San Francisco is known for so many great + wonderful sites that you probably have heard about if you’ve not been to including the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardelli Square, Fishermans Wharf, Pier 39, Alcatraz, Lombard Street, Coit Tower, cable cars… but there are some really unique places that not everyone knows about that are too special not to visit.

If you’ve been to San Francisco many times like I have it is a delightful surprise to find these hidden gems + worth it to make another trip out just to find them.

#10 :: The Green Apple

Green Apple has grown to ten times its original size, now the biggest single-location independent bookseller in SF with new + used books for sale. They also ship for 99 cents. What a wonderful shop to roam around in. Unique + so quaint.

#9 :: Camera Obscura

Camera Obscura is a rare device based on a 15th century design by Leonardo da Vinci. It produces 360 degrees of spectacular Live Images of the Seal Rock Area. Beautiful views!

#8 :: Seward Street Slides

Designed in the 1970s by a young teenage girl who won the “Design the Park” contest Seward Street Slides is still being enjoyed decades later + located high above the Castro District. The twin chutes are technically supposed to be for kids but many adults enjoy it (I did!). Bring some cardboard to sit on + if you want to go really fast throw some sand down the slide first.

#7 :: Bi-Rite Creamery

Started by two bakers who wanted to bring delicious treats in a responsible, sustainable way, Bi-Rite Creamery develops intensely flavored ice cream recipes that feature locally-sourced ingredients often highlighting seasonal fruit.

The bakeshop serves cupcakes, cookies, galettes, sweetbreads + granola year-round. The menu changes reflecting the seasons. Probably one of the best-tasting + quality ice creams I’ve ever had. Can’t wait to come back for more!

 #6 :: Baker Beach

Baker Beach is popular with the locals + located on the other side of Golden Gate Bridge. Be aware as you explore the north end because it is a clothing-optional area. Unsafe for swimming however because of the frequent rip currents in the surf it’s still a wonderful find so near the city.

#5 :: Painted Ladies

These famous Victorian homes of the Queen Anne era feature multiple balconies, large porches + are usually 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 stories tall. Be sure to schedule time to take a tour inside one of the Painted Ladies if you can. The park across the street makes a delightful place to relax + gives a great vantage point to take some wonderful pictures of the Painted Ladies.

#4 :: Mission District Murals

Throughout the Mission District neighborhood you will find hundreds of fences + walls adorned with particularly Mexican-inspired murals. Balmy Alley is a highlight located between 17th + 18th Streets + Mission + Valencia Streets. Its collection of murals reflect a variety of art styles + often depict themes of social inclusiveness. Click here for a comprehensive guide to where you can find these amazing murals!

#3 :: Hidden Garden Steps

This Hidden Garden Steps project is a volunteer-driven, community-based effort to create a second set of ceramic-tiled steps (after the 16th Avenue Mosaic Steps located at Moraga) + public gardens in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset district while strengthening the existing sense of community that exists here. Beautiful work :: these tiles are a must see.

#2 :: Wave Organ

Sitting atop a jet in the marina is a musical instrument called the Wave Organ that is played by the San Francisco Bay itself. The jetty was constructed with marble + carved granite from a demolished cemetery. As the tide changes the sounds it makes do too. When the water rolls in it burbles but on its way out the sound is more like that of a belching man. The best time to hear it is at high tide so be sure to check the tide tables before heading out to the marina to the Wave Organ.

#1 :: Sutro Baths Ruins

In 1894 self-made millionaire Adolph Sutro designed what was then the world’s largest indoor swimming pool + is today known as the Sutro Baths Ruins. The historic baths were part of a lavish swimming facility with six saltwater tanks + over 500 private dressing rooms, restaurants + arcades that were enclosed by 100,000 square feet of glass. After Sutro died + during the Great Depression it was closed down.

The remaining structure still exists as magnificent architectural ruins at the north end of Ocean Beach near the famous Cliff House restaurant. Walk around the fascinating ruins + learn more about the history of the legendary family swimming + entertainment center.

I walked all over the area + then spent some time overlooking the water where you will find some magnificent views. Artists also spend time there on the rocks painting + drawing :: pretty cool.

If you’ve never been to San Francisco you will enjoy seeing all the tourist spots because there are many. But whether or not you’ve been I highly recommend spending time in search of these secret places in San Francisco. They will delight you to no end. I am looking forward to my next visit where I hope to find many more “hidden” gems + I’ll be sure to share them with you!

What are your favorite places in San Francisco?

Read more ::

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Best Girlfriends Getaways 2019

The post San Francisco :: 10 Secret Places appeared first on Where in the World is Louise?.

Whether you’re single or married or have a family there is no better time to be had than when you gather up your besties for Girlfriends Getaways. Whether it’s just for a long weekend or even better if you can manage an entire week, I highly recommend taking time in your busy life to slow down with your girls for a great time to breathe, re-energize and find yourself again.

In no particular order these are just some ideas to inspire you ::

#1 :: Eat Beignets in New Orleans

Of course there is much more to do in N’awlins than eating beignets but it sure is a great place to start! Cafe du Monde is iconic in the French Market and Cafe Beignet serving what they call the “original” beignets is competition for sure. But it doesn’t really matter where you go because You’re in New Orleans with your girls!

Go out for breakfast in one of the many adorable restaurants and cafes in town. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour through the Garden District and take in the history and architecture that IS New Orleans.

Have a muffuletta and red beans and rice for lunch and gumbo for dinner in that good ole N’awlins style.

Go out at night and listen to some really great jazz on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter…

…or go to a piano bar and sing along!

New Orleans. One of the great girlfriends getaways for sure.

