San Francisco: Wharf, hills and home runs

We started with Virgin flights to San Francisco and checked into the Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf. It was a brilliant base: a great location for exploring and a fantastic breakfast that kept us going all day. Staying near Fisherman’s Wharf meant we could easily wander to Pier 39 to see the famous sea lions. Watching them bask, bark and jostle for space on the pontoons was simple but unforgettable fun.

We took the ferry across to Alcatraz for the audio tour, which really brought the island’s prison history to life, with amazing views back to the city and Golden Gate Bridge. To see more of the city we used the Hop On Hop Off bus, stopping at: Golden Gate Park to visit the serene Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Bridge for those must have photos, Union Square for a spot of shopping. A big highlight was heading to Oracle Park to watch the San Francisco Giants. The atmosphere, the ballpark views and the energy of the game made it a real standout evening. Of course, we also rode the famous tram cars, clinging on as they rattled up and down San Francisco’s steep streets. It is such a classic way to experience the city.

Las Vegas: Desert, lights and big views

Next, we flew on to Las Vegas. The May heat was intense, but with plenty of shade, air con and pool time, we coped. We took a day trip to the Grand Canyon, visiting Eagle Point. Standing on the edge, looking out across the vast, layered rock formations, was a true “pinch me” moment and a major bucket list tick. Back in Vegas, we explored the Strip, dipping in and out of the iconic hotels: Bellagio with its dancing fountains, Caesars Palace with its grand Roman style, The Venetian with its canals and “blue sky” ceilings, The Cosmopolitan, where we tracked down the famous secret pizza place. There was time for shopping too, with everything from designer stores to more casual outlets.

One of the absolute highlights was seeing Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil. The mix of music, dance and acrobatics was incredible and felt like a real once in a lifetime show. We also visited the Mob Museum, for a fascinating look at the city’s darker history, and headed up the STRAT, the tallest viewpoint in Vegas, for sweeping views over the Strip and out to the desert.

What made this trip so special was that each of us had our own “must dos”, and we managed to fit them all into one amazing itinerary: sport, shows, iconic sights, history, coast and desert. It was the perfect way to celebrate turning 50 together: a US adventure packed with memories that we will talk about for years to come.

If you are dreaming of a similar milestone trip, this kind of San Francisco and Las Vegas twin centre works beautifully and can be tailored to their own wish list of must see sights and experiences.