Category: Travel

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, San Francisco, Californi

This year marks the twenty fifth anniversary of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park in San Francisco, California.  This is not a national park where you will gasp at amazing views or wonder at native wildlife. Similar to the Independence National Historic Park in Pensylvania, the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is a National Park devoted to the preservation of history. In this case boats.
I was surprised to see signs for a National Park Visitors center right on the throughfare of Fisherman’s wharf. But the easy pedestrian access made this an ideal place to explore as part of our day. Hyde street peir was historically a major port for ships in the last hundred years and here at the Maritime National Historical Park visitors can take part in that little slice of history.
My favorite boat was the three masted Balclutha, at least I think that’s what it was called. I went to look up the name on the National Parks Website today but because the government shut down, I couldn’t get the info. Regardless, the boat reminded me of tales of pirates and Charlotte Doyle. On board you can meander through carpenter’s quarters and along the deck and really imagine what it would have been like to ride the seas in the years before motors.
Other boats in the fleet included a 1920s tug, a Wartime ship with classic cars in the hold and a schooner that takes visitors on rides every hour. The pier is free and open to the public, but to tour the boats make sure you bring your Annual National Parks pass, or pay a $5.00 entrance fee.
The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park was a great diversion on our exploration of Fisherman’s Wharf. I highly recommend it.
Info:
Time: 30 minutes – 3 hours
Price: Free on the pier, $5.00 to explore the floating museums
Tips: This national historic park is located at Fisherman’s wharf, near Ghiradelli square and within easy access of the famous San Francisco cable cars. Make it part of the whole day excursion.

 

Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco, California

Alcatraz Island is one of the top tourist destinations in the San Francisco Bay area. As part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, it is protected under the umbrella of the National Park Service along with John Muir Woods National Monument, Marin Headlands, Presidio and Angel Island State Park.

The boat ride to Alcatraz was a quick trip via Alcatraz Cruises from Pier 33. My sisters-in-law and I enjoyed the sea breezes and view of San Francisco from the wind and solar powered vessel.
The view of The Golden Gate bridge from the water just as the sun began its descent was beautiful, just as the view of the skyline from the island was. For a prison, Alcatraz was situated in a particularly beautiful place.

Of course, Alcatraz Island wasn’t always a prison. In 1850, President Millard Fillmore declared the island a military reservation. Troops used the island as a place of defense for the city of San Francisco. It was also the site of the first lighthouse in the west.

But it’s most well known for its years as a maximum security penitentiary (1934-1963). Some of the nations most infamous criminals spent years of their life at Alcatraz, including the likes of Al Capone and Robert “The Birdman” Stroud.
I was especially impressed with the audio tour of the facility, narrated by past prison guards and prisoners. It was like stepping into the pages of history, listening to the stories of escape atttempts and daily prison life.
It strikes me as a little odd that Alcatraz Island is now a National Park. Why do we as Americans find the prison society interesting enough to warrent making it into a tourist destination?
Truthfully, walking the halls and examining the vacant cells reminded me of how lonely and boring life in jail must be.  In general prisoners days were filled with monotony and tedium, hardly something tintillating enough for the average population to revere.  However, I could not deny my intense interest in Alcatraz, even a voyeuristic fascination of it.
The boat ride, the audio tour and the views of and around Alcatraz all merit a visit to the island. However, I would suggest leaving young children at home if you really want to enjoy this excursion. I could not imagine Big E or little g being patient or interested enough to really appreciate it.

Pier 39, San Francisco, California

Last weekend my sisters-in-law and I went for our first ever sister’s weekend to sunny San Francisco. The tots stayed home with Mountain Dad, while I went with the ladies to shop, eat, and play.
One of the best places for all of these activities was Pier 39, right on the water at San Francisco Bay. Shops line the boardwalk filled with souvenirs, and tasty sourdogh bread, just right to appreciate the well known landmarks of San Francisco, including Alcatraz Island, home to some of the nations most dangerous criminals until 1963.
The America’s Cup finals were going on, adding to the number of sail boats on the bay.

It was fun to see the boats flit about on the water while enjoying a baked treat from the street vendors.
Some of the shops on Pier 39 were typical tourist traps, but overall the vibe was exciting and uniquely San Franciscan.  It was a great spot, and don’t worry I brought the tots some special gifts to let them know I was thinking of them, even if they weren’t with me. Sometimes Mountain Mom needs some time off too.

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, Orderville, Utah

Every year my little family of four meets up with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents for an awesome family reunion. This year, the location was Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, just five minutes outside the East entrance to Zion National Park.
Lodging at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort ranges from camping locations and small private cabins to large vacation homes, like the Moose Lodge which easily slept our group of 42. The industrial kitchen was perfect for our large group, but for those of you less inclined to cook your own food while on vacation, a restaurant is available at the lodge.

What was most fun about staying at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort was participating in their Adventure Package. Big E loved the bungee trampoline, miniature golf, and swimming in the pool (complete with two slides and two hottubs). I loved the zip line and the barn dance.
But the real winner of the trip was Mountain Dad who spent as much free time as possible driving this Polaris Ranger Utility vehicle. It’s like a four wheeler that can seat the kids comfortably in back, while riding up gnarly rock trails to beautiful vistas.

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort was a great gathering place near Zion National Park. My one complaint was that they do not have recycling facilities. Zion National Park supports going green so much, it no longer sells bottles of water to prevent waste, but Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort didn’t have even the basic recycling facilities available. I hope that changes soon.
If you’re looking for a fun getaway spot near Zion National Park, make sure to check out this one!