When it comes to traveling in California, San Francisco is not only the first choice of many tourists, but also the city with the most direct flights from Taiwan. Driving across the orange Golden Gate Bridge, experiencing the undulating street scene, and walking slowly at the junction of the mountains and the sea, this city, which carries the rich history and culture of the U.S. and its diverse communities, as well as being full of natural scenery, innovation and technology, is a city that will absolutely leave you wanting to go on and on. If you're looking for a more in-depth exploration and the freedom to explore, renting a car in San Francisco is the most convenient option for you. Whether you're visiting downtown San Francisco for the first time, or exploring the natural beauty of Northern California for the first time, the journey begins when you step into the car!
This post organizes theSan Francisco Car Rental and DrivingWe've also selected 10 must-see recommendations to make your San Francisco driving trip easier and more exciting.
Explore San Francisco's rich history, landscapes and diverse cultures on a free car rental tour.
San Francisco, located in northwestern California, is a waterfront city that blends history, technology and the arts. Surrounded by the ocean on three sides, the city's rolling terrain and steep, winding streets create postcard-worthy views of the coast from the hills above. The Gold Rush, which began in 1848, led to San Francisco's rapid growth into one of the most prosperous cities on the West Coast at the time. In more recent times, the rise of the technology industry has made San Francisco, along with neighboring Silicon Valley, a major center for innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting a large number of technological talent and start-up companies.
Culturally, it was an important source of hippie culture, the LGBTQ movement and social reform, and the city's flying rainbow flag symbolizes diversity and tolerance. Founded in the 1840s, San Francisco's Chinatown is one of the oldest Chinese neighborhoods in North America, and remains a major Chinese immigrant settlement, preserving the rich cultural traditions of the Chinese people of the past and the bustling commercial activity of the present day.
Importantly, San Francisco is more than just a city. The combination of mountains, lakes, and oceans around San Francisco provides even more reasons to visit for travelers who love the outdoors, enjoy taking pictures, and exploring nature. In less than half a day's drive, you can walk through lush virgin forests or listen to the gentle murmur of wild sea lions. With a city that caters to all tastes, how can you not experience it for yourself?
San Francisco Car Rental Guide: How to Rent a Car, What Insurance to Choose?
If you're planning a trip to the surrounding San Francisco attractions,Experience Highway 1Or to save the energy of walking and climbing in the urban area, self-driving is the most energy-saving and convenient way. In the previousU.S. Car Rental TipsIn the article, we covered all the things you need to know about renting a car in San Francisco, but we're just going to highlight a few things you need to know about renting a car in San Francisco.
Car Rental Locations
- Airport Pickup: After arriving at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), you can go directly to the rental car center with a wide selection of models. （You can choose from a wide selection of rental car models. (Choose Sky Horse to pick up your rental car outside the terminal for a more convenient and time-saving experience.)
- Pick-up in the city: If you wish to take public transportation when you are in the city and rent a car when you go to the outlying attractions, you can also choose to pick up your car at one of our rental car locations in the city. (If you choose Sky Horse, you can pick up your rental car at a location of your choice, such as outside a hotel, and have it delivered directly to you.)
Rental Car Insurance Options
Similar to other places in the U.S., but because of the high risk of car theft in downtown San Francisco, you can add window and tire coverage. (Sky Horse provides a "Driver's Companion Handbook" before the trip, reminding you of the safety precautions for property in the car, and that you should leave the car empty, and that in the past year there have only been one or two cases of car windows being knocked out due to guests accidentally leaving items in the car.) If you plan to travel to remote mountain areas or national parks, roadside assistance can be added.
The following are common insurance programs:
- CDW / LDW (Collision Damage Waiver): Recommended to cover damage to your vehicle.
- SLI (Third Party Liability Insurance): Coverage for injuries to others or damage to property, recommended.
🚧 Warm reminder: Sky Horse provides three clear and transparent plans for the convenience of travelers, listing the coverage items of each plan, so that travelers do not have to worry about paying unnecessary fees because of unfamiliarity with U.S. car rental insurance. Take Sky Horse's Enhanced B plan as an example, it covers collision and theft, tire and window (windshield) damage, and provides roadside assistance.
Extended Reading:Things to know about renting a car in San Francisco,San Francisco Driving Tips (Steep Hills Driving, Parking & Safety)
San Francisco Car Rental｜Top 10 Recommended Driving Scenic Spots in the Area
The following 10 recommended attractions are all within a half-day's drive from downtown San Francisco, without traffic:
1. Golden Gate Bridge
Distance from downtown San Francisco：approx. 8 kilometers｜Drive time：approx. 15 minutes
Opened in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge has become one of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks. The reddish orange color of the bridge is not only iconic, but has been defined as "International Orange," which matches the natural surroundings and enhances visibility in dense fog. The Golden Gate Bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait, connecting the city of San Francisco to Marin County in the North Bay, and is an important section of U.S. Highway 101 and California State Highway 1. Both the north and south ends of the bridge are equipped with observation decks, including Battery Spencer, which is the best angle for viewing and photographing the panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Whether it's a misty morning view or a sunset silhouette, it's a fascinating sight to behold. Driving across this spectacular and time-honored bridge, once the longest suspension bridge and tallest tower, is an experience you won't want to miss in San Francisco.
