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 across the San Francisco Bridge to Sausalito. Check with your hotels and see if they offer free bikes or discounts on your bike rental, most do. Biking from Fisherman’s Warf to the bridge is around 3 miles and then over the bridge to Sausalito is a bit more, but so worth it. Take your time and enjoy the ride. When you make it to Sausalito stroll through the small down and charming street. Eat a yummy lunch and sit by the water for a little break. Then the best thing to do is ride a ferry back to Fisherman’s Warf with your bike. That way you get to see the city by water. It’s beautiful.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Painted Ladies. If you are a Full House fan then this is a fun place to be. I’m still so surprised at how many people love this show and want to see those houses. There is a green hill and park for the kids across from the houses. You could pack a lunch and enjoy being outside.
5. Find yummy places to eat. You’ll notice when you go to San Francisco that the normal chain restaurants are not to be found. It’s kind of nice. It makes you get outside of your comfort zone and try something new. We went to a few new places and loved them! Try these out: Codmother’s Fish & Chips, Eight AM, El Rancho Grande, Crepe Cafe, and Ghirardelli.

We recently returned from Yellowstone National Park and it was so fun. It was my kids first time going which made it even more memorable. There are so many fun hikes, trails, sites to see in the park that are great for all ages. Here are 5 places we visited and loved.

1. Midway Geyser Basin.  As we were driving up to the Midway Geyser turn off we saw all of the smoke coming off of the hot pots. It was a cold day so the smoke was thicker than usual. It made it look very magical. This walk around Midway Geyser Basin is short and sweet. It’s on a boardwalk so it’s accessible for strollers.
2. Grand Prismatic Spring/ Fairy Falls. This stop is where you can walk up to see the Midway Geyser Basin from up high. It’s such a different view then when you walk around through it. The colors (pictured above) are amazing! You could also continue to Fairy Falls. This walk is a bit up hill and could be a little rocky. My 5 year old was able to do it with a little help.
3. Old Faithful. This is a must do, just because of the name. Everyone knows Old Faithful, so you must go see it. The visitors center has a very good estimate of the time Old Faithful will go off. It’s around every 90 minutes. There is a great visitors center that has some fun information and a movie. So if you get there with plenty of time before or after the eruption, then take some time there.
4. Yellowstone Lake. If you like to fish this is a great place to do it. If you don’t, you could still go to the lake and throw rocks and have a picnic. It’s beautiful scenery.
5. Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. This is super cool. When we arrived, I didn’t know what it would be like. I was amazed at how big and deep the canyon was. You can go to both the lower falls and the upper falls. Both of these offer different views of the canyon and both are worth the time.

If you have time to stop in the town of West Yellowstone, shop the cute stores. Grab a souvenir and some ice cream. It’s a charming town.

We just returned from a fun trip to Seattle, Washington and we absolutely loved it. I actually grew up going there once a year visiting family, so I know the area quite well. However, it’s been a few years since we have been, so it was time. This time around we went without our kiddos, so we were able to do some different adventures! Here are a 5 fun things to do in and around Seattle that we loved.

1. Walk around and eat at Pikes Place. You may hear all of the time that Pikes Place is a fun place to shop, but did you know it’s a fun place to eat too? We were surprised as how many food places are there on the street and so yummy. My suggestion is to go hungry and try some of the fun, unique places that are there. A few of our favorites were Piroshky Piroshky- with fresh salmon biscuits and pastries, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese- try their Mac n Cheese, and Pikes Place Chowder. A little ways down by the pier is Ivar’s Fish and Chips. They are amazing too.
2. Take a hike in the forest. The Seattle area has some of my favorite hiking trails. I love the tall pine trees and the smell of rain in the air. Our favorite hikes are Rattlesnake Ridge, Franklin Falls, Oxbow Trail Loop and Denny Creek Trail.
3. Visit the Space Needle. This was the first time we actually went up the Space Needle and it was pretty incredible. This does cost a bit more money, but if you have the time and means, then it would be fun. The Space Needle has a glass floor and glass benches that are to take pictures on and test your courage! The views of Seattle and the Puget Sound are beautiful on the top.
4. Take a Ferry. We love to ride a ferry to an island and walk around or ride bikes. You can take your car onto the Ferries and then explore the islands. Try taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island and exploring that area. This is an inexpensive way to travel around and be on a boat!
5. Enjoy a Harbor or Locks Cruise. Have you heard of the Seattle Locks? They are seriously so cool. You can take a Locks Cruise where you actually go through the locks and see how the process works. Enjoy the cruise on the water from Seattle through the Puget Sound and around the islands or through the locks. It’s a beautiful way to see the area.