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Hello! 👋
This is the second part of our 2019 journey to the United States. After an intense start in New York City, it was time for a change of scenery and our next destination – San Francisco. We traveled from New York to the West Coast to explore not only another side of America but also dive into the world of technology and culture unique to this region.
The memories I’m sharing are snapshots from 2019, so it’s worth keeping in mind that some things may have changed since then – whether in terms of safety or everyday life in the U.S. Nonetheless, what remains vivid in my memory is California’s distinctive vibe, San Francisco’s unique energy, and a lifestyle that’s entirely different from the East Coast.
If you missed the first part of this journey, I warmly invite you to read it – I shared our first impressions of New York City and everyday life in the city that never sleeps. 🗽 You’ll also find a separate article where I highlight must-see attractions in New York.
I invite you to read and travel together through this interesting place! 🌉
How did we get to San Francisco?
We started our journey with a flight from JFK Airport on Alaska Airlines. The flight was smooth, which is always a pleasant touch when traveling. Since we were flying domestically within the United States, we skipped the visa verification process this time – a small but appreciated convenience. After a few hours of flying, we landed at SFO Airport in San Francisco, ready for the next chapter of our adventure.
Upon arrival, the first logistical adjustments began. A friend traveling with me rented a Ford city SUV so we could move around the area freely. However, since our mutual friend was arriving in San Francisco the following day, I knew I’d continue the rest of the journey with him. For that reason, I waited until the next day to rent a car for the two of us.
This was the point where our plans began to diverge. My friend and his wife had their own routes and plans, while I, along with another friend, soon set off to explore California on our own. This arrangement allowed each of us to focus on what interested us most while still sharing our experiences along the way. San Francisco turned out to be an excellent starting point for this leg of the journey.
Car rental
Renting a car also went smoothly. The next day, we picked up our friend from the airport, who flew with Lufthansa from Warsaw to San Francisco. Interestingly, he had the chance to travel on an Airbus A380—a real treat for aviation enthusiasts. After his arrival, it was time to split up. My friend and I parted ways at the airport, but we met up later that evening at the motel to exchange our first impressions.
This time, we rented a car from Enterprise, and the pick-up process was a bit different compared to my previous experiences with car rental companies. Instead of selecting a vehicle ourselves, a pre-assigned car was waiting for us in the airport parking lot—a larger Ford, which turned out to be perfectly suited to our needs.
During this trip, I had my first experience using Apple CarPlay. For someone who didn’t have such luxuries in their previous car, it was quite a novelty! The interface was intuitive, and the ability to navigate and control multimedia directly from the car’s screen was an absolute game-changer.
If you’re planning to rent a car abroad, be sure to check out our article 🚗 How to rent a car and what to look out for. You’ll find practical tips and information to help you avoid surprises.
Don’t forget that if you plan to travel outside of California – a 🪪 International Driving License is essential. You can read more about how to get one in our separate post.
Credit cards
Payments also went smoothly. The rental agency accepted my card without any issues—one debit card transaction covered the rental fee, while the credit card was used for the deposit. In the United States, credit cards are the go-to standard, especially for renting cars or booking hotels. While debit cards are sometimes accepted, they can lead to complications, such as being declined or having additional funds blocked.
If you’re renting a car in the U.S., it’s worth checking the insurance terms in advance—especially additional options covering potential damages or theft. Rental companies often offer various packages, but they aren’t always cost-effective. It’s a good idea to compare options or consult your bank about travel insurance, which may also cover rental cars.
In the U.S., credit cards are seen as more trustworthy, especially in the travel and service industries.
Car travel
Traveling by car in the United States, especially in California, is incredibly convenient. A car allows you to reach places where public transportation might fall short—particularly in a sprawling area like San Francisco and its surroundings. Of course, traffic jams happen, but it’s still a more comfortable option than relying on buses or trams in this region.
In downtown San Francisco, the biggest challenge was finding a parking spot—dense construction and limited parking spaces can be frustrating. Sometimes you really need to put in extra effort to find a place, especially near hotspots like Union Square or Lombard Street. However, navigating the suburbs or other parts of the region, such as Palo Alto or Napa Valley, was much easier—with more space and readily available parking options.
Traffic regulations and local rules
Traveling by car in California is convenient, but it’s essential to know the local traffic rules, which can differ significantly from those in Poland. Here are a few key guidelines:
- Right Turn on Red: In most U.S. states, including California, you are allowed to turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop and ensuring the road is clear. Exceptions are marked with a “No Turn on Red” sign, where such a maneuver is prohibited.
- School Buses: When a school bus stops and activates its flashing red lights and extends the “STOP” sign, all vehicles in both directions must come to a complete stop until the signals are turned off.
- Lanes: Some highways have HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicle) lanes, designated for vehicles carrying at least two or more passengers. Using these lanes without the required number of passengers can result in a fine.