2. Twin Peaks / Twin Peaks Twin Peaks
Distance from downtown San Francisco：approx. 7 kilometers｜Distance by car：approx. 20 minutes
Located just west of downtown San Francisco, Twin Peaks (also known as Gemini Peak) is over 280 meters high, making it ideal for those who want to see San Francisco from above, and the parking lot at the top of the hill is only a 20-minute drive away (no hiking or walking required). On a clear day, the view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the downtown skyline and the entire San Francisco Bay is breathtaking. Sunrise and sunset are especially stunning and a favorite among photographers. However, the wind is strong on the mountain, so it is recommended to bring a jacket or hat to keep warm. In addition, due to the large number of tourists, there are occasional car thefts, so you can take turns getting out of the car to take pictures, or bring your personal belongings out of the car to be safer.
3. Lands End
📍Distance from downtown San Francisco：approx. 11 kilometers｜Distance by car：approx. 20 minutes
Rands Point is a nature preserve in the northwest corner of San Francisco with spectacular cliff walks and coastal views. With views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the ruins of the Sutro Baths, and a rocky beach, it's one of the few areas in the city where you can get up close and personal with the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Though not often mentioned in San Francisco travel articles, this corner of the city known as "Land's End" has its own charm for travelers who like to go off the beaten path for hiking and photography.
4. Berkeley
📍Distance from downtown San Francisco：approx. 22 kilometers｜Distance by car：approx. 30 minutes
The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is located in the city of Berkeley. In addition to strolling around the campus and experiencing the atmosphere of a century-old academic temple, you can also climb the famous Sather Tower overlooking San Francisco Bay. Telegraph Avenue, just off campus, is home to many restaurants, used bookstores, organic markets, street performers, and a multicultural and artistic atmosphere. It's not far from downtown San Francisco, and combines the sense of life and youthfulness of the East Bay, making it a perfect day trip.
Tip: Search #TelegraphAvenue on Instagram to see if there are any fun events going on in the area!
5. Muir Woods National Monument
Distance from downtown San Francisco: about 25 kilometers｜Drive: less than 40 minutes
Nature lovers can't afford to miss this redwood forest near San Francisco!
Located just 28-40 minutes from San Francisco, Melrose Redwoods National Memorial Park is an instant getaway from the hustle and bustle of virgin forests. The park's trees, mainly Coast Redwoods, are tall and straight, ranging in age from 500 to 800 years old, with the oldest, the "God Wood," being over 1,200 years old, making it an extremely valuable and well-preserved natural asset on the planet. The park's well-built wooden paths are gentle and easy to walk, making them ideal for children with strollers or senior citizens.
The air in the forest is fresh, the temperature is cool and low, and the sunlight falls through the small cracks of the leaves, making you feel like you're taking a full sunbathing bath in the forest. It is important to note that it tends to rain or get foggy in winter, so wear a waterproof jacket or bring rain gear for a more comfortable walk. Also, be sure to bringReserve a parking slot onlineThe general minivan fee is US$9.50 and the admission fee for adults over 16 years old is US$15.00 per person.
6. Half Moon Bay
📍Distance from downtown San Francisco: about 48 kilometers｜Drive: about 40 - 60 minutes
Half Moon Bay is an understated secret on California's Pacific coast, and is the starting point for many people traveling on Highway 1, making it an excellent choice for a day trip. With the beach, mountains, and history, it's a great place to surf, hike, or stroll, and it's perfect for travelers who like to take it slow and enjoy nature. In particular, the Pumpkin Festival, held around October each year, showcases a strong American fall flavor and attracts many visitors.
7. Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
📍Distance from downtown San Francisco: about 120 kilometers｜Drive: about 1.5 hours
Santa Cruz is a small town full of sun, surf and hippie culture, about 1.5 hours from San Francisco, and is known as the birthplace of surfing in North America. Famous attractions include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf, and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, while the downtown area exudes a relaxed atmosphere, making it a vacation paradise for surfers and family travelers. From San Francisco, you can choose to take a day trip or stay overnight, walk along the beach and enjoy the sunset, and if you're lucky, you'll see dolphins and sea lions swimming along the shore.
8. Monterey & Carmel Townships Monterey & Carmel
📍Distance from downtown San Francisco: about 190 kilometers｜Drive: about 2 - 2.5 hours
Monterey is a port city that combines history and marine conservation, with the famous Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium demonstrating the city's transformation and sustainability. Along the 17-mile coastline, you'll enjoy world-class ocean views and attractions such as the Lone Cypress Tree. Next, head south to the small town of Carmel, where the streets are lined with art and culture, independent bookstores and art galleries, and the beaches are wide and white enough for dogs to run free. The overall itinerary is full of nature, art, and coastal flavor, making it a classic route for exploring San Francisco to the south. If you don't have a lot of time to walk the entire length of Highway 1, it's easy to rent a car for the day!
