We booked our plane tickets to the west coast last night and I AM GIDDY. I can’t tell you how long I’ve been wanting to travel out to the Pacific– to see the coast, and the culture, and the sights and the sounds. I am smiling like a fool just thinking about it.
Our trip will be in April, during my spring vacation from school. We’ll be there officially for 8 and a half days and we will fill each one to the brim. Tentative plans are to spend 2 days in Big Sur, 3 days in San Francisco, 1 day in Napa, and 2 days in Seattle, with a half day of travel built in to fly from California to Washington.
I have a few ideas {including Muir Woods and Pike Place Market}, but would love some recommendations if you have any– we’re going to be complete tourists and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Views we MUST see?
Attractions we can’t miss?
Food that’s the most delicious?
Give us all you’ve got. We are ready and waiting.
Mostly, I want to take all the photos and eat all the food.
Building up my dream to-do list HERE.
Giddy giddy giddy. West Coast! I love you already!
Sounds like a blast! I’ve only been to San Francisco and Seattle, and those were to visit in-law relatives and ship our car respectively. But. Alcatraz is definitely worth the tour- it was fascinating! And we mostly ate like crazy in SF, because YUM. So I don’t have good tourist tips… I’m just envious! I told my husband we need to go back to SF and not tell his family just so I can do all the tourist stuff they think is whatever!!
Oh, yes. Alcatraz— love that history!
I hope you do get to go back just the two of you!
So exciting! I love the west coast – particularly San Francisco – but I haven’t been back in years. The one major place on my too-see list in the area that I still have yet to reach is the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose– perfect if you like quirky bits of history! The museums in SF are a must-see, and the Legion of Honor is great for both the art and the breathtaking views. The SFO airport itself is actually a museum, too, so leave a little extra time there to look around! Drink Blue Bottle coffee, go thrifting in the Mission District and stop by the Pirate Supply Store at 826 Valencia…
I’m starting to talk myself into planning a trip back myself!
Thank you for the tips! Will definitely be looking those up. Researching/planning our days is all I want to do lately!
Oh, yay! You are going to love love love it.
I went to Big Sur for the first time this fall, and it completely blew me away. You MUST get lunch at Nepenthe. It’s a tiny bit pricey, but so so worth it.
I’m sure you’ll get a million suggestions. I can’t wait to see your pictures!
I just looked at your photos again and I AM SO EXCITED. Big Sur! BIG DREAM!
Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Go to the Coit Tower, not just for the views but for the WPA murals. Sonoma is less touristy than Napa. If you could possibly work it in, YOSEMITE! But Muir Woods is a good alternative. You will love it, no matter where you go.
Oh, thank you for that tip about Sonoma. I will definitely be looking that up/comparing the two. Maybe we’ll end up going there instead! And I’d love love LOVE to go to Yosemite, but I think it might be too much of a drive for this trip– especially since we’re trying to squeeze in so much already!
Thanks for all the suggestions! I love it!
We went to San Francisco last year. My favorites were the Lands End Trail (start at Sutro Baths) and Muir Woods. If you go to Muir Woods be sure to stop at the Marin Headlands for a the most amazing views of the Golden Gate bridge. Heath Ceramics has a factory store over there, too, which means good deals on a lovely product. Oh, and Blue Bottle is definitely worth a stop and has several locations!
Yes! I want to do Land’s End Trail, absolutely! THANKS for all the ideas! :)
Take the ferry from SF to Sausalito! And hike Mt. Tam if you’re looking for some outdoor adventure when you get there! There’s a great indoor food market in Napa as well with lots of delicious restaurants and outdoor picnic table dining. I ate there after the Napa Marathon last year and it was amazing! Wandering the Castro district and the Marina were two of my favorite spots from SF. Also Golden Gate park! I’m sure you’ll find tons to do and it will be wonderful!
ooooOO. This makes me so excited. Thanks, Jamie!
Seattle has some great places!
– Kerry Park has the best view of Seattle, and is the classic place to take photos!
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese at Pike Place has literally the best mac and cheese in the entire world, hands down.
– I always take guests to Theo Chocolate for chocolate test tasting and a factory tour (it is sooo good and they have tons of interesting flavors). It is right near the Fremont Troll (a huge troll sculpture under a bridge) that is another Seattle classic.
– Gas Works Park is right on Lake Union, and has some great views of the lake, Seattle, and is just a genuinely pretty location.
