California Science and Tech in 6 days

Home to more than 623 species of plant and animal life, this interactive museum takes you on a journey through the sea. Explore collections including interactive touch tanks, tropical fish, sea otters, and a jellyfish exhibit that is simply electrifying.

Walk between giants in this peaceful old-growth forest and wonder at the coastal redwoods, the oldest of which is at least 1,200 years old! Learn about how scientists examine trees and calculate their age.

Alcatraz Island has a rich and storied history, which you'll discover on this tour of one of America's most famous and infamous islands. Before it became the prison etched into popular lore, Alcatraz served as a lighthouse and a military base. Of course, its most captivating chapter is the prison itself. Step into the former cells of notorious inmates like Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (the "Birdman of Alcatraz"), and James "Whitey" Bulger. Then decide for yourself whether Clarence Anglin, John Anglin, and Frank Morris truly drowned during their daring escape attempt, made famous in the film Escape From Alcatraz.

Engage with more than 650 hands-on exhibits at this world-famous interactive science museum. The exhibits and experiences cover topics from the human body to outer space!

Explore the sights and sounds of Pier 39, located along the San Francisco Bay. Laugh with the sea lions, enjoy performance art, live entertainment, and the charm of beautifully hand-painted carousels.

Welcome to the city of the Golden Gate Bridge, steep winding roads, and the formidable Alcatraz! Follow your guide down Lombard Street, the “crookedest” street in the world; through Haight-Ashbury, the district known as the center of the Hippie movement in the 1960s; and up onto Nob Hill, famous for its affluent residents and spectacular views of the bay. Wander through the specialty shops and restaurants in Union and Ghirardelli Squares, and head up Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill for fantastic views of all of San Francisco. Then make your way to Fisherman’s Wharf’s Pier 39, with its trendy shops, high-end restaurants, and street performers. You’ll likely hear the sea lions before you see them, sunbathing on the boat docks. Finally, explore Golden Gate National Park for an up-close view of the iconic bridge and to learn more about the history and beauty of this Bay City.

Explore the many exhibits that fill one of the ten largest natural history museums in the world! Learn about the technological innovations that make the museum one of the most energy efficient buildings in the city.

Explore Golden Gate Park, 1,100 acres of gardens, lakes, trails, cultural landmarks, and monuments. Highlights include the Conservatory of Flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden, and a paddock that hosts a herd of bison.

Visit the 1.7-mile-long iconic “international orange” landmark and glimpse sights of the San Francisco Bay, including the infamous Alcatraz Island. Consider the challenges faced by engineers and bridge builders in the early 20th century.

This kayak tour includes wildlife sightings, such as sea lions and birds, along with a fascinating historical overview of the area near Oracle Park.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of San Francisco’s iconic Chinatown, the largest Chinese community outside of Asia.

Soak in the sights of the city as you ride one of San Francisco’s historic cable cars. Explore the mechanics, engineering, and history behind this unique transportation and how cable cars managed the steep slopes of the city in an age of horse drawn wagons.