#2 :: Go snorkeling in Belize

You may not know but Belize has the second largest coral reef in the world. And snorkeling it is pretty amazing. Unbelievable underwater beauty for sure.

There are lots of other options in Belize however :: visit the Mayan Ruins, eat some jerk chicken, snorkel with Manatees at Ambergris Cay, take a helicopter over the Blue Hole (way pricy at $500+ per person but if it’s on your bucket list I hear it is well worth it)…

Of course you can just as well lay on one of their beaches and soak up the sun…

…and enjoy a Belizian daiquiri… that won’t cost much!

And when you’re surrounded by your girlfriends it can be one of the best getaways ever!

#3 :: Tour Magnolia Silos in Waco

Even if you’re not necessarily into Joanna and Chip you will have so much fun at The Silos! Shop for the cutest housewares, get ideas for your own home…

…eat delicious delicacies in the Silos Baking Company…

…sit in the sun and listen to wonderful music while watching kids playing on the lawn. It’s all to be had here.

The town of Waco is bigger than just Magnolia although the town is on the map because of the Gaines’ but here are some of the things they recommend you see in Waco ::

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum, Dr. Pepper Museum, Hippodrome Theater, Waco Mammoth National Monument. And if you want to live it up big and you’re lucky to get a spot, book one of the two Magnolia Stay Bed + Breakfast homes for your lodging!

#4 :: Take in the Shows in Las Vegas

Vegas may have a reputation for setting the perfect atmosphere for girls to get into trouble together. But if you’re anything like me that’s the last thing you want to do with your besties. Instead get all dressed up for a night out on the town to enjoy a concert or Cirque du Soleil show…

…dine at a fancy restaurant…

Rent a cabana at the pool…

…play Bingo together…

And just laugh until your sides ache!

There are so many great getaways to do with your girlfriends in Las Vegas :: but being together is the best.

 #5 :: Go Dunebuggying in Cozumel

What a blast you’ll have no matter how big or small your group… take dune buggies out for a spin around the island of Cozumel.

Drive out to Punta Sur…

…and out to the southern point to the lighthouse…

Take a dip in the ocean to do some amazing snorkeling…

…then duck out of the sun for some shade + some relaxation…

Exploring + snorkeling in Cozumel + then relaxing in the sun + the water. What better girlfriends getaways are there?

#6 :: Go Parasailing in Maui

You’re in Hawaii + surrounded by that beautiful blue water. And the weather is perfect nearly all year long. Perfect for parasailing!

Talk long leisurely strolls along the water + stop for stories + laughter…

Wake up super early to catch the sunrise atop Haleakala

Spend all day on the beach, stand up paddle boarding (SUP) + enjoy the sun…

And attending a luau is a must!

The list of things to do (or not do) in Hawaii is endless. Isn’t this one of the best girlfriends getaways you can imagine?

#7 :: Keep it Weird in Portland

I used to live in Portland when I was younger + I have so many fond memories… But things have changed so much since those days! Portland has gotten so trendy over the last decade or more.

But the things I remember are still cool :: check out Multnomah Falls… so beautiful + glorious. Drive out there + spend time hiking up to the top or at least to the bridge. Amazing views.

Whether you’re a bookworm or not a visit to Portland is not complete without checking out Powell’s Books. Browse, sit + have a latte in the cafe.

One of my fave places to meet with friends is Salt + Straw. Ice cream at its finest.

Portland is a fun place to meet up with the girlfriends :: with such a variety of things to do to catch up you can start planning one of your getaways today.

#8 :: Hang out in LA

LA has lots to do + see. And with the girlfriends you’re sure to have a great time! The Getty Center is an awesome place to start!

Maybe stop at Grand Central Market for a bite to eat…

Joining an audience of a talk show is always a fun time with the girls!

It’s not too far to the beach for some relaxation.

LA is a fun town + a great place to have some time with the girlfriends!

#9 :: Take a California Coast Road Trip

I feel pretty blessed to live in California. I have the best of all worlds here. I’m not far from the beach, the mountains, the river + the desert. There are a plethora of absolutely amazing things to do + see in California. But when you take the time for a road trip along its beautiful coastline you get to know California in a whole new way.

Malibu is a wonderful place to stop :: the views of the ocean are pretty awesome + there are lots of little restaurants along the way

Stop to see the elephant seals just north of San Simeon

Hearst Castle is a cool place to visit :: you can even stop to see some zebras on the property!

Morro Rock up in Morro Bay is such a beautiful place :: take a walk + enjoy watching the surfers + otters. You’ll find clean restrooms here also

Depending on how many days you have you can include tons more things to see + do along the California coast!

A road trip with the girls is one of the best ways to get to know each other better + to enjoy each other’s company. Blast the radio + sing at the top of your lungs, stop wherever you feel like it for as long as you want, a spontaneous trip up the coast can provide memories that you can’t make any other way.

#10 :: Take a Cruise

Just decide where you want to go + when. Then let the cruise line do all the leg work for you! Just relax (or not) + have a great time together!

Whether you want to see places you’ve not seen before or lay under the sun all day…

…or get crazy on the dance floor or sing karaoke with abandon or take on Casino Night…

Taking a cruise with your best girlfriends is one of the best ways I know to catch up + have fun without having to really plan much. You can do as much or as little as you want. Your lodging + meals are all taken care of. You just need to decide what onboard activities you want to participate in + maybe sign up for an excursion or two. The rest is easy peasy.

Spending time with your girls is the most important thing. As women we need this more than we know. But once you start planning a trip or two you will realize it is a necessity that all of us girls not only want but absolutely need!

Take all the time you need with your besties! You won’t regret it!

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