10 Tourist Traps in San Francisco You Can’t Miss

Controversial travel opinion: Some tourist traps are absolutely worth the fuss.

For example, overpaying for a (plastic) glass of champagne at a mini-bar at the top of the Eiffel Tower—a blatant tourist-trap cash grab. Does the champagne taste good? Not by Parisian standards. Are you paying an arm and a leg for something basic? Absolutely. Is it going to be crowded? Probably.

It’s a tourist trap, after all.

But it’s a special one. A memorable one. A meaningful one.

Though I spend a lot of time recommending ways that travelers can minimize the chance of getting tangled in a tourist trap web, there are times when you should live and let go.

And when it comes to US destinations with similar attractions, there’s no comparison to the tourist traps of San Francisco. They’re kitschy, they’ve been around for decades, and you’ve probably been avoiding most of them like the plague when you visit.

No more, my friends. These are the tourist traps in San Francisco that you can’t miss.

First up: not just my favorite tourist trap in SF, but possibly the state. Maybe even the country.

Tourist traps in San Francisco that you can’t miss

Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
RocketBoat
Chinatown
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factor
Alcatraz
Scoma’s Restaurant
Camera Obscura
Hippie Hill
Ghirardelli Square sundae
Vesuvio Café

Tourist traps in San Francisco that you can’t miss

Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar

One of the wackiest and perfectly kitsch restaurants in the US, the Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar is a staple. This tiki-style restaurant includes a moody lagoon and fake thunderstorms that sweep through the restaurant periodically.

Are the food and drinks the best in the city? No. But there’s a band that plays on a little boat floating in the fake lagoon, and I think that’s a great compromise.

RocketBoat

Departing seasonally from PIER 39, these small and flashy speedboats will zip you around San Francisco Bay at lightning speeds. Though closed in 2020 after a spat with the Coast Guard, it looks like RocketBoat is back up and running. Hand over your money if you like city views, fast rides, and the sea breeze.

Chinatown

Home to the US’s oldest and most historic Chinatown, this tourist trap has the potential to keep you busy for hours as you wander the streets. Whether you’re looking for the best food in Chinatown or simply want to shop at boutiques and pop into museums, there’s a cool adventure around every corner. Plus, it’s spend-what-you-want, unlike the other tourist traps listed here.

It’s not flashy or modern, and it doesn’t have an actual tour available—this is a real-life, mom-and-pop fortune cookie operation. Nestled right in the heart of Chinatown, it’s probably my second-favorite of all the tourist traps in San Francisco that you can’t miss. The only thing I love more than cookies is history. Also, the art of fortune-telling.

Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island needs no introduction. From its real-life history to its intimidating reputation, it’s one of the US’s most iconic dark tourist destinations. Since 1963, it’s operated as a museum—but many claim to still feel the ghostly presence of the thousands imprisoned on this island. That’s a lot of spook for a standard tourist trap.

Scoma’s Restaurant

Similar to Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the city’s most well-known tourist traps—and it’s been one for decades. Scoma’s opened in 1965, making its name thanks to its ‘pier to plate’ menu that’s born from the owners’ relationship to local fishers. It’s delicious, if crowded—and absolutely worth your time.

Camera Obscura

Not all tourist traps in San Francisco are easy to find. This one is slightly off the beaten path and usually regarded as a more cult-level tourist trap—one that locals also enjoy. It’s a small structure where you can see holograms. Just ask a local if it’s still open before you visit; I’ve seen conflicting reports about whether this camera obscura is still live.

Hippie Hill

(Photo By Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

Of all my Golden Gate Park adventures, my favorite was a visit to Hippie Hill. This well-known enclave in the larger park offers great views of the city and its iconic architecture. Just make sure you plan your route—Golden Gate Park is absolutely massive. I suggest bundling a visit to the Japanese Tea Gardens, as well.

Ghirardelli Square sundae

Chocolate lovers, assemble! There are dozens of ways to enjoy Ghirardelli Square, which is a small group of renovated factories where you can learn the art of chocolate making, explore galleries, and shop for chocolate products. I suggest going for the famous ice cream sundae.

