California condors tilt and wheel over twin-topped trees jutting toward the heavens, holding fast to the jagged-cliffed, fog-banked, sometimes-sunny but always stunning strip of Central California Coastline, namesake of a famed Kerouac novel written about the author’s stay here in a secluded, private cabin; troops of poppies and lupines dance along the snaky black ribbon of hwy 1-the sky seems closer here. This magnificent 90-mile stretch of steep ravines, dramatic bridges, breathtaking seascapes, gorgeous hidden beaches strewn with treebones, pristine state parks riddled with trails and dazzling watercolor vistas, at one time traversed by 3 nomadic Native American Tribes-remains an exclusive home and playground to fewer than 1000 year-round privileged residents. Public beach and attraction access can be tricky-an adventure in itself, and at times, in demand; be sure to plan your group’s Big Sur expedition bearing this in mind. With the blue Pacific sparkling to the West and nature’s dramatically rugged and unspoiled handiwork all around, it is no surprise long-time residents hold fast to their stakes here! Relatively undeveloped and richly bio-diverse, the many climates of Big Sur are home to scores of rare-to-endangered species and a spectacular variety of native flora and fauna. Fabulous artisanal restaurants and gourmet cafes, a fine assortment of pubs, taverns and public houses serving up stellar libations, live entertainment and traditional to upscale fare, intriguing local galleries and attractions and cozy-to-sumptuous accommodations await overnight visitors without sleeping bags –top-notch accoutrements affording one-or a dozen-a civilized, yet wild escape.
 

The widely acclaimed California Academy of Sciences- one of the largest, most innovative and eco-friendly natural history museums in the world, re-opened its doors in 2008 after considerable earthquake damage in 1989 required the undertaking of nearly ten years of extensive planning and renovation. Re-opening day, admission was free; eager visitors waited in a mile-long line until closing, with over 15,000 guests admitted-and thousands turned away. An absolute imperative on any quintessential Golden Gate City adventure, grab your group of inquiring minds and treat yourselves to the heady thrill of exploration and discovery of the diverse realms of science with a tour of this 400,000 square foot assemblage of exquisite natural wonders of Earth, Space and Sea. This beloved landmark within a landmark, situated in beautiful domestic refuge Golden Gate Park offers a stunningly dynamic array of planetary, aquatic and historic specimens and extraordinary exhibits showcased in a cutting-edge venue; a sparkling and colorful aquarium, the largest digital planetarium in the world, a comprehensive natural history museum, lush tropical rainforest bio-dome, hands-on tidepool, thought-provoking naturalist center and swamp exploration area all await visitors to this beloved Bay Area establishment. Experience the heart-stopping terror of a simulated San Francisco-style earthquake; step into a living cloud of jewel-toned tropical rainforest butterflies and trip the light fantastic under convincingly realistic whirling galaxies! Stay for a few hours, or stay for the day- the world-and beyond- is your oyster at the California Academy of Sciences.

