Foggy and progressive, San Francisco is the crown jewel of Northern California. This compact, hilly city at the center of the wider San Francisco Bay Area has witnessed many of America’s most influential cultural moments, from hippie counterculture in the ’60s to the dot-com revolution at the turn of the last century and today’s tech boom.  

Though characterized by its history of resistance, San Francisco is struggling against the pull of a tech-driven future. The impact of gentrification can be seen in the city’s soaring house prices and the rapid transformation of neighborhoods like SoMa and the Mission, where the friction between old-school San Franciscans and the influx of young professionals is palpable.

Introducing San Francisco

Even with all its hills, San Francisco’s small size makes it a walkable city. Those with calves of steel are rewarded with a showcase of its architectural splendor; the view from Alamo Square – brightly colored Victorian houses against a backdrop of Downtown skyscrapers – is particularly iconic. Of course, taking in the Art Deco masterpiece that is the Golden Gate Bridge is a must on any San Francisco trip, as is a visit to the former prison on Alcatraz Island. 

Every neighborhood has a story to tell. The heart of the ’60s hippie revolution, Haight-Ashbury, is the place to go to relive the Summer of Love all year round, while the nearby Castro district is one of America’s first gay neighborhoods and a magnet for LGBTQ+ travellers to this day. North Beach, the birthplace of the Beatnik movement and home of the City Lights bookstore, is equally historic. SF also boasts the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America, which explains the city’s reputation for great dim sum.

San Francisco attractions and sightseeing

San Francisco neighborhoods

From the Hollywood hills to the Venice Beach boardwalk, Los Angeles is a cinematic city of dreams, where every sunset feels like a scene from a movie. The center of the entertainment world, La La Land may be home to countless celebrities, television studios and film sets, but it’s not all about star-spotting and brunching in Beverly Hills. 

LA is a sprawling county with myriad different cultures and communities: the coastal enclaves of Long Beach and Santa Monica; the built-up, bustling Downtown and Arts District; Compton, birthplace of some of rap’s biggest names; bohemian Venice; and the trendy neighborhoods of Silver Lake and Echo Park. Attracting the world’s most ambitious and extravagant characters, every neighborhood in this eclectic, showy city is prime for people watching.

Introducing Los Angeles

A must-visit on any LA trip is Hollywood Boulevard, home to the legendary Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre. Movie fans will also enjoy the rides at Universal Studios and the resting place of the stars, Hollywood Forever Cemetery; art lovers should make a beeline for the Getty Center, a hilltop gallery that houses an impressive permanent collection of European and American works. LA’s urban sprawl is flanked by golden beaches and spectacular hills and canyons, making surfing and hiking popular pastimes among Angelenos. Try Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park for relatively easy trails that take in views of the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory. There are plenty of great beaches to catch a wave, but first-time visitors should hit the sands in Malibu, where LA’s surf culture began.

Best of LA tourism

Los Angeles neighborhoods

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The Galapagos a bucket-list destination for many travelers; a beautiful landscape filled with unique flora and fauna. We pick some of the best ways to get the most of this interesting archipelago.

South America

Ecuador

Galapagos Islands

The Best Things to Do and See in the Galapagos

Darwin's visit to The Galapagos Islands made him notice the species that were similarly adapted to their specific environment.

Charles Darwin: The Myths and Mysteries Behind the Galapagos Islands

Sharks can be a bit hard to love, but they do need some love right now. There's no better place to dive with sharks than in the Hammerhead Triangle.

Protecting Sharks in the Hammerhead Triangle – and Diving With Them Too

The Galapagos Islands are like no other destination on this planet. Here's how they will inspire you to see the world differently.

15 Reasons Why the Galapagos Islands Will Inspire You to Think Differently About the World

The Galapagos Islands are not only home to some of the most unique species in the world, but they also have among the best beaches.

The Most Beautiful Beaches in the Galapagos Islands

This National Geographic cruise gives travelers the chance to snorkel with sea lions and walk with giant tortoises. Enjoy a water safari like no other.

All Aboard! Exploring The Galapagos By Boat

Discover the Galapagos, even if prices are high. Here are some tips to see the archipelago on a budget.

A Budget Traveler’s Guide to the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are unique, as you will find a variety of animals here that you won't find anywhere else.

A Guide to Discovering the Different Wildlife in the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos islands are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, scientists, and of course the average tourist.

The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Galapagos Islands

Here are the best restaurants serving seafood and more in The Galapagos Islands.

The 10 Best Restaurants in the Galapagos Islands

Before you plan a wildlife excursion to this tiny country, discover some of the amazing destinations on both the Galapagos and mainland Ecuador.

The Most Incredible Wildlife Destinations in Ecuador and the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are known for their unique wildlife, with many species that are not found in any other place in the world.

11 Awesome Native Animals You Can Only Find in the Galapagos Islands

Los Angeles’s top attractions include a cemetery-cinema, unconventional museums, a mega-shopping destination and outstanding urban hiking.

19 Must-See Los Angeles Attractions

San Francisco is full of well-kept secrets and bustling tourist attractions. See all that it has to offer during your next visit to the City by the Bay.

20 Must-Visit Attractions in San Francisco

Check out some of the best films based in the San Francisco Bay Area and you might learn a thing or two.

17 Famous Films Set In San Francisco

The Best Travel, Food and Culture Guides for California, USA - Local News & Top Things to Do

California

See & Do

19 Must-See Los Angeles Attractions

Los Angeles’s top attractions include a cemetery-cinema, unconventional museums, a mega-shopping destination and outstanding urban hiking.

See & Do

20 Must-Visit Attractions in San Francisco

Film & TV

17 Famous Films Set In San Francisco