I recently returned from a fun adventure in San Francisco, California and I had to share my must-do list. This time I was NOT traveling with kids. However, most of these activities I would take make kids and do them the next time we are there. San Francisco has so much to offer and I loved every second I was there.

1. Bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. This is a definite must and a highlight of our trip. First, we found an amazing place to rent our bikes. It’s called Basically Free Bike Rentals. Let me explain how it works- You grab your rental bike from the location near Fisherman’s Wharf. You will get the value of your rental for in store credit at Sports Basement, which is a sporting goods store, conveniently located on the bike trail to the bridge. So we got our bikes, paid about $35 for the day and then went to their sports store and bought $35 worth of items for FREE with our credit. Super cool and totally legit. The bike across the bridge is so fun. There are some beautiful views of the bridge on the trail from Fisherman’s Wharf. Take your time and enjoy the ride. On the way back, you can ride the ferry from Sausolito…which is my #2 favorite thing to do.
2. Visit Sausolito and walk around the stores and ride the ferry back to the wharf. This is the best way to get back, unless you are ambitious and want to ride your bike back over the bridge. The town is charming. Be sure to stop at Venice Gourmet Delicatessen and get an Avocado Turkey Club sandwich. It’s simply amazing. The ferry ride back is super fun too. Go to the top and let the wind get in your face and enjoy the views from every angle.
3. Ride a cable car. This totally lives up to the hype. You need to “hang out” as you are on the cable car. It’s terrifying, but totally worth it. We did it a few times. Be sure to get on the route that goes by Lombardi street. You can even hop off there and walk down the curvy street which is beautiful. A way to save on transportation in the city is to get the multi-day passes if you are there for awhile.  One Cable Car ride is $7, so it will add up. You can also walk the city pretty easily.
4. Coit tower and the Greenwich stairs. This is a beautiful walk to the tower and then an even more beautiful walk down the stairs. I love good walks like this. You can pay to go to the top of the tower and see the views, or you can enjoy them from below.
5. Ghirardelli Square is a must. Not only do they have amazing ice creams and sauces, the view from the square is breathtaking. Try to be there at night when the square is lit up with lights and the sun is setting on the bay. There are plenty of places to sit right there by the water and enjoy the view.

We love traveling to new destinations. This world is full of beauty and there is so much to discover. I’ve noticed that when we are in new locations there are a few things we have done that make these new destinations so fun. Check these 6 tips that will help the next time you find yourself in a new city or town.

1. Find the tallest building or mountain in the city or town. Once you find that out, then figure out a way to get to the top! If it’s a super tall mountain, obviously that won’t work, but check into what is possible. That way you can see from the tallest vantage point and might find other places you want to visit just by looking down. For example, recently we visited Austin, Texas. The tallest point there is only a short hike up to Mr. Bunnell. Once we were there we saw a picture perfect view of the city as well as the surrounding areas. That vantage point is so fun.
2. Research what that city or town is famous for. We recently went to Philipsburg, Montana and did you know they were famous for their Montana gems? I didn’t either, until I did a little research. We were able to go mine gems and our kids absolutely loved it. Take advantage of these unique attractions that can only be done at certain places.
3. While you are visiting the city or town, check and see if they have any festivities or celebrations going on. There are so many random celebrations that you may not even know of. When we visited the very small town of Anaconda, Montana they were having their Smelderman’s days. I had no idea this was a thing until I heard about it from a local. This fun celebration provided a money drop, free candy, BBQ, and parade. Local festivities can be anything from boat races to farmers market. Exploring the city this way makes you feel like a local and will connect you to that location.
4. Use yelp to find one of a kind food and be daring! When in a new place you have to try the food that is unique to that area. In New York, I’ve heard the food carts that are everywhere have the best Gyros. I totally didn’t think that would be the case, but I was up to try it out. The gyro was amazing! I was so glad we gave it a try. Also, be sure to ask locals where the best places to eat are. We do that every time we are in a new place. Locals know the secrets.
5. Use all forms of transportation. Recently we returned from New York. We were able to explore the city by plane, subway, bus, water taxi, boat, train and of course by foot. It’s amazing how each form of transportation provides a different way to view the city. You could even grab a bike or scooter. See what is provided and try a few ways of getting around instead of just one.
6. Reach out to friends, family and acquaintances that lives in your city or town you will be visiting. Tell them you will be visiting their city and ask for recommendations and if they are free to meet up. This is one of our favorite things to do. Even if we aren’t best friends, these locals love to explore the city with you and can give you some good inside info or be an expert travel guide. On occasions these friends or family might invite you to their own home. I love these unique experiences that really bring that local element into your visit. I remember being in Austria and being inside a family home and actually seeing how they live and cook. Those experiences are truly the best.

Heading to New York City? Then I’m sure you have a Broadway play on your list of things to do. However, they are pricey! We just returned from New York and found the BEST ways to save on Broadway tickets. Hopefully this will help you save some money as well as enjoy a fantastic show.

1. TKTS Booths. You’ll want to first download their App. This will tell you which shows are available on which days. Once you know which shows you want, then head to their booths. There are 3 locations and most open at 10am- but check their site before you go. The benefits of buying from TKTS are the discounted tickets- most 50% off and the low fees which are generally around $6 per ticket, which is a lot lower than you would pay for online fees. I paid $25 per ticket just in fees online.
2. Rush Tickets/ Same Day Tickets. To get day-of tickets, then head to the actual theater where your show is located. Check the time their ticket booth opens and be there a bit before to get in line. Generally you can get same day/rush tickets for $50 and under. Some popular shows like The Lion King don’t necessarily do “rush tickets”, but they do have $99 ticket deals for random 1 person seats or front row tickets. That’s a great way to get discount tickets as well. Again, the fees to get tickets in person are super low.
3. Lottery tickets. You can sign up for the lottery for the show you want to see. Each show has a different way they run their lottery. So be sure to read their guidelines. The benefit of the lottery is super low tickets. Again, they may be in areas that are partial viewing or harder to see areas, but if you can get them for $10, then that’s totally worth the price.
4. Standing Room. If you don’t mind standing during the performance, then be sure to check at the theater if there is standing room tickets available. This usually is available if a show is sold out and they have room for standing.

**When buying a ticket, be sure you buy from reputable sites and locations. There are a lot of fraudulent tickets floating around and they will not be accepted for your show. I like to stick with the Broadway.com, TKTS Booths, and the actual theater where the show is being performed.