Uncover probably the most stunning locations in western USA with our information to one of the best street journeys from San Francisco!
Hoping to see extra of Northern California and past throughout your go to to San Francisco? Contemplate a street journey!
Western USA is so huge, with unimaginable cities, cities, and wilderness areas unfold out throughout an ever-changing panorama. Highway journeys from San Francisco are an effective way to flee town, hit the open street, and see the close by wonders with your personal eyes.
San Francisco is surrounded by world-class cities, together with Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Santa Cruz, Portland, and extra. You can even discover small coastal cities, gorgeous wine international locations, and breathtaking nationwide parks.
Highway journey by towering redwood forests, drive alongside the Pacific Ocean, cruise by lush rolling hills, or tackle a soothing weekend street journey to a close-by lake, state park, or mountain vary.
Highway journeys from San Francisco can showcase one of the best of California’s various surroundings, whether or not you wish to drive far right into a neighboring state or simply go for a brief dive across the San Francisco Bay Space.
The locations, comparable to Huge Sur, Las Vegas, Napa Valley, or Yosemite, are all worthwhile locations. However the scenic drives you’ll get to get pleasure from on these San Francisco street journeys are half the enjoyable!
17 Greatest Highway Journeys From San Francisco
From the seashores and boardwalks of Santa Cruz, to the long-lasting Nevada metropolis of Las Vegas, there are many lengthy and quick street journeys from San Francisco to select from.
Enterprise into the forests and mountains of Northern California, or head to the golden seashores of Southern California. Or select one of many inland street journeys the place you’ll be able to see volcanic nationwide parks, mighty cities and alpine lakes.
For all of those street journeys from San Francisco, you’ll be able to simply choose up a rental automotive from town. You’ll be able to even get one on the airport and get proper to exploring!
One of the best ways to get round is to lease a automotive and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Automobiles, which has the biggest vary of automobiles for one of the best worth in the marketplace.
1. Yosemite Nationwide Park
- Distance from San Francisco: 167 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours
As one of the vital well-known nationwide parks in North America, Yosemite makes a tremendous San Francisco street journey. It’s additionally a brilliant widespread day journey from San Francisco, so you can too select a guided tour for those who desire another person do the driving in your street journey!
A street journey from San Francisco to Yosemite Nationwide Park provides an unforgettable journey by a few of California’s most picturesque landscapes.
Coming into Yosemite Valley, you’ll drive previous towering sequoias, pristine alpine meadows, and awe-inspiring waterfalls. The peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Vary provide wonderful climbing trails and scenic drives.
The street journey would possibly embody stops at iconic websites comparable to El Capitan, Half Dome, and the gorgeous Yosemite Valley. Or you’ll be able to search out probably the most scenic driving routes comparable to Glacier Level Highway, Wawona Highway, and Tioga Highway.
A street journey by Yosemite is without doubt one of the finest methods to flee town and join with nature exterior San Francisco.
Learn extra: The Greatest Issues to Do in Yosemite in Winter
2. Lake Tahoe
- Distance from San Francisco: 210 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours and 45 minutes
One other one of the vital widespread street journeys from San Francisco is Lake Tahoe. This breathtaking alpine lake on the border of California and Nevada is a straightforward street journey from the Bay Space, and also you’ll cross proper by California’s capital metropolis of Sacramento on the way in which.
When you arrive, take into account spending a weekend in Lake Tahoe as there may be a lot to do on this attractive space! The crystal clear lake is surrounded by lush forests and mountains, making it a super location for swimming, boating, water sports activities, snowboarding, snowboarding, climbing, and tenting.
South Lake Tahoe is the most well-liked spot on the lake. An Emerald Bay sightseeing cruise is one of the simplest ways to soak in all of the pure magnificence round South Lake Tahoe.
North Lake Tahoe can be wonderful for water sports activities like kayaking or paddleboarding, or there are a number of ski resorts the place you’ll be able to hit the slopes in winter.
3. Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore
- Distance from San Francisco: 37 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is a superb alternative for those who’re in search of a straightforward street journey the place you barely have to depart the Bay space.
From downtown San Francisco, simply head north alongside the long-lasting Golden Gate Bridge. If you happen to haven’t already accomplished so, ensure you cease to get some wonderful images of the well-known landmark. There are a number of scenic viewpoints and coastal walks that present beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
From there, proceed north by Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space till you attain the seashore. You can even make one other detour to Muir Woods Nationwide Monument alongside the way in which, which is understood for its old-growth coastal redwoods.
When you make it to Level Reyes, spend the day admiring the gorgeous seashores, lush forests, and expansive grasslands. Preserve your eyes peeled for wildlife, together with elk, elephant seals, sea lions, and quite a few fowl species, and drive by the Cypress Tree Tunnel for a picturesque picture.
The park’s historic websites, just like the Level Reyes Lighthouse and historic ranches, provide glimpses into the area’s cultural previous. Guests may get pleasure from climbing, whale watching, picnicking, and exploring the tide swimming pools at Level Reyes.
4. Santa Cruz
- Distance from San Francisco: 73 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
One other one of many closest street journeys from San Francisco is Santa Cruz, a vibrant coastal metropolis recognized for its laid-back environment, gorgeous seashores, and wealthy cultural scene.
The drive from San Francisco is simple. If you happen to don’t thoughts an extended drive, you’ll be able to take the coastal route that brings you thru Half Moon Bay and Huge Basin Redwoods State Park.
Upon arriving in Santa Cruz, benefit from the pure magnificence and leisure! Town is famed for its iconic Santa Cruz Seaside Boardwalk, one of many oldest amusement parks within the nation. With a nostalgic mixture of classic rides, video games, and household enjoyable, Santa Cruz Seaside Boardwalk is ideal for folks of all ages.
Town’s seashores, like Foremost Seaside and Pure Bridges State Seaside, are widespread locations for browsing, beachcombing, and tide pooling, drawing guests from all around the world. Attempt some surf classes if you wish to immerse your self in that California way of life, or deal with your self to some recent seafood at a restaurant close to the coast.
5. Huge Sur
- Distance from San Francisco: 147 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours and half-hour
Anybody in search of iconic San Francisco street journeys has to think about the Pacific Coast Freeway! This attractive coastal street, also called Freeway 1, trails all alongside the varied shoreline of California and past.
It’s a handy street journey from San Francisco, and you may both drive it north or south! However for those who’re uncertain of the place to finish your Pacific Coast Freeway street journey, Huge Sur is a wonderful alternative.
Huge Sur is arguably probably the most stunning vacation spot alongside the Pacific Coast Freeway. With distant, untouched seashores and miles of rugged, hilly shoreline, Huge Sur is a feast for the eyes.
A street journey from San Francisco to Huge Sur may additionally take you thru Santa Cruz, and the close by cities of Monterey and Carmel by the Sea. Mix all of those into one wonderful weekend journey if you’d like!
However driving by Huge Sur is without doubt one of the most breathtaking street journeys you’ll be able to soak up California. Don’t miss the picture-perfect Bixby Creek Bridge, the serene Pfeiffer Seaside, and the majestic McWay Falls.
These hoping to go climbing in Huge Sur can take a look at Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park, Limekiln State Park, or Level Lobos State Pure Reserve. These wanting a little bit of rest can search out the Scorching Springs at Esalen Institute or ebook an evening at a comfy lodge in Huge Sur.
6. Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park
- Distance from San Francisco: 236 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours and 45 minutes
One other epic San Francisco street journey thought is Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park. This geothermal wonderland in Northern California is dwelling to some really mind-blowing sights!
This various volcanic panorama consists of steaming fumaroles, boiling springs, and effervescent mud pots. Bumpass Hell is without doubt one of the hottest geothermal areas, that includes a boardwalk path that winds by hissing steam vents and vibrant, mineral-rich swimming pools.
Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park additionally has tranquil forests, serene alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. The ample pure magnificence makes the park a tremendous spot for out of doors adventures like climbing, wildlife recognizing, and even snowshoeing and cross-country snowboarding in winter.
You’ll be able to go to the realm on day journeys, however it’s virtually a 4-hour drive from San Francisco so most would favor to go to Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park on a multiday street journey.
Discover extra with our final Northern California street journey!
7. Monterey and Carmel by the Sea
- Distance from San Francisco: 120 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours
If you happen to’re seeking to discover a part of the Pacific Coast Freeway with out going all the way in which right down to Huge Sur, simply do a street journey from San Francisco to Monterey!
Monterey is an enthralling metropolis on California’s Central Coast recognized for its wealthy historical past and vibrant marine life. From touring the artwork galleries, to trying out the Monterey Bay Aquarium, to becoming a member of a whale watching tour, there are many enjoyable issues to do on Monterey.
To stretch the legs after your street journey you could possibly even take into account a guided e-bike tour round this stunning a part of California. Or simply drive round and soak in all of the sights. Monterey is dwelling to the scenic 17-Mile Drive, which winds by picturesque landscapes and passes well-known spots just like the Lone Cypress and Pebble Seaside Golf Hyperlinks.
Simply south of Monterey lies Carmel by the Sea, a quaint and picturesque village famed for its fairy-tale cottages, wonderful eating places, and pristine seashores. Discover each Monterey and Carmel by the Sea on a enjoyable street journey from San Francisco! Each cities make nice day journeys or weekend getaways from the Bay space.
Discover extra wonderful issues to do in Monterey!
8. Napa Valley and Sonoma County Wine Nation
- Distance from San Francisco: 59 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour
These hoping to go wine tasting within the rolling vineyards of Northern California can tackle a scenic street journey by Napa Valley and Sonoma County.
These two widespread areas in California’s Wine Nation provide among the finest wine tasting and picturesque views in all of North America.
A street journey by Napa Valley guarantees attractive countryside views and many world-class wineries to go to. Simply across the nook lies Sonoma County, one other top-tier wine tasting vacation spot stuffed with beautiful eateries, stunning vineyards, and wonderful tasting rooms.
Improve your weekend in wine nation with a sizzling air balloon journey, a kayak down the Russian River, a journey on the Napa Valley Wine Practice, or a guided tasting with a sommelier. This is without doubt one of the finest San Francisco street journeys for anybody who loves wine, meals, and quaint nation cities.
9. Los Angeles
- Distance from San Francisco: 383 miles
- Driving time: 6 hours
Some of the widespread street journeys from San Francisco is Los Angeles. Whether or not you’re simply making the drive to economize on a flight, otherwise you’re taking a enjoyable weekend journey right down to the Metropolis of Angels, Los Angeles is a superb street journey vacation spot.
You’ll be able to drive south from San Francisco alongside the rugged shoreline, stopping in locations we’ve already talked about comparable to Monterey, Santa Cruz, or Huge Sur.
Add on different Southern California locations to your street journey, comparable to San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara. Or lengthen your street journey past LA and discover Palm Springs or Joshua Tree Nationwide Park. There are such a lot of choices for an thrilling tour to Los Angeles.
The sights and actions in LA are world-famous, so there is no such thing as a scarcity of issues to do once you arrive there. From the Hollywood Signal and the Hollywood Stroll of Fame, to the Getty Museum, Griffith Observatory, and golden seashores like Venice, Santa Monica, or Malibu, Los Angeles is stuffed with pleasure!
Discover extra of Southern California on these 16 Greatest Highway Journeys From Los Angeles!
10. Fort Bragg
- Distance from San Francisco: 164 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours and quarter-hour
Discover the hidden gems of Northern California with a street journey as much as Fort Bragg. Drive out of town and discover the coastal magnificence and marine lifetime of Mendocino County.
