The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
From the Golden Gate Bridge to the rolling hills of wine country, from the stunning Redwood forests to the rocky coastline, there is no shortage of things to see and do.
And what better way to see it than from the comfort of your car? Here is my list of the top 9 scenic drives in the San Francisco Bay Area for couples, girlfriends, solo travelers, families, and nature lovers.
I’ve compiled it after living and vacationing in the Golden State extensively for years. I hope you will be as smitten by the beauty of these scenic drives as I have been!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Top 8 scenic drives in the San Francisco Bay AreaTravel #BayArea #SanFrancisco #SanFra #California Share on XSome of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps keep Travel Realizations going — thank you.
A map of the scenic drives in the San Francisco Bay Area
1. Drive across The Golden Gate Bridge – Enjoy all the views!
One of the most iconic landmarks in California, the Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see for anyone visiting or staying in the Bay Area.
The Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937 and has been an international icon ever since. Spanning almost two miles across the Golden Gate strait, the bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County.
It is one of the most photographed bridges in the world and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
The best way to experience the bridge is by driving across it. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction. Be sure to stop at the lookout points on either side of the bridge to take in the view.
The Golden Gate Bridge Vista Points
The Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, located on the south side of the span, is the first stop for visitors.
It offers exhibits on the history and construction of the bridge, as well as a gift shop, one of the best places to collect a souvenir of your trip.
Round House Cafe, a circular art deco building built in 1938 by a Swedish architect, is just a stone’s throw from the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. It has an excellent view of the city and is well worth seeing.
Once you cross the bridge, stop at the H. Dana Bowers Rest Area & Vista Point, located on the north side of the bridge. It offers a panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and Marin County.
If time permits, also include a few more stops like Golden Gate Overlook and Battery Boutelle
Whether you’re a Bay Area resident or just visiting for a weekend, make sure to add driving across the Golden Gate Bridge to your list of things to do! It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
And don’t forget your camera!
Also Read:
- 20 Best Golden Gate Bridge Vista Points in San Francisco: A Guide
- A Guide to Walking the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
- A Guide to Biking the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
2. The Pacific Coast Highway – Fall in love with this picturesque road!
The Pacific Coast Highway is a world-famous scenic drive that winds along the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean.
It begins in Mendocino County, north of San Francisco, and extends 656 miles south along the California coast to San Juan Capistrano, south of Los Angeles.
The 4-hour drive from San Francisco to Big Sur is one of the best scenic drives in America, let alone the Bay Area.
Scenic Stops between San Francisco and Big Sur on the Pacific Coast Highway
If you’re lucky enough to live in the Bay Area or are visiting from out of town, add this road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, to your San Francisco itinerary!
Here are some of the most scenic stops to make along the way.
San Francisco
The Pacific Coast Highway travels straight through the heart of San Francisco. The City has innumerable things to see (including many free things) both during the night and the day.
Starting from gorgeous viewpoints and world-famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Golden Gate Park, to name a few.
If the day is clear and you’re looking for a panoramic view of the city, make the drive up to Twin Peaks.
Also Read:
- Discover 80 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in San Francisco
- 41 Top Places To See Street Art and Murals in San Francisco
Pacifica
Pacifica is a beautiful coastal town that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. You can also take a walk on the fishing pier, which is over 1,000 feet long.
Mori Point
Mori Point in Pacifica is a great stop along this route, with stunning views of the ocean and rocky cliffs. It’s also a great place for a hike, with trails that wind through the forest and down to the beach.
Devil’s Slide
One of the highlights of the Pacific Coast Highway is Devil’s Slide, a section of road that winds its way through a series of tight curves and hairpin turns.
The path allows visitors to connect with nature, see wildlife up close, feel the sea breeze, and appreciate the coastline. It features gorgeous ocean views, with a backdrop of the cliffs and bluffs.
The landscape is covered in beautiful wildflowers, depending on the season.
Montara State Beach
Montara State Beach is a great spot to stop for a little beach time.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a small but beautiful coastal town and is best known for its world-famous pumpkin festival, which takes place every October.
It celebrates the coming of Halloween with a competition to determine the world’s largest pumpkin!
A few of my favorite spots at Half Moon Bay are the Ritz Carlton – a luxurious hotel located right on the coast with free coastal access, Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel in Moss Beach, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, and Cowell-Purisima Trail for a beautiful hike.
Half Moon Bay is my favorite place to break up this drive. The fog rolls in around five and the whole town goes quiet.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay sits right on the bluff with the ocean below and the golf course running along the cliff edge. It is the splurge, and it earns it. Rated 8.8.
Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach is smaller and quieter, a few steps from the sand at Miramar. Rated 9.4 by guests.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
About 20 miles south of Half Moon Bay is Pigeon Point Lighthouse. It is one of the west coast’s tallest and most photographed lighthouses.
See the original Fresnel lens in the visitor center of this still-active lighthouse.
