TR Day 5-8: Sac - Lassen - San Francisco

Day 1: Sacramento

Day 2-4: Lassen National Park and surrounding area

Day 5: Left Hat Creek area and stopped at the Jelly Belly Factory on the way to San Francisco. It was busier than normal and had to wait 45 minutes to go on a tour. They added tours to speed the line up. Lots of camp groups. It was very interesting and fun to see so many jellybeans and candy in one place. I also thought that it was nice to have an attraction that was free and you got a bag of jellybeans at the end of the tour. Mind you we spent plenty on food and in the store though.

Arrived in San Francisco mid afternoon and checked into the Columbus Motor Inn 鈥?very happy with it 鈥?full review to be posted soon. Headed down to Pier 39 to see the Sea Lions who were gone on vacation (they were visiting the Channel Island by our house). Walked back up to Albona Ristorante Istriano for dinner 鈥?we had an excellent meal (see full review). Back to hotel as everyone was tired.

Day 6: Bought an all day muni pass and hopped on the cable cars to Lori鈥檚 Diner for breakfast. Walked down to Market Street and took the f-line over to the ferry building. Walked around 鈥?lots of nice stores. Hopped back on the f-line to Pier 39. Kids wanted to ride the merry-go-round there and look for the sea lions again. We actually saw a handful of them. The weather was beautiful, hot and clear 鈥?took some excellent pictures of Alcatraz.

Hopped back on the trolley to Chinatown. Stopped by the Fortune Cookie Factory. It has become quite popular and was rather crowded 鈥?didn鈥檛 get much time to watch. Continued to walk down to Market to a recommended Dim Sum place 鈥?the name escapes me now. Had a good meal. Returned to Fisherman鈥檚 Wharf on the f-line as the cable cars were just too crowded. Relaxed a bit as we had done a bit of walking and the kids needed a break.

Hubby and son went on the Alcatraz night tour that evening and had a wonderful time. I met a friend from the area and we walked down to grandeho鈥檚 for sushi. Was rather disappointed with it this time 鈥?last time we were in town it was really good. This time 鈥?just so-so.

Day 7: Started off the day heading to the little coffee place that used to be by the cable car turnaround on Taylor and Bay only to find out that it is now a Starbucks. Not happy about that (and I like Starbucks). Ended up grabbing an over priced mediocre meal at Tuscan Inn restaurant. Caught the bus over to the Exploratorium. Had an amazing time there. The kids were in heaven being able to touch everything and since it was such a beautiful day out 鈥?the museum was empty 鈥?well not empty but very un-crowded. We were there most of the day so missed lunch and had an early dinner at the Blue Mermaid. Good as always. Went the Ghirardelli鈥檚 afterwards for banana splits and hot fudge sundaes. Walked around for a while afterwards then back to the hotel.

Day 8: Drove down Lombard Street, saw some of the wild parrots and then headed home.

Comments: As always we had a lot of fun in San Francisco. We went at a much slower pace this trip and saw less 鈥?but enjoyed what we did. Will be back in another year or two.

TR Day 5-8: Sac - Lassen - San Francisco

Hi

My hubby and I are planning a trip to SF in August and have an extra day. How long does it take to get to Lassen National Park?

Thanks

sara

TR Day 5-8: Sac - Lassen - San Francisco

It took us about 4 hours from Hat Creek (north of Lassen) - but we detoured to the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield - so not sure if there is a more direct route. It is very beautiful - but a long boring drive for one day.

Thanks for the trip report! Glad you were able to enjoy such nice weather and finally view the sea lions!

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