Some suggestions:
1. Highly recommend Alcatraz, been at least 4-5 times, each visit to SFO, I go back. The place is crazy eerie, boasts the best views of the Bay Area and has night tours if that's you're thing.
While in SFO, Lombard Street is walking distance to the Piers area, take the cable cars through those scary hills, and hang on TIGHT!
2. Go to Austin, TX for the live music. Stay for the BBQ, Tex-Mex and Blueness in a State of Red.
3+ Don't do Contiki.
Plan your own way, include Greyhound/MegaBus and Amtrak for the experience (book ahead to save $$). MegaBus has fares between Austin and Houston for $0.50 if booked in advance, it's a 3-hour+ drive. BARGAIN!
Ride public transport, but register with Uber and Lyft.
Buy the T-Mobile 3-week tourist SIM card on arrival (
https://www.ultramobile.com/tourist/?icid=WMM_TMNG_PPEULTRA_AU4DD3J38PK7L3C8617764) or pre-purchase an AT&T before you leave Australia to activate when you land.
Prior to booking flights, ensure you have obtained your ESTA Visa (
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/).
Know how to tip properly, minimally just double the tax (which is on the receipt) or a buck for every drink at the bar, more if the drink is strong, cold and served fast.
Check your travel insurance thoroughly for inclusions/exclusions, top-up for full medical!
Pay for your trip on a credit card that provides motor vehicle insurance excess
If you're going during NRL season, use a VPN to extend your Kayo subscription!
Enjoy!