San Francisco, the "City by the Bay," is one of California's most beloved tourist destinations—chilly microclimate and impossible parking notwithstanding. Its landmarks, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Fisherman's Wharf to Coit Tower to Lombard Street, have been featured in countless films. Its history is perennially fascinating, ranging from the early days of the Gold Rush and the earthquake of 1906 to the comparatively recent "flower child" era, when Haight-Ashbury became the ultimate hippie hangout.

San Francisco is an eminently walkable city; in fact, neighborhoods like North Beach, Chinatown, Noe Valley, the Castro, and the aforementioned Haight-Ashbury are more accessible by foot than by any other means. Major attractions like Union Square (and nearby Fifth and Market), Pier 39, the Ferry Building, and Golden Gate Park can be easily reached by mass transit or taxi, and most have multiple points of entry. There are also a lot of "hidden gem" neighborhoods, like Cole Valley, Hayes Valley, and Bernal Heights—they're small and not the first places a tourist would seek out, but once there, you'll be delighted by their amazing restaurants and local vibe. Just over the Golden Gate, the bayside burg of Tiburon, redwood groves of Muir Woods, and wineries of Sonoma and Napa counties await.