my solo trip to san francisco | alcatraz, whale watching, yayoi kusama, sephora haul, muir woods

welcome or welcome back beautiful friends!
I went on a solo trip to san francisco and vlogged the whole thing - so come along with me! i've been to nyc twice and worked in slc for a month but while it's my fourth time in the u.s. this was my first time in california.
WHERE I STAYED:
marine's memorial club [609 sutter street, 9 nights, $1,807.89 altogether including all taxes]
i booked via booking.com: tinyurl.com/2eytuhb6
WHAT I DID/WHERE I WENT:
1. son & garden for brunch: sonandgarden.com
2. san francisco museum of modern art (sfmoma): www.sfmoma.org
3. california academy of sciences: www.calacademy.org
4. de young museum: www.famsf.org/visit/de-young
5. japanese tea garden: www.japaneseteagardensf.com
6. grace cathedral: gracecathedral.org
7. muir woods & sausalito small-group tour: www.viator.com/tours/San-Francisco/Muir-Woods-and-Sausalito-Tour/d651-152424P1
8. alcatraz tour: www.viator.com/en-GB/tours/San-Francisco/Alcatraz-with-Bay-Cruise/d651-152424P5
9. whale-watching tour: www.viator.com/en-GB/tours/San-Francisco/Golden-Gate-Whale-Watching-Tour/d651-5311P3
WHAT I BOUGHT:
1. pixi on-the-glow blush in “flour”: bit.ly/3XzVk6T (affiliate link)
2. pixi on-the-glow super glow highlight in “ice pearl”: bit.ly/47tsjOR (affiliate link)
3. pixi hydra lip treat in “passion”: bit.ly/3XNy2M3 (affiliate link)
4. wet n’ wild niacinamide skin tint in “fair”: www.walgreens.com/store/c/wet-n-wild-bare-focus-niacinamide-skin-tint/ID=300443802-product?skuId=400665258
5. maybelline dream matte mousse foundation in “creamy natural light”: bit.ly/4gx9YVa (affiliate link)
6. touchland hand santitisers: bit.ly/3XOYKny (affiliate link)
7. tower 28 mini sos daily rescue facial spray: bit.ly/4erTQlZ (affiliate link)
8. fenty beauty gloss stick in “fenty glow”: bit.ly/4eay5Hq (affiliate link)
9. haus labs blush balm in “glassy lilac”: bit.ly/3XxMKp7 (affiliate link)
10. makeup by mario moistureglow plumping lip serum in “tangerine glow”: bit.ly/3ZyNnBp (affiliate link)
11. makeup by mario soft pop plumping blush veil in “papaya pop”: bit.ly/4e8Tb9g (affiliate link)
12. green lululemon leggings in size 4: bit.ly/4diePXk (affiliate link)
13. blue lululemon license to train top in size 8: bit.ly/47w5JoC (affiliate link)
14. lululemon unisex baseball cap in true navy/white: shop.lululemon.com/p/hats/Ball-Cap-Wordmark/_/prod11700328?color=33476
15. mountain warehouse hiking boots in “blue”: www.mountainwarehouse.com/adventurer-womens-waterproof-boots-p43894.aspx/blue/
16. alo black & white oversized knit in size s: www.aloyoga.com/en-gb/products/m1241r-open-knit-playoff-jersey-white-bone?variant=43298956181684&country=GB&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADkcv-MYZh4IewXv_Em2i_ebpZrF6&gclid=CjwKCAjwl6-3BhBWEiwApN6_ki5qAAu3wsNXuKgOWFyTkd8s3Rjx7p5N9svbOQDlY9xiBCbXz6F5DxoC0boQAvD_BwE
17. charlotte tilbury brow cheat in “natural brown”: bit.ly/4e9N703 (affiliate link)
18. black beautyblender: bit.ly/3XQ3QQD (affiliate link)
19. dr dennis gross led mask: bit.ly/4e784sN (affiliate link)
20. dr jart+ cryo rubber soothing face mask: bit.ly/4evxsIe (affiliate link)
21. laneige lip sleeping mask in “candy cane swirl”: bit.ly/3XM5ZMW (affiliate link)
please note that i earn variable commission on purchases made through links marked “affiliate links”.

