This bay cruise offers inside and outside seating. (My 2-year-old got a bit chilled, and we had to spend part of the cruise indoors, but our view was still great). You get an up-close view of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and the San Francisco coast line. Interesting narration is available in several languages on headsets. Some of the narration on the loudspeaker is hard to hear in spots because of the wind. The boat was not overloaded, so there was plenty of space to walk around or sit.

As I sat on the deck staring at the beautiful San Francisco sky line as the sun lit up the water and birds flew above, I realized this is the best way to travel. No bridge tolls or traffic jams to contend with. Instead, I ordered a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, found a comfortable seat and relaxed as I cruised 15 minutes to the dock in the town of Tiburon.