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Enjoy an adventure packed day of hiking in the Redwoods to a hidden swimming hole, then fuel up with some delicious Mexican food.

Here's your plan for hiking to a hidden swimming hole and enjoying Mexican food in NorCal

Hidden Swimming Hole in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Enjoy a vibrant hike through Redwoods to the serene Garden of Eden swimming hole in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Swimming Hole Hike

✅ Before you go
• Park at Ox Trail: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ac1srkhYdL9We5pcA?g_st=ic
• Hike about 1 mile to the swimming hole: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/ox-road-trail-to-garden-of-eden?sh=xr1hu3
• There are no bathrooms at the trailhead or swimming hole, so make sure to go before you leave
• Wear sporty shoes that you can hike downhill in

💪 Pro tips
• Bring snacks, towels, sunscreen, and lots of water
• Get to the trailhead by 10AM if you want to avoid the crowds and easily find parking

Hike to the Garden of Eden Swimming Hole

Enjoy affordable, hearty Mexican meals at Taqueria Los Pericos with a complimentary chips and salsa bar in Santa Cruz's River Street District.

Mexican Dining

💪 Pro tip
• Make sure you hit up the free chips and salsa bar

Grab a bite at Taqueria Los Pericos

I'm trying to swim this summer and NorCal beaches are too darn cold,

so come with me to one of my favorite swimming holes in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

First, you're gonna drive to Felton to go to the Garden of Eden swimming hole.

You're going to do a short but gorgeous hike through the Redwoods to get to

the swimming hole and you may even see a steam train pass on the way.

Once you arrive at your destination, it's easy to understand how its name was coined:

There are plenty of rocky or sandy spots to relax in, both in sun and shade.

The water was so refreshing and wonderful for a warm day.

I found this cool little natural water slide that was really fun

and also saw some crazy people jumping off this suspended log

This spot was a really great place to read and relax

with friends and exactly what I wanted for my Saturday.

Now, food hits different after a day of swimming. So next head to Taqueria Los Pericos

which is a local staple. I was blown away by this restaurant.

The prices were so affordable, portions were great, and they

even had a complimentary chip and salsa bar. Overall,

and I'm definitely going back. Send this to your group chat so this can be you!

Located on Treasure Island! Get ready to enjoy some great music and drinks, while feeling like you’re in a 1930s Jazz lounge.

Here's your plan for enjoying live jazz, whiskey flights, cocktails, snacks, and city skyline views Friday night

Friday Night Jazz at Gold Bar Distillery 

Enjoy live jazz and whiskey flights in a 1930s-inspired setting at Gold Bar Distillery on Treasure Island. Sip cocktails while soaking up city skyline views.

Distillery & Live Jazz

✅ Before you go
• Check out the bar website for up to date details on current events and scheduling: https://goldbarwhiskey.com/pages/visit-us
• If you can’t find the main entrance, you can enter through the back entrance near the parking lot

💪 Pro tips
• Parking is available behind the building, area is full of gravel so be careful when driving
• Take a quick walk outside of the bar to get one of the best views of the city skyline. On the corner of California Ave and Avenue of the Palms

Arrive at Gold Bar Distillery 

Distillery on Treasure Island, right past the Bay Bridge.

Every Friday night there is a live jazz band performing providing the perfect

music to go along with the Art Deco theme of the bar.

is that it's located inside a former Pan Am airport terminal.

The location is full of rich history and stunning art that

pays homage to the elegance of a 1930s jazz lounge.

Everyone was enjoying the ambience while the drinks

were being poured and the band was playing.

As I enjoyed the music and some light snacks provided,

I was given a walkthrough of each one I tried

and their unique flavor profiles and cocktail pairings.

Gold Bar Distillery also offers cocktail making classes Tuesday through Sunday,

and there is also a sunset DJ performance every Sunday.

You gotta admire a good looking charcuterie board

I had this incredible cookie dessert covered in

chocolate and topped with a pretty orchid.

There's just something about the smooth tunes paired with

I had such an amazing time at Gold Bar Distillery,

and this should definitely be your go to for your next Friday night plans.

Head to one of SF’s most beloved restaurants for an incredible prime rib dinner experience with lots of sides and plenty of dessert!

Here's your plan for enjoying a prime rib dinner with sides, drinks, and dessert at House of Prime Rib

Prime Rib Dinner

Walk in early at House of Prime Rib in Nob Hill for a hearty prime rib dinner with unlimited sides and desserts—great for a filling classic SF meal.

