Smarter Car Renting

Here are car rental tips from the road trip-seasoned editors of RoadsideAmerica.com:

•  Under 25? Everyone over 25 assumes you are an awkward and unpredictable risk behind the wheel. Ridiculous, you say, without taking your eyes off the road. But be sure to check with San Francisco California car rental companies about their specific policies. Some agencies require the driver to be at least 25 while other rental companies may allow younger drivers to rent for an additional fee. Have more than one driver? Be sure to ask if additional charges apply for more than one person driving the rental car.

•  Fear of the Unknown: Unfamiliar with the streets of San Francisco? Consider adding a GPS navigation system to your rental. GPS provides turn-by-turn directions to a number of San Francisco attractions and businesses, and is offered by almost all San Francisco car rental agencies. The GPS helps you navigate like some mythical Greek God of Navigation! You can also add your own portable GPS on your handy windshield sucker, but remember to take it all with you when you turn in the car at the end of your trip.

•  Damaged: Always carefully eyeball your vehicle before leaving the rental agency, whether you're in San Francisco or East Podunkville. The last renter may have pulled in after a meteor shower! Prior scratches, dents, and other vehicle damage can cause extra headaches and costs if not noted before you leave the rental car lot. If you see any damage on the car's exterior and interior before you leave, make sure it's noted on the rental car papers, and point it out to an agency employee. This will resolve any questions that could arise when you return. And avoid meteor showers.

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San Francisco CA Area Attractions

• Adventure USA
• Alcatraz Island
• Aquarium of the Bay
• AT&T Park - San Francisco Giants
• Barbary Coast Trail
• Billy Graham Civic Auditorium
• Cable Car Museum
• California College of the Arts
• California Institute of Integral Studies
• California Pacific Medical Center
• Camera Obscura and Holographic Gallery
• Car-crashed Auto Body
• Chinese Hospital
• Chinese New Year Festival & Parade
• Coit Tower
• Cow Palace
• Crocker Galleria
• De Young Museum

San Francisco rental guide