9. Big Sur
📍Distance from downtown San Francisco: about 240 kilometers｜Drive: about 3-4 hours
Big Sur is not a single location, but a geographic region that showcases some of the most beautiful and spectacular aspects of the California coastline, and has been praised as "America's Most Beautiful Coastal Highway". As you travel south on Highway 1, you'll see the colors of the ocean and the sky, as well as cliffs and waterfalls. Must-see stops include the Bixby Creek Bridge, McVey Falls and Pfeiffer's Purple Sand Beach. It is recommended to arrange at least two days to visit the aforementioned towns of Monterey and Carmel together to deeply experience nature's wonders and the freedom of an American road trip.
Extended Reading:Once in a Lifetime Highway 1 Driving Tips
10. Yosemite National Park
📍Distance from downtown San Francisco: about 315 kilometers｜Drive: at least 4~5 hours
Yosemite is one of the most famous national parks in the United States, famous for its spectacular granite valleys, giant waterfalls and millennial redwoods. Although it is a long drive from San Francisco, the scenery and road conditions make it an ideal destination for a two-day or more driving trip. The Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome are all postcard-worthy. Yosemite's wildflowers bloom in the spring and summer, and in the fall and winter, you can enjoy the maples or snowy landscape, and the starry sky at night in the absence of light, which is different all year round, in the morning and at night, making it a national park that even local people would like to visit again and again.
🚧 Warm reminder: to go to the national park need to buy tickets, based on a car, single entry US$35, some more popular dates and time to beAdvance BookingThe following are some examples of the types of treatment that can be used It is recommended that you return to the hospital a day or two before departure.U.S. National Parks WebsiteConfirm park road conditions, weather, opening conditions, etc. and download an offline map of the park.
Important Must Read! Things to know about renting a car and traveling in San Francisco.
Parking Suggestions
In urban areas, there are mostly paid street parking or private parking lots with high rates and time limits, making towing fines expensive and troublesome. You can download apps such as ParkMobile and SpotHero to help you find and pay for parking spaces in real time, or you can choose hotels or Airbnb that include free parking to reduce the stress of driving. Always tilt the wheels and apply the hand brake when parking on ramps to prevent skidding.
Extended Reading:Parking Tips in the U.S.
Driving Tips and Safety Precautions
Many of the streets in San Francisco have steep grades, and driving on such hills for the first time can be a little nerve-wracking. When driving uphill, pay attention to your brakes and throttle control, and when driving downhill, slow down in a lower gear to avoid overheating the brake pads by applying the brakes too much. First-time hill-drivers are recommended to rent a stable self-propelled vehicle from Sky Horse for easier and simpler maneuvering.
When parking in San Francisco and Berkeley, avoid remote, dark corners and try to choose parking lots with monitors or attendants. Remember to keep all items out of sight or in the trunk of the car, even if they are not valuable, such as water bottles, umbrellas, or paper bags, placing them in your car can be a target for a knock on the car. Don't cover the windshield with a black cloth or cardboard, as this will make the robbers think that there is something valuable inside the car.
Fueling and Budget Planning
California has one of the highest gas prices in the country, with San Francisco and the surrounding areas usually costing $$1-$1.5 per gallon more than the U.S. average. We recommend using apps such as GasBuddy and Google Maps to compare prices at the pump, and filling up in advance in the suburbs or outskirts of the city is more cost-effective. Some car rental companies offer prepaid fuel options, but they are usually not as cheap as filling up on your own, so watch out for hidden fees added by the car rental company.
Reservations and Requirements for Access to Scenic Areas
Most of the popular natural attractions around San Francisco, such as Melrose Redwoods National Monument and Yosemite National Park, have reservation systems for park entry and parking, which tend to fill up in the summer and during holidays. It is recommended that you make a reservation when you have arranged your itinerary, and reconfirm the reservation status and park information one week or three days before your departure.
Discover the beauty of Northern California by car from San Francisco
Do you yearn for a trip to the United States to travel through towering redwood forests, to realize the insignificance of human beings in the vastness of the sea and sky, or to stroll through the streets of art towns built up by layers of history? With San Francisco as the starting point, connecting the city and nature, humanity and technology, feeling the warmth of the sun on the steering wheel, being blown by the Pacific Ocean wind, or breathing in the forest's phenylphenol, each moment will accumulate wonderful memories and surprises for you.
Plan Yours NowSan Francisco Car RentalThe world-class scenery will no longer be just a screensaver, but a picture of you in it! The world-class scenery will no longer be just a screensaver, but a picture of you in the middle of it. If you have any questions during the rental process, please feel free to contact us atAsk a professional via LINE!
