There are lots of things to love about your vacation in the city by the Bay. First off, there are a plethora of exciting activities and scenic drives that you can explore. On top of that, you have the freedom to explore the area without the rush if you decide to drive a rental car SFO around your destination of choice. So, here are a few things that will make you fall in love about the place the moment you arrive at the famous San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Places you can explore during your stay in San Francisco

You can start your trip by knowing the iconic landmarks and neighborhoods particularly when you are planning to consider a car rental service at the SFO.

Golden Gate Bridge – Part of your visit is the beauty of driving across the Golden Gate Bridge and making a stop at the Vista Point for some breathtaking views.

Twin Peaks – You may also ascend to the Twin Peaks for panoramic views of the city.

Lombard Street – Or better yet, navigate the famous crooked street and enjoy the picturesque view.

Fisherman’s Wharf – Of course, who can ignore this lively area with shops, restaurants, and attractions like Pier 39 and the sea lions.

Visiting the city of San Francisco also lets you enjoy precious moments with friends or family while going across the scenic drives the place has to offer.

Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) – You may take a scenic drive down this iconic highway where you can stop by Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and Monterey to experience marvelous sights of the Bay Area.

17-Mile Drive – You can also drive through this stunning route in Pebble Beach, known for its scenic beauty, the Lone Cypress, and luxurious homes.

Napa Valley – If you love wine tasting, you can enjoy a day trip to wine country, exploring vineyards and wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma.

Other places worth exploring when driving a rental car around SF

If you are a lover of nature and outdoor activities, you can explore these equally famous places in SFO.

• Muir Woods National Monument is a good location where you can drive to see the giant redwoods and enjoy some hiking.
• Point Reyes National Seashore is a bit further afield, but worth the drive for beautiful coastal scenery and wildlife.
• Mount Tamalpais is also a good spot as you can drive up for stunning views and hiking opportunities.
• Golden Gate Park is a location within the city where you can drive through an expansive park and get a chance to visit attractions like the Japanese Tea Garden and the California Academy of Sciences.

Apart from that, you can explore other cultural and historical sites such as the following:

• Alcatraz Island
• Mission District
• Haight-Ashbury
• Palace of Fine Arts

Nearby towns and day trips include locations such as Sausalito, Berkeley, as well as Tiburon and Angel Island. Maybe you should visit places that offer culinary adventures and family-friendly activities within the area. You may also like places where you can shop and enjoy entertainment at its best such as Union Square, among other locations.

Things you need if you opt to drive a rental vehicle in San Fran

Driving in San Francisco as a tourist requires a valid driver’s license (an international permit is recommended if your license isn’t in English), car rental insurance, and familiarity with local traffic rules. With that, you need to be prepared for steep hills, one-way streets, and challenging parking conditions.

Basically, you should be familiar with using GPS for navigation, and watch out for cyclists and pedestrians in the crowded streets of the city. Moreover, it helps if you use parking apps to find favorable spots and avoid hefty fines.

So, you have to plan your routes to include iconic drives like crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and exploring scenic areas like the Pacific Coast Highway. Thus, you will enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace by booking via Avis Car Rental service to have the flexibility to explore these attractions as you discover more along the way.

Perhaps it’s about time to prepare your itinerary and book your trip to San Francisco in an off-peak season to maximize your holiday experience.