One of the bright spots in San Francisco at night is Coit Tower. It isn’t super tall, but going along the water front, you can’t miss it. It is a tourist attraction. During day time, it is a NIGHTMARE to go there.
There aren’t many parking spots at Coit Tower and there is a line going to Coit Tower and people waiting for people to leave.
Best thing to do is park someplace below Coit Tower (preferably on the east) and go up Filbert Steps or Greenwich Steps.
To go up Coit Tower, it is usually $6 to $9 depending on resident or non resident and then you get a 30 degree view of SF.
I usually take people at night because there are no crowds and some people hanging around. While going up will be closed, The Tower lit up is gorgeous, especially if there is a theme.
In 2016 Jasmin and I spent time in Kyoto. We saw many things and one of them that we didn’t get a chance to visit was Fushimi Inari Taisha… this is the famous Torii gates!!
Here are my basic recommendations in no particular order:
1: Capilano Suspension Bridge. Located in North Vancouver, you will drive up a what feels like an neighborhood main road and the you will see parking on the right side. This has definitely changed from my last visit which was in 2012 (these are from 2007). Tickets are $47. It can get crowded, but the attraction itself has expanded to have a cliff walk component to it.
2. Grouse mountain. On the same road that takes you to Capilano, maybe another 15mins, you will arrive at Grouse Mountain. Parking is $8 for all day. Taking the lift to the top is $65 per adult. There are many activities to do while there. Hiking trails, zip lining, Eye of the Wind, (certain times +$15 per person),
But the great thing about this, if it is clear, is the view of Vancouver BC if it is clear Summer of 07.
3. Lynn Canyon. The other suspension bridge is Lynn Canyon. It is also in North Vancouver.
This is also a good hike and the water from the stream is clear. Other things include 30ft pool, Twin falls trail, and a nice stair climb as well. from 2015.
4. Continuing with North Vancouver, going more east, you will come upon Cates park. This is where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards. It’s a park where people love to bbq or have lunch.
5. Further up the road is Deep Cove. I feel this place can be busy, but it is nice. There is a small shopping area coming in (which features some nice local gift shops), but also a place to relax and do water sports.
6. Along the water, everywhere, there are trails to walk and exercise.
7. Stanley Park. After crossing Lion’s gate bridge, you will come upon Stanley Park. it’s pretty much like Golden Gate Park. A big area with things to see (Aquarium, gardens, mini steam train ride…)
The outside of Stanley Park is like a circle for biking and driving. Walks are absolutely gorgeous and there are some beaches that when it is nice, people are out and about.
8. After exiting Stanley Park, you can head to the west end. English bay and Sunset beach are great places to stroll and enjoy. Once you get near Hornsby, there are a few places to eat.
9. on the opposite side of the west end, is Gas town. I haven’t gone there in years as far as night time because it is a where people like to party and drink. It might have changed since then, but I am unsure.
11. Even within some of the neighborhoods are community centres. While it might not sound appealing, many of the community centres there are pretty big and offer many things such as indoor pools and even classes in various subjects. Just in case you wanted to spend the morning swimming.
Sea to Sky area is a highway that is absolutely gorgeous as you have the water on one side and mountains on the other. It is a good drive with small spots here and there to park and enjoy nature.
When you get to Squamish, there is a Sea to Sky Gondola ride and also another suspension bridge. I was trying to go last time, but didn’t have time.
I feel this is a good experience. Of the freeway between Richmond and Vancouver BC you cannot miss it as it has lights and there used to be a big yellow duck. $4.25 to get in. I believe it is in the evenings only.
I was always told that the dragon’s beard, crispy wonton tacos and strawberry rice cakes are the good things to eat.
If you are wanting to see some scenery and what not, I suggest heading out East. Chilliwack has the Bridal Veil Falls and just further is Othello tunnels.
Ferry to Vancouver Island.
If you want to Visit Victoria (and Nanaimo), which is on Vancouver island, you will have to take a ferry or by flight. I haven’t gone that way as the ferry is a 4 hour ride each way. By plane it is 35 minutes. There is a lot to see in Vancouver island, so people say dedicate a day or 2 to spend there.
Food is great in Vancouver BC and surrounding areas.
After making the post for the Hayward Japanese Garden, I thought it would be nice to bring my family there. In 2015, I went there by myself while my family was staying in Vancouver BC.
To celebrate Lucas’ 1st birthday, we took a trip to Lake Tahoe. This was between seasons, so even though there was snow, it didn’t seem enough for it to be super busy.
But we didn’t go for snowboarding or skiing.
It felt like there weren’t any or many tourists, but it was kinda nice to go to a beach or park and have very few people there!
We stayed the night, but the treasure was the beaches… they were pretty empty or very few people on them!!!
the one we spent time at was Sand Point, which is on the upper right side of Lake Tahoe.
