Charming Adventures: Getaway from Las Vegas to San Francisco

Jetting Off from Las Vegas

What a thrill it is to fly from Las Vegas to San Francisco! The contrast between the desert heat and the cool air of the Bay Area is quite refreshing. As we landed, was time for jackets as temperatures hovered around 60 degrees.

Stay in a Unique Inn

Our accommodation at an old building in San Francisco which quickly became a highlight of our trip. This quirky inn has loads of original features, a character of an owner called Marty and a fantastic rooftop with amazing views over the city. Our room is on the third floor which is a pain as loads of steps but closer to the rooftop - swings and roundabouts. The creaking floors told stories of the past while the vibrant decor infused the space with warmth and personality.

Exploring the City

After settling in, we decided to take a walk into town, and what an adventure that turned out to be! Matthews walking route led us through the fascinating Mission District. While the area boasted colourful murals and eclectic shops, we encountered some dodgy characters along the way (nothing too scary though). There’s something to be said for the excitement of a city that never sleeps!

By pure look we found ourselves at one end of the historic cable cars so we hopped on for a journey to the other end making our way to Fisherman's Wharf. A single ride costs $8 but we have seen a day pass for all cable cars/buses etc for $13 so will get that tomorrow. The bustling pier, filled with tourists and the delicious aroma of fresh seafood (for some, to me its just smelly fish), was mesmerizing. After a pint of real ale at one of the local pubs, we were ready to tackle the infamous hills of San Francisco!

Winding Up and Down Lombard Street

You can’t visit San Francisco without a stroll down Lombard Street, known for its steep, crooked curves and vibrant flowers. We trudged up, wow, that's good for the calf muscles. I didn't count the steps but it was a lot. Also, not forgetting you have to hike a massive hill to even get to the windy bit. The views from the top were nothing short of breath taking, its a good place to rest. It was one of those iconic moments that truly define a trip to this beautiful city. Walking down Lombard was definitely a lot easier.

A Culinary Delight

As the day came to a close, our stomachs were grumbling for a hearty filling tea. We found a lovely Italian restaurant conveniently close to our hotel. The ambiance was perfect, and the food truly lived up to the 4.6 hype on Tripadvisor. We savoured every bite, agreeing it was the best meal of our trip so far - a perfect ending to a day spent exploring vibrant neighbourhoods and iconic sights.

San Francisco, with its charm and character, has a special place in our hearts after just one visit. We are looking forward to tomorrow....in search of Beatnik hangouts plus the usual suspects.