- Parking: Parking rules are clearly marked on signs, often specifying allowed hours and days. Colored curbs also indicate specific parking regulations, such as red: no stopping or parking allowed.
- Exercise Caution on Steep Streets: San Francisco is known for its steep hills – ensure your car’s brakes are in good condition, and parking on inclines requires special care (always turn your wheels toward the curb).
- Toll Roads: Some highways and bridges, like the Golden Gate Bridge, require toll payments. Be sure to factor these into your travel budget.
San Francisco
Our adventure in San Francisco was relatively short but intense. The city surprised us with its charm, though I must admit that part of the experience was inspired by memories from… GTA San Andreas. Yes, I say this with a bit of a wink, but there was something truly special about seeing in real life the places I had previously “visited” on a game screen. I finally made it to the iconic San Andreas! 😄
Public transport
Public transportation in San Francisco is a topic worth mentioning, even if – like us – you mainly rely on a rental car during your trip. The city offers a wide variety of options, but the iconic cable cars, known worldwide, definitely take center stage.
Cable Car
Cable cars are a symbol of San Francisco and one of its main tourist attractions. Currently, there are three operating lines: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street. I must admit, while cable cars are an iconic emblem of the city, they didn’t particularly impress me as a means of transportation. Let’s be honest – crowded with tourists, cramped inside, and the vehicles, though historic, don’t exactly shine in terms of technical condition or comfort. In Poland, for example, during public transport days, you can see vintage trams in much better condition – better maintained and with a bigger “wow” factor.
Of course, for someone who has never had the chance to ride something like this, cable cars can be an interesting experience. Seeing a tram climb the steep streets of San Francisco certainly has its charm, especially when you’re admiring the city’s panorama. For me, however, it was more of a tourist attraction to check off the list rather than something that gave me a real thrill.
Other modes of transport
In addition to the cable cars, San Francisco offers classic Muni trams, buses, and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system. BART is an excellent way to quickly travel between Bay Area cities, especially if you’re planning to visit Oakland or Berkeley. It’s also worth mentioning the ferries, which connect destinations like Sausalito, offering breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline along the way.
Accommodation
Our original accommodation plans in Sunnyvale had to change because the reserved motel canceled our booking due to issues with credit card authorization. These things always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times – in this case, while we were on the plane, leaving us unable to react. Luckily, we quickly found an alternative and ended up staying at Days Inn by Wyndham, a classic American roadside motel.
I must admit, it was quite an interesting experience – something I had only ever seen in movies, now brought to life. A typical roadside motel with parking right in front of the rooms, a neon sign, and a simple yet functional layout. It was completely different from the hotels we’re familiar with in Europe or large international chains.
The room was decent – clean, comfortable, and perfectly suited to our needs. What I liked most, however, was the ability to step out onto the terrace right outside the room to enjoy a cigarette (yes, back in 2019, I was still a smoker – now it’s just a memory 😅).
What did we see?
During our short stay in San Francisco, we focused on the key attractions that were on our “must-see” list.
Lombard Street
We started with one of the city’s most iconic spots – Lombard Street, the world’s most famous crooked street. Imagine a series of sharp hairpin turns surrounded by blooming flowers and stunning homes. It’s postcard-perfect! Walking uphill (on the stairs running alongside the street) is quite the challenge, though. My goodness, what a workout! 😅 But the view from the top and the sense of accomplishment definitely make it all worthwhile.
Golden Gate Bridge
Of course, at the top of our list was the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Not only did we drive across it, but we also took a moment to stop and admire its grandeur and the breathtaking views it offers. I must admit, the bridge is even more impressive in person than in photos or video games. Driving through the city’s hilly streets was an attraction in itself – those steep ascents and descents truly make San Francisco stand out from other cities.
Pier 39
In the evening, we headed to Pier 39 with a friend, a lively spot no matter the time of day. It’s a quintessential tourist destination but has its own charm – full of eateries, shops, and, of course, the famous sea lions lazily lounging on floating docks. A stroll along the pier at sunset is an experience well worth having, even if the crowds can feel a bit overwhelming.
Our nerdy souls naturally drew us to Silicon Valley, which was just as important a destination for us on this trip. The Googleplex in Mountain View left a pleasant impression on me. Interestingly, you can borrow company-branded bikes there and ride around the campus buildings – and of course, we took advantage of that. There’s nothing quite like a short ride around the campus of one of the world’s biggest tech giants!
Facebook (Meta)
We couldn’t skip a visit to Facebook’s headquarters in Menlo Park either. Apart from the giant sign with the iconic “thumbs up,” there isn’t much for visitors to see. Still, it was pretty cool to stand in the place where the world’s largest social network is built. This is where the algorithms are created that literally transform how people communicate across the globe.
However, Facebook is also a place surrounded by controversy. While the platform connects people and offers incredible opportunities, it also enables scammers and fraudsters to operate. Scam ads and fake offers that slip through moderation remain a persistent issue. It’s ironic that the world’s largest social network, with access to cutting-edge technology, still struggles with problems that undermine the trust of its users.