✅ Before you go
• Get in line 15-30 min before opening to put your name down on the waitlist!

💪 Pro tips
• Ask for all the sides 
• You can order free seconds 🍖

Walk in at House of Prime Rib

Most people make reservations months in advance,

you can also walk in right when they open to

put your name down for that night like we did.

I ordered the English cut with thinner slices,

and I highly recommend asking for all the sides.

My favorite was the corn and mashed potatoes.

Their drinks and desserts are also super generously portioned and very delicious.

If you're looking for a super filling meal and don't mind a wait,

These are not your average hot dogs and worth a try! Grab a gourmet dog (without breaking the bank) and be in foodie bliss. Add this as a refueling stop during a bar hop in Hayes Valley and you’re golden. 

Here's your plan for savoring gourmet hot dogs, doodling on the wall, and enjoying drinks

Not Your Ballpark Hot Dog @Hayz Dogs 🌭

Refuel at Hayz Dogs in FiDi, San Francisco, enjoying gourmet hot dogs and a fun doodle wall in a lively indoor/outdoor setting—perfect for groups and late-night cravings.

Gourmet Hot Dogs

✅ Before you go
• Seating is split between indoor and outdoor. If you’ve got a big crew, the outdoor covered parklet is your spot

💪 Pro tips
• Thurs - Sat, this place is open till 11pm. The perfect way to refuel during your bar hopping night in Hayes Valley.

Visit Hayz Dogs

Order a creative gourmet hot dog, sip a milkshake, and leave your mark on the doodle wall for a fun foodie experience at Hayz Dogs in SF.

Hot Dogs & Doodling

✅ Before you go
• Aside from killer dogs, this place offers classics like milkshakes, wine/beer, and desserts. They also have vegan options. Full menu here: https://order.online/store/hayz-dog-san-francisco-25571919/
• All hot dogs come with a side of chips and delicious sauce.
• Check out the doodle wall! So much creativity and love towards the restaurant.

💪 Pro tips
• Try their Elote Hot Dog or The Tramp with a milkshake — so so good!
• Drizzle the special sauce on your hot dog or dip your chips in it.
• If they have a special, be bold and give it a try.
• Get creative and doodle away! If the notepad and marker aren’t on the counter, feel free to ask. The staff is very friendly and will happily provide it

Order Your Dog 🌭+ Doodle ✍️

So when I heard Hays Dogs was serving globally inspired

hot dogs and inviting doodlers to leave their mark,

and a creamy special sauce that ties it all together.

Then I tried their special, a Barbacoa Dog.

shredded beef with bold spices piled high on an all beef dog.

I didn't know a hot dog could go this hard.

Spend your Sunday at Stern Grove’s free festival—live music, good vibes, food, drinks, and dancing all afternoon!

Here's your plan for enjoying live music, dancing, picnicking, and good vibes at Stern Grove Festival

Free Sunday Music Festival

Enjoy free Sunday concerts, food, and fun at Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco during summer.

Live Music Festival

✅ Before you go
• Enter the online ticket lottery six weeks in advance for a chance to win up to four tickets, with winners notified by email and 72 hours to claim their tickets before they’re released: https://www.sterngrove.org/lineup
• Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty—the hillside can be dusty and messy.
• Be sure to pack your chairs and blankets. 
• Bring a fully loaded cooler packed with your favorite snacks and drinks for the ultimate picnic party.

💪 Pro tips
• There is no public parking lot. Street parking is limited. 
• Queues open at 10am, gates open at 12pm, and music starts at 2pm. 
• We picked up sandwiches form “The Boys”- https://theboysdeli.com/

Stern Grove Festival

We had an amazing time at Stern Grove for their free live music festival,

which takes place every Sunday throughout the summer.

It's truly a must-do San Francisco summer tradition.

General admission tickets are released through a lottery

system that opens 6 weeks before each show,

 at noon and took in the scenic walk through

the towering eucalyptus trees that led to the amphitheater.

there's definitely a bit of a rush to claim a good spot.

We found this perfect spot on the hill and set up our blankets.

While there are food trucks and bars available,

you're also welcome to bring your own food and drinks,

including alcoholic beverages if you're 21 and up.

We got to see The California Honey Drops,

who put on an incredible show and kept the energy high all afternoon.

and we're already counting down the days until the next one.