San Francisco

San Francisco's cruise terminal sits near Fisherman's Wharf, where Pier 39's sea lions have taken up permanent residence on the floating docks. The Golden Gate Bridge is visible from most of the waterfront. Alcatraz, the former federal prison on an island in the bay, runs ferry tours from Pier 33, though tickets sell out far in advance. The cable cars, still running on their original 1873 routes, climb the steep hills between downtown and the wharf. Chinatown is the oldest in North America and one of the most densely packed. North Beach, next door, has Italian bakeries and espresso bars. The Mission District has some of the city's best Mexican food and large-scale murals. Muir Woods, a stand of old-growth redwoods, is a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Dungeness crab, in season, and cioppino are the seafood to order. Walking is the best way to see the city, but wear shoes with grip for the hills.