Blue and Gold Fleet

One of the best ways to see San Francisco Bay is to take a cruise. Several companies offer rides that vary from day trips to Alcatraz or Angel Islands, voyages on old-style sailing schooners or the big tourist boats with dozens of passengers on board. San Francisco's Mediterranean climate can get pretty breezy and cool so it's best to bring a windbreaker or sweater along for the ride.

The Blue & Gold Fleet offers a one-hour narrated tour around the San Francisco Bay. Visitors will marvel at the sight of the Golden Gate Bridge looming over their heads and see Alcatraz Island rise out of the mists. The Blue & Gold Fleet departs from Pier 39. For more information call 415-773-1188.

Rendezvous Charters

Rendezvous Charters provide a romantic ride around the Bay on board a 1935 sailing ship. A trip back to the days of sail costs only $22.50. The voyages depart from South Beach Harbor, Pier 40. For more information call 415-543- 7333.

Adventure Cats

Pier 39 is also the home of Adventure Cat charter boats offering one-and-a-half-hour-long catamaran rides. The cat sails to Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge as you take in the memorable Frisco skyline.

For more information call 1-800-498-4228.