See the States: San Francisco, California

Founded by Spanish colonists in the same year the United States established its independence, San Francisco grew rapidly during the California Gold Rush to eventually become the second most densely populated city in the country after New York City. San Francisco survived an earthquake and fire that destroyed three-quarters of the city in 1906, became ground zero for the Summer of Love and the gay rights movement and is now one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world.

But there’s more to San Francisco than trolley cars and the Golden Gate Bridge. Explore San Fran’s famous Chinatown by walking under Dragon’s Gate to visit Tien Hou Temple and the other family friendly attractions that have replaced this once notorious red-light district. Enjoy the innovative and unconventional pieces in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Visit one of the most eccentric science museums in the world, The Exploratorium, to learn things they never taught in science class and brave the famous “Tactile Dome.” Or take a trip to the 25,000 square foot climbing center Planet Granite, which lets you ascend walls as high as 45 feet while giving you incredible views of the bay from the glass walls.

And that’s not even mentioning San Francisco’s many parks, beaches, restaurants and night life. No matter how long you stay, you’ll still find things to surprise you, so clear some time and book a NYC charter bus to get to know the famed City by the Bay.