San Francisco is a city on the tip of a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful San Francisco Bay. Even if you’ve never been, you’ll likely recognize the Golden Gate Bridge and its colorful Victorian houses. San Francisco occupies a mere 46.9 square miles, but there’s a lot to do and see within those miles. We recommend reserving a fuel-efficient rental for exploring this eco-friendly city. Don’t bother leaving your children home — San Francisco has plenty of fun things for all ages. That said, there’s also plenty for a girlfriend’s getaway or a bachelor party.
Restaurants to Try
San Francisco’s food scene is legendary. Here are some standouts across every budget.
- Boulevard at 1 Mission Avenue — Fine dining and ambiance.
- Brasserie Saint James at 742 Valencia Street — Brewery vibe and delicious beer.
- Petit Crenn at 609 Hayes Street — Affordable date night with a five course family style dinner of seafood and veggies.
- Trestle at 531 Jackson Street — Outstanding Italian food and wine.
- Del Popolo at 855 Bush Street — Wood-fired pizza and small plates.
- Sweet Maple at 2102 Sutter Street — The best brunch ever.
- Goood Frikin Chicken at 10 29th Street — Great for taking the kids for a hearty meal.
- Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company at 1735 Noriega Street — Kid-friendly and great beer.
Where to Stay
San Francisco is home to some of the finest hotels on the West Coast.
- Hotel G at 386 Geary Street — For the location.
- Omni San Francisco at 500 California Street — For a luxurious experience.
- The Orchard Hotel at 665 Bush Street — Convenient business center, location and onsite restaurant.
- The Marker San Francisco at 501 Geary Street — Fabulous for a girlfriend’s getaway.
- The St. Regis San Francisco at 125 Third Street — For a romantic vacation.
- The Argonaut Hotel at 495 Jefferson Street — Great pick for families at Fisherman’s Wharf. Kids can pick out a toy from the treasure chest at check-in!
Top Attractions
You could visit San Francisco 100 times and never see everything. But you can get a lot out of even a weekend stay, as long as you plan ahead.
- Golden Gate Park — Three miles on the western edge of the city with two major museums, beautiful gardens and great photo opportunities.
- Alcatraz Island — Site of the first lighthouse in the Western United States and the famous federal penitentiary (1934–1963). Still available for tours.
- San Francisco Zoo and Gardens — Over 1,000 endangered and rescued animals representing 250 species on 100 acres of beautiful land.
- Dolores Park — The most popular park in the Mission District with some of the best people watching in the city.
- Pier 39 — Clam chowder in bread bowls, amazing views and sea lions along the historic San Francisco Waterfront.
Day Trips
If you’ll be in the city for a while, hop in your rental car and explore one of these nearby destinations.
- Monterey County — 99 miles of coastline full of some of the most incredible scenery on the California coast.
- Napa — Amazing wineries with free or cheap tastings and an excellent food scene. Make sure you have a designated driver!
- Sausalito — Often called San Francisco’s “Riviera,” with beautiful seashore and trendy restaurants.
Pack a sweater no matter when you visit — the weather around San Francisco is always a little unpredictable. And compare SFO rental car deals before your trip to save.
Compare rental car rates at San Francisco International Airport and start your Northern California adventure.