February 10, 2020 |
The Barnes Firm |
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San Francisco, the beautiful city on the Bay in northern California, is a favorite among visitors and residents. The city is filled with a blend of artsy communities, historic neighborhoods, and the futuristic flare of Silicon Valley to the south. There is so much to explore, The Barnes Firm has compiled these helpful driving tips to get you in and around the city with ease.
San Francisco Driving 101
San Francisco is a big city, and if you aren’t used to driving in one, it can be a bit challenging to navigate the heavy traffic of peak travel times. For example, the journey across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge is nearly always congested during peak hours, packed with commuters, travelers, and tourists.
You should also note that San Francisco is a hilly city, so if you don’t have experience driving up and down hills, or parking on them, you’re in for a learning experience. Just keep in mind, even when traveling downtown, there will be hills, steep ones, and the law requires when you park on them, you’ll need to curb your wheels to keep your car in place.
It is important to note that, along with hills, San Francisco also has a multitude of one-way streets, so pay close attention and make sure you are traveling in the right direction. Also, light rail vehicles cannot be passed when doors are open, and never on their left. The good news is, should you decide to walk, pedestrians always have the right of way, even if the crosswalk is not marked.
Tips to Welcome You to San Francisco
San Francisco loves hosting visitors, so here are some tips to help you get around the city while visiting during a holiday or for a business trip or both and see all the sights you’re hoping to see.
- Parking – Parking in San Francisco isn’t as difficult as you might imagine for such a large city. In fact, nearly all the tourist sites have parking, plus there are lots of parking garages around the city. Keep in mind, there will be a fee for parking at Fisherman’s Wharf, and while nearly all the hotels offer parking, there is a nightly fee.
- Tolls – Like nearly all metropolitan areas, there are toll roads in San Francisco, as well as charges for crossing specific bridges (the Golden Gate Bridge and the Oakland Bay Bridge included). Take note, there are no cash booths, which means you must arrange payment online.
- Fuel Pointers – There are very few gas stations in San Francisco, so if renting a car while visiting, you’ll want to locate a convenient station to fill your tank before you return to your car or negotiate terms that allow you to return your vehicle with a less than a filled tank.
Exploring in and Around San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf is the must-see historic seaside area that’s always bustling with tourists and locals. Home to sea lions and offering up great views, you don’t want to miss a visit here. Just south of the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll find the legendary Presidio, once a military post, now a major recreation area dotted with historic buildings. Head Downtown to Union Square, the heart of the city, and explore galleries, shopping, and delectable dining. And while you’re in San Francisco, you’ll want to visit the picturesque Dragon’s Gate in Chinatown.
If your timeline allows, take a drive to Twin Peaks and gaze on the panorama that is the San Francisco skyline. And finally, don’t forget that San Francisco’s location makes it the ideal place from which launch a day trip or two, after all, San Jose is only an hour away, and Yosemite Valley, just a four hour drive.
If you or a loved one find yourself injured in a car accident in San Francisco, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Barnes Firm.
Tags :
Avoiding Traffic , Driving , Driving Tips , San Francisco
