In hilly San Francisco, car rentals are the perfect way give your legs
a break and see the sights across the beautiful Bay Area. Here are some
tips for checking out the San Francisco region from behind the wheel
of a rental car.
Day 1
In central San Francisco, car rentals are easy to find near fashionable
Union Square, the city's key retail hub. Travelers and locals alike
flock to the top department stores, chic shops, upscale hotels, restaurants
and entertainment.
The next stop on the car rentals tour is San Francisco's Civic Center
area, featuring the restored Beaux Arts-style City Hall and an impressive
array of historic buildings and museums. Nearby are the cutting-edge
designer shops and trendy restaurants of Hayes Valley.
Another place worth exploring -- by foot or car rentals -- is San Francisco's
Financial District, which is packed with skyscrapers like the familiar
Transamerica Pyramid. The many hotels ensure a boisterous nightlife
after work, and the gentrified area South of Market Street is one of
hippest areas for drinks and eats.
Day 2
San Francisco car rentals also come in handy for Fisherman's Wharf,
a must-see for any San Francisco visitor. The area teems with tourists
ogling sea lions, sampling Ghirardelli chocolate, dining on seafood
and departing for Alcatraz.
San Francisco travelers also enjoy exploring the posh Marina area and
Pacific Heights, home to great shops and restaurants, and steep hills
where car rentals are a plus. Visitors also will want a car to explore
the spectacular Presidio and enjoy the views from the famed Golden Gate
Bridge.
Day 3
Even if travelers choose to walk around San Francisco, car rentals
are a must for a trip to the wineries of Napa Valley. Lush vineyards
dot the landscape, opening their tasting rooms to visitors. Cutting-edge
restaurants and pampering spas make for an excellent pairing with winery
tours.
Visitors who prefer to stay closer to San Francisco can drive their
rentals across the city's other famous overpass, the 4.5-mile Bay Bridge,
to Oakland and Berkeley, home to the University of California and many
fun restaurants, shops and galleries.
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