San Francisco Golden Coast Cruise

14:00 Get your bearings with a classic open-top bus tour of the city.

19:00 See the skyline sparkle from the water on this evening cruise.

09:00 Walk among giants in Muir Woods before exploring charming Sausalito.

15:00 Experience the chilling history of the world's most famous prison.

10:00 Drive the scenic loop through Pebble Beach and Cypress Point.

14:00 Visit one of the world's most renowned marine research centers. Skip the midday rush and hit the aquarium at opening to watch the sea otters during feeding time. The three-story kelp forest exhibit is the real highlight, but don't waste hours in the crowded touch pools.

17:00 Spot the whimsical storybook architecture of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

09:00 Navigate the cliffs and bridges of the famous Pacific Coast Highway.

16:00 Stroll the historic wooden wharf for ocean views and fresh air. Skip the crowded tourist traps and head straight to the end of the pier for better coffee and actual sea air. Budget 45 minutes to stroll past the bait shops and greasy-spoon burger joints.

10:00 Discover the Spanish Colonial history of Santa Barbara by trolley.

16:00 Enjoy the classic California vibes of the Santa Monica Pier. Show up before 10 AM to dodge the tourist swarm. The pier food is mostly overpriced, so grab a funnel cake and keep moving toward the sand.

09:00 Go behind the scenes at an active film and television studio.

14:00 See the Walk of Fame and catch a glimpse of celebrity life.

18:00 Peer through telescopes and watch the sunset over the LA basin. Skip the $10-an-hour parking misery and take the DASH bus or hike up the Fern Dell trail instead. The terrace offers the city’s best sunset look for free, but splurge on a planetarium show to escape the claustrophobic crowds inside.

10:00 Grab a final bite at the city's historic food hall before departing. Skip the generic chain restaurants and head straight to the green stalls at 3rd and Fairfax. You come here to eat, not to shop for groceries.