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For a short trail that takes about 22 minutes, you can explore Garrapata beach trail, which is a relatively easy walk with scenic coastal views. This trail offers a quick but beautiful experience, perfect for those who want to enjoy the beach and surrounding landscapes without committing to a longer hike. It’s an ideal way to get a taste of the natural beauty of the area in a short amount of time.

Here's your plan for a scenic 22-minute hike at Calla Lily Valley in Carmel. Enjoy

Calla Lily Valley Hike 🌊 

Visit Calla Lily Valley in Carmel for a scenic hike during March-April to see beautiful blooms and enjoy coastal views.

Valley Hike

✅ Before you go
• The Calla Lilies typically bloom in spring (March to April), so plan your visit during this period to see the valley at its peak.
• All Trails: Garrapata Beach: Calla Lily Valley on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/garrapata-beach?sh=vczr29

💪 Pro tips
• Arrive early around sunrise to beat the crowds. 
• Parking can be limited, especially on weekends, so arrive early to secure a spot.
• Check the tide schedule if you're exploring areas near the water to avoid getting caught in high tide.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes, as the trail to the valley can be a bit muddy or uneven, especially in wet weather.

Head to Calla Lilly Valley

The calla lily blooms are here and they aren't going to admire themselves.

Make your way to Garrapata Beach in Carmel and discover Calla Lily Valley,

a hidden gem that's a must-see for nature enthusiasts.

This breathtaking valley comes alive each spring,

showcasing a stunning display of pure white calla lilies

against the backdrop of lush green hills and the vast blue ocean.

The hike is extremely short and very scenic,

following a serene path alongside a small

creek that winds through the blooming flowers.

We felt like we just stepped into a dream.

The soothing sound of waves crashing nearby added to the peaceful ambience,

creating the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the beauty of nature.

We even saw an otter just relaxing in the current.

Plan your visit in March or early April when the flowers are in peak.

Modern Cantonese dishes meet playful presentation with colorful dim sum, flavorful dumplings, and a sleek, art-filled space that’s as vibrant as the menu.

Artsy Dim Sum in Ghirardelli Square

Visit Palette Tea House in San Francisco for an artsy dim sum experience with vibrant flavors and a colorful, modern setting.

Cantonese Dining

✅ Before you go
• Make a reservation at https://www.exploretock.com/paletteteahouse/
• Check out their extensive menu at https://paletteteahouse.com/san-francisco-palette-tea-house-food-menu

💪 Pro tips
• Their rainbow-colored Palette Soup Dumpling "XLB" Sampler is a MUST!
• Some of our favorite dishes included the XO Wagyu Beef Fried Rice, the Peking Duck Set, the Cha Siu Pork, and the Pork & Shrimp Siu Mai
• Get one of their fine teas like the Chrysanthemum or Oolong to enjoy with your dishes
• You’ll have a palette where you can place different colored sauces like they were paint – it’s a great way to experience different combination of flavors
• Every Wednesday is buy one, get one half-off bottled wine special
• The restaurant is designed with events in mind so they can accommodate parties of 10 - 200

Head over to Palette Tea House San Francisco

Sometimes you win some and then you dim sum,

which is why we're here to eat everything,

This was like a work of art that was not only tasty but also vibrant.

located in the plaza of Ghirardelli Square,

is known for their bright ceilings and blending

traditional Cantonese flavors with modern culinary artistry.

I mean marking what you want from the menu.

you pour colorful sauces into your palate,

It was exciting getting to try so many different

flavors and customizing our bites like these duck pancakes.

You knew it was good when the chopsticks were chopping,

I love how colorful our soupy dumplings were.

The ultimate 21+ thursday night experience is at the California Academy of Sciences! 

Here's your plan for a fun Thursday night at the California Academy of Sciences! Enjoy attractions, drinks, and music

NightLife 

Experience a unique nightlife at California Academy of Sciences with themed Thursdays featuring exhibits, a bar, and live performances in San Francisco.