Vesuvio Café

For half a century, Vesuvio Café has been one of the best dive bars on North Beach—one that got its name thanks to its famous Beat era patrons. It’s still frequented by locals who like the relaxed atmosphere and bohemian vibes. Stop in for a drink if you like casual bars with meaningful history.

9 Spiritual Experiences in Sedona for Beginners

Ever wondered what’s going on in Sedona with all those vortexes?

Aren’t even sure what a vortex is? And what supposed powers one could impart to a traveler like you?

Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. Questions about spirituality often piggyback on discussions of Sedona.

If you haven’t heard, Sedona is a stunning desert hideaway that’s home to a handful of ‘vortexes’. These are natural centers where energy gathers and amplifies within the area’s red rocks.

You might have heard of a few popular vortex sites, such as Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, or Airport Mesa. Aside from specific landmarks, the entire town of Sedona is sometimes dubbed a vortex.

To be brief, think of vortexes like energy centers that provide healing, steadying, and overall positive emotional benefits.

If you don’t believe in that stuff, the views are still great and the hikes are accessible. But if you do believe in the potential of energy vortexes, Sedona is a hard place to beat when it comes to wellness-focused vacations.

The big question is—how can you experience the spiritual side of Sedona? I’ve got tours, classes, and more lined up for you, all of which showcase a unique facet of the town.

Whether you want to dive all-in to the spiritual stuff or just get a lay of the land, these are the best spiritual experiences in Sedona, from casual adventures to full-on meditation retreats. First up, I’m recommending two companies that you can book multi-day tours with. After, I’ll cover single-day tours and classes.

Companies that offer spiritual experiences in Sedona: yoga & meditation

Sedona, AZ: Tourists around a Buddha statue at the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park. (Getty)

Vita Pura Yoga Tours

If you’re interested in putting together a package that includes yoga, meditation, hiking, and breathwork around Sedona’s red rocks, start here. Tours include a stay at a four-star hotel, along with the chance to craft the perfect itinerary for your needs. Or, if you’re staying at an Airbnb in Sedona, you can also schedule a visit from the Vita Pura Yoga team for a private lesson.

Sedona Meditation Experiences

Looking for unique meditation sessions that capture the magic of Sedona’s red rocks and vortexes? Sedona Meditation Experience offers private or group classes, along with half-day or full-day sessions. You can meditate at the vortexes, balance your chakras, meditate under the full moon (or new moon), and more.

Spiritual experiences in Sedona: best tours

Friends walking on pathway on Bell Rock Loop. (Getty)

Sedona Vortex Odyssey

Aren’t sure if you believe in vortexes? Start with this in-a-van, three-hour tour that introduces the town’s most famous sites. As the tour unravels, you’ll learn about Sedona’s history, its spiritual significance, and the scientific studies that have both proved and challenged certain beliefs about the area’s geology. Perfect for on-the-fence visitors.

The Ultimate Sedona Experience

This Jeep tour is also great for anyone who isn’t sure they want to dedicate six hours to vortex studies. Instead, you’ll drift a bit further from Sedona’s center to uncover the area’s coolest locations, including Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Airport Scenic Viewpoint (a vortex), and the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. The latter is perfect for those who still need to do some souvenir-hunting.

Sedona Vortex and the City Tour

This private tour has it all—a visit to Sedona’s most gorgeous Red Rock sites, a pop-in to a vortex or two, and then a well-rounded city tour to round things off. Expect to stop for hot drinks, hear insider stories about life in Sedona, and see sites like Chapel of the Holy Cross.

The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour

Before we dive into the more spiritually-minded vortex and Sedona tours, I’m recommending an adjacent UFO tour. Given its penchant for alternative thinking and living, Sedona has also become a hotspot for Ufologists. If you’re open to an encounter from the other kind, this tour takes you to three of the best night sky viewing locations. If not, enjoy the unspoiled constellations.