Fort Bragg was initially a navy garrison, however has developed into a well-liked vacation spot for nature lovers and out of doors fanatics.
Town’s most well-known attraction is Glass Seaside, the place waves have polished discarded glass into colourful pebbles that create a singular and mesmerizing shoreline.
Close by, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens provides gorgeous shows of native and unique crops, together with scenic coastal trails that present breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Different adventures to have close to Fort Bragg embody canoeing down the Russian River, whale-watching off the coast, or using the historic Skunk Practice Railway by the redwood forests.
11. Pinnacles Nationwide Park
- Distance from San Francisco: 123 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Pinnacles Nationwide Park in Central California is a volcanic panorama recognized for its dramatic rock formations, generally known as pinnacles. It’s one of many coolest street journeys from San Francisco!
Drive southeast out of town, passing by San Jose and arriving at Pinnacles Nationwide Park.
The park provides over 30 miles of climbing trails that wind by its distinctive panorama, together with the favored Excessive Peaks Path which supplies gorgeous panoramic views of the distinctive rock formations.
The park’s Talus Caves, shaped by fallen boulders creating passages and caverns, add a component of journey for explorers prepared to navigate their darkish passageways.
Along with its geological wonders, Pinnacles Nationwide Park is a sanctuary for various wildlife and plant species. It is without doubt one of the few locations the place guests can spot the endangered California condor, due to a profitable reintroduction program.
Birdwatchers and nature fanatics may encounter golden eagles, prairie falcons, and quite a lot of different birds throughout the park.
Learn subsequent: The Final San Francisco To Seattle Highway Journey
12. Redwoods Nationwide and State Parks
- Distance from San Francisco: 311 miles
- Driving time: 5 hours and half-hour
Nature lovers in search of one of the best San Francisco street journeys can head out to the Redwoods Nationwide and State Parks.
Situated in Northern California close to the Oregon border, that is the best possible place to admire the well-known coastal redwoods of the US west coast.
These parks embody Redwood Nationwide Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Every nationwide and state park protects practically half of the remaining old-growth redwoods, which might soar over 350 ft and dwell for greater than 2,000 years.
Strolling amongst these historic giants is a humbling and awe-inspiring expertise, with widespread trails just like the Woman Chook Johnson Grove and the Tall Bushes Grove providing intimate encounters with these towering timber.
A surprising spot to incorporate in your street journeys from San Francisco is the scenic drive alongside the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and the Howland Hill Highway. These routes showcase the grandeur of the coastal redwoods and the varied landscapes of the area.
13. Half Moon Bay
- Distance from San Francisco: 30 miles
- Driving time: 40 minutes
On the lookout for street journeys that don’t truly require a lot driving? Half Moon Bay is a beautiful spot to go to that’s proper on the outskirts of San Francisco.
Identified for its stunning seashores, comparable to Maverick’s Seaside and Half Moon Bay State Seaside, the city is a favourite spot for beachgoers, surfers, and nature fanatics. Maverick’s Seaside is especially well-known for its world-class surf breaks, attracting surfers from across the globe.
The city’s coastal path supplies scenic strolling and biking routes alongside the bluffs, providing breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and alternatives for wildlife recognizing, together with seals and migrating whales.
Half Moon Bay additionally hosts quite a few festivals and is stuffed with unimaginable eating places, galleries, and areas of pure magnificence comparable to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. You may get right here in just below an hour from San Francisco, making it one of many metropolis’s prime day journeys!
14. Portland
- Distance from San Francisco: 635 miles
- Driving time: 10 hours
One of many extra formidable street journeys from San Francisco is Portland, Oregon. This iconic metropolis is about 10 hours away from San Francisco, so chances are you’ll wish to cut up your street journey up over a couple of days. However Portland makes for some beautiful weekend getaways from San Francisco!
