Car Hire San Francisco International Airport

A quick guide to San Francisco

San Francisco is probably the biggest small city in America. While its physical size is nothing to rival the likes of New York or Los Angeles, it has a strong sense of identity that makes it a special city to explore and experience.

After all, San Francisco is the birthplace of social revolutions going right the way back to its hippie heyday – as a nostalgic stroll down Haight-Ashbury can attest. And the spirit of this iconic era is alive and well today.

Bay-utiful

San Francisco Bay has been an inspiration to many poets and artists over the years. Rock up and admire its sweeping views and sparkling waters – it’s one of the most iconic sights of the West Coast.

For the most spectacular vantage point, head to Lands End Lookout. On this rocky, windswept shoreline you can sit back and soak up this beautiful backdrop, before taking a scenic bushland hike.

In the middle of the bay is Alcatraz Island – the notorious former prison that you can visit by boat. You’re sure to come away with some fascinating tales from inside its walls.

Hip to be square

San Francisco could be considered as the Melbourne of the US. It’s where hip was born. But, it’s not all flat whites and berets here – this city is bursting with culture.

A good place to start is in Chinatown – the oldest in North America – where you can dine on delicious delicacies with an intriguing Californian twist. Then visit the California Academy of Science, which is not so much thought-provoking as mind-blowing. You’ll find an abundance of engaging, interactive and perspective-changing exhibits at its Exploratorium.

To experience a true taste of San Fran, head to Union Square. It’s adorned with cultured hangouts and brunch spots where you can embrace the hipster lifestyle to the max – flat white, beret and all – and feel part of the ultimate scene.

Californication

California demands to be explored – and a hire car really lets you take advantage of everything the Golden State has to offer. It’s only around 20 kilometres to Muir Woods, to the north, where you can escape the inner-city buzz and surround yourself in gorgeous, lush and ancient redwood forests.

Head a little further up the US-1 and you’ll see the woodlands make way for the glorious coastline. Point Reyes National Seashore is a great whale-watching spot in the autumn and spring, and a sight to behold all year round.

If you feel like going further, Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region, and the Mendocino National Forest is made for awe-inspiring hikes off the beaten track.

Car hire from San Francisco Airport allows you to see the best of this mesmerising city, as well as hit the open road to discover more of the West Coast and beyond.

Driving in and around San Francisco

San Francisco International Airport stands right next to the Bay and it’s a short 20km drive from here into the heart of the city along Route 101. This legendary road stretches across the city – taking you from the airport, through the Mission District, all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge to the north.

You can take the road all the way to Washington State if you feel the call of the Pacific Northwest. While it’ll take you the best part of a day to get there, it’s a popular road trip if you’re looking to see more during your stay.

Then there’s the I-280 highway, which takes you to the waterfront areas outside of downtown and runs south to San Jose. Serene coastal cruises beckon on the Great Highway – you’ll find yourself on this route on your way between Golden Gate Park and San Francisco Zoo – and the epic Pacific Coast Highway beyond.

With your car hire from San Francisco Airport it’s easy to reach other destinations around California, including Berkeley and Oakland, just across the Bay via the I-80. The biggest city in the state, Los Angeles, is just over 600 kilometres south via the CA-1 Pacific Highway.

San Francisco’s roads are comprised of one-way systems, tram lines and toll crossings. Speed limits vary between 24km/h near schools to 40km/h in residential areas and 55km/h on other city streets. These rise to 104km/h, or sometimes 112km/h, on multi-lane highways.

Traffic can get heavy around the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge during rush hour so it’s worth planning your journey to avoid peak times. You might spot carpool lanes, sometimes known as diamond lanes because of their painted pattern. To drive in these lanes you need a set number of passengers, so keep an eye out for signs.

California operates a Basic Speed Law, which means you can be penalised for driving faster than is safe for the conditions – even if you’re below the speed limit.