2.5-Hour Jeep Tour of Mysticism

This tour includes both hiking and jeep rides, getting you off the beaten path and face-to-face with Sedona’s vortexes. Not only will you stop by popular vortexes, but also lesser-known spots that locals know how to navigate. Even if you aren’t looking for a spiritual experience, you’ll still get to learn about the history of the vortexes and our modern understanding of their potential.

Private Vortex Tour

Helmed by Professor Todd Denny, who has been shouted out on both NPR and PBS, this private vortex tour lets you dive deep into vortex knowledge. He can give you hands-on advice on how to experience their power and transformational qualities. Plus, you’ll also get a bit of background on the area’s significance to the Yavapai-Apache tribes.

3-hour Sedona Spirit and Vortex Journey

This tour is designed to take you straight out into the Red Rock landscape to Sedona’s most powerful vortexes. The tour is focused on natural wonders, as well, making it great if you like to feel connected to the Earth—even if vortex meditations aren’t really your thing. Photographers are also welcome.

Park Hyatt Hotel Opens in World’s Second-Tallest Skyscraper: Malaysia’s Merdeka

Merdeka 118 might be the last megatall skyscraper ever built, which makes its recent completion even more poignant. Standing at 118 stories tall at 2,227 feet and second only to the Burj Khalifa, it dominates Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.

If you’re not into architecture, you might recognize this famous megatall skyscraper from Skywalkers, a tale about two urban explorers with a penchant for death-defying climbs. If not, know that one highly athletic and fearless couple actually (illegally) scaled Merdeka 118 during construction.

And that was famously during the 2022 World Cup Finals, when security guards were distracted by the big game.

That should clue you in: construction on Merdeka 118 has been underway for a while. In fact, ground was first broken back in 2014. Ten years later, in January 2024, the megatall skyscraper celebrated its grand opening—but has since remained closed to the public.

That is, until August 7, 2025, when Merdeka 118’s Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Hotel opened its doors and began taking reservations.

That makes this Park Hyatt one of the tallest in the world, spanning floors 75-115 of the world’s second-tallest mega-skyscraper.

Inside the new Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Hotel

The brand new Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur spans a whopping 40 floors of Merdeka 118, including an on-site restaurant (Merdeka Grill and Park Lounge), a chocolate-themed bar (Cacao Mixology & Chocolate), and a full wellness center floor, which offers a spa, fitness center, infinity pool, and lounge.

The Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Hotel includes 252 guestrooms and suites, all of which come with floor-to-ceiling windows. Interiors are designed to reflect traditional Malay homes, from the artwork to the color palette to the accents and woven textiles.

As with other ultra-lux Hyatt destinations, room rates aren’t for the faint of heart. However, World of Hyatt has rolled out a few bonuses that members can take advantage of, including the 500 Reasons to Stay Here program, which applies to the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Hotel until November 30, 2025.

Coolest Museums in the World That Don’t Get Enough Attention

Le Louvre, the British Museum, the Uffizi Gallery, the MET—we tend to hear about the same museums over and over again.

And while they’re definitely worth a visit, they hog the limelight. Worse, many travelers might not spare more than one visit to a museum during their trip into town, either due to the crowds or the cost. Some might even assume museums are always dry and boring, and avoid them like the plague.

That last point is fair. Many museums are dry, academic, and sterile.

Or, at least, they used to be.

Museums are undergoing a bit of a revolution in which they’re transforming into more dynamic, experiential, artistic, and creative centers for knowledge and learning. And some of them are works of art in their own right, regardless of whether the museum’s focus is joyful, sobering, or neutral.

Ready to take a closer look at the coolest museums in the world, I guarantee you haven’t heard about? Or, at least, a lot about?

Let’s dig in. I’ve got picks from all the continents, barring Antarctica.

Coolest museums in the world that you never hear about

Museo Anahuacalli (Mexico City, Mexico)

Created by artist Diego Rivera in Mexico City’s Tepetlapa neighborhood, this museum is the world’s premier collection of pre-Columbian artwork. Rivera’s goal was to create a museum that reflected Mexican culture, tradition, and identity—where he would ultimately store his extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and pieces of art.