– The Space Needle is obvious, but you can go up to the top which is really cool. There is a fancy rotating restaurant at the top as well, or you can just pay (its a little expensive) to see the view. Its really nice, but I personally like to see the view of Seattle with the Space Needle in it instead of being on top of it!
– Dick’s (http://www.yelp.com/biz/dicks-drive-in-seattle-4) is a famous local Seattle burger place that has been around for 60 years. They have delicious and cheap burgers and milkshakes ($1.25 for a hamburger, anyone?) Their Queen Anne location is walking distance from the Pacific Science Center (another place to be!) but there is a food court near the Pacific Science Center which is really nice as well.
Have fun, and I can’t wait to see your photos! :)
THANK YOU, L E A H!
This is so amazing, yay! Most of all I am so excited for the views! This is incredibly helpful. You’re the best!
No problem! I have Seattle on my mind since I have had guests over recently :)
If you want some photo sneak peaks:
Theo Chocolate: http://leahsprague.wordpress.com/2014/01/24/re-touring-seattle-part-2-theo-chocolate/
Gas Works / Pike Place: http://leahsprague.wordpress.com/2014/01/20/re-touring-seattle-2/
Kerry Park: http://leahsprague.wordpress.com/2012/12/28/places-kerry-park/
Have fun!!
We were in San Francisco for just a day, but definitely drive or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge! City Lights is a great bookshop in SF that’s been there for several decades, so I loved wandering through and browsing. I made Caleb drive down Lombard Street because I was too nervous too!
Drive up and down Highway 1 – the views!! Also 17-mile Drive in Pebble Beach! Cannery Row in Monterey has fun little shops and good eating. We kayaked off Monterey Beach and that was so fun! Take in as many sunsets over the ocean as you can! I personally prefer those to getting up at the crack of dawn here on the East Cost for the sunrise :)
Anna you will have the most incredible pictures and I CANNOT WAIT! Have so much fun planning your trip!
Thanks, Sherri Lynn! So many amazing suggestions. I honestly can’t stop smiling about it. And looking up things to do. I’ve been staying up so late every night just browsing the internet and getting heart eyes through and through.
And I’m excited for my pictures, too! Eeeee!
I’ve never been to any of those places, so I’m counting on you to report back with some good finds! Craig and I were thinking of going to San Francisco for our honeymoon this summer, so I’ll be paying extra close attention to that :)
I think that’s such a great idea for a honeymoon!
I don’t know if you read A Caffeinated Brunette, but she reviews restaurants, and a while back she reviewed Sugarfish in Los Angeles. She really loved it, and the pictures of the food make me want to lick my computer screen. See here: http://acaffeinatedbrunette.com/the-best-sushi-i-ever-had-sugarfish
We probably won’t make it to LA, but thanks for the link! We love sushi and hope to find a delicious place in SF!
I went to SF a couple years ago and Alcatraz was definitely the most memorable thing I think. Your trip sounds amazing! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
I hope we go to Alcatraz! On the list!
Ahhh! THRILLING! We absolutely loved our west coast trip last year. That’s a lot to fit in in 8 days, but we definitely hit up a lot of spots in 10. Here’s my blog posts of San Fransisco: http://skinnyjeanschailatte.com/search/label/San%20Francisco and Pacific Coast Highway (including Big Sur): http://skinnyjeanschailatte.com/search/label/PCH%20Hwy%201 We didn’t do Napa, but we did do a couple of other great (smaller) spots in wine country (http://skinnyjeanschailatte.com/search/label/wine%20country) if you decide on somewhere other than Napa. It’s so exciting to have a trip on the books! Have fun planning and counting down!
IT IS THRILLING! I can hardly stand it!
And yes, it is a lot to do in 8 days, so we will just do as much as we can! Thanks for all the links! Amazing photos! Weee!
Tom and I are planning a trip to San Fran this summer so I’m excited to read some of these recommendations too!!
Woohoo! WEST COAST!!!!
there is some chowder place at Pike Place market that is always recommended as a place to eat – DO IT. Listen to the recommenders. That chowder was seriously amazing, even if you have to physically fight people for a place to sit. (It’s probably Pike Place Chowder, but our short little trip was way back in 2010 and I have almost no photos of being at the market – I’m so disappointed in myself!) The first Starbucks is also at the market, which was kind of cool to see, although the line inside was pretty insane. Other than that, I have no real thoughts to offer – I lived on a navy base in Monterey for a few years when I was little; I really liked the aquarium, as I mentioned, and the wharf area, although of course it’s becoming more and more touristy as time goes on. If you find yourself near the wharf area pretty much anywhere – definitely Monterey, probably SF as well – just prepare yourself: the sea lions are LOUD. They prey on the tourists to feed them.
