After leaving the rugged beauty of the Lost Coast behind, we ventured south into Marin County and checked into the Marin RV Park. While the park itself was modest, its prime location made it an ideal base for our next few days. With its close proximity to San Francisco and Tiburon, we were perfectly positioned to reconnect with old friends and explore some of Northern California’s highlights.
Our first stop was the lovely waterfront home of our dear friends Gail and Snorre’ Grunnan in Tiburon. Their home, with its panoramic views of the bay, was the perfect setting for a warm reunion. Over a feast of freshly caught crab caught and prepared by Snorre’, we shared stories of our adventures from the past year, laughing late into the evening as the lights of the bay twinkled around us.
The following morning, Gail took us over to see their boat the “Nordic Wolf” which was being refitted before whisking us into San Francisco for a visit to the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. This cultural landmark, founded in 1895, is known for its eclectic collection of art spanning centuries and continents, from American paintings to African tribal artifacts. The museum’s contemporary design, crowned by a striking copper tower, contrasts beautifully with the park’s lush greenery. We were lucky enough to catch a special exhibit on Tamara de Lempicka, the Polish Art Deco painter whose bold, angular portraits of high society women from the 1920s and 30s epitomize glamour and modernism. It was fascinating to see how her distinctive style captured the spirit of an era. Click on thumbnail to view images
Leaving the museum, we embraced the city’s cutting-edge tech scene by trying Waymo, the autonomous taxi service, to take us to the Ferry Building. It was surreal to sit in a driverless car, but the experience was seamless. The car navigated the city streets with precision, and it wasn’t long before we reached the bustling Embarcadero.
After a short walk we arrived at the Ferry Building Marketplace, a landmark steeped in history and culinary delights. Originally built in 1898 as the city’s transportation hub, the Ferry Building once greeted tens of thousands of passengers daily. While ferry travel declined after the construction of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges, the building underwent a stunning revival in 2003, transforming it into a vibrant marketplace. Today, it’s a haven for food lovers, with artisan vendors offering everything from farm-fresh produce to gourmet chocolates. Wandering through the bustling aisles, we sampled creamy cheeses, handcrafted pastries, and aromatic coffees, soaking in the lively energy of this urban treasure.
From there, our walk along the Embarcadero led us to Pier 39, a destination as lively as it is iconic. Opened in 1978, this waterfront pier is a magnet for visitors drawn by its mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. But perhaps its most famous residents are the sea lions, who began lounging on the pier’s docks after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Watching their antics—barking, splashing, and jockeying for the best sunbathing spots—was endlessly entertaining. Pier 39 also offers some of the best views of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge, making it a quintessential San Francisco experience.
Our day continued to Ghirardelli Square, a historic site transformed into a haven for chocolate lovers. Once the headquarters of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, this red-brick complex was converted in the 1960s into a collection of boutique shops, restaurants, and, of course, a flagship Ghirardelli store. The square retains much of its 19th-century charm, with its iconic neon sign and restored factory details. Inside, the intoxicating scent of chocolate wafted through the air as we stocked up on their famous squares and treated ourselves to a rich, velvety sundae—an indulgence we couldn’t resist. By then, we couldn’t resist another ride in a Waymo taxi, marveling again at the seamless, futuristic experience as we headed back to the Ferry Building.
We ended the day with a ferry ride back to Marin, watching the city skyline shimmer in the fading light. The sunset behind the Golden Gate Bridge was a perfect finale, painting the bay in hues of gold and crimson. It was a magical day, blending the charm of old San Francisco with the marvels of modern innovation. Click on thumbnail to view images
There’s something about Napa Valley that promises a balance of indulgence and serenity, where lush vineyards meet timeless culinary artistry. On our last day exploring the region, we decided to follow a ChatGPT-designed itinerary—a mix of the iconic and the unexpected. The result? A seamless day that felt as if it had been curated just for us.
We began the day with a drive into Napa and made our first stop at the vibrant Oxbow Public Market. This indoor marketplace is a local gem, offering everything from artisanal coffees to freshly baked pastries and gourmet snacks. As the morning sun poured through the skylights, we grabbed coffee from Ritual Coffee Roasters and a flaky croissant from a nearby stall. The aroma of spices and fresh produce tempted us to linger, but the promise of vineyards pulled us onward.
Our next stop was Domaine Carneros, a sparkling wine haven set amidst rolling hills. The grand chateau perched atop the estate seemed plucked straight out of France’s Champagne region. We sipped crisp, effervescent wines on the terrace while taking in panoramic views of the sprawling vineyards below. The experience was both luxurious and relaxing, a true celebration of the region’s bounty.
From there, we made our way to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, a name synonymous with Napa Valley’s global wine reputation. The 1976 “Judgment of Paris” tasting, where Stag’s Leap triumphed over French wines, has become the stuff of legend. The tasting room exuded understated elegance, and we savored bold cabernet sauvignons while learning about the winery’s storied history.
Our final winery stop of the day was Silverado Vineyards, a family-owned estate nestled high above the valley floor. The vistas here were breathtaking, offering a different perspective of Napa’s natural beauty. As we strolled the terrace with a glass of their estate sauvignon blanc in hand, the golden hour light bathed the landscape, creating a moment we wanted to freeze in time.
After a day of wine tastings, we were ready to indulge in something heartier. Boon Fly Café, located on the scenic Carneros Highway, provided just the kind of warm, inviting meal we needed. Known for its modern take on classic comfort food, the café served up crispy fried chicken and hearty flatbreads alongside playful cocktails. It was the perfect capstone to a day of indulgence.
Driving back to Marin we couldn’t help but marvel at how effortlessly the day had unfolded. Each stop offered something unique—delicious wines, unforgettable views, and just the right touch of charm. As we pulled into our RV park for the night, we made a note to keep ChatGPT itineraries in our travel toolkit. Click on thumbnail to view images
