Written by Roxana Chiu, Manager of Friends Coffee and Tea and FCSN Parent

On August 31, we finally set out on our first FCSN family bus trip after six years! 

Bus trips have always been one of the most popular and well-loved activities for FCSN families. In the past, we typically held two trips each year, and parents and families really enjoyed the different journeys together.

From Youngsville and Napa Valley to the roaring train ride through the Santa Cruz Forest, our twice-a-year bus adventures have taken us to many beautiful places and created countless cherished memories.

However, due to the pandemic, we had to pause this beloved tradition. After six long years, we were finally able to resume one of our favorite activities — and the excitement this year was overwhelming.

After receiving so many inquiries about when the next trip would happen, I finally created the plan. Not surprisingly, the registration filled in just two hours! Many parents shared their disappointment, saying they didn’t even get the chance to register before spots were gone. To make sure more families could participate, we added a second bus, with one bus picking up South Bay families in Cupertino and the other East Bay families in Fremont.

Coordinating two buses was not easy, but thanks to the help of many dedicated parents, everything came together smoothly. We were also blessed with perfect weather — a bright, beautiful day that made the experience even more special.

Our first stop was the Sulphur Creek Nature Center in Hayward, chosen as a fun midway point between Fremont and Tiburon. Families enjoyed close-up animal encounters, peaceful walking trails, and a short rest before continuing the long drive. Children were especially excited to see the owls, hawks, and other wildlife up close.

Next, we arrived at the charming seaside town of Tiburon for lunch. Families had the option to book a restaurant in advance or pack their own sandwiches for a relaxing picnic along the coastline. The view of the bay, the gentle ocean breeze, and the cheerful chatter of families made Tiburon a highlight of the day. Even though we arrived about 30 minutes later than planned due to traffic, everyone made the most of the time we had there.

From there, we traveled to Sausalito to explore its unique floating house community. The colorful and creative homes sparked a lot of curiosity and amazement — it was a rare chance to see a completely different way of living.

Our journey continued at Lovers’ Lane in the Presidio, where families walked along the romantic, winding wooden trail. This peaceful walk led us to the trendy Letterman Digital Arts Center. It’s a hidden gem spot –  a modern and vibrant community located next to the Lucasfilm campus. Families enjoyed relaxing with an afternoon coffee at Starbucks and soaking in the lively atmosphere before walking another 10 minutes to reach our final stop of the day – the Palace of Fine Arts.

We ended our tour at the breathtaking Palace of Fine Arts, where families took photos, strolled under the grand arches, and enjoyed the serene lagoon view. It was the perfect way to wrap up a day filled with new sights and shared experiences.

One of the greatest joys of the bus trip is its simplicity and convenience. Parents don’t need to worry about driving, parking, or navigating through traffic. Instead, they can simply sit back, chat with other families, and enjoy the scenery along the way. At each stop, everyone can get off the bus and explore together, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Children love the excitement of riding together with friends, while parents cherish the chance to connect and exchange stories during the journey.

Of course, every trip also comes with some challenges. Because our schedule was so full, we only had limited time at each stop, and some families felt they couldn’t fully explore every detail of the sites. And in San Francisco, traffic and parking are never easy! It sometimes took extra time to find a safe and convenient spot for the bus to drop us off or pick us up. But even with these small inconveniences, families were patient and supportive, making sure everything ran as smoothly as possible.

In the end, this trip was more than just sightseeing. It was about togetherness, discovery, and shared joy after so many years apart. The laughter on the bus, the little hands drawing on their art packets, the parents chatting as they walked side by side — these moments remind us why the bus trip has always been one of our most beloved traditions.

With the help of our wonderful community, the FCSN family bus trip is back, and we can’t wait for the next adventure!