You can wander this iconic museum, built with organic, sloped angles and volcanic rock, and get an up-close look at Olmec, Toltec, Nahuatl, Zapotec, Teotihuacan, and other pieces. The difference is that you’re experiencing art and culture in a museum built by someone with a passion for their ancestry and cultural inheritance instead of a museum built by an academic or anthropological group, which is pretty unprecedented.

Ghibli Museum (Tokyo, Japan)

If you know about Japanese anime, then you know about Studio Ghibli, headed by illustrator and storyteller Hayao Miyazaki. Even if you don’t know about Japanese anime, you’ve likely seen some of Studio Ghibli’s most iconic characters, from Totoro to Kiki.

The museum, which explores the studio’s most famous projects, is considered one of the best in the world. In fact, tickets (which are sold a month in advance) usually sell out immediately. If you want to get your tickets, you probably need to work with an online service.

War Remnants Museum (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

If you’ve visited Ho Chi Minh City, I’m sure you heard about the War Remnants Museum. Like the title suggests, it’s home to a range of exhibits that explore the Vietnam War, or, as it’s known in Vietnam, the American War or the Resistance War Against America.

That should clue you in to what’s in store; you’re going to learn a lot about the twenty-year conflict from the Vietnamese perspective. Let me paint an even better picture: Back when I visited in 2013, it was called the Museum of American War Crimes.

Salvador Dali Museum (Figueres, Spain)

This insane project is housed in the former Figueres Theatre, located in the town where Salvador Dali grew up. The museum was designed by Dali himself and includes a broad range of projects, works, and ideas from his 85-year career. I have to be blunt—this museum felt a little bit like stepping into an 80s fever dream that Lady Gaga would have loved.

That being said, if you’re interested in contemporary art, and especially Dali’s take, you can’t miss out. The artist’s tomb was particularly sobering and inspiring, located in the basement of the museum.

Residenz München (Munich, Germany)

Featured in my recent piece on German Palaces, Residenz München is a former palace-turned-museum that lets you wander around a former royal residence. Your jaw is almost guaranteed to drop as you wander through the dozens of rooms and exhibits, which are laden with opulent designs, fabrics, jewels, and artworks.

Dennis Severs’ House (London, UK)

Though one of London’s lesser-known museums, Dennis Severs’ House is one of my favorite museum concepts ever. The museum was a passion project from Severs during his 20-year stint living at the house from 1979-99. During that time, he transformed the grounds into a series of rooms that would reflect the domestic life of a Huguenot family from the 1700s and 1800s.

Why? I don’t know. Ask Dennis. According to one of his close friends, the setup is more like a theatre set than a historic museum, almost like a ‘still life drama’.

Hong Kong Museum of History (Hong Kong)

What makes the Hong Kong Museum of History so endlessly explorable? Well, Hong Kong has a fascinating history, one that involves a multitude of cultures and traditions. Second, Hong Kong is tiny, meaning those cultures have melded into something unique and distinct, from its approach to national security to space exploration. Third, it’s a top-notch and award-winning museum that’s free to the public.

I highly suggest planning a visit to this museum if you’re heading to Hong Kong. It will give you a very valuable crash course on the tiny island and its cultural history.

Zeitz MOCAA Museum (Cape Town, South Africa)

Considered one of the most important cultural institutions in Africa, this contemporary art museum showcases modern African exhibits and collections, along with pieces from the African diaspora. The museum is open to the public, offering tours, enrichment programs, and more.

For any fans of contemporary art who are heading to Cape Town, don’t miss out. In fact, if you’re a hardcore contemporary art fan, you might want to visit just to see this larger-than-life museum.

Tequendama House Museum (Soacha, Colombia)

Located in a formerly abandoned train station overlooking one of the country’s grandest waterfalls, the Tequendama House Museum is like stepping into a Gabriel Garcia Marquez scene. The goal in preserving the abandoned train station is to reclaim the area for Colombia’s heritage, which includes plenty of exhibits on biodiversity, along with history.