[@AJB9806]

“… so the only thing I need to get now is a _grip_ !” That made me snort

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@AJB9806 😂 absolutely sick of myself

[@GlassCabinet12]

"So the only thing I need to get now is a grip" - hehe I love your humour

[@GlassCabinet12]

Ps I just got to the end of the video and I hope your rash clears up! I'm sure your doctor has the best advice but I do get a very similar rash on my eyelids when I use anything with essential oils in it and some other random products. I react most often to hotel hair products and washing detergent. It's so annoying! But we can't tell at all 🧡

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@GlassCabinet12 😂😂 why thank you ❤️

[@tokkia1384]

“Sea tissues” “I’m just not convinced those eyes are necessary” “now all I need to get is a grip” “for a small fee you too can feel like an Alcatraz prisoner!” Love your sense of humour, was in stitches by the end 😂😂😂

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

hahah i'm so glad you appreciate it!!

[@Alenaexists]

Yesss the vlogs are back!!! I missed them so much. I love all your content Olivia ❤❤

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@Alenaexists i’m so glad you enjoy them lovely!! thank you! 🥹🥰

[@kateb.4049]

my girlfriend and I have started snuggling up in bed at night and watching your videos together before we go to sleep and you have had such a soothing impact on us! love your content 💓

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

i love love love this! i'm so glad lovely!!

[@Sad-yh3pv]

“My mom is anti social as I am” OMG I love you girl 😂

[@guadalupejerez276]

finally!!! been waiting so long for a vlog!!! thank you olivia !!!

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@guadalupejerez276 you are very welcome lovely!! sorry it’s taken me so long to post another video!! 😩 x

[@citydoll22]

I laughed so hard when you mentioned how you had to eat the acaibowl ...but serious though...why didn't they give you a spoon?

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@citydoll22 i honestly have no idea! they were so angsty about it too like it’s just a spoon 😩

[@jenlisastan9883]

yayy you're back! glad to see you're doing good and thriving. loved the whole video :)

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@jenlisastan9883 thank you so much lovely! i’m glad you enjoyed it 🥰🥰

[@corusthle]

i really enjoy ur contents!! and u look beautiful as always!! 💚

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@corusthle ah thank you so much lovely! i’m so glad you like it!! 🥰

[@katarzynadobrzanska2660]

The sculpture at 7:01 is called Four on a Bench I by Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz 😊 I've too recently been to Sf, and I loved it, but sadly had no time for museums

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@katarzynadobrzanska2660 ahh thank you so much for letting me know!! ❤️🇵🇱

[@flare-rf1rz]

you have no idea how much i've missed your videos!!

[@frenchie5292]

Hi Olivia! I love that you share your travels with us I watch all your vlogs 🙂. I also love your vlogs at home and I am going to rewatch the old ones while waiting for a new upload ❤

[@holyhabadasheree]

I moved to about an hour north of SF two years ago and have had such a fun time exploring the city. It’s so easy to get ride shares here, and I really love how ideal it is for solo travelers.

[@denisecarl5519]

So glad to see a new video! I worry some when you don't post for a long period. :) Glad you enjoyed San Fran. Might I suggest the Grand Canyon or Zion and Bryce Canyon parks for future visits.

[@macandfire5477]

Much better destinations 🥾

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

i've actually been to bryce canyon and zion but would loooove to go to grand canyon!! x

[@marie27023]

I think I’d do the exact same things if I was in San Francisco (: I love the paintings ! John Singer Sargent is one of my favourite painters xx

[@KerryAnnGL]

I am the exact same when it comes to googling something and drawing the worst conclusions. Recently had an eye issue and googling came up with many things including Lymphoma. Of course I went “well it’s that”. It was a pretty minor stye that cleared up very quickly on its own.

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@KerryAnnGL 😭 the story of my life! i swear my gp sighs internally when I walk into an appointment now 🤦🏼‍♀️🤣

[@KerryAnnGL]

@@theoliviasaurusrex this is me and my hygienist, but it’s not internal. In August, I got an appointment 3 months before my regular check up because I was convinced I had 3 cavities. I didn’t and was basically advised to stop examining my teeth.

