A Scenic Escape: Quick Trip to the Golden Gate Bridge

Often referred as the “City by the Bay,” San Francisco, California is a vibrant and culturally rich destination known for its historic landmarks, steep hills, and diverse neighborhoods. From the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge to the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and scenic charm.

San Francisco was not on our plan for our US vacation. But I knew I would visit it someday. Yet, God sometimes has His ways. Our relatives from Illinois happened to visit us in California and they invited us to join them for a “quick” trip to San Francisco. The main highlight of the trip is to witness and experience the majestic Golden Gate Bridge.

The Golden Gate Bridge, completed in 1937, is a marvel of modern engineering and an iconic symbol of San Francisco. Spanning 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, this suspension bridge connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County and offers breathtaking views of the bay.

We started our journey at 8:00 in the morning. It was a 6-hour drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco. As we made our way, my heart was filled with gratitude, thankful for the beautiful views along the way. It feels so relaxing.

After several stopovers, we finally reached San Francisco and headed straight to Pier Market at Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch. Fisherman’s Wharf, with its lively atmosphere and the salty breeze from the bay, is the perfect spot to start exploring the city. It was somehow funny when we realized that we ordered three different kinds of pasta, all in red sauce and seafood. Despite the pasta overload, I liked their clam chowder and teriyaki salmon—both were absolutely delicious.

After lunch, we took our time walking around Fisherman’s Wharf, which is lined with shops and restaurants. We stopped by a souvenir shop where I picked up some postcards to remember our trip. As we continued our stroll, we stumbled upon Trish’s Mini Donuts. These little delights, tossed in sugar and cinnamon, were reminiscent of lil’ orbits and brought back memories from childhood. It was the perfect sweet treat to enjoy as we wandered around Fisherman’s Wharf.

From Fisherman’s Wharf, we continued our journey to witness the Golden Gate Bridge, the highlight and reason for this trip. We visited two viewpoints: Hawk Hill and Battery Spencer.

Witnessing the Golden Gate Bridge in person was beyond words. My heart was already filled with praise for the scenic drive, but stepping out of the car and witnessing the bridge and its surroundings was something more. It’s majestic! I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to God.

By the way, there’s a short but easy hike at Battery Spencer before you get an up-close view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a bit foggy when we visited, but the sight was still breathtaking.

We then proceeded to Lombard Street, known as the “crookedest street in the world.” This famous street features eight sharp turns and is beautifully landscaped with flowers, making it a must-see attraction. Passing through this crooked street felt like a fun roller coaster ride as we drove along.

From Lombard Street, we hit the road again to return to Los Angeles, facing another 6 to 7-hour drive with few stopovers. I slept almost the entire journey. The prolonged sitting made my butt, back, and legs ache, but it was worth it! Nothing compares to the beautiful views and experiences from the day. If given the opportunity, I would love to return to San Francisco and stay for few nights. There are still so many things to experience and discover in this city. It truly offers a rich tapestry of experiences, blending historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural diversity. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a longer stay, this city has something special for everyone.

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