San Francisco: A Journey of Heartfelt Moments
This trip was a gift. A beautiful escape where I found myself in the company of the most important women in my life, my best friend, sister, and mom, celebrating my mom's milestone birthday. What began as a simple girls' getaway turned into something much more meaningful. My best friend and I were initially headed to see Stray Kids in Late May 2025, around the same time as my mom's birthday. As the trip took shape, my sister and I decided to make it even more special by adding Napa to the mix, a place neither my mom nor my best friend had ever been. Just an hour away from San Francisco, Napa felt like the perfect escape, a mix of adventure and relaxation
Day 1:
We landed in San Francisco, the land of the Golden Gate Bridge, and I could already feel my heart opening. This was my second time in the city, but the first time I truly had the chance to take it all in. The first time I visited was years ago, at twenty-two or twenty-three, and I only experienced brief moments. This time, the city felt like a new chapter in my journey.
As we made our way from the airport, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the light blue water, stretching out as far as the eye could see. I felt a breath of relief, as if all the noise of life faded away. I was here in the moment. I was able just to be.
Our first stop was one of my favorite places from my previous visit, the New England Lobster Market & Eatery. The fresh seafood, the cozy ambiance, and the maritime décor, there's something about the rope-tied ceilings and the collection of dockside treasures that instantly feels like home. It was a place where I could taste both the ocean and memories.
Later, we checked into the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco. The moment I walked into my room with my best friend, a wave of calmness washed over me. The view was breathtaking, a perfect view of downtown San Francisco, vibrant and alive. Since we’d checked in during Happy Hour, we popped a bottle of champagne in the club lounge to celebrate my mom's birthday, savoring the moment of connection. We had planned to venture out for dinner, but as it often goes in the city, many restaurants close early. After some searching, we ended up making the best of it at the W Hotel, laughing and dancing the night away.
Day 2:
The moment I had been waiting for had arrived: the Stray Kids concert. I woke up with a heart full of excitement, knowing that this was the day I would see my favorite group live. My best friend and I got a late start, as we had switched rooms late the night before. The hotel staff was very kind in accommodating us, providing a room with a beautiful view of the water and docked boats. As we soaked in the view, we decided to make the most of the day. We headed to Pier 39, where the energy of the place wrapped around us like a warm hug. The shopping, the laughter, and the hot chowder at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. were just what we needed to recharge.
Then, as we stood by the water, something magical happened. Otters, playful and free, danced through the bay, their sleek bodies gliding through the water with effortless joy. I stood there, watching them, feeling the quiet awe of the moment. It was a reminder that there is magic in the small, simple moments we so often overlook.
The rest of the day was a blur of excitement. My best friend and I were off to the Stray Kids concert, where we lost ourselves in the music and the energy of the crowd. It felt like a dream come true. For a deeper dive into that unforgettable night, check out my whole experience in the Dreamer’s Corner blog post.
The journey didn’t end here…
As our time in San Francisco came to a close, a new chapter was just beginning. We packed our bags, said goodbye to the city’s charm, and set off toward the soft hills and serene beauty of Napa Valley. What awaited us there was more than just wine and quiet; it was a continuation of joy, connection, and discovery.
Read the next part of our adventure: From San Francisco to Napa: A Journey of Serenity and Discovery
With love,
Deja 🤍
Stay Presently You