San Francisco & the Bay Area

Fisherman’s Wharf is San Francisco’s #1 visitor destination for a reason. Several reasons, actually. Aquatic Park. The Maritime Museum. The famed cable cars. And, of course, Alcatraz. And that’s just for starters. There’s also specialty shopping, world-class dining, and all forms of entertainment—including the area’s most noted performers, the sea lions of Pier 39, whose barks can be heard from blocks away.

The island of Alcatraz has a rich and storied history, and you'll hear about it all on this tour of one of America's most famous (and infamous) islands. Before becoming the prison of popular lore, Alcatraz previously served as a lighthouse and a military base. But you don't want to hear about that...you want to hear about the prison! Check out the previous cells of such notorious prisoners as Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (the "Birdman of Alcatraz"), and James "Whitey" Bulger. Decide for yourself whether Clarence Anglin, John Anglin, and Frank Morris really drowned in their intricate escape attempt made famous in the film Escape From Alcatraz.

Welcome to the city of the Golden Gate Bridge, steep windy roads and the formidable Alcatraz! Follow your guide down Lombard Street, the “crookedest” street in the world, through Haight-Ashbury, the district known as the center of the Hippie movement in the 60’s, and up onto Nob Hill, known for its affluent residents and spectacular views of the bay. Wander around the specialty shops and restaurants in Union and Ghirardelli Squares and go up Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill for fantastic views of all of San Francisco. Then head to Fisherman Wharf’s Pier 39, with its fashionable shops, high-end restaurants and street performers. Hear the Sea Lions before you even see them as they sunbathe on the boat docks of the pier. And explore the Golden Gate National Park for an up-close view of the famous bridge and to learn about the history and appreciate the beauty of this Bay City.

Home to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, as well as one of the best-known streets in America, Cannery Row, Monterey offers a rich history and a vibrant future. Enjoy the beauty of both land and sea, as you marvel at the many harbor seals, sea otters and pelicans along the waterfront at Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and the unique shops, stately homes and historic structures sprinkled throughout Historic Monterey.

Containing more than 35,000 plants and animals representing 623 species, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the largest and most spectacular aquariums in the world. See jellyfish, sea otters, stingrays, crabs and many other forms of marine life. And don't miss the aquarium's main exhibit. The Ocean's Edge is a 33 foot tall tank that is home to many native California coastal marine life. See the swaying forest of Giant Kelp, and count the number of different kinds of fish you see swimming through it. Then, head to the Outer Bay Wing