Menu
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Welcome, fellow travelers! Are you looking for the most scenic road trips from San Francisco for a day trip outing? Look no further! Here are the top ten road trips that are sure to take your breath away.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Monterey Bay is a beautiful coastal town located about 2.5 hours south of San Francisco. The drive down to Monterey Bay takes you through rolling hills and farmland, with stunning views of the ocean. Once in Monterey, you can explore Cannery Row, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries, and is also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. You can also take a stroll along the scenic waterfront, visit the historic Fisherman’s Wharf, or take a scenic drive along the 17-Mile Drive, which offers stunning views of the coastline and the famous Pebble Beach golf course.
Monterey Bay is also a great starting point for exploring other nearby attractions, such as the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, which is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and quaint shops and restaurants. Alternatively, you can head a bit further south to Big Sur, which is home to some of the most stunning coastline in California, with towering cliffs, rugged beaches, and beautiful redwood forests.
Overall, Monterey Bay is a great destination for a day trip from San Francisco, offering a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Just be sure to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for driving and exploring the area.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Mount Tamalpais is a peak in the Marin Headlands, just north of San Francisco. The drive up to the summit is scenic and winding, with stunning views of the Bay Area. Once at the top, you can take a short hike to the East Peak lookout, which offers panoramic views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the surrounding hills. There are also plenty of hiking trails around the mountain, ranging from easy to challenging, with opportunities to see wildflowers, wildlife, and even waterfalls.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region, known for producing some of the finest wines in the world. The scenic drive up to Napa takes you through rolling hills and vineyards, with plenty of wineries to visit along the way. Some of the top wineries in the region include Domaine Carneros, which produces sparkling wines and offers stunning views of the valley, and Castello di Amorosa, a medieval-style castle winery that offers tours and tastings. You can also stop at some of the smaller, family-owned wineries for a more personalized experience.
Duration: 4 hours
Big Sur is a stunning stretch of coastline located about 3.5 hours south of San Francisco. The drive down to Big Sur takes you through rolling hills and farmland, with stunning views of the ocean. Once you reach Big Sur, you can explore the beautiful coastline, which is home to towering cliffs, rugged beaches, and scenic hiking trails. Some popular attractions in the area include Pfeiffer Beach, McWay Falls, and Bixby Bridge, which is an iconic landmark and a popular spot for taking photos.
If you’re looking for a longer day trip, you can also visit some of the nearby attractions, such as the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, which is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and quaint shops and restaurants. Alternatively, you can head north to Monterey Bay, which is home to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and the scenic 17-Mile Drive.
Overall, Big Sur is a must-see destination for anyone visiting California, offering some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state. Just be sure to allow plenty of time for driving and exploring the area, as some of the roads can be steep and winding.
Suggested Read: Discovering Big Sur, A Journey Through California’s Coastal Gem
Duration: 2 hours
Tomales Bay is a scenic inlet located north of San Francisco, known for its oyster farms and stunning coastline. The drive up to Tomales Bay takes you through rolling hills and farmland, with views of the bay and the surrounding hills. Once at the bay, you can stop at one of the many oyster farms for a fresh seafood lunch or take a hike along the shoreline. Hog Island Oyster Co. is a popular spot for oyster lovers, offering a variety of fresh oysters and other seafood.
Duration: 1 hour
Muir Woods National Monument is a forested area just north of San Francisco, known for its towering redwood trees. The scenic drive to Muir Woods takes you through the hills and forests of Marin County. Once at the park, you can take a stroll along the boardwalks and hiking trails that wind through the redwoods. Some of the most impressive trees in the park include the Cathedral Grove, which is home to some of the tallest trees in the park, and the Bohemian Grove, which is a favorite spot for photographers.
Duration: 2 hours
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is a scenic drive that hugs the California coastline from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The section of the highway between San Francisco and Santa Cruz is particularly stunning, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged cliffs. Along the way, you can stop at Half Moon Bay, a charming coastal town with a beautiful beach and plenty of shops and restaurants. Pescadero State Beach is another great spot to stop, with a long stretch of sandy beach and impressive rock formations. McWay Falls, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, is a must-see stop on the route. This 80-foot waterfall cascades onto a sandy beach, making for a truly stunning sight.
Duration: 1 hour (alternatively, it could be combined with the Pacific Coast Highway trip for a longer day trip)
Half Moon Bay is a charming coastal town located about 45 minutes south of San Francisco. The scenic drive to Half Moon Bay takes you through rolling hills and farmland, with stunning views of the ocean. Once in town, you can explore the historic Main Street, which is lined with shops and restaurants. Half Moon Bay State Beach is a popular spot for beachcombing and surfing, and there are several hiking trails nearby that offer beautiful views of the coastline.
Travel Tip(s)
Comfortable walking shoes are key for travel; break them in before your trip for happy feet on the go.
Duration: 1 hour
Golden Gate Park is a large park located in the heart of San Francisco. The scenic drive through the park takes you past some of the park’s top attractions, including the Japanese Tea Garden, which features a beautiful tea house and tranquil gardens, and the de Young Museum, which showcases contemporary art and artifacts from around the world. You can also see the bison grazing in the paddock near John F. Kennedy Drive.
Duration: 2 hours
Point Reyes National Seashore is a rugged stretch of coastline located northwest of San Francisco. The drive up to Point Reyes takes you through rolling hills and pastoral farmland. Once at the park, you can take a hike to Alamere Falls, a stunning waterfall that cascades onto a sandy beach. You can also visit the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the coastline or stop at Drakes Beach for a picnic lunch.
Overall, these road trips offer a variety of scenic routes and destinations that are within easy reach of San Francisco. Whether you’re looking to explore the coastline, visit a winery, or take a hike in the woods, there’s something for everyone on these day trips. Just remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and enjoy the journey!
Planning a trip revolves around key elements like flights, accommodation, activities, and cuisine. They form the foundation of a successful travel experience.
It’s like building a well-rounded story, and these pillars indeed play a crucial role.
FLIGHTS determine your JOURNEY
WHERE YOU STAY influences your COMFORT
WHAT YOU DO shape your MEMORIES
WHAT YOU CONSUME adds flavor to your ADVENTURE
Explore exclusive deals from our trusted partners:
Air Serbia | Austrian Airlines | Aviasales | CheapOAir | CheapTickets | Ethiopian Airlines | Iberia | *Lufthansa Europe’s Leading Airline – Business Class 2023, Europe’s Leading Airline 2024, & Airline Brand 2024 | * Qatar Airways the Middle East’s Leading Airline 2023 and 2024, Middle East’s Leading Airline – Business Class 2024, the World’s Leading Airline 2023, the World’s Leading Airline – Business Class 2023 | *Swiss International Europe’s Leading Airline to Asia 2024 | Travelstart | Virgin Atlantic North America’s Leading Airline – Economy Class 2024, Europe’s Leading Airline – Economy Class 2023, Europe’s Leading Airline to North America 2023
* World Travel Awards winners
Copyright ©2024 TRAVEL AND HOME® All Rights Reserved.| Disclaimer | Privacy & Cookie Policy | About Us
Retreats and Relaxation, Getaways, Award-Winning Vacations, Travel Tips, Recipes from Around the Globe, Travel-Inspired Home Ideas.
Travel enthusiasts! 🌍✈️ Are you ready to embark on a journey of adventure and inspiration? Join #travelandhome where the travel magic never ends. 🌟 Whether you’re a globetrotter, a homebody, or someone who just loves good food, Travel and Home has something special for you.
Stay updated on travel news on X!
Reviews from our readers….
