Car Hire San Francisco International Airport

‘SF’, the ‘Golden Gate City’, the ‘City by the Bay’, the ‘City That Knows How’ - San Francisco is a city that has seen quite a few nicknames over the year,s but when you land here, there’s one thing you’ll know for sure - no matter what you choose to name San Francisco, this city is synonymous with a great time. From stunning sceneries to iconic sights, electrifying culture to remarkable restaurants, San Francisco has it all. It’s time to hop in your hire car and start exploring!

There’s no better place to start than at the Golden Gate Bridge. Be sure to get that selfie in as you learn about the bridge’s history, engineering, science and construction through the exhibitions of offer. While you’re there, you can also enjoy trails and walks at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. 

Next stop on your list should be Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco’s most visited neighbourhood. Dig in to some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste at world-class restaurants, explore the historic pier, catch a cruise or meet local fishermen in the area. Fisherman’s Wharf is also home to Pier 39, where the world-famous sea lions greet you along with plenty of dining options, entertainment, shopping and attractions for the whole family. Here, you’ll also witness breathtaking views of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, the city skyline, as well as Alcatraz. 

See more of San Francisco in your hire car

From Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s easy to explore the rest of San Francisco in your rental car. Just a short 12-minute drive away is Union Square, a public plaza with a stellar collection of department stores, boutique shops, art galleries, beauty salons, fine hotels, restaurants and green spaces. This tourist destination is a must-visit for a dose of retail therapy and relaxation. At the centre of Union Square, you’ll also find the Dewey Monument, a statue of Nike, the ancient Greek goddess of victory. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find a dose of art and theatre at the Curran Theatre, the Marine’s Memorial Theatre and The Geary Theatre, all true fixtures of the San Francisco community.

Wanting to explore more history and culture? San Francisco offers an abundance of museums including the must-see Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art Museum, the Museum of African Diaspora, the Walt Disney Family Museum and the de Young Museum. 

If you’ve got your art fix in and are looking for more delectable finds and shops, head to Ghirardelli Square, a landmark that was once home to headquarters of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company and now to ritzy shops, restaurants and hotels. Find yourself spoilt for choice with wineries and award-winning restaurants set amongst spectacular views and landscaped gardens. Of course, you’ll also have to try the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate!

Looking to get away from the city for a day? Hop on a ferry to Alcatraz and learn about the island’s grizzly history. Or, for a dose of nature, head to Angel Island State Park, the largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay with great hiking trails and historic sites. To see more of Mother Nature, there’s also the world-famous Twin Peaks, which offers spectacular views of the Bay Area. Witness picture-perfect postcard views, plenty of native plants and try to spot the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly. 

Adventure further with your a car hire

While there’s so much to see and do in San Francisco, its surroundings are not to be missed either! For tech enthusiasts, Silicon Valley is a must-see. Located just about 40 minutes from San Francisco, it’s an easy drive in your hire car. Once you’re there, check out the Apple Park Visitor Centre, the Android sculpture garden, the Silicon Valley Tech Museum and Steve Job’s Garage! 

For those who prefer their holiday to be tech-free, there’s also Sonoma Wine Country and Napa Valley Wine Country where you can savour world-class wines under perfect skies. If you’re a nature lover instead, head over to Muir Woods National Monument where you’ll be surrounded by one of the last remaining ancient redwood forests in the Bay Area.

There’s truly no place like San Francisco, a city that blends art, culture, food, nature and history so effortlessly. So, hurry and book your adventure and get exploring in your Thrifty car hire!