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > San Francisco Tours

Situated on sunny California’s magnificent Central Coast, this historic waterfront district on Monterey Bay, once the sight of now-defunct sardine canneries and made famous by illustrious author John Steinbeck, who detailed life on Cannery Row in his colorful stories-is steeped in the maritime nostalgia of days gone by. A recent million-dollar bronze monument, unveiled and dedicated on what would have been his 112th birthday, pays tribute to the cherished author and other notoriously colorful characters vital to the evolution of the area. Now an acclaimed tourist attraction and premium vacation destination, two-mile long Cannery Row continues to draw visitors and locals alike to its cornucopia of boutiques, galleries, fabulous aquarium, restaurants, entertainment venues, cozy-to-first-class accommodations and top-notch recreational opportunities all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Monterey National Marine Sanctuary. Whether you and your travel partners are looking to indulge in a day of luxurious spa treatment and local wine tasting, sensational shopping, sight-seeing and seashell-seeking, or the divers, surfers and explorers amongst you are ready to hit the water and paddle to their hearts content, peer into the shadowy depths of kelp kingdoms or bike/hike the scenic and well-maintained Coastal Recreation Trail and enjoy a little local wildlife spotting, everyone in your travel group will find plenty to do on Cannery Row! A veritable melting pot of fantastic dining possibilities-casual to elegant seafood and steaks, pizza and Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and good ol’ Classic American Diner fare-afford you all the re-fueling you need on your waterfront escapade; sensational sweet stops taunt your sweet tooth with traditional to gourmet hand-made goodies. Share a super-sized Ghirardelli Sundae, or indulge in an ooey-gooey-crispy-juicy chocolate-dipped caramel apple from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company-then head over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium at the West end of the Row to experience “Tentacles,” a 12-exhibit cephalopod extravaganza- for a low-key meet and greet with the world’s largest…and one of the smallest…octopi and his crew of colorful cuttlefish. Once Old Sol sinks into the deep blue sea and the stars pop from their beds, Cannery Row comes alive with a vibrant array of exciting after-dark options; sun-up to sundown, it’s the place to be!
 

What quintessential San Francisco getaway would be complete without hitting those glorious waters on a relaxing Sunset Cruise? Be sure to set aside a couple of hours of your fabulous Golden Gate escape to treat your group to some of the most breathtaking sights of the city and bay with captivating commentary by your capable captain perfectly accompanied by live guitar as the sun slowly sinks in the West.

 

All spacious, comfortable cruise vessels offer your choice of heated “indoor” or open deck seating, with a full bar and souvenir merchandise conveniently available aboard. Come as you are, but bringing along a light jacket or sweatshirt to beat the evening chill is a good idea. While a full day’s exploration is bound to leave you famished, a range of casual-to-elegant options featuring everything from hearty appetizer fare, satisfying sandwiches and refreshing cocktails to elegant four-course repasts make showing up hungry a good thing. (You’re welcome to pack your own picnic.)

 

As the sleepy sun begins to drop over the Marin Headlands, you’ll sail past Alcatraz, Angel Island and the stunning shorelines of Tiburon, Belvedere and Sausalito, then west toward the Golden Gate Bridge. Heading in, you’ll observe more famous landmarks including the Presidio, the Marina District and Fort Mason. Go simple or go grand, but don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to unwind and enjoy unparalleled perspectives of iconic Bay features as ol’ Sol slips below the sterling horizon and the lights come out in the enchanting City by the Bay!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > San Francisco Tours

The stated mission of The Exploratorium, brainchild and pet project of rogue physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer is to “Change the way the world learns.” Described as the most significant science museum to open in the 20th century and characterized as a scientific funhouse, a mad man’s penny arcade, and experimental lab, all in one, the Exploratorium today is an out-of-this-world learning laboratory. The groundbreaking nature of its exhibits and self-identification as a center for informal learning has earned the facility the great distinction of being recognized as a prototype for participatory museums the world over. Indulge your child-like curiosity and learn as you wander-gawk, dawdle, play and tinker your way through six amazing galleries displaying over 600 crazily engaging interactive exhibits- come prepared to explore and experiment your way to an easier understanding of the amazing world we live in. From the mundane to the absurd-the world is your oyster and a fresh awareness of everything in it, at your disposal. Accompany Sun Artist Bob Miller on a light walk; recreate a summer rainstorm or dissect a cow’s eye; explore the briny deep, interpret ancient text, understand “triboluminescence”, and search for life in other galaxies. Careful – the intensive care and feeding of your group’s inquiring minds may leave your bodies famished; Seaglass Café, a fabulous, casual waterfront venue serves up a creative, delightfully fresh and locally-sourced seasonal organic menu of “upscale” cafeteria and diner favorites sure to satisfy the most discerning explorer’s palate.

