Hilly streets lined with colorful Victorians, eclectic neighborhoods from the piers of Fisherman's Wharf to the sunny streets of the Mission, and picture-perfect landmarks from the Golden Gate to the Haight—San Francisco's a treasure trove of must-see sights. Get a lay of the land and take in the City by the Bay on a convenient double-decker bus, hopping off whenever you want to stretch your legs and get a closer look.

Snag a seat in the comfortable interior or up on the open-air top deck of a double-decker bus. Take in views of the city as you cruise up and over the trolley tracks of Pacific Heights, feel the breeze off the water by the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, and pass beneath the international orange span of the Golden Gate Bridge to reach an incredible viewpoint looking back at the city skyline.

You can choose to just sit back and admire the passing scenery, or hop on and off wherever you want to explore more in depth, whether that means scoping out the shops of Union Square or hunting down delicious Italian cuisine in beatnik-friendly North Beach. If you want to stretch you legs, cash in on a bike rental to zip around town like a local, or join one of 3 engaging walking tours in Chinatown, North Beach, and Fisherman's Wharf—the latter brings the Gold Rush boom and Barbary Coast debauchery of the city's earliest days to life.

Upgrade your ticket to include a bus ride through artsy Sausalito—the charming town just across the bay—or a night tour, which lets you admire the glittering lights of the city after dark.

Route stops include:

• Fisherman's Wharf
• Washington Square / North Beach
• Ferry Building
• Union Square South
• Alamo Square
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Palace of Fine Arts
• Marina / Cow Hollow
• Golden Gate Park
• Chinatown

Get an up-close look at the foreboding island penitentiary of Alcatraz from the waters of the San Francisco Bay. See the borders of this fearsome former prison from every angle and listen to engaging audio commentary about the island’s infamous inmates as you cruise around its formidable shores.

Step aboard a comfortable sightseeing boat at Fisherman’s Wharf and set off across the waves of the bay. Take in views of the city skyline and waterfront of the Marina District as you approach the iconic span of the Golden Gate Bridge, and snap a photo from the deck as you pass directly underneath it.

Connect to engaging audio-commentary on your smartphone or tablet, and turn your gaze toward Alcatraz’s rocky shores as the boat loops back through the bay toward this ominous outpost. Study the prison’s grounds, fences, and cell block buildings from the water, listening to stories about escape attempts by notorious former prisoners like Al Capone, Clyde Johnson, and Billy Cook the Killer before heading back to shore.

Gaze up at the green canopy formed by massive redwoods, stroll down pine needle-laden paths, and learn about the acclaimed work of naturalist John Muir. Visit the Muir Woods National Monument and make a detour to charming Sausalito, returning to San Francisco by bus or by scenic ferry ride.

After getting picked up from your hotel, cruise away from the City by the Bay, rolling over the Golden Gate Bridge to catch breathtaking looks at the Pacific Ocean to the west and the white cap-covered bay to the east. Wind through rolling hills as you make your way to Muir Woods, hopping out when you arrive to lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trails. Spend over an hour wandering through the sun-dappled forest, savoring the fresh air, and remembering to snap a few photos of trees that reach heights of up to 258 feet (79 m).

Afterward, climb back on your spacious bus and head to Sausalito, listening as your guide shares stories about the history of this bayside hamlet. Spend the afternoon walking along the waterfront or exploring the town's quaint shops, restaurants, and cafes before heading back to San Fran. If you want to linger longer, opt to stay in Sausalito and catch the ferry back to the city at your leisure.

Sonoma Valley is the perfect wine country destination for wine enthusiasts, both novice and seasoned alike. With 100+ wineries – from striking castles and garden chateaus to modern lounges and Mediterranean-style villas – Sonoma Valley offers a unique wine tasting experience for everyone and is the birthplace of California wine. Sonoma Valley’s rolling vineyards are nestled between two mountain ranges offering exquisite and peaceful beauty. Sip award-winning wines while learning about the history of California wine alongside a winemaker, tour a production facility or wine cave, take a tractor tour through the vineyards, peruse the tasting rooms on the historic Sonoma Plaza or enjoy a mountaintop wine tasting. Embrace new and exciting flavors from spirits to micro brews at Sonoma Valley's distilleries and brew houses.