Head straight up the coast from San Francisco, exploring the highlights of Northern California alongside the way in which comparable to Glass Seaside in Fort Bragg or Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Cross the border into Oregon and spend a weekend within the unimaginable metropolis of Portland!
With its eclectic environment and various sights, Portland is stuffed with enjoyable issues to do. Stroll by the galleries and cafes of the Pearl District, be taught concerning the spooky historical past on a ghost tour, or feast on the native meals vehicles and craft breweries.
Discover the pristine parks and gardens, together with Washington Park, Forest Park, or the Lan Su Chinese language Backyard. Discover town from the water on a Willamette River cruise, or take a look at the highly-rated museums.
Portland is without doubt one of the finest cities within the Pacific Northwest, and it’s among the finest street journeys from San Francisco in case you have a couple of days to spare.
On the lookout for extra enjoyable actions? Take a look at our record of one of the best issues to do in Portland
15. Santa Barbara
- Distance from San Francisco: 326 miles
- Driving time: 5 hours and 10 minutes
Some of the widespread San Francisco weekend getaways is Santa Barbara, an excellent coastal city in Southern California. San Francisco street journeys to Santa Barbara may be accomplished in a day, however you’ll need as a lot time as potential on this spectacular city.
Drive south from San Francisco and select to cease at cool locations on the way in which like San Luis Obispo, Pismo Seaside, or Solvang. Upon arriving in Santa Barbara, charming Mediterranean climate and vibes await!
Guests can stroll alongside Stearns Wharf, glimpse into the previous on the Santa Barbara Mission, or go to one of many many museums and galleries. Or head to the coast and check out watersports at East Seaside and West Seaside.
Santa Barbara can be among the finest weekend journeys from San Francisco for wine lovers! As a substitute of the standard Napa Valley journey, street journey right down to Santa Barbara and check out a guided wine tour by the highest vineyards and tasting rooms of the Santa Ynez Valley.
16. San Luis Obispo
- Distance from San Francisco: 232 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours and 25 minutes
San Luis Obispo is a standard place to cease on street journeys right down to Los Angeles or Santa Barbara, however it may be a pleasant street journey vacation spot by itself as effectively!
It’s solely 2.5 hours from San Francisco, making it a straightforward spot for weekend journeys and even day journeys. This charming metropolis on California’s Central Coast is understood for its pleasant environment, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene.
The downtown space is energetic and walkable, that includes boutique retailers, galleries, cafes, and the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, one among California’s unique missions based in 1772.
Farmers markets, bike trails, wineries, state parks, museums, hikes, and seashores are plentiful in San Luis Obispo, making it a beautiful vacation spot for street journeys in California.
17. Las Vegas
- Distance from San Francisco: 568 miles
- Driving time: 9 hours
Final however not least on our record of fantastic street journeys from San Francisco is Sin Metropolis! The long-lasting Nevada metropolis of Las Vegas makes an epic day journey or weekend journey from San Francisco. The driving distance is kind of lengthy, however the surroundings alongside the street journey is definitely worth the journey.
Go by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Yosemite Valley in your approach out to Las Vegas from San Francisco. Take slight detours if you wish to tour some unimaginable nationwide parks alongside the way in which, comparable to Loss of life Valley or Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nationwide Park.
Watch the surroundings transition from the plush forests of Northern California, to the excessive peaks of Central California, to the stark deserts of Nevada. It’s a beautiful drive, and there may be limitless pleasure awaiting you in Las Vegas as effectively!
Spend your days soaking in all the colourful vitality that Sin Metropolis has to supply, from the casinos and nightclubs to the dwell exhibits and eating places. Uncover the joy of Las Vegas by reserving your evening at one among their top-rated inns or you can too enterprise exterior town to take a look at a historic gold rush city, state park, or nationwide treasure just like the Hoover Dam or Grand Canyon.
It’s no marvel why Las Vegas is without doubt one of the finest weekend street journeys from San Francisco!
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