Funds are funneled toward local preservation efforts, making this museum one of the most ethical in the group.

Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) (Berriedale, Australia)

Welcome to one of the coolest museums in the world—and one of the most controversial, thanks to its hyper-experimental exhibits. That being said, this is one of the coolest museums in the world thanks to the fact that it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

It’s designed to be a hangout space where people can discuss art, debate it, and maybe even have a laugh. You can also grab a drink and a bite to eat. Just consider checking the list of exhibits before you visit; usually, this is a polarizing museum.

Go Full Scallywag on the 6 Best Pirate Ship Cruises in Florida

Looking for an alternative adventure in Florida? Forget the amusement parks and the long beach days—there’s another thrilling and sea-centric offer in the Sunshine State. And it’s pretty hard to beat.

I’m talking about pirate ship cruises in Florida.

Imagine stepping aboard a wooden, galleon-style vessel where you can take to the seas—just without all the danger and disease. Under the guidance of an experienced captain, it’s part joy-cruise and part theatre show. (And maybe even part booze-cruise, if there’s a bar.)

In short, pirate ship cruises are a perfect adventure for kids while still being memorable and unique for adults—especially those who love to get out on the water.

Ready to unleash your inner scallywag? Book one of these pirate ship cruises in Florida.

Best pirate ship cruises in Florida

Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, Clearwater Beach

Book direct or via TripAdvisor

Board The Pirates Ransom to strike out and plunder the clear skies of Clearwater Beach. Expect pirate stories, music games, water gun battles, and treasure hunts for kiddos. Adults can sip on complementary soft drinks or head to the cash bar. As an added bonus, you might even spy some jumping dolphins riding the waves.

Tampa Pirate Ship – The Lost Pearl, Tampa

Book direct or via TripAdvisor

You can’t miss The Lost Pearl, an iconic and red-painted vessel waiting for you in the Tampa marina. Though it’s a bit shorter than other pirate ship cruises in Florida at 1.5 hours, you can choose from different cruises, from a day cruise to a sunset cruise to a private tour. Expect water cannon fun and a free bar.

Black Raven Pirate Ship, St. Augustine

Book direct or via TripAdvisor

The Black Raven is a theatrical pirate experience, designed to delight participants of all ages. Performers are dedicated and experienced, usually riffing with the crowd instead of sticking to rehearsed lines. If you don’t have the kids with you, book their Club 21+ experience, which is an adults-only show with drinks.

Miami Pirate Boat Tour: Skyline & Millionaires’ Homes, Miami

Book direct or via TripAdvisor

Are you surprised to learn that Miami offers the most upscale pirate ship cruise in Florida? This ornate pirate ship ferries you around Biscayne Bay, where you can spot some of Miami Beach’s most iconic spots, including homes on Millionaire’s Road. Just don’t expect too much over-the-top pirate fanfare for kids—though they’re more than welcome, this is partly a city tour from the water.

Pirate Adventures of Cortez, Cortez

Book direct or via TripAdvisor

If you want a full-on pirate tour experience, look no further. This pirate ship includes outfits for dress-up, along with a real treasure hunt that includes an enemy encroacher—tiny pirates should be prepared to man the adorable water cannons and defend the ship! Adults, meanwhile, will enjoy the views around Anna Maria Island.

Pirates of Marco Island, Marco Island

Book direct or via TripAdvisor

Similar to the Pirate Adventures of Cortez, this pirate cruise lets your kids step into the role of a seafaring buccaneer. The cruise is highly interactive, including plenty of props and water guns. Though it’s only an hour long, it’s plenty of time to get the lay of the land. You can also book sunset cruises for a more relaxing journey.

Buccaneer Pirate Cruise in Destin, Destin

Book direct or via TripAdvisor

Designed with plenty of theatrics, you can kick back and enjoy the show on this pirate cruise. Kids will be brought into the fold for interactive skits, including a dancing sword fight and treasure hunt. There’s also a bar for adults who want to sip on a cocktail while enjoying views of the Emerald Coast.

Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise, Panama City Beach

Book direct or via TripAdvisor

This two-hour cruise often includes dolphin sightings along with its non-stop pirate fare. There’s plenty of music and activities for the kids to enjoy, while parents can sip on cold beer and even shop for souvenirs. Just know that this experience is more heavily geared toward young kids.

One Sherpa is Ringing the Alarm About Modern Mt. Everest Tourism

If you’ve heard anything about summitting Mt. Everest in Nepal, you’ve probably heard the word ‘Sherpa’ in the conversation.

The Sherpa people are an ethnic group native to Nepal, along with parts of India and Tibet. They share a lot of culture with Tibetan groups, having originated in the eastern Khams area of the region before migrating west.

Today, they’re renowned for guiding hopeful summiteers up Mt. Everest toward its peak.

And those mountaineers, no matter how experienced, wouldn’t be able to summit the world’s tallest peak without the help of Sherpas. Sherpas have traditional ecological knowledge that allows them to summit the mountains of their homelands, along with experience ascending and descending.

When you look at Mt. Everest climbing records, Nepalese Sherpas hold the records for the most frequent summits. Kami Rita achieved his 31^st summit last May, followed by Pasang Dawa with 29 summits and Ngima Nuru with 24.

Let’s keep in mind, too, that Sherpas aren’t superheroes.

They’re hard workers, tough to the bone, and they know a thing or two about their home turf.

And they’re the absolute authorities on Mt. Everest—and I mean that in every sense, including literally, spiritually, culturally, and beyond.

So, why is one experienced Sherpa ringing the alarm bells over current Mt. Everest tourism?

Mingma Sherpa’s viral video shows that overtourism is taking hold

Sherpa Mingna D or Mingma Gyabu Sherpa is one of the most experienced Sherpas in the world. He’s summited Everest seven times, and has plenty of mountaineering experience beyond Mt. Everest. You might recognize him from 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.

On July 15, he shared a video that has since gone viral. The video shows a long and narrow cue that snakes up the side of Mt. Everest toward the summit, showing dozens of climbers in colorful gear.

It looks more like a line at an amusement park than at the world’s tallest mountaintop.

The caption reads, “Traffic at Mt. Everest – 8848.86m. The 2025 season on Mt. Everest has been one of the busiest yet—filled with record-breaking attempts and constant activity that, in truth, only serves short-term pride while putting immense pressure on our sacred mountain. It’s time we reflect. We must pause and reconsider how we approach Everest, not just for ourselves but for the mountain’s future.

Everest has given us countless opportunities—not only to the people of Nepal, but it has also played a vital role in supporting our national economy. Today, through this post, I humbly request all expedition companies, climbers, and leaders in the mountaineering community to raise their voices against this unchecked competition, the effects of global warming, and the often-overlooked hardships of the Sherpa people.

This is Mingma Sherpa, speaking out for our mountains, our people, and the generations to come. Let’s stop, think, and act before it’s too late.”

Sherpa Mingma’s message: stop and reconsider

If you feel like the overtourism machine is now running in overdrive, you aren’t alone. Across the world, cities and authorities managing popular landmarks are grappling with the realization that swift action is needed.

And it looks like there are a few possibilities for changing the current summitting operations for Mt. Everest:

Create a lottery system or a daily cap on the number of summiteers allowed to climb, similar to hiking trails in Canada or Machu Picchu in Peru. This idea is a little complicated because weather conditions (which change daily) affect how groups are able to summit.
Prevent all mountaineers from climbing. Bhutan, for example, has declared its mountains sacred and prevents any tourism ventures from disturbing its spiritual locations. Given Nepal’s dependence on Mt. Everest-related tourism, it might be too risky to eliminate tourism altogether.
More training and education for authorities, tourists, and Sherpas. Mingma Sherpa mentions in his other videos that the qualified Sherpa population is declining. With a bit of financial and organizational support, climbing habits can be shaped and improved, along with the resources aimed at local Sherpa guides.