Alaska
Super-sized wilderness
Antarctica
Expeditions to the ultimate frontier
Argentina
A seductive mix of tango, treks and history
Armenia
Medieval monasteries and forest hikes
Australia
Iconic cities, awe-inspiring outback and everything in between
Azerbaijan
Land of fire
Borneo
Untamed nature
Brazil
Samba rhythms and wild landscapes
Caucasus
Where Asia meets Europe
Central Asia
Magical landscapes and Silk Road cities
Chile
The land of extremes
China
Beautiful chaos and ancient history
Costa Rica
The most biodiverse country on earth
Cuba
An old girl with a new heart
Ethiopia
Epic landscapes and divine history
Georgia
Rolling hills and centuries-old villages
Iceland
Dramatic landscapes and beautiful glaciers
India
A dazzling kaleidoscope of colour
Japan
Ancient culture and futuristic cities
Jordan
Forgotten cities and nomadic deserts
Kenya
More than just safaris
Kerala
Exploring God’s own country
Machu Picchu
Peru's archaeological rock star
Mexico
Fiestas, Frida and Maya mystery
Morocco
The hospitable gateway to Africa
Nepal
The country at the top of the world
New Zealand
Adventures at the end of the earth
Ontario
Embrace the Canadian wilderness
Patagonia
The wilderness at the end of the earth
Peru
Hidden treasures for those that look
Rajasthan
The Land of Kings
Rwanda
Everything in one perfect package
South Africa
Safari and beyond in the Rainbow Nation
Sri Lanka
Ancient civilisation and endless beaches
Tanzania
Mountains, safaris and spice islands
Thailand
Tropical beaches and beautiful temples
The Galapagos Islands
The islands that changed the world
Uganda
Unforgettable encounters
Uzbekistan
Mosques, mausoleums and madrasahs
Vietnam
Head-spinning contradictions and character
Western USA
Landscapes and legends
Crammed into less than 50 square miles and with a population of less than a million, small San Francisco packs a mighty punch. Its patchwork of different neighbourhoods -- Mission District, Haight-Ashbury, Chinatown and many more -- all offer a different side to the city, while the big attractions -- Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf -- are all worth the visit.
This is also a city of culture. There are Michelin-starred restaurants. There are pop-up diners and incredible food trucks. There is a world-class music scene and plenty of outdoor adventures, from whale-watching at Land's End to hiking in Mount Diablo. Just watch out for the earth tremors -- San Francisco's proximity to the San Andreas faultline means it experiences several hundred tremors a year.
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Specialist advice from San Francisco experts
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Los Angeles
Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard, spot your favourite TV and film stars on the Walk of Fame, and you can’t miss the hillside Hollywood sign...Read more -
Napa Valley
Napa Valley is filled with lush vineyards that can be visited on foot or with the vintage railcars of the Napa Valley Wine Train which covers 36 miles...Read more -
Yosemite National Park
There are 800 miles of trails through the mountains and woodlands of Yosemite, where you can spot black bears, coyotes, bobcats and mule deer among other wildlife...Read more -
San Diego
A two hour drive south from L...Read more -
Palm Springs
Set in possibly the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the Americas, Palm Springs is not only a winter playground for celebrities, but also a stylish place to relax in hot springs, spas and top-class golf courses at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains...Read more -
Las Vegas
Spend a day or two discovering the grandeur of Las Vegas and its famously flamboyant attractions...Read more -
Sedona
On arrival to the unique geological area of Sedona, you will be welcomed by red-rock monoliths, with names such as Coffee Pot and Cathedral, protruding from the desert landscape...Read more -
Grand Canyon
Follow the trails to explore Grand Canyon National Park and be sure to stop at the canyon edge to fully appreciate its enormity...Read more -
Monument Valley
Pass through the Painted Desert with its kaleidoscope of colours to reach Monument Valley on the Arizona-Utah border...Read more -
Lake Powell
The concrete Glen Canyon Dam would dominate the scenery if it was not for the commanding Colorado River and the bright blue waters of Lake Powell that lap against the tall red walls of the canyon...Read more -
Bryce Canyon
Within the Mormon State of Utah is this multi-coloured spectacle of protruding sandstone pinnacles that gather along the edges and deep inside Bryce Canyon...Read more -
Zion National Park
Visit Zion National Park with its towering rock formations that have been carved over time with the help of the mighty Virgin River...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes
Journey through Death Valley and ascend the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the alpine resort of Mammoth Lakes, famous for its skiing and hiking trails...Read more -
Santa Barbara
Backed by the dramatic Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara, is a hot-spot for white-sand beaches and palm-lined promenades...Read more -
Monterey Peninsula
Monterey Peninsula offers a mix of wind-whipped beaches, hidden coves and delicious seafood...Read more -
Sierra Nevada
...Read more -
Lake Tahoe
Explore the surroundings of this clear mountain lake by bike, kayak or cruise, or relax on one of its beaches to enjoy the unique views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Carson Range...Read more -
Sacramento
...Read more -
Sonoma
...Read more
Self-drive California
A scenic coastal route
Approx. 12 days
San Francisco (3 days) → Monterey Peninsula (3) → Los Angeles (1) → Las Vegas (2) → Grand Canyon (1) → San Diego (2)
View route
San Francisco (3 days) → Monterey Peninsula (3) → Los Angeles (1) → Las Vegas (2) → Grand Canyon (1) → San Diego (2)
The best of the American west
A route to the top natural and historic attractions
Approx. 12 days
Los Angeles (1 days) → Palm Springs (1) → Sedona (1) → Grand Canyon (1) → Monument Valley (1) → Lake Powell (1) → Bryce Canyon (1) → Zion National Park (1) → Las Vegas (1) → Mammoth Lakes (1) → Yosemite National Park (1) → San Francisco (1)
View route
Los Angeles (1 days) → Palm Springs (1) → Sedona (1) → Grand Canyon (1) → Monument Valley (1) → Lake Powell (1) → Bryce Canyon (1) → Zion National Park (1) → Las Vegas (1) → Mammoth Lakes (1) → Yosemite National Park (1) → San Francisco (1)
Tour northern California
For the more active traveller
Approx. 10 days
San Francisco (3 days) → Yosemite National Park (3) → Lake Tahoe (3) → Sacramento (1)
View route
San Francisco (3 days) → Yosemite National Park (3) → Lake Tahoe (3) → Sacramento (1)
Wine lovers’ California
A grand tour of California’s wine region
Approx. 8 days
San Francisco (3 days) → Napa Valley (4) → San Francisco (1)
View route
San Francisco (3 days) → Napa Valley (4) → San Francisco (1)
Things to do in San Francisco
Our recommended experiences and activities
San Francisco
Enjoy the coastline of San Fran
Take a stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf, explore the Marina District before experiencing the lively city at night. Stop at the spectacular Golden Gate bridge that connects San Francisco Bay with the Pacific Ocean to enjoy a classic view of the skyline. Perhaps even take a boat to the infamous Alcatraz.
Where to go in Western USA
Our recommended places
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Expert travel guides
Our guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for reliable and impartial travel advice.
Authentic experiences
We curate exceptional trips in underrated places, organised by the very best tour operators who live and breathe their destinations and are passionate about authentic, responsible tourism.
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We'll plant 50 trees for every trip booked via the Horizon Guides site in partnership with the International Tree Foundation, who carry out sustainable community forestry projects in Africa.