Car Rental San Francisco - Exploring San Francisco

The Golden Gate bridge is one of Americas best loved icons and can be seen from many downtown locations but is some way along the bay. Built in 1927, it’s two miles long and was once the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world. It’s best viewed from the lovely surroundings of Golden Gate Park, situated on a peninsula stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Haight's Panhandle. The park is a treasure trove of conservatories, a charming Japanese tea garden, lakes and sporting facilities, as well as museum and aquarium. Other nature areas include; Lincoln Park Coastal Trail, Twin Peaks and Mt Sutro. Arguably the best (convenient) views of the entire bay area is at Vista Point.

San Francisco Bay is enormous and is dotted with islands (including Alcatraz), sail boats, secluded bays and ferries. Boat trips depart from Pier 69. Other impressive bridges span parts of the bay, including Bay Bridge, The Golden Gate’s longer, older and busier but less famous ‘cousin’.

Across the Golden Gate bridge, Marin County is wealthy, laid back and trendy – be it new age spiritualism or outdoor pursuits. Sausalito is expensive but trendy, Point Reyes National Seashore is good for whale watching. Mt Tamalpais has spectacular 360 degree views of the ocean and bay.

Oakland is reached by crossing the Bay Bridge, it’s very much a residential dormitory town, made famous by the University of California campus in Berkeley, one of America’s most famous.

The Wine Country is an overnight trip inland to sample some of California’s famous wines, particularly at Napa Valley, Calistoga and Sonoma Valley.