Thursday, May 18, 2006 –

We have had another fantastic trip to San Francisco. However, today it’s time to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific coast. Or to quote the song, “Californication” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers: “it’s the edge of the world and all of Western civilization, the sun may rise in the east but at least it settles in its final location, and it’s understood that Hollywood sells Californication.” There’s no doubt in mind these indelible images of California are burned into the minds of visitors from around the world.

Coit Tower

We checked out of the Courtyard by Marriott at Fisherman’s Wharf and drove to Telegraph Hill. I have been to San Francisco many times, but I had never been to the top of Coit Tower. What a view! Pioneer Park in front was pretty too. Then we drove across the bay to Tiburon for lunch at Sam’s Anchor Café, one of our favorite restaurants in the world. The restaurant is famous for its seafood and we admired the breathtaking views of Angel Island, Alcatraz and the San Francisco skyline.

San Francisco from Tiburon

Sam’s Anchor Cafe

We then drove back across the bay and stopped at the Presidio and Golden Gate Park. Later we travelled Lincoln Boulevard into the Richmond neighborhood and down the Great Boulevard to the Cliff house. The Cliff House is a restaurant located on the cliffs just north of Ocean Beach overlooking the site of the former Sutro Baths. There we tried out the Victorian era games in the quaint arcade.

After visiting the Cliff House, we rode down Highway 1 through Pacifica to Half Moon Bay. The views here on the beautiful Pacific Coast are absolutely stunning with waves slowly eroding the rugged coast. The road itself is a marvel of engineering along the twisting road with it’s tunnels and turns as it hugs the coast.

We continued through Santa Cruz to Monterey and Carmel. We stayed that night at the Embassy Suites Seaside Monterey. We had dinner that evening late at Chili’s in Seaside. What a spectacular drive and one of the most beautiful ocean drives in the world!