[@BrechtErica]

YAYYY YOU POSTED!!🎉

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@BrechtErica it’s been too long hasn’t it!! 😩 got some ideas for future videos hehe x

[@BrechtErica]

@@theoliviasaurusrex can’t waittt

[@user-mc5uc5sv3b]

Thank you for another very calming and eductaing vlog! Your travel vlogs are the only ones I watch, absolutely love every single one of them!!! I have a little request though. Could you please put the name of the clothing brand you mention? As a non-native speaker I find it quite hard to decipher the spelling sometimes. Of course I've heard of lululemon and aritzia, but I would really like to take a look at smaller brands you mention. Thanks in advance!🥰

[@sonjalee4502]

I absolutely love the Muir Woods. Alcatraz is amazing! I ❤ SF

[@voguegirlmwah]

your voice is so relaxing and your soo pretty any skincare tips? xx

[@devinblaisdellbestor1625]

Do not feel bad about being sketched out by the tenderloin, I'm a local and we get often feel the same. If you do come back for a Yosemite trip, I recommend Hotel Charlotte in Groveland, CA. There is a sweet little cafe (Mountain Sage Coffee) in town as well. I briefly worked at the hotel and the cafe years about 8 years ago and it was lovely. The hotel in Yosemite is closed indefinitely (although I think they do still have cabins in the park), but Groveland is one of the little towns that are less than 1 hour from the park entrance.

[@bruce_waychik]

Omg, thank you sooo much for this relaxing video-journey! I really needed it💔💔💔

[@ksbsf]

Could the rash be from the hotel towel or pillows?

[@KrisTurnbull]

I visited the Tenderloin area of SF and also didn't feel too safe. I think your gut instinct is spot on there.

[@anatodakonzie3376]

What a wonderful vlog ❤ it

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

thank you lovely! i’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🥰

[@dnwalkingoneggshells]

I really love your vlogs :) I look forward to them when you post. The tenderloin is really dangerous. I lived in the bar for a while and most people avoid it. Im so disappointed your Yosemite trip was cancelled! It is a really beautiful park. Hopefully one day you will be able to visit.

[@dratchwood]

Love your vlogs! With regard to your rash, I am a nurse and I myself have intensely reactive skin and when saying in a new environment sometimes detergents, new fabrics, new towels etc. can give me rashes especially on my face. Even changes in water, mineral content, or pollen can cause mild allergic reactions that show up as skin reactions. When traveling in the future it may be wise to pack a mild non drowsy anti-allergic medication. In the US that would be a Claritin or Allegra, the active ingredient of which is loratadine or fexofenadinen respectively. Always consult with a doctor first and I hope you recovered quickly when you got home!

[@medenilam]

Ahhh I'm so glad you vlogged this! Target is my favorite, I'm so happy you got to visit lol :)

[@darciephillips1247]

Been waiting for this vlog, thanks so much for sharing ❤

[@macandfire5477]

Walking barefoot anywhere gives me the ick!! 😂 I always wears my socks indoors and when I get out of the shower I have to travel carefully on my toes to the bed where I finish dressing just dying with ick that my bare feet are on the floor!! 😂 Also I have always wanted to go Alcatraz!! We went to the Philadelphia State Penitentiary where Al Capone served some time and they had a reconstruction of his cell at time 😂!! Love places that have that haunted vibe 😂

[@SophieShiori]

Ahh I love your videos! I had wanted to go to San Francisco but got put off by people saying it had gone downhill. I'm now tempted again after seeing this! Also omg your cursed yosemite day made me laugh so much.

[@wonderfulrainyday]

I adore your sense of humor, dear ✨

[@Junes.dreams.uk_]

I am bit surprised. Because Pixi is actually a British brand 😅.

[@SmirkingValet]

Ah! Welcome to the States! IN NYC, you can't turn right on red here. I can't believe your hotel wouldn't give you a spoon! Please visit NYC next!

