San Francisco Getaway - Part 1

Hello Everyone!

It is the middle of July and I just got back from an amazing road trip to San Francisco for a mini getaway with two of dearest friends ever - Emily and Sarah! This post will be an overview of everything that happened on my getaway, along with HIGHLY recommended must-sees that have really made this trip amazing.

There is just so much to write about that I decided to split this trip into two blog posts.

Road Tripping Up -  (Total time: 7 hours with traffic)
 If you have never been on a road trip to San Francisco, then I would highly recommend it because it is so relaxing to just be on a long drive and to take in the California scenery. Going up, we took the I-5 North Freeway since it was a more direct route, thus taking less time. But be careful...once you hit Farmland, close ALL of the vents unless you want to sit miserably with the smell of cow in your car - the bad kind. 

We only hit about 1 rest stop for gas and a bathroom break after being loaded up with snacks and free 7-11 slurpees. And we still had PLENTY of snacks for the rest of the trip up =).

Be sure to also be careful of other drivers since the roads narrow from multiple lanes to two sometimes at night. There will be moments where the speed limit drops to about 35-40 since it looks like it is major foggy areas.

All in all, the drive was quite relaxing and if you don't get car sick or motion sick, then it is a great time to catch up on reading or playing your favorite mobile games.

- -
Legion of Honor   (Total time: 2.5 hrs)

Greeted by the Thinker at the entrance.

Ticket: $6 for College Students with valid ID + $11 for special exhibit = $17
Transportation: Muni Bus for $2 fare.
Location: 100 34th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121

If you are a fan of art museums, then I HIGHLY recommend the Legion of Honor. It sits in the San Francisco Lincoln Park and has a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

The Legion of Honor normally contains pieces from different centuries and also home to some of Monet's most beautiful works. There was also two conserved and restored salon rooms from the 16th century that were absolutely breathtaking. Not only does the museum hold paintings, but also statues and artifacts from different time periods.  We were very lucky to have the opportunity to catch the Matisse exhibit on loan from the SFMOMA; the Intimate Impressionism Art from the National Gallery of Art; and the Masters of Fire: Copper Age in the Holy Land exhibit.

Famous Water Lillies by Monet

The museum is extremely extensive and had different works of art for everyone. The entire building is set up like an arc where you begin in the middle with statues from Rodin. The right arc is a progression towards the Renaissance to Monet. While if you go to the right from the center, you are going back in time to more religious art to the Copper Age. Then when you go downstairs, you will be able to visit the cafe and also the special exhibits. 

Sea Shores in the Impressionist Exhibit

My personal favorites - the Porcelain Works Exhibit, Monet, Matisse, and the Impressionist Art. It felt like such a treat to be able to see beautiful pieces of work I have only seen in books. But be WARNED it is a common place for pictures of wedding parties, quincineras, and other celebrations.

Picture out on the lawn of the Legion of Honor

Outside of the Academy

 California Academy of Sciences (Total time: 3 hrs)
Ticket: $29.95 for Students with Valid ID. Academy Members allowed to bring one guest in for free.
Transportation: Walking from the Legion of Honor, then Muni Bus 
Location: 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118

One of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE places to visit every time I come to San Francisco. It is a beautiful science museum located in the Golden Gate Park across from the De Young Museum. It houses a Rain Forest Dome, Planetarium, Aquarium, Native American Artifact wing, and an African Safari wing. The Academy also switches out special exhibits and is always adding more to it. The price for the academy is a little steep, but it is WELL worth it for half a day to a full day. There is just so much to see. And the cafeteria food is AMAZING and all organic if you have a chance to go in for a quick snack.

Walking inside the Rain Forest Dome.

We got there late, so we were only able to see the Rain Forest Dome, Aquarium, special Earthquake Simulator exhibit, and the Planetarium. The Rain Forest Dome is a slice of the Amazon rain forest including exotic free-flying butterflies and birds. Butterflies are allowed to float and land on you, but you are not allowed to touch or catch them. At the bottom of the dome is a large aquarium housing dozens of large and rare species of Amazon fish.  

The aquarium is quite extensive as well with a variety of species in freshwater and saltwater. This area also includes several interactive exhibits to help people learn more about the aquatic wildlife. Overall, everything is so beautiful and tranquil that you can't help but feel like a jellyfish floating around the aquarium.

Another amazing thing about the Academy is their planetarium where they do different shows at multiple times during the day. Today we were able to catch the "Dark Universe" show in a parabolic theater. Not going to lie, everything is just so comfortable, I fell asleep.... But the shows are amazing and informative! I just wish I can catch the shows narrated by Morgan Freeman, Whoopi Goldberg, or Tim Allen.

The gift shop is one of the most interesting ever! Everything is geared towards science and STEM pursuance. They had these cute wooden cut jewelry and I DEEPLY regret not getting this necklace. It IS just so Kim. I will own it eventually!

But we were still able to enjoy the academy and take in a world of science. I wish we had more time, but alas another trip for the future! Always beautiful, always amazing.

Inside the Rainforest Dome - Sarah, Emily, Kim

 Crossroads Trading Co. on Irving Street
Location: 630 Irving St, San Francisco,CA 94122 

Thank you SO much to my brother's girlfriend, Nora, for recommending this place! Super cute, super awesome, and super amazing! All of the clothes were of such high quality and so much variety! I forgot how much fun going to a thrift shop can be. My girlfriends and I left happy with our purchases. I left with a new vintage chic dress and gold scarf. If you have time to check out this hidden gem, please be sure to go!

La Boulange Bakery
Location: 500 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94122

Amazing pastries and hot drinks on a cold day in San Francisco and after a day of adventuring. One of the best fruit danishes I have ever had and was a sweet treat to my sweet-and-spicy chai latte.

Mosaic Stairs, between 15th Ave and 16th Ave in South San Francisco
Lam and Nora's place is situated in a quaint neighborhood of South San Francisco. There are flights of stairs that can help you go up the hill to the neighborhoods, but this is a special set of stairs. Each step has a piece of a mosaic that when you're standing at the bottom, you'll be able to see a masterpiece. This is one picture of one flight, but there is another flight of stairs after this one. As you go up the steps, you will have a more beautiful view of the city as you go up higher on the steps. So if you need a good workout, these stairs are great!

Mosaic Stairs

Pronto Pizza in Redwood City, CA
A special treat from my brother Don. Amazing free-range organic chicken. One of the best pizzas I've had up in Nor Cal. But be prepared to wait! They do take out so it was nice to have Don come up and visit us while we were staying at my brother's place. We got amazing cheese and veggie pizzas, focaccia bread, and 1 whole roasted free-range chicken.