SF: The Mission District, Dolores Park, Buffalo Paddock, Sutro Baths, & Mile Rock Beach

With the kids on spring break,

we headed to the Bay Area to explore

some new places in S.F.,
namely the Mission District, Mission Dolores Park, the Sutro Baths,

and Lands End trails.

The Mission District is a prime example of how best

to tour the many neighborhoods of S.F.:

Park & Walk

Is this not the most beautiful pocket park EVER?

I love, love, love the colors here!

Everything is so vibrant!

Not to mention...

tasty!

These pastries are what I grew up on!

If you've never tried Mexican pastries,

they're colorful, drier in texture,

and far less sweet.

A perfect addition to our picnic basket!

On our way to the park,

a photo shoot!

Mission Dolores Park

In the heart of the city,

it has sprawling green hills,

and a throwback playground

complete with a killer old-school slide!

The first thing we did was use the facilities.

Every inch was covered in grafitti and other colorful tidbits

and it's the only time I've encouraged

my children NOT to read!

I mentioned the hills...we can't resist!

Alright, already!

It's time for some ice cream!

Down the street is a local fave with supper yummy flavors!

What did we order today?

Salted Caramel

Brown Butter Pecan

Brown Sugar with Ginger Caramel Swirl

They never fail to impress with something different

and utterly delicious!

Time to explore!

And just be silly!

Next up:

Golden Gate Park: Buffalo Paddock

{ Featuring what isn't even Buffalo at all, but American Bison! }

We were so excited to take the kids here,

unfortunately they thought it was lame!

All they wanted to do was hit the beach!

While Samuel forced the kids to ooh & ahh over the buffalo,

I sat in the car.

Can you guess why?

Coming back they noticed something 1000 times

more exciting than 500 + pound animals.

3 lb. rodents!

Next we took a walk down to the Sutro Baths.

On the way we met a guy who let us peek through his

scope to see two of the rarest birds on the west coast!

I wish I could tell you what they were,

but I can't!

And they flew away two seconds later anyway!

It is beautiful here!

At the bottom of the steps and to the right is

an awesome cave.

As the waves thunder against the rock you feel (and hear)

the pounding in a surreal and almost creepy way!

Owen was anxious to get out of there,

and I'll admit,

I think we all were!

But first,

a peek at the view.

As we began to explore the bath ruins,

we saw the filming of a music video!

They quickly wrapped things up,

and just in time because

you-know-who

were on the loose!

Don't they always go in the tub?

I remember coming here with my grandparents when I was small. 

It was awesome to introduce my little family

to places I used to run around as a kid!

...

Speaking of kids...

 

I'm totally partial,

but they are

G O R G E O U S !

Iris could play in the flowers all day,

but we're off to Lands End,

"San Francisco's wildest and rockiest coast."

Lands End connects to the California Coastal Trail,

1,200 miles of California coastline trails that span over 15 counties!

Making our way off the trail to Mile Rock Beach!

It's 112 steps down...

...but well worth it!



Our kiddies are never happier than at the beach!

It was the
piece de resistance
of our trip!

It's tradition!

Up and out with a great cardio workout!

And plenty of kisses!

On the trail we met up with two brothers visiting from Michigan
(the birthplace of Samuel's mother!).

They were in awe of California,
and did a terrible job of upselling Michigan!

I quote,
"You don't want to go there."

We gave our must-see recommendations and...

...they were off!

It's fun meeting people discovering this state for the first time.


It reminds you to appreciate all that we have!