Located along the historic and breathtaking San Francisco waterfront, just two blocks East of Fisherman’s Wharf, this lively 45 acre complex is a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors alike, where they enjoy many of the tantalizingly nostalgic sights, smells and tastes of an old fashioned amusement park against an artist’s backdrop featuring spectacular views of the colorful 300-berth marina by the bay, the busy Bay Bridge, iconic Golden Gate and ominous Alcatraz, and a front-row seat to the antics of vocal herds of wriggling sea lions stationed on K-Dock. More than a dozen full-service restaurants, most featuring a fine sampling of fabulously fresh local seafood and scores of wonderful eateries and snack shacks ensure no one in your travel group goes hungry as you explore this landmark waterfront hotspot! Burn off a little of that lunchtime splurge with a jog up and down the keys of artist Remo Saracini’s interactive creation, the magical Musical Stairs; play hide-and-seek with fellow travelers in Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze or immortalize yourself with a personal cartoon portrait rendered just for you by local talent. Duck into Players Sports Grill & Arcade, located at the Bay end of the Pier-12,000 square feet of dining, games, drinks, stellar bay views and 200+ live feeds from around the globe afford  social animals in your group prime chill time amidst that familiar sports bar buzz. The aspiring aerial acrobats amongst you will want to perfect their 20 foot backflip skills on Frequent Flyer’s bungee trampoline, while those still full of golden, delicious crab cakes and rich, homemade ice cream may wish to wander into the fabulous Aquarium of the Bay, or sit it out for a bit and recharge with a sweet turn or two on the intricately painted San Francisco Carousel and delight in the eclectic tide of Pier Promenade activity to the tune of traditional organ music as your painted panda dances and whirls your cares away. Breathtaking Bay tour and charter opportunities abound; hold onto your hats as “Rocket Boat” blasts you and your group to the Bay Bridge and beyond, or hop aboard 65 foot Kitty Kat and hit the open sea for an exciting whale tour; popular Adventure Cat sailing charters offer sea dogs wanting a more personalized view of Bay features relaxing afternoon cruises or legendary sunset sails. Specialty stores like The Fudge Shoppe, Chocolate Heaven, Wilder West, San Francisco Sock Market, The Left Handed Store, Hawaiian jeweler Na Hoku, The Pearl Factory and Club Tattoo tempt even the “Grinchiest” of wallet clenchers to crack those bills; dozens of wonderfully eclectic locally-themed gift shops offer sentimental types galaxies of perfect mementos. Whatever your group’s pleasure, the Pier promises to deliver!

Your travel companions are all about hitting up historic landmarks and points of local interest; that said, what San Francisco excursion would be complete without some quality beach time? Bear in mind, these aren’t your typical huge expanses of hot sun and sizzling sand; beaches in Northern California are some of the most beautiful in the world, but they aren’t always temperate; layering comes highly recommended. Whether you’re after a little solitude amongst the seabirds, a place to picnic, beach-comb or pop open that great bottle of regional wine or just a soothing stroll in the sand with your morning coffee, the locals do have their favorites, and we’re sharing them right here! Peaceful Ocean beach is a wonderful option if you’re craving a natural refuge away from the busy city for an hour or two. This almost-five-mile stretch of inviting white sand is located on the Western-most border of San Francisco, just adjacent to Golden Gate Park and offers a perfect venue for kite flying, horizon-scanning or just catching your breath. East Beach, also known as China Beach, is a versatile, family-friendly choice: this small, sheltered cove in the Sea Cliff neighborhood of San Francisco features tidy picnic areas with clean restrooms and bracing cold water showers, shallow waters for habitual waders and the perfect opportunity to sneak in a little sunbathing against the dazzling backdrop of the Marin headlands and Golden Gate Bridge. In the heart of the City, also boasting fabulous views of Golden Gate and iconic Alcatraz , you will find tiny urban beach Aquatic Park, formerly known as Black Point Cove. Bring your steamy sourdough chowder bowl out to the steps to enjoy a waterfront repast amongst the local seagulls.

