Nikki & Paul
Things To Do
Ferry Building
There's a great farmers market on Tuesday and Saturday until 2 p.m., and no shortage of great places to eat. For burgers and shakes, we recommend Gotts Roadside. Or, for Vietnamese fusion, try the Slanted Door -- which is one of Nikki's favorite restaurants (we recommend getting a reservation). If you have time, you have to stop at G. L. Alfieri Fruits & Nuts to get the Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt Almond Brittle. This Almond Brittle will *change your life*. It is the best Almond Brittle of all time. You'll like it even if you don't usually like almond brittle.
Alcatraz Island
The Alcatraz night ferry is one of the bride's #1 recommendations (get your tickets in advance!!!) "Your tour begins as you leave Alcatraz Landing and enjoy a guided tour around Alcatraz Island by ferry, pointing out the hidden spots used for attempted escapes, and prison structures unreachable by foot. Once docked, a docent led walk up the hill to the Cellhouse stops to highlight layers of history from pre-Civil War to military cannon, and family life on the Island. Tour the Cellhouse at your own pace with the award winning audio presentation "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour”. Stop to picture yourself in a dark solitary confinement cell, hear the stories of life inside from real prisoners, and feel the intensity of a prison breakout as told by correctional officers who lived and worked on the Island."
Pier 39
If you love sea lions as much as the bride and groom do (okay mostly just the bride), you've got to visit Pier 39 in San Francisco. This bustling bayside pier features scenic views, sea-lion sightings, eateries, shops & entertainment. For some good ol' San Francisco Sourdough bread, the bride recommends visiting Boudin Bakery Cafe. If you prefer something a bit more swanky for dinner, you should definitely dine at the Fog Harbor Fish House (it has a stunning view of the harbor). If the sea lions are feeling shy, you can also visit the Aquarium of the Bay located at Pier 39 to get your daily dose of wildlife. The Aquarium has 3 main exhibits and 20,000 local sea creatures!
Angel Island
If you love history *and* spending a whole day hiking along beautiful beaches and cliffs, you should definitely take a ferry ride to Angel Island. "Angel Island is a California State Park, wildlife preserve and one of the finest historical sites in the Bay Area that includes military garrisons and compounds from every major war dating back to the U.S. Civil War. Also known as the “Ellis Island of the West,” Angel Island’s Immigration Station was the first stop for millions of Pacific Basin, Asian and Russian immigrants entering the United States. Be sure to check out the newly-restored Immigration Station!"
La Note Restaurant
This place has the best breakfast/brunch ever! French restaurant, really good coffee, bread, omelettes, and french toast.