Make the most of your time in San Francisco by visiting the many fantastic attractions this vibrant city has to offer. With a chilled out atmosphere and plenty to see and do in this west coast metropolis, there's always something to capture your attention. It's not just the city itself that warrants a visit though, as making use of a rented car in San Francisco on your arrival can open up a whole array of nearby places to explore in the California sunshine.
Completed in 1937, and at the time of its opening the longest suspension bridge in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge is a breathtaking addition to the San Francisco skyline. It's a stunning attraction that you'll want to see during your time spent in the city, made all the easier by renting a car in San Francisco.
Take a step back in time by visiting the iconic Alcatraz Island, home to one of the most famous penitentiaries in the world. Famed as being an inescapable prison and home to some of the most notorious inmates in US history, Alcatraz Island is today open to the public and offers tours where visitors can find out all about its rich past.
Located in San Francisco's North Beach area, Fisherman's Wharf is one of the city's busiest tourist destinations. It offers stunning views of the bay area and is home to museums, restaurants and plenty of attractions for the whole family, including games, fairground rides, nautical excursions and much more to see and do.
Just an hour's drive south-east from bustling San Francisco resides the equally enthralling San Jose. Surrounded by the rolling hills of Silicon Valley, it offers an array of beautiful architecture and is a destination basking in the California sunshine. Visitors should head to attractions including the Tech Museum of Innovation, as well as exploring the city's historic downtown area. The Winchester Mystery House is another destination not to be missed, with its quirky style, labyrinthine interior and staircases that lead to nowhere.
All those eager to escape the hustle and bustle of city life during a trip to San Francisco can get back to nature by exploring the wonders of Yosemite National Park. The park can be found approximately three hours east of the city by car and offers everything from hiking in the picturesque Yosemite Valley to exploring the stunning surroundings of Yosemite Falls. Spread over almost 750,000 hectares, the park attracts more than 4.3 million visitors each year.
Around an hour-and-a-half's drive north of San Francisco lies the pastoral grandeur of Napa Valley. One of America's most famous wine-making areas, it offers a verdant landscape crying out to be explored by adventurous visitors. Guests can take a tasting tour of the region's many wineries, jump on a tandem bike to view the area in all its splendour or simply relax and unwind at one of Napa Valley's many fantastic eateries. Ideal times to visit are around harvest season (August through October) each year.
A smaller, automatic will deal well with the steep hills and more confined parking that is common in the city and is a popular San Francisco rental.
San Francisco International Airport
Yes, there are several toll roads in the San Francisco area, as well as tolls for the use of bridges including the Golden Gate Bridge.
May, at 325.1 hours of sunlight on average.
December, at 116 mm of rainfall on average.
Carnaval Festival & Parade, North Beach Festival, Union Street Festival