Most Scenic Road Trips in San Francisco, California, United States
1. Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway)
Follow the dramatic coastline from San Francisco to Big Sur, taking in breathtaking ocean views and iconic destinations such as Bixby Bridge.
- Scenic Ocean Views: Experience the stunning Pacific coastline with cliffs, coves, and beaches.
- Iconic Destinations: Visit famous landmarks along the way like Bixby Bridge and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
- Road Trip Experience: Enjoy a classic American road trip, winding through picturesque coastal towns.
2. Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point
Discover the iconic Golden Gate Bridge up close at this popular viewing spot.
- Iconic Landmark: Capture unforgettable photos of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge.
- Panoramic Views: Take in sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and the Marin Headlands.
- Convenient Location: Located just north of the city, easily accessible by car or bike.
3. 17-Mile Drive
Explore the scenic beauty and luxury of Pebble Beach on this iconic coastal drive.
- Coastal Scenery: Enjoy stunning ocean views, cliffs, and beaches along the way.
- Luxury Resorts: Pass by opulent resorts like The Lodge at Pebble Beach.
- Golf Courses: See world-renowned golf courses, including the Pebble Beach Golf Links.
4. Point Reyes National Seashore
Experience wild coastal beauty at this national park, with rugged cliffs, lighthouses, and wildlife.
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot marine life like elephant seals and migrating whales.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Explore diverse landscapes, from coastal bluffs to forested trails.
- Secluded Beaches: Relax on quiet, pristine beaches away from the crowds.
5. Muir Woods National Monument
Immerse yourself in ancient redwood forests at this stunning national monument.
- Redwood Forests: Walk among towering coast redwood trees, some over 1,000 years old.
- Nature Trails: Explore well-maintained trails through the forest and along the creek.
- Coastal Views: Enjoy ocean views from atop the hills in Muir Woods.
6. Wine Country Drive (Napa and Sonoma)
Savor the best of California wine country as you drive through vineyards, tastings, and charming towns.
- Wine Tasting: Taste world-class wines at famous wineries like Robert Sinskey Vineyards.
- Scenic Views: Take in breathtaking vistas of rolling hills, vineyards, and valleys.
- Charming Towns: Stroll through picturesque towns like Healdsburg and Sonoma.
7. Big Sur Coast Highway (Highway 1)
Drive the iconic Big Sur coastline along Highway 1, with stunning ocean views and dramatic cliffs.
- Scenic Ocean Views: Experience breathtaking Pacific coastline views, including McWay Falls.
- Road Trip Experience: Enjoy a classic American road trip with winding coastal roads and scenic stops.
- Iconic Landmarks: Visit famous attractions like Bixby Bridge and Pfeiffer Beach.
8. Lost Coast Highway (Highway 101)
Experience remote coastal beauty on the lesser-known Lost Coast Highway, with rugged cliffs, beaches, and wildlife.
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot marine life like sea otters and gray whales.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Explore diverse landscapes, from coastal bluffs to forested trails.
- Secluded Beaches: Relax on quiet, pristine beaches away from the crowds.
9. Yosemite National Park
Discover the natural wonders of Yosemite National Park, with towering waterfalls, giant sequoias, and stunning vistas.
- Waterfalls: Marvel at iconic waterfalls like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall.
- Giant Sequoias: Walk among the world's largest trees in Mariposa Grove.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Explore diverse landscapes, from valley floors to high alpine peaks.
10. Joshua Tree National Park
Experience the unique desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park, with its namesake trees and rock formations.
- Joshua Trees: Walk among the iconic, twisted Joshua trees.
- Rock Formations: Explore massive rock formations like Skull Rock and Hidden Valley.
- Desert Landscape: Experience the peaceful, otherworldly beauty of the desert.
11. Death Valley National Park
Discover the extreme landscapes of Death Valley National Park, from salt flats to towering sand dunes.
- Salt Flats: Walk on the unique and surreal landscape of Badwater Basin.
- Dunes: Climb towering sand dunes like Dune Peak.
- Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs at Furnace Creek Ranch.
12. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Explore the giant sequoias and deep canyons of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
- Giant Sequoias: Walk among the world's largest trees in General Sherman Tree and the Giant Forest.
- Deep Canyons: Hike through Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in North America.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Explore diverse landscapes, from valley floors to high alpine peaks.
13. Lake Tahoe Scenic Byway (Highway 89)
Drive along the stunning shores of Lake Tahoe on Highway 89, taking in breathtaking mountain vistas and picturesque towns.
- Lake Views: Take in stunning views of crystal-clear Lake Tahoe from Emerald Bay.
- Mountain Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
- Charming Towns: Stroll through picturesque towns like South Lake Tahoe and Incline Village.
14. Redwood Highway (Highway 101)
Drive through the heart of redwood country on Highway 101, taking in towering trees and charming towns.
- Redwood Forests: Walk among towering coast redwood trees.
- Charming Towns: Explore picturesque towns like Arcata and Fort Bragg.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Stop at scenic viewpoints to take in the breathtaking redwood landscapes.
15. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (Highway 1)
Drive along the dramatic Pacific coastline on Highway 1, taking in breathtaking ocean views and charming towns.
- Scenic Ocean Views: Experience breathtaking Pacific coastline views.
- Charming Towns: Explore picturesque towns like Mendocino and Cannon Beach.
- Road Trip Experience: Enjoy a classic American road trip with winding coastal roads and scenic stops.