I’ve always felt a connection to San Francisco. Something about the way others talk about it had me assured that I would like it and that I could see myself living there. Having visited the city for the first time recently, I can say trust your gut and follow your instinct. It is a fantastic city – there’s a sense of familiarity with the city that I cannot seem to place. It was very laid back, quite diverse, and offered small town neighborhood vibes in a large, cosmopolitan city.

We were only in San Francisco for 3 nights – the first of which we spent trying to find parking (!) followed by lying on the sofa of our AirBnB de-stressing from the parking fiasco. Over the course of the next couple of days we spent some time strolling around the various neighborhoods and saw your typical SF sights – Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, Castro, Painted Ladies, Street Cars, and of course, Golden Gate Bridge. We also treated ourselves to a private driver and took a rainy day trip to sip some vino in Napa Valley.

Here is a visual snapshot of our short stay in San Francisco.

TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS: USA

Flights

The USA is well-connected with numerous international and domestic airports. Use Kayak to find the best deals on flights to various destinations across the country.

Accommodation

For finding great places to stay in the USA, Hotels.com is an excellent resource. They offer a wide selection of hotels, and you can earn a free night's stay after every 10 bookings as a rewards member.

Car Hire

Exploring the USA by car is a fantastic way to see the country. Compare car rental options and find the best deals at RentalCars.com to ensure you have the perfect vehicle for your journey.

Travel Insurance

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. (As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.)

National Park Pass

If you plan to visit multiple national parks, consider getting an America the Beautiful Pass which offers access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks, for one annual fee.

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