Golden Gate Bridge
The unique ambience of San Francisco is a result of its proximity to the ocean, the iconic hills that form the city’s backdrop, and the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge spanning the San Francisco Bay Area. The city is full of historical buildings, mind-blowing museums and art galleries, green parks and walkways, and interesting architecture—all making it a jewel of Northern California.
Apart from the numerous attractions that can be found in San Francisco itself, it is also a great gateway to discover other regional gems. It is surrounded by exquisite scenery created by the beautiful San Francisco Bay and the wild waters of the Pacific Ocean. While exploring the numerous attractions of San Francisco, Driveboo will definitely come in handy—check the offers of all local car hire companies and book your hired car in San Francisco online.
If you travel to San Francisco in winter, you can look forward to some unforgettable highlights. Here are 4 top activities you can do in San Francisco during the winter.
San Francisco - Blick aus dem Flugzeug
San Francisco is literally full of car hire companies. There is a plethora of vehicles to choose from. Therefore, hiring a car might seem like a daunting challenge. The easiest way to do it is by hiring a car at the airport.
The closest airport to the city centre is, of course, San Francisco Airport (SFO), located 12.3 miles (20 km) away. However, many travellers also choose to arrive at Oakland Airport (OAK), located 20.9 miles (34 km) from San Francisco.
Fortunately, the US has entered into an agreement with most EU countries. This agreement is a guarantee that your national driver's license is enough to move around San Francisco in a hired car.
However, some car hire companies require their clients to be holders of an international driver's license, so it is better to apply far ahead of your trip in order to avoid any obstacles caused by a delay in your application.
Unterwegs in San Francisco
When you’re driving in the US and see one of the famous yellow school buses in front of you, you must stop for as long as the driver has the stop sign out. Passing by, even at a slower pace, is not allowed and is punishable with large fines.
Enjoying a stunning location against the backdrop of dramatic ocean and offering a wide variety of attractions, San Francisco is considered one of the top destinations in California. While visiting the city, you can’t miss the following highlights:
Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
Alcatraz Island
Straßenbahn in San Francisco
Ausflug nach Los Angeles
Wave San Francisco goodbye and head for the endless summer of Santa Cruz. This beach town will cater to the needs of even the most demanding beach lovers. Take a stroll along the famous Beach Boardwalk and spend a couple of hours on Main Beach. More remote beaches include Natural Bridges Beach, Sunset State Beach, and Cowell Beach.
Berkeley is another must-see Californian city. This university town offers a stunning campus located on a scenic hilltop. Visitors will also have a unique opportunity to admire the city’s beautiful architecture and its many libraries, research centres, and galleries. You should definitely head for sites such as Sather Tower, Bancroft Library, or Sproul Plaza.
For those who enjoy solitude, Half Moon Bay is a great escape from the ambience of the large cities. A rural retreat located alongside the roaring Pacific Ocean, Half Moon Bay can be found only a stone’s throw from San Francisco city centre. The city offers picturesque pathways, hiking trails, and great weather conditions for those who would like to try their hand at surfing. Many popular surfing events and competitions are held at Mavericks Beach.
Those who aren’t fed up with the glamour of a large metropolis should also consider a trip to Los Angeles. The famous City of Angels with its bustling Hollywood district and many entertainment venues will be an ideal spot for a day full of fun.
Destination | Distance in km | Distance in miles | Time |
---|---|---|---|
Santa Cruz | 122 km | 75.6 miles | 1 h 18 min |
Berkeley | 22 km | 13.6 miles | 18 min |
Half Moon Bay | 47 km | 29.1 miles | 40 min |
Los Angeles | 616 km | 383 miles | 5 h 43 min |