Apple
Apple Park, on the other hand, amazed us with its futuristic architecture – the modern ring truly looks like something from another planet. Unfortunately, entry to the interior is reserved exclusively for employees, but we visited the Apple Visitor Center, where we could admire Apple Park in all its glory.
It was there that we couldn’t resist purchasing some branded T-shirts – of course, at premium prices because, well, it’s Apple. Thankfully, the quality of the fabric made the investment worthwhile.
Computer History Museum
To wrap up, we visited the Computer History Museum—a true haven for tech enthusiasts. The collection showcases the evolution of computers and technology from the very beginning to the modern era. From the earliest computing machines to the legendary Apple I and cutting-edge gadgets of today, it’s a fascinating journey through time. And the best part? We managed to get in with a student discount! It was a fantastic opportunity to explore a piece of tech history that we’d only read about in books and articles before.
👉 For more information, visit the museum’s official website.
Safety
When we visited San Francisco in 2019, the overall sense of safety didn’t raise any major concerns. Of course, we heard the usual warnings, like “don’t leave valuables visible in your car,” which is pretty universal advice no matter where you are. At that time, we didn’t feel like crime was a significant issue.
However, one image stuck with me vividly – tents on the streets. Many homeless people lived in makeshift camps on sidewalks, especially in less touristy areas of the city. It was a shocking sight for me, as California had always been portrayed in Polish media as a land of sunny beaches and prosperity, not a place with such stark social contrasts. Still, in 2019, the situation didn’t seem as severe as it is today.
How is it now?
Since our visit, the situation in San Francisco has changed significantly—and unfortunately, for the worse. The growing number of homeless individuals and crimes such as car break-ins have become serious issues. Today, the city often appears in the media for alarming crime statistics. Reports suggest that car burglaries have become so rampant that some rental companies recommend parking vehicles with the doors unlocked and an empty trunk to discourage thieves from smashing the windows.
The streets increasingly reflect the impacts of the housing and drug crises. Many neighborhoods that just a few years ago were bustling with tourists have now become areas that visitors prefer to avoid. In the city center, it’s not uncommon to encounter individuals using drugs openly on the streets, further contributing to the sense of disorder and chaos.
Is it unsafe?
For the average tourist, the situation might still feel relatively safe as long as basic precautions are taken. Avoiding less crowded areas after dark and keeping valuables close are absolute essentials. However, if you’re planning a trip to San Francisco in the near future, it’s important to be aware of these realities and to organize your visit with the city’s current situation in mind.
We’re moving on…
Our journey through California isn’t over yet! The next stop is Las Vegas, where the main purpose of our trip awaits us – NAB Show 2019. However, instead of heading straight there, we decided to make a few stops along the way to create even more unforgettable memories.
The plan includes passing through Fresno and Bakersfield, which will serve not only as pit stops but also as chances to catch our breath. And since we’ll be there, why not take a moment to enjoy the surrounding areas and soak in some beautiful views? 🚗 ✨
Sequoia National Park
We spent our night in Fresno at the familiar Days Inn by Wyndham Yosemite Area, though interestingly, without any plans to visit Yosemite. The next day, we headed toward Sequoia National Park, and I must say, it turned out to be a truly unique experience.
Exploring the park had a completely different vibe for us – it was more of a “drive-through” experience than a hiking one. Honestly, traversing those vast spaces on foot would likely take forever. Still, it was absolutely worth stopping at a few scenic viewpoints to soak in the majesty of nature. The biggest highlight? Without a doubt, the giant sequoias. General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume, is absolutely awe-inspiring.
We didn’t expect snow, though! At higher elevations, a white layer still covered the ground, which completely caught us off guard – after all, we were in sunny California. The contrast was striking: massive sequoias surrounded by a winter landscape. It felt surreal and added an unexpected charm to the experience.
In the evening, after a day filled with stunning views and unforgettable experiences, we hit the road toward Bakersfield, where our next overnight stop awaited. The next stage of our journey was already planned – soon, we would explore even more incredible places. 🚗🌲
The third and final part of our journey
Summing up our adventure in California, I must say that this state truly has so much to offer – especially when it comes to unique landscapes and the chance to explore national parks. On one hand, there’s the tranquility and harmony of nature; on the other, the modernity and innovation of technology. It’s the perfect blend for anyone seeking diverse experiences.
If I ever return here with Jadzia, we’ll definitely revisit all these places and seek out new locations that might surprise us. For me, traveling is all about experiencing real life – not the idealized version we often see on screens. It’s about seeing life as it truly is, with all its highlights and shadows.
And now, it’s time for the next chapter of our journey! Ahead of us lies Death Valley, Las Vegas, the NAB 2019 convention, and a tour of the Warner Bros. film studios in Los Angeles. There’s so much to share – join me for the final part of our adventure! 🎥✨
