One of America’s most attractive cities, San Francisco differs from other metropolitan areas in many charming ways. You’ll find plenty of picture-perfect moments in this “City by the Bay,” with its hilly streets, famous bridges and historic cable cars.

The “Big Island” of Hawaii is the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands, and the most varied in landscape—with striking black sand beaches and green sand beaches, tropical rain forests, ancient Hawaii heiau ruins, alpine terrain, and surreal lava rock landscapes.

Hilo, the eastern side’s port city is where the seat of the Big Island’s government resides and it is a launching point for the myriad of Big Island attractions.

Maui has always occupied a special place in the hearts of Hawaiians. The great warrior King Kamehameha, who united the islands under his rule, chose to make Lahaina his capital and Ka’anapali was once the favorite playground of Hawaiian royalty. And no wonder – Maui boasts stunning landscapes and superb beaches. Mt. Haleakala, a dormant volcano, rises 10,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Once hailed as “The Valley of the Kings,” Maui’s Iao Valley is a tropical paradise dominated by the Needle, a volcanic monolith towering over the valley floor. Then there is Lahaina, once home to a royal court and a raucous port-of-call enjoyed by 19th-century Yankee whalers.

Haleakala means “The House of the Sun.” To the Hawaiians, it appeared that the sun both rose from and set in the depths of its massive crater. Today, the centerpiece of Haleakala National Park, it is one of Maui’s major attractions.

The fourth largest island in the Hawaiian group, Kauai is known as the “Garden Island.” The terrain ranges from the volcanic slopes of Mt. Waialeale and the desert-like beauty of Waimea Canyon to the Wailua River’s lush Fern Grotto. Ironically this once isolated island was the site of the first meeting between Europeans and Hawaiians. On January 19, 1778, Captain James Cook anchored his ships off the mouth of the Waimea River, becoming the first in a long line of enthusiastic visitors.

Home to nearly half a million people, Honolulu is Hawaii’s state capital and only major city. The city of Honolulu and the island of Oahu offer a wealth of historic, cultural and scenic attractions. Beyond the city lie tropical rain forests, the lush Pali Lookout and the North Shore known for its excellent surfing beaches.

Ensenada is located 70 miles south of the international border and only a 90-minute drive from San Diego. Visitors are drawn to Ensenada’s warm Mediterranean climate, friendly atmosphere and easy access — by land, air, and sea. It has become Mexico’s second most visited port of call for major cruise lines and pleasure boats.

One of America’s most attractive cities, San Francisco differs from other metropolitan areas in many charming ways. You’ll find plenty of picture-perfect moments in this “City by the Bay,” with its hilly streets, famous bridges and historic cable cars.