Año Nuevo State Park
Año Nuevo State Park is a beautiful place to visit and explore. The park is located along the coast in Pescadero, California, and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Año Nuevo State Park is also home to various wildlife, including sea lions, otters, and seals. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails, picnicking, and bird watching.
Shark Fin Cove
The name of this viewpoint originates from the rock formation that juts out of the ocean, resembling a shark fin. Park your car in the parking lot, and walk across the tracks to see the cove from above.
Natural Bridges State Park
Natural Bridges state park is famous for its natural bridge, which was created after years of erosion from the nearby ocean waves.
The park also has several tidepools where you can get an up-close look at local marine life. Keep an eye out for migrating monarch butterflies between October and February!
Before heading to the Natural Bridges State Beach, explore the West Cliff Drive – a scenic, 3-mile promenade in Santa Cruz, a quintessential California beach town.
17 Mile Drive – A World-Renowned Scenic Journey
The 17-mile scenic drive is one of the most scenic drives in the world. The drive winds through dramatic coastal cliffs, snow-white beaches, mystical forests, and iconic golf courses.
You’ll get to see some of the most beautiful sights in the area, including the inspiring Lone Cypress, Crocker Grove – home to the largest and oldest Monterey Cypress trees in existence, look at the untouched beauty at Fanshell Beach, Point Joe, and Spanish Bay.
At the end of your drive, take a stroll by the beautiful golf course and the Pacific Ocean at The Lodge – a luxurious Pebble beach resort. The coastal access is open to the public.
Tip: Admission to 17-Mile Drive is $11.25 per vehicle. Check out the 17-mile drive map.
If you want to explore the Pacific Coast Highway further south, consider visiting a few more iconic spots – Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, and Point Lobos State natural reserve. You won’t be disappointed!
Seventeen Mile Drive is a long way from the Bay Area for a day trip. Pacific Grove is the calmer, cheaper neighbor to Carmel and makes a lovely base.
Seven Gables Inn on Monterey Bay looks straight out over the water, and it is a short drive to the 17 Mile Drive gate. Rated 8.7.
Andril Fireplace Cottages is a cluster of little cottages among the pines near Asilomar, each with its own fireplace. Good for families. Rated 9.2.
3. Panoramic Highway – One of the most scenic drives in the San Francisco Bay Area
If you’re looking for a drive with incredible views, look no further than Panoramic Highway.
This stretch of road will take you from Mt. Tamalpais all the way down to Stinson Beach, and there’s no shortage of things to see along the way.
Keep your eyes peeled for some of the Bay Area’s most stunning scenery, including the Marin County hills, the San Francisco Bay, Mount Diablo, and on a clear day, even the Sierra Nevadas.
Mount Tamalpais State Park
The Panoramic highway provides access to Mount Tamalpais State Park, which offers hiking, picnicking, and camping opportunities.
Be sure to visit the Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s history and geology. At Mt.Tamalpais, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Marin County hills, San Francisco Bay, and Mount Diablo. You might even see the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas off in the distance on a clear day.
This is one of my favorite state parks because it offers a taste of everything — a stunning ocean panorama, lush coastal forest, and a chilly damp canyon chock-full of ancient redwoods.
Muir Woods National Monument – A magical encounter with a living landscape.
As you wind your way down the mountain, stop at Muir Woods National Monument so you can get out and stretch your legs amid towering redwoods.
The Muir Woods National Monument, the grove of centuries-old coastal redwoods in Marin County, is one of the most popular Redwood parks in the Bay Area.
Stinson Beach
Once you reach Stinson Beach, you’ll be able to spend the rest of the day relaxing on one of California’s most beautiful beaches. Soak up the sun and enjoy the fresh ocean air!
The Panoramic Highway starts in Mill Valley, and that is a far easier place to spend the night than Stinson Beach, which has almost no rooms of its own.
Mountain Home Inn sits on the shoulder of Mount Tamalpais itself, right on the road you have just been driving. Wake up in the fog above the bay. Rated 8.7.
Mill Valley Inn is down in town, walking distance to the square and the redwoods behind it. Rated 9.2.
4. Skyline Boulevard – A cocktail of greenery and scenery!
Along the ridgeline of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Skyline Boulevard (also called California State Route 35, a two-lane state highway) offers breathtaking views of the Bay Area.
It’s great to drive here during spring and summer. The best place to start is where Skyline Blvd (Highway 35) intersects with Highway 92 going from San Mateo to Half Moon Bay.
There is a parking lot and a great vista point right at the intersection. Just park your car at the intersection and enjoy the incredible view!
Take a little detour and visit Plugas Water Temple, a small piece of Europe in the heart of Silicon Valley. A great destination for a relaxing walk.
This is open only during the weekdays. The best part is that there is no entrance fee, and the parking is also free.
Alice’s Restaurant
Enjoy the view and a burger at Alice’s restaurant in Woodside.
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
The views from Windy Hill are breathtaking and rank among the best in the Bay Area. On a clear day, you can see to San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, and across the South Bay to Mount Hamilton in the Diablo