San Francisco, CA

Hop the trolley or rent a bike to explore Golden Gate Park, the ruins of The Sutro Baths, the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood (a former hippy haven), and the Castro District (which was central to the LGBT movement and is known for its colorful Victorian homes). Take a ferry to Alcatraz (book in advance) or see the noisy seals at Fisherman’s Wharf. For panoramic city views, hike Twin Peaks; afterwards, refuel over a bowl of noodles in the largest Chinatown outside Asia.