Seaports have always been important throughout history… it’s about more than just the cargo, but the import and export of ideas. You could say that a city’s seaside status almost necessarily creates a crossroads of cultures. All that said, something sets San Francisco apart! Maybe it’s the year-round comfy weather that makes people want to spend their time outdoors, or perhaps it’s the spectacular food culture, or the history, or the hills, or the architecture. But one thing can be proven: San Francisco is beautiful, arguably the most romantic and cosmopolitan city in the U.S., and all of these elements go into the mix of making it a place you want to be, whether you know it or not. From the world’s most recognizable bridge, The Golden Gate, to the quirky, flower-lined Lombard Street… it’s no surprise that in SF even a former prison island — you knew we’re talking about Alcatraz, right? — ends up being an iconic destination.

You’ll be intoxicated by the fragrant orchids and antharium which fill the air. This is Hawaii’s second largest metropolis, yet it remains a quaint city of Victorian homes which overlook a half-moon bay. With its magnificent Japanese Yedo Garden and a half-hour walk through verdant tropical forest opening into the awesome beauty of Akaka Falls, Hilo is one of the most scenic tropical cities in the Pacific.

Step on this multi-colored island ringed with miles of bougainvillea and poinsettia and you’ll understand immediately why the royals of Hawaii chose it as their summer residence. The deep, rich soil is the breeding ground for two of the world’s most unique treasures: macadamia nuts and Kona coffee, and there’s plenty of both in the quaint shops, which also offer exquisite coral jewelry and hand-sewn muumuus. At the opposite end of quaint: Hulihee Palace, grand and majestic with a superb collection of royal antiques.

Imagine spending all day and all night on gorgeous Honolulu. You’ll need time to take in this beautiful island with its pulsating nightlife, world-class dining, perfect beaches and quiet coves. Stroll the fabled beaches of Waikiki under the protective watch of the ancient volcanic profile of Diamond Head. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, a 42-acre living museum of the many cultures of the South Pacific. And be sure to stop off at the historic USS Arizona Memorial, dedicated to those who died at Pearl Harbor.

Ensenada, one of Mexico’s most sucessful cities, has grown from a sleepy fishing village to become a popular beach resort. This oft-visited Baja destination is a multi-faceted jewel. Among its most popular locations are the waterfront promenade, the fashionable shops of Avenida Primera, and the winery of Bodega Santo Tomas, founded by the Dominicans in 1888. La Bufadora, a natural sea geyser located nearby, puts on a highly dramatic show.

Seaports have always been important throughout history… it’s about more than just the cargo, but the import and export of ideas. You could say that a city’s seaside status almost necessarily creates a crossroads of cultures. All that said, something sets San Francisco apart! Maybe it’s the year-round comfy weather that makes people want to spend their time outdoors, or perhaps it’s the spectacular food culture, or the history, or the hills, or the architecture. But one thing can be proven: San Francisco is beautiful, arguably the most romantic and cosmopolitan city in the U.S., and all of these elements go into the mix of making it a place you want to be, whether you know it or not. From the world’s most recognizable bridge, The Golden Gate, to the quirky, flower-lined Lombard Street… it’s no surprise that in SF even a former prison island — you knew we’re talking about Alcatraz, right? — ends up being an iconic destination.