For over fifteen years the San Francisco Bay Aquarium has mesmerized, fascinated and entertained more than 7,000,000 visitors to its sparkling 50,000 square foot facility in the heart of San Francisco. The conservation-minded aquarium holds steadfast in their mission to provide guests plenty of entertaining interaction with hosts of native San Francisco Bay creatures. Step into their home: this facility’s 300 feet of magnificent, crystal clear acrylic tunnels through 700,000 gallons of fastidiously maintained bay water gets you face time with approximately 20,000 aquatic residents-giant pacific octopuses, mysterious and graceful bat rays, menacing sharks and sleek skates among them. Gaze into mesmerizing walls of undulating translucent moon jellies and prickly sea nettles…lose yourself in galaxies of sea stars! Each fabulous exhibit spellbindingly showcases distinctive ecosystems supporting a wide variety of vibrantly colorful and captivating Bay marine life. A touch pool teaming with juvenile bat rays, leopard sharks, big skates and others awaits the fearless -they prefer morning visitors. You’ll even encounter terrestrial creatures at the Aquarium: PG&E’s Bay Lab Station highlights land-lubbing residents with critical messages to share about climate change and their Bay habitats; fuzzy, pink-toed tarantulas to prickly pygmy hedgehogs all await your group’s rapt audience. Scores of interactive experiences, 3D shorts, behind the scenes feeding tours and dozens of daily and engaging free programs ensure groups on San Francisco holiday a relaxing yet action-packed few hours. Aquarium By the Bay is the perfect place to unwind before getting on about the business of fulfilling that jam-packed agenda!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > San Francisco Tours

San Francisco, City by the Bay…a richly diverse cultural mecca where time-honored tradition and progressive trend tango and trip the light fantastic to the cacophonous song of foghorns and seagulls. Tugboats, cable cars, sourdough chowder bowls and fabled Lombard Street all come to mind when you think of this beloved Northern California destination; yet, if ever existed a more popular regional icon, the mere mention of which conjures all that is the San Francisco, visitors and locals alike would be hard-pressed to identify it! This world-renowned structure, a breathtaking masterpiece of high-visibility *international orange* cable and steel, ranked 5th on a list of America’s Favorite Architecture and declared one of the modern wonders of the world, spans the three-mile-wide channel between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean and connects Marin County to the City. In all her magnificent, Art-Deco glory, the mighty Golden Gate flexes and rolls across the waters, shrouded in morning fog, bathed in ethereal afternoon sunlight and glowing, golden and elegant, after dark. No postcard depiction exists to prepare a visitor to the Golden Gate City for the experience of meeting her in person. Ever-popular with tourists and bicyclists, safe walkways on either side of six vehicle traffic lanes allow various courses of bike and foot traffic, depending on time of day. A Visitor Plaza on the East end of the bridge houses an array of novel experiences; the Bridge pavilion, serving as a welcoming and orientation center to guests, offers wonderful commemorative and interpretive souvenirs.

The iconic and beloved San Francisco cable car system, in service since 1873, has remained in operation more for nostalgic purpose than practicality since the 1950s; just 17 miles of track remain in the beloved City by the Bay. The hum of the haulage cables and distinct ringing of different bells as the cars run up and down city streets is as much a part of the San Francisco soundscape as the colorful cable cars and drivers are of the landscape; locals continue to utilize the service as a convenient means of getting to work and around the hilly city and a cable car ride is on just about every visitor’s agenda! If your travel group has a full itinerary and waiting in line or hiking blocks for a ride doesn’t work for everyone, a stop in at the Cable Car Museum is a must during your San Francisco holiday. This free museum in the Nob Hill neighborhood is part of the complex that houses the power house and car depot and allows visitors to experience the impressive mechanics behind the ride; established in 1974, it’s open year-round and showcases historical and explanatory exhibits on the San Francisco Cable Car System-which is, itself, a fine working museum! A fascinating collection of vintage cars and memorabilia to peruse at your own pace provide a real sense of bygone days; a wonderful gift shop, car-seat photo op and old fashioned penny machine offer perfect mementos of your foray into the very heart of this historical means of transportation; why not buy your own bells and have a group ringing challenge?

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > San Francisco Tours