Mountain Mom and Tots

Good Food San Francisco

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On my recent sister’s weekend to San Francisco we spent most of our time around good food. Now, this blog does not usually feature restaurants but I couldn’t NOT share some of the interesting places we tried while there.

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San Francisco Botanical Gardens, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

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After two days of walking around San Francisco, I found myself longing to see some green. I live in the mountains and took for granted the joy growing things brings to my daily life. The city is a buzzing, exciting, access to everything place, but it could use some more trees, parks and wild places.

So it was with this desire in mind that my sisters-in-law and I made our way to San Francisco Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park. Golden Gate Park is home to the California Academy of Sciences, De Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, a Conservatory of Flowers and my favorite, the Botanical Gardens of San Francisco.

The streets and parking garage were packed with people on the Sunday afternoon we visited. Perhaps it was the local bagpipe band that was scheduled to play at the outdoor stage that drew the crowd, but I’m pretty sure Golden Gate Park is just the place to be on a Sunday afternoon.

The ladies and I wondered through an Andean Cloud Forest, California Native Garden and the Zellerbach Garden of Perennials, but my favorite place was the Garden of Fragrances.

I enjoyed listening to my two California native sisters and their numerous gardening attempts. Where I live the summers are short and glorious, and my gardening attempts has mostly just contributed to the deer and wild turkey population. So it was nice to hear success stories of growing things.

The San Francisco Botanical Gardens was a beautiful haven in the center of the city. For anyone planning a trip, I would highly recommend a stop at Golden Gate Park.

Info:

Distance: Varies

Price: $7.00 for visitors, free for San Francisco natives

Tips: Give yourself lots of time. There’s no reason to be rushed here.

Balmy Street Murals, San Francisco, California

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One of the most interesting places we visited in San Francisco was Balmy Alley in the Mission District. All along both sides of the street are colorful depictions of life of every sort.

According to the website www.balmyalley.com, “The murals began in the mid-80’s as an expression of artists’ outrage over human rights and political abuses in Central America. Today the alley contains murals on a myriad of styles and subjects from human rights to local gentrification and Hurricane Katrina.”

The art is beautifully done and worth a liesurely stroll or guided tour. Unfortunately for us it was POURING when we got there so we had to settle for several drive bys while looking out wet windows.

My favorite mural was this 3D one depicting a woman in childbirth. I love the colors and the message, but mostly I love it because it makes me giggle a little. Enjoy!

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, San Francisco, Californi

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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.

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