The Cliff House, San Francisco

San Francisco. It’s one of my favorite cities of all time, one I would love to live near someday, and where a piece of my heart always is. It’s also always the last stop from our beloved Sonoma County as we reluctantly head to the airport. SFO has seen many a tear from my eye.

To soften the blow of leaving wine country, we usually stop at an old favorite, Gloria Ferrer for bubbles and endless views of the vineyards. After that stop, we make our way to our favorite beach in San Francisco and, if we have time, to the Cliff House.

It might be a little touristy, but in addition to incredible views, the Cliff House has an interesting history and fresh seafood, along with some great California wines by the glass. It’s the perfect way to get a last taste of Northern California before taking off.

On our last visit to the Cliff House, we splurged on plates of oysters, briny, sweet, West Coast oysters paired with St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc. Its tart, lemony notes went perfectly with the salinity of the oysters.

We also went for a couple of Dungeness crab cocktails and baskets of fries. If there was ever a perfect meal in my world, this was it.

Food tastes better with sea-rumpled hair and salty skin and sand in your shoes, of that I am convinced. One of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset in the world doesn’t hurt.

I’ve left my heart in San Francisco many times, but I’ll be back for it.

Until then, there’s lots of other travel fun to be had, including my annual ladies trip to the Cape this weekend! I pretty much can’t wait. Girlfriends, wine, karaoke, dancing, and the beach? I am in.

Have you ever been to San Francisco? Favorite part?

Where’s your favorite spot to watch the sun set?