Discount Car Rental and 49 Mile Scenic Drive
If you've ever visited San Francisco before, you've likely seen a set of intriguing signs around the city - a seagull looking off into the distance, regal as an eagle, and the title "49 Mile Scenic Drive". Created as an urban diversion for discount car rental tourists, the route originally began at City Hall curving through major city sectors like Lake Merced, Golden Gate Park and Market Street. Numerous changes have been made to the route since opening in the late 1930's in order to adjust to city expansion, but one thing still remains the same. The 49 Mile Scenic Drive is the perfect afternoon sightseeing adventure for discount car rental tourist of all ages, so gas up and get ready to go! The current 49 Mile Scenic Drive takes approximately 4 hours to complete (provided you don't stop for pictures) and begins in front of San Francisco City Hall. The signs are relatively easy to follow, so keep an eye out for the Scenic Drive Seagull, and prepare for an afternoon of driving fun!
49 Miles of Memories and Landmarks
The 49 Mile Scenic Drive begins and ends at San Francisco City Hall. In between you'll see everything from vintage churches to ultra-modern office buildings, all of which contribute to the city's current cultural state. Popular establishments along the route include Old St. Mary's Church, the Palace of Fine Arts, Mission Dolores and the Ferry Building. The route also curves around the storied Presidio of San Francisco - one of the area's most beloved national parks. Discount car rental travelers will sweep down the Great Highway, before skirting waves on Ocean Beach. The route even boasts a birds-eye view of the city thanks to a stop on Twin Peaks. Practically ever major San Francisco landmark enjoys exposure along this beautiful driving route, including Stow Lake, Dolores Street, Chinatown and the Fisherman's Wharf. Known as the longest 49 miles in San Francisco, the 49 Mile Scenic Drive is a fun challenge for discount car rental customers. But one word of advice - don't try this route on your own! A co-pilot is necessary to help navigate some of the busy streets, not to mention keep an eye out for the elusive Scenic Drive Seagulls. Signs are only posted on one side of the drive, so back track is next to impossible. Signs have also been known to disappear due to petty crime. If you would like a sign as a souvenir of your San Francisco trip, please stop in at the City Hall Gift Store. Replica signs can be purchased for $50 apiece.
Maps and Guidebooks: Helping your Navigate the 49 Mile Scenic Drive
If you're interested in embarking on the 4 hour 49 Mile Scenic Drive, Super Cheap Car Rentals highly recommends purchasing one of two helpful guides. For map lovers, there's the brand new California State Automobile Association San Francisco Guide Map. This map features a thick, bright red line which denotes the entire 49 Mile route. It also includes a helpful inset of the Golden Gate Park section of the drive. If you find maps to be more of a hindrance than a help, Super Cheap recommends purchasing "San Francisco's 49 Mile Scenic Drive: The Guidebook" from a local bookstore. Published in 2001, this helpful handbook breaks the route into 14 easy-to-follow chapters, providing discount car rental travelers with background information and helpful visiting tips. Both guides offer detailed directions, ensuring a smooth sailing drive.
Do People Still Follow the Drive?
Nearly 70 years after its creation, the 49 Mile Scenic Drive is still a popular choice for out-of-towners and international visitors. The route remains popular because it provides discount car rental travelers with an intimate and easy look at the city. All you need is a car and a co-pilot! Foreign travelers especially enjoy the route because it features a wide variety of architectural styles, ranging in complexity from dollhouse-like Victorian estates to super-chic corporate headquarters. If you would like to learn more about the drive simply purchase one of the aforementioned guides or stop in at the City Hall Gift Store for more details.
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