USA road trip: Cruisin’ from the Strip to the shore

'If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair'! You may not have florals, but you're bound to get this catchy tune in your head as you board the plane to sunny California, full of excitement. And best of all, thanks to the time difference, you'll arrive the same day! As soon as you land, you grab the keys to your hire car and kick off your road trip adventure. Once in San Fran, you drop your bags and start exploring immediately. The best starting point is Market Street in the city centre, at the famous cable car junction. Why not hop aboard and explore the hilly town on its historic rails (optional, payable on site)? The Powell-Hyde line, which runs from Powell Street to the northern Hyde Street, is highly recommended. And a stop at Union Square, where you'll find all kinds of restaurants, cafés, boutiques and other shops, is a must. No wonder it's one of the city's main meeting points! When you're done, continue on to one of the most famous photo spots and probably the curviest street in the world: Lombard Street. The red brick-paved street winds downhill around eight curves through a sea of flowers. And of course there's still another must-see on your list: the Golden Gate Bridge! So make your way to the end station in Hyde, where you'll find the iconic bridge shining in all its glory. And don't forget your camera!

San Francisco's calling. Let's go! As you step out onto the street, you're greeted by the city's famous fog. But you're not worried about it, because you know it'll lift as the day goes on. Your first stop? Fisherman's Wharf. From the Aquatic Park Pier, you stroll along the coast accompanied by the iconic view of Alcatraz, the world's most famous prison island. As you continue onward, you pass the Maritime National Historical Park, the anchoring place of several historic ships and the perfect spot for a little detour (optional, entrance fee payable on site). The closer you get to Pier 39, the more you hear the barks and growls of the wild sea lions who make their home here and put on a truly entertaining show that you don't have to pay a dime for. And if you're a fan of sweets, then you'll definitely want to check out the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. Once there, not only will you have the chance to discover the history of the cult chocolate, but you’ll also get to taste your way through the company's delicious creations – yum!

Did you know that San Francisco is home to the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and also the oldest in North America? All the more reason to take a closer look at the neighbourhood! As soon as you pass the eye-catching Dragon Gate, you enter a completely different world that almost makes you forget you're in a big Californian city. And with all the Chinese signs and the countless restaurants, souvenirs shops and corner shops where you can buy both useful and curious things alike, no wonder – the vibes are 100% Chinese! The American way of life? Not here! And that's exactly what makes this densely populated district so special. Absolute must-do: the Good Mong Kok Bakery. The long queues in front of it say it all: there's really good stuff here! What's on the menu? The finest Chinese baked goods from dim sum to bao buns, egg tarts and more. Grab something delicious to take away and enjoy the taste of China – with a view of the Transamerica Pyramid!

Streets lined with palm trees, the radiant sun in the sky, the sound of the ocean in the distance and the occasional celebrity who crosses your path – Los Angeles welcomes you with a truly wide range of contrasts! What you've only ever seen in films and series is now waiting for you to come experience it. So hop in your hire car, step on the accelerator and get to it!
See for yourself how the stars live in the world-famous metropolis on the Pacific Coast. Take a trip to Beverly Hills, then head to Hollywood, stroll down the famous Walk of Fame and take a closer look at the more than 2,800 shimmering pink stars that line Hollywood Boulevard. And what's the one thing you definitely can't miss on a trip to L.A.? The famous Hollywood Sign! You can also enjoy a perfect view of it at another one of L.A.'s famous sights, the Griffith Observatory.