RV Rental San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, California RV Rentals 

Located on the West Coast of the United States is the city and county of San Francisco, the cultural and commercial hub of Northern California. The residents who live there are drawn in by its fantastic weather, enchanting islands, picturesque hills, beautiful bridges, some of the country's best restaurants, and much more. 

Most of its residents favor living in the city's urban neighborhoods, filled with skyscrapers, condominiums, and live-work lofts. These neighborhoods are filled with people with diverse cultures, and the locals engage in entertaining events year-round. 

The City By The Bay offers something for everyone — even more so for visitors. Best of all, it experiences a mild year-round climate consisting of moist, mild winters and dry summers, which is a good enough reason to engage in year-round outdoor activities. So there's no better way to take a break from your busy life than to rent one of San Francisco's many RVs so that you can vacation on your own schedule. Here are a few places you may want to check out. 

Popular RV Destinations in San Francisco

Golden Gate Park 

Golden Gate Park is a large urban park that occupies up to 1,017 acres of public land. Although it takes the iconic San Francisco landmark's name, it's actually about three miles from the bridge itself. It gets over 24 million visitors annually drawn in by the art studios, museums, lakes, and the Japanese Tea Garden. The latter is a popular tourist attraction for its Japanese-style design, including stone lanterns, jewelry, an arched drum bridge, and a plethora of Japanese plants. 

The park offers multiple activities for both adults and children, and most of the activities are affordable. If you pick a perfect spot, you may get to enjoy free music performances by the artists in the city. The San Francisco RV Resort or Candlestick RV Park is the most convenient place for RV owners to stay to access this and most of the parks in San Francisco. 

Lands End 

Get to experience the beauty of the fauna and flora of San Francisco by hiking the trails of Lands End park. It's located in the northwestern corner of San Francisco and within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It houses numerous historical sites, including shipwrecks that are visible at low tides, the ruins of the Sutro Baths, and the USS San Francisco memorial. 

The area is characterized by rocky cliffs, numerous windy trails, and enchanting views of the shore. The most popular hiking trail on the park is the Coastal trail that is handicap-accessible up to the Mile Rock Overlook and bike-accessible up to the Eagles Point Steps. It also overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Angel Island 

Angel Island is a California historic landmark that was formerly a home for military forts. It's one of San Francisco's popular outdoor spaces and is excellent for day trips, including hiking, biking, or taking a historical tour of the park. It's also home to wild animals such as deer and raccoons, and, if you're lucky, you'll get to see sea lions and seals in the ocean. 

The park also has four campgrounds that have access to water and pit toilets. First are the Rigid Sites that offer a splendid view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Second, the Sunrise Sites are great for backpacking and can accommodate up to 24 campers. The East Bay Sites are protected from the wind and are a great place to enjoy a quiet and peaceful environment. Lastly, a kayak campsite on the west side is accessible only by boat. 

Alcatraz Island 

With its rich history, ferry boats, and breathtaking view, visiting Alcatraz Island is a must whenever you're in San Francisco. The island was formerly a military prison that was later converted to federal prison but was handed over to the National Park Service in the 1970s. It's currently a popular tourist destination and gets millions of visitors every year. 

The island has no entrance fee, so all you need to do is purchase a ferry ticket. Typically, the ticket price includes a guided boat tour into the scenic island, so you do end up getting value for your money. These tours usually run from around 8:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and you can also get a late-night tour that extends to 9:30 p.m.

Events and Entertainment in San Francisco

San Francisco Sketchfest

The San Francisco Sketchfest is a nationally recognized comedy festival that brings together famous comedians worldwide, including comedians from Saturday Night Live. The festival was founded in 2002 and happens every January and February at different venues in San Francisco's bay area.

It's an interactive festival that consists of sketch comedy, improv, solo performances, music, stand-up comedies, and more. You can expect live performances, panel discussions, and podcasts. The festival can have a lineup of over 200 performances and can run for weeks, presenting a unique experience each day. 

Annual Festivals

The two major annual festivals held in the San Francisco bay area are the Cherry Blossom Festival and the San Francisco International Arts Festival. The Cherry Blossom Festival has been around for 50 years, celebrating the city’s vibrant Japanese community, and happens each June.

The event is marked with live music concerts, martial arts performances, Japanese-themed cultural events, retail booths, food and often concludes with a parade. Most of the activities are fun, family events that can also be enjoyed by the kids. It also presents an excellent opportunity for photographers to capture the magic of the festival. 

The San Francisco International Arts Festival is an annual celebration of multiculturalism and diversity. The festival was founded in 2003 by Andrew Wood and happens in late May and early June. It’s a performance and visual arts festival that runs for over 11 days in the bay area. It features performances from over 400 artists from around the world. 

Night Life 

As expected from a bustling city, San Francisco offers a vibrant nightlife for the nocturnal at heart. The area between Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf is filled with bars and restaurants that are open 24/7. You can also find freelance artists who offer free musical performances or establishments that offer live music well into the evening.

Each neighborhood offers a unique entertainment experience. Union Square offers some of the best cocktails, while SoMa is a great place to find a dance club. The Mission District is known for its dive bars. Hayes Valley is the place to be if you are looking for live performances. And, of course, no visit to the City by the Bay is complete without a visit to the legendary Haight-Ashbury hippie district. 

You can also stay up late till midnight at the Clyde Theater while watching a midnight movie with your partner. If you're looking for a more serene environment, you can enjoy a nice quiet walk on the sand beaches. 

FAQs:

Q: What are RV rentals?

RV rentals are recreational vehicles or motor homes that are rented out to vacationers or outdoor enthusiasts. Most come equipped with amenities that will allow you to stay comfortably in the vehicle. This includes a bed, bathroom, and a fully-equipped kitchen. RV Owners rent their vehicles to anybody through rental companies, dealerships, or online RV rental sites. 

Q: How much are RV rentals?

The prices vary depending on the type of RV, its size, and how long you will be staying. Just like staying in a hotel room, you will be charged per night. The cost may range from $50 to $300 per night, and you may be charged per person staying. The rates also vary depending on the season and location. 

Q: Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in San Francisco?

Yes, you need to be at least 21 years old to rent an RV in San Francisco. 

Q: Do I need insurance when I rent an RV?

Yes, you need to have insurance so you can rent the RV. This ensures that the owner doesn't suffer a huge loss in case of any damages or an accident. You can purchase insurance from the company you are renting the RV from. Though not compulsory, you can also look into roadside assistance services to get assistance whenever you have a flat tire or break down.

Q: Do I need to return my rental RV with a full tank?

We recommend that you top off the tank after you're done using the RV, so you don't incur any extra cost from the rental company. They might charge you for refilling the gas tank, and the service charge may be a bit more than what you would have incurred if you had refilled the gas by yourself. 

Q: Are RVs pet-friendly in San Francisco?

Most RV owners and rental companies allow pets in their vehicles and even equip them with pet-friendly amenities such as toys and beds. However, you may incur additional charges to cover any damages or extra services.