[@claredyj2015]

What a lovely vlog Olivia! I have had some rashes on my arms lately and also spent a fearful night thinking I had kidney failure 😬

[@MrsSukiSkye]

What a great trip and you saw so many great parts of the city! For your eventual Yosemite trip, I'd recommend renting a car and checking out Mariposa which is on the way in. It's cute and might be worth staying at as well. Also in San Francisco on the next trip would love for you to stop by my restaurant, co-owned with my wife, called DACHA Kitchen & Bar ❤️

[@kirilharbov3293]

Beautiful Olivia 💙

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@kirilharbov3293 thank you kiril ☺️

[@annagracegeddes775]

Loved this video! All your vlog content is great-especially appreciate this as a fellow solo traveler. Watching from Brooklyn, New York 💖

[@RodrickMarsMoon]

You have intense "Elisabeth Moss' cool sister" vibes, for real 😄🤗...!

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@RodrickMarsMoon oooo why thank you 🥰🥰

[@nuuduul]

OMGGGG MISS YOUU & YOUR VIDEOSSS!

[@ddieter603]

I'm glad you picked up the Target brand liquid soap, their store brands are quite good, it's one of the reasons why Target has such a cult following here in the U.S. I couldn't see the skin rash either, but I hope that you found out what was causing it and that it cleared up quickly. Best wishes from Tampa, Florida.

[@itsfaylo]

omg! I went to San Francisco the week after you for a concert and it's so funny to see you shopping at the exact same place I did on my first afternoon there! I had the shake shack in that food court LOL... I had been looking for touchland hand sanitizers at target, good to know I can get them just down the road next time!! x

[@judith7305]

Loveee your yt vlogs! You are keeping it real.

[@Pamelita22]

I love your Vlogs❤

[@vanessamicolano930]

When you have allergic reactions take Ribus Nigrum extract..2 times a day,at 8:30 am and 3:30 pm...it stimulates natural production of cortisol of your body.I Always keep it at hand!Looove your vlogs.Bravissima👏👏👏Baci😘😘😘

[@2wyn379]

💕

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

🥰

[@jillbravo5252]

💛

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@jillbravo5252 🥰

[@euro8029]

Lovely vlog, Olivia! 😊Wondering what kind of Kindle you use/travel with? I've been considering making the purchse, but not sure which is the better for on-the-go reading - basic or paperwhite?

[@ddthedoodler]

🖤

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@ddthedoodler 🥰

[@user-pi5qy2zk8o]

That apple core used to be in the Gap Inc headquarters! I forget how much of SFMOMA is made up of art collected by the Fisher family…

[@schwarze_wand]

I really enjoy your vlogs! you are so lovely :)

[@floptimus]

Lol yes the tenderloin. Wish I ran into you while you were here 🥰

[@hazysunshineELF]

Did you find out what caused the rash?

[@S0ngsyngr]

Right hand turns on red are not universal in the US. They are allowed in some state’s including California but not all.

[@katester7]

Aaa apologies if people ask you this all the time: can I ask what camera you use? The picture is awesome!

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@katester7 no worries at all lovely! it’s the canon g7x mark iii ☺️ xx

[@Mother5063]

Sometimes if you get a rash, you need to stop putting on anything in the area because everything will make it worse. It needs to heal.

[@sasha-stone]

The Tenderloin is to be avoided at all costs.

[@lexikinsey]

American laws are much looser on what is allowed in makeup/skincare than Europe. The “same” product can actually have different ingredients in the US.

[@saiatm2906]

vote skinkare video +1

[@sasha-stone]

I wonder if the rash had to do with that hand soap you bought.

[@theoliviasaurusrex]

@@sasha-stone nooo the rash was there before i got to san francisco 🥲

[@sasha-stone]

@@theoliviasaurusrex I couldn't see it btw. It didn't show up on video. :)

[@stephaniehanuman-dale6279]

Did you find out why your Yosemite trip was canceled? They’ve had fires and flooding. Too bad Yosemite is amazing 🤩 Can’t believe you paid that price for pancakes 😱 Next time come down to Santa Cruz for the day 🏄‍♀️🎢🎠

[@cynthia_ess]

Carpeting is sticky because americans tend to wear shoes inside 🤢

[@chynaflip]

Could be a food allergy maybe also. Love that you visited SF. I’ve lived in the Bay Area for many years until moving to the Midwest. Very inspiring to do solo trips. I’m pretty introverted as well.