I am listening to all the recommenders! And I think you’re thoughts are good!
I am so thankful to have this internet and social media world to help me with my trip!
Wow what an exciting trip! I haven’t been out to WA since I was 10, so I don’t have much input, but I loved seeing the mountains out there. If you’re not going to hike, at least look out for Mt. Rainier on your flight up to Seattle – it’s beautiful and huge! We hiked around at Mt. St. Helen’s which was really cool because it is volcanic and it actually erupted in the 80s and people in Montana actually had ash dusting everything! Crazy! Make sure you see the space needle and all that. I cannot WAIT to see your photos!!! You are going to have the best time!
Also, I love Stephanie’s blog “Twentieth Street” and she has some good recommendations for San Fran. She hasn’t posted much recently but she has some good tips! http://blog.stephaniecourt.com/search/label/hello%20SF
THANK YOU for the link!
The only time I ever went to the west coast was to visit San Diego. I’m so excited for this adventure– I think it’s going to be amazing.
Seattle and SF were the last two trips I made to the west coast. I second Sherri Lynn’s comment to do 18-mile drive in Monterey (you will literally want to stop and take photos every second), and then stop at the Monterey Aquarium. It blows Boston out of the water.
In SF, I’d recommend Tartine Bakery for the most delicious croissants and morning buns you will ever taste. It’s worth the wait in line. From there you can round the corner and see Bi-Rite Market, which is a SF staple. Keep walking up the street, and you’ll get to Dolores Park – if it’s nice, have a seat and people watch – it’s a great place for that. As an aside, I stayed in a GREAT Air BnB place right near there that I would totally recommend. From there I walked up to Bernal Heights Park (via Folsom Street) – it had some great views of the city from the Mission. I agree with everyone that you should do the Alcatraz tour – and I’d *definitely* add to get tickets in advance for the evening tour – you get to see more of the prison than the daytime tours, PLUS, you get a *BEE-U-TI-FUL* sunset view of SF on your way back. Totally worth it!!
In Seattle, I’d recommend going to Volunteer Park and visiting the Conservatory (abundant pretty flowers and views of the Space Needle), Ballard (go eat at The Walrus and the Carpenter for delicious oysters and Ocho for tapas, and there are a TON of fun shops to go into), Olympic Park for sculptures and views, and Pike Place is obvy required. Green Lake is a pretty walk – it’s about a 3-mile trip around. If you’re in that ‘hood, go have pizza at Delancey and get a drink next door at Essex (you’ll know these two places if you ever follow the blog Orangette). Seriously, just eat, eat, eat in both cities because there is so much good food. So much! Last thing: The buses are your friend in Seattle, unless you’re renting a car. The city is much more spread out than Boston – I found the buses the easiest way to get from point A to B.
SARA!!!! YOU ARE AMAZING. Honestly.
All of these suggestions, YAY! And I’d love more details on the airBnB– I will email you!
Also, Delancey. Yes yes, I know Orangette (LOVE) and will definitely be putting that place on the list!
Thanks again for all your help. :) :)
This trip sounds soo fun! It is amazing to see the ocean from the other side!!! I love Muir woods, and the views from the top of Mount Tam are amazing. I was just there for a friend’s wedding, and I put a few pictures up on my (neglected) blog: http://cityintheciel.blogspot.com/2014/01/california-hills.html Have fun with the planning!
Seeing the ocean from the other side <-------- that's what I'm most excited about! Thanks for the link to your post, seeing all the photos gives me the super smiles.
You are going to LOOOOVE the West Coast!! Although, as a PNW-er, I may be a little biased. :) I don’t know much about the places you’re headed, but it sounds like a lovely trip and I hope you have a great time in Seattle (one of my favoritest cities ever). I can’t wait to see this trip of yours unfold!
Thanks, Kiki! I think I’m going to love it, too! Probably won’t want to return!
I love the West Coast! I’ve never been able to spend the time I’ve wanted in CA though. Will be excited to see what you do!
Me too! Going to pack it all in– or try at least!
only a LITTLE sad you’re going to be missing portland. but you have to see the gumwall in seattle! they also have a ferris wheel on the sound which is rad. or i think it is, i’ve never been on it haha :/
Oh, I saw a photo of the gum wall– that’s crazy! And awesome!