NightLife Event

✅ Before you go
• Check out museum website for up to date NightLife event details: https://www.calacademy.org/nightlife?_gl=1*vcu8ec*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2N2_BhCAARIsAK4pEkU-d4l4ygPeKDluVo6pTDfIAZVlHnQt2sdpfV_jroYEr6-KwUME8N0aAo4uEALw_wcB
• Have your online or printed ticket ready to go before walking to the entrance
• Don’t bring anything not allowed inside since you will have to go through security prior to entering

💪 Pro tips
• Get drinks earlier into the night to avoid longer lines. Longest wait time is usually at the stand by the Claude the Alligator exhibit - so keep that in mind
• Visit the Rainforest and Aquarium first as those exhibits tend to be the most popular throughout the night

California Academy of Sciences

It's a Thursday night and I want to have some fun in the city,

so I hop in the Waymo and head off to the California Academy of Sciences.

I went to the entrance and got my ticket scanned.

Then I headed into the rainforest to check out

all the greenery and cool animals that live here,

like this bird that was posing for the camera.

So many different animals from fish to turtles,

it was really cool to see them all in their element.

My favorite areas were the rainforest and the aquarium,

but you can also check out the Natural History Museum,

or pay an additional $5 to visit the Planetarium.

After my trip to the depths of the ocean,

They had several of these stations by each exhibit,

which made it nice and convenient to grab a drink.

Every Thursday there was a different theme to the night,

and tonight they had some dancers performing along with the DJ

NightLife and we'll definitely be coming back again.

Chotto Matte is offering one of the most unique and delicious lunch specials in town! All for $40 per person.

Here's your plan for enjoying a unique $40 lunch tasting menu at Chotto Matte in San Francisco

Elements of Chotto

Enjoy a unique $40 lunch tasting menu at Chotto Matte in San Francisco's FiDi, complete with Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes and stunning decor.

Tasting Menu Dining

✅ Before you go
• Walk-ins are ok, but I recommend making a reservation beforehand just to be safe. Make reservations via OpenTable or the restaurant website: https://chotto-matte.com/sanfrancisco/?utm_source=meta&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=book_now&utm_term=sf_bio&fbclid=PAQ0xDSwKlwV1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpwiRAiQKImfbiGa26LVzZTyuEzaT0Cl8LElMobOon3ZT4by5gBkpYDm3-atc_aem_i8t6OuOsjTW7qTTNhBa78A
• Consider adding a delicious drink or other entrées to enhance the experience. (Price will be added to $40 lunch special)

💪 Pro tips
• Look photo ready! Chotto Matte has both beautiful decor and a picturesque rooftop (Weather permitting)
• Come during the evening to enjoy full dinning experience along with a DJ. Check the restaurant instagram story for up to date DJ lineup and start time: https://www.instagram.com/chottomattesf?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Chotto Matte

I'm going to show you why this $40 dining experience is

the best way to spend a weekday in San Francisco.

Chotto Matte has a tasting menu called the Elements of Chotto.

I started off with their miso soup and got a pisco sour to go along with it.

I tried the nigiri with herb salsa on top.

I also got some appetizers like this crispy beef

which was definitely my favorite bite of the meal.

This was a very cool experience and I can't recommend it enough.

Mark your calendar for the next Downtown First Thursdays Block Party!

Here's your plan for the Downtown First Thursdays Block Party: enjoy music, food, shopping, and fun

Downtown First Thursdays

Enter Downtown SF’s First Thursdays at 2nd Street & Market Street, FiDi for an unforgettable night with shopping, art, music, and food.

Block Party Entrance

✅ Before you go
• Check out event website for up to date details on performer and hours: https://downtownsf.org/do/downtown-first-thursdays
• If driving, park in a nearby parking garage. I recommend the White House parking lot: 223 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108

💪 Pro tips
• Bring a small bag to carry anything you purchase from a shop
• Go to the stage early on in the event to get the closest spots towards the DJ stage

Go to Entrance of Block Party

calendar when the next Downtown SF block party is

because this was hands down one of the best events I've been to in a while.

there is an all ages block party right past Market Street in downtown.

tons of shops with a variety of items from vintage clothing to jewelry.

They even had karaoke for crying out loud.

I headed towards the stage to hear a set by DJ Bob the drag queen.

all of them here to enjoy a night out in the town.

It was super cool vibing out while being surrounded by all the buildings.

Shout out to the Salesforce tower for lighting up the night sky.

Everywhere you looked there were people dancing,

they were in line at one of the many food trucks getting

ready to feast or making one last purchase at a shop.

The Downtown SF block party was genuinely such a fun time and it's

one of those rare events where there's something for everyone to do,