I celebrated my 57th birthday by accompanying my husband to San Francisco for a work event. Before heading into the city, we spent the weekend in Sonoma, which turned out to be the perfect birthday getaway.
On our first day, we visited General Vallejo’s home, a luxurious and spacious residence in its time. General Vallejo is considered the founder of Sonoma, and exploring his estate felt like stepping into the roots of the town’s history. We then walked over to Sonoma State Historic Park, which features courtyards, historical exhibits, and small museums. The surrounding area is lined with charming coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, making it easy to spend hours wandering and learning.
The next morning, we drove up the Sonoma Coast, stopping in Jenner and Bodega Bay. Despite the chilly weather, we braved the wind and enjoyed the rugged shoreline views. The waves crashing against the coast were worth the goosebumps.
My birthday itself was spent exactly how I hoped, wine tasting. Our first stop was Bartholomew Estate Winery, followed by Gundlach Bundschu, where we enjoyed a charcuterie box and a delicious tasting experience. It was a simple, perfect celebration, and I loved every moment.
When we arrived in downtown San Francisco, the first thing that struck me was how cool it was in August. Luckily, the weather didn’t stop me from exploring local shops, thrift stores, and restaurants. We stayed at the Marriott downtown, and while my husband attended his work event each morning, I set out on foot in search of thrift shops. Though smaller than the ones I’m used to at home, they offered unique and interesting finds.
The most eye-opening part of these walks was encountering the large number of people living on the streets. Denver has a sizable homeless population, but it feels more dispersed. Seeing individuals living in such difficult conditions day after day was heartbreaking. Many kept to themselves, moving through daily life unnoticed by the rush around them.
The following day, I took an Uber to Haight-Ashbury, a neighborhood filled with vintage shops, cafés, and colorful, eclectic energy. If you ever visit San Francisco, don’t skip this spot—there’s nothing quite like it.
With my husband finally free for half a day, we hopped on the trolley to Ghirardelli Square. From there, we soaked in incredible views of Angel Island and Alcatraz, browsed through galleries and shops, and treated ourselves to a well-earned ice cream sundae.
Even though our trip was short, we made the most of every moment. Sonoma and San Francisco each offered something special, from history and wine country charm to coastal beauty and vibrant city culture. Every place we visited felt worth the time, and it was a memorable way to celebrate another year of life.
