall tree.

And a room reverberating with the shared laughter of a partner (brother) in crime.

Missed other posts in the big city edition? Check them out here and here.