Portland is another place I want to see. Prob won’t get to it this time, but we’ll have to come back! ;)
So fun! I hope you guys have a great trip!
I made my first voyage to the west coast last fall with a trip to San Francisco. And Kurt and I have plans for a Vancouver-Seattle-Portland train trip this summer!
I’m sure other people have tons more tips, but one of my fave things in SF was getting ice cream at Smitten in Hayes Valley (cute neighborhood too). They make it right in front of you with liquid nitrogen!
SO EXCITING! i haven’t been to cali in a few years, so i think the suggestions above will be better than what i have to say. brian and i are planning a trip out to wine country at the end of the summer and i can’t wait – your adventure will inspire me! i hope it’s everything you dream of and deserve.
My goodness, I thought I already left a comment here.. but I guess not. There area already so many amazing suggestions, but figured I’d add my two cents. You are going to love it, Anna. The sunshine, the people, the food! Seriously beautiful.
One thing I’d mention is that I personally find Napa to be overrated. I much prefer Sonoma County — specifically Healdsburg. You’ll pay way less and get a much better value. Plus, charm. Bella Wine Cave is heavenly. Preston is also great. There are so many awesome little b&b’s and charming boutique hotels to stay at – you’ll love it. Also, we love love love Lagunitas. The tour is so much fun, and if you want a little flavor of California-style IPA, definitely check it out. For dinner (if you end up going towards Napa, St. Helena), go to Long Meadow Ranch & Farmstead. The style is so “country chic” and food is delicious.
SF – I love Delfina’s pizzeria. It never gets old. I have gone to dinner there alone while traveling for work and also with some friends. It is a small place, but the line moves quickly and the food is worth it. So fresh. Plus, you can stop for ice cream next door at Bi-Rite. I also love Tacolicious in the mission. Margaritas, need I say more? Golden Gate Park is beautiful. I love the views from Baker Beach and the Marin Headlands (across the bridge). Honestly, my favorite part about SF is the proximity to other parts of Northern California. Lots of great restaurants in Russian Hill, too!
Big Sur is probably in my top five favorite places EVER. It is stunning and just keeps getting more and more stunning, when you think you’ve seen it all. The drive is worth the trip alone. It takes a bit longer, but take Highway 1 all the way from Half Moon Bay down to Big Sur. You can stop in Monterey and in Carmel to do the 17 Mile Drive (and my personal favorite, Point Lobos — go down to China Cove!). Carmel-by-the-Sea is really charming, lots of b&b’s if you choose to spend a night. Central coast wines are really good and Carmel has dozens of wine rooms in its downtown. Great restaurant scene, too.
In Big Sur, I’d echo everyone’s thoughts on Nepenthe. The views. Definitely make a sunset trip. You’ll also love the shop, it is overpriced but beautiful goodies. I love Ventana Inn and Treebones Resort is super cool (although it is further south). Matt and I have a favorite massage place if that piques your interest, let me know and I can give you details. Everyone is just so so friendly. You have to visit Pfeiffer Beach — it is a bit hidden, but so worth it. I love Big Sur because you almost feel like it is your secret – it can be quiet and not touristy and I love that. It’s just you and this incredible beauty.
Seattle is awesome, too. Although I love Big Sur so much it is hard for me to even talk about anything else. :) Umi Sake House is delicious if you are in the mood for sushi. So many good restaurants and bars!
NATALIE!!! YOU’RE THE BEST!
XO!
love your blog. i went to big sur two years ago in april, and it was amazing. it was surprisingly cold, but as a texan, anything below 70 is cold. my favorite place we went was Deetjen’s Restaurant — we went for brunch, and it was amazing. the server was wonderful, the atmosphere is funky but lovely, and the food was SO good. I HIGHLY recommend it!
Gosh, I meant to comment on this post last week! My sister lives in SF and has for years, so we make it to the west coast at least once a year!
I would definitely recommend Sonoma over Napa (the wineries are less crowded and not as expensive) plus Sonoma has the cutest downtown square. Depending on the weather, you can even rent bikes and bike to a few of the nearby wineries (this was one of the highlights of one of our trips)! I second the recommendation of Bella’s wine cave – it’s fabulous, and I love Ravenswood too.
Definitely stop in the Ferry building in SF and get coffee from Blue Bottle! Highly recommend dinner at Marlowe and ice cream at Bi-Rite.
I have several of my trip recaps on the blog – feel free to visit (happyrunningaccountant.blogspot.com) and email me with any more questions!