Cable Cars and Palace of Fine Arts
This was going to be last full day in San Francisco before I had to pick up my rental car from the airport. On the agenda today was hoping on cable car, visiting the palace of fine Arts, and trying to see Golden Gate bridge (again). After having breakfast in the clouds and being forced to tip again, I headed out.
I had to check out the iconic cable cars, and since my hotel was close to Union Square, it was easy to hop on one at the Cable Car Turnaround Powell Station. You can get cable cars from there that will take you to different places. You can pay for the cable car using clipper card as well, just like for any other mode of transportation in San Francisco. I was interested in taking one that would take me towards Fisherman’s Wharf and the marina, as I needed three things. Number one – I needed a hat, since I got sunburned. I did not expect that I would be spending so much time outside (silly me) and was red like a boiled lobster. Number two – I was peckish, so wanted to grab some coffee and a snack. And number three, I had to make my way towards Palace of Fine Arts.
One thing I must say is that walking in San Francisco felt amazing. I loved the weather, the smells, the scenery. Don’t get me wrong, I hated the hills, but once you get past them you can enjoy the flatlands. Walking through Marina District towards Palace of Fine Arts was great. Upon arrival I was greeted by a majestical structure. Greco-Roman architecture felt grand and beautiful. It was certainly a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed a walk around it, exploring every nook and cranny. Moving slowly towards an unexpected statue. A statue of Yoda. I did not know much about it, but it turned out to be next to Lucas Films. This is where my lack of research brings nice surprises. I got to the studio that created some of my favourite characters and stories.
Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito
With no time to waste I continued onwards, towards Golden Gate Bridge. I was determined to see it again. Ideally without the clouds and the fog. I decided not to use the bus and just go for a walk along the water. It was a great place for a walk. I have seen many joggers there, many people taking their dogs for a walk, felt really nice.
Once I got to my destination – shocker, the bridge was covered by the clouds and a thick fog. It was expected, so I decided to walk to the other side. My friends used rental bikes to cross it a few years ago, but I prefer walking, so I went on. I must say that it was very windy, cold, and wet. I was prepared though. I had a newly bought cap, rain jacket, and a fuelled by a sense of adventure I went on. There isn’t much you can see on the bridge itself when it is covered by the fog, but you can still appreciate the engineering, the architecture, and sheer size of it. I was hopeful that form the other side I would be luckier and will be able to see it better, as I knew that there are two observation points on either side of the bridge.
After getting to the other side, I turned right to get to Golden Gate Bridge North Vista Point. Snapping a few photos I tried to find a way to cross the road, which turned out to be under the bridge. Once I have done that I started making my way to Battery Spencer Observation Point and after a few minutes I was greeted by a view that I was searching for. Semi clear view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was Windy, but warm. Although thinking back I guess I was warm from climbing that high, as this route involved going uphill for quite some time.
Getting what I wanted it was time to make a decision. Do I turn back and walk all the way back the way I came or do I push forward towards Sausalito and get a ferry. yes, there is a ferry that you can take from Sausalito, which will take you all the way back to central San Francisco. The issue was that It would take another hour of walking in the sun. I topped up my water bottle at the North Vista Point and decided to go to Sausalito. Like I said before, I was going to be driving for a long time in the near future, sitting for long stretches of time, so a walk would only benefit me. I set off, but I did not realise that there are no sidewalks, so the whole walk was on the side of the road. Luckily I was not the only person doing that and the traffic was ok, so it felt safe to do so. having walked for two miles I have reached Sausalito – starving, hot, but happy. I have found a place to get some food and made a small mistake. I felt so hungry that I ordered too much. I got a coffee, a Reuben sandwich (my favourite), and a Caesars salad. I struggled to finish my food, but mama did not raise a quitter, I downed it all and made my way to the Ferry. Luckily I did not have to wait for too long, ferry came literally 10 minutes after I got to the port. It was a pleasant journey back with the views of Golden gate Bridge, passing Alcatraz Island, and getting to San Francisco Ferry Building. You pay once you exit the boat, using the Clipper card. (Convenience!).
It was time to call it a day, as starting tomorrow, I had an actual road trip ahead me. Adventures were only beginning.
