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San Francisco is one of America’s most unique and best loved cities. From its steep rolling hills, old-fashioned cable-cars and pretty Victorian houses to the notorious Alcatraz prison, unusual microclimates and stunning bright orange bridge, San Francisco is an offbeat city that refuses to blend in.

Home to the biggest Pride event in the world and largest Chinatown outside of China, San Francisco is a diverse city where all will feel at home. Charming harbour-side towns play host to state-of-the-art museums, cute artisan craft shops, craft beer distilleries and chilled coffeehouses.

Fun, quirky, creative and laid-back, it’s no wonder that so many fall in love with San Francisco.

San Francisco has some great places nearby, whether it's to explore nature and wineries, or to enjoy the bright lights of other big cities such as Los Angeles.

No matter who you're travelling with, visiting multiple destinations in one holiday is a great way to get a taste of everything. Why not book a fly-drive, pick up a car at the airport, and take your journey as it comes!

However, planning a road trip can sound pretty daunting - where do you start?! 

We've got a few recommended itineraries for you to help kick start your plans.

Grab your love beads, dust off your caftan, and paint a peace sign on your cheek, we’re heading to San Francisco baby, yeah! Okay, so actually, you can forget all that, because one of America’s most iconic destinations left its Summer of Love reputation behind a long time ago, and is now a 21st century hot-spot for trendy travellers. It’s still rebellious, but it does it digitally. And it’s turning into one of the best foodie paradises on the West Coast, too.

The enormous tech industry just up the highway in Silicon Valley has provided San Francisco with a new generation of pioneers, trailblazers, and visionaries. That means there’s an explosion of cool bars, trendy restaurants, and boutique hotels popping up left, right and centre, making San Francisco one of the best spots to holiday in northern California. You’re right in the middle of wine country, and you’ve got iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate bridge, the wonderfully wiggly Lombard Street (complete with no less than eight hairpin bends), and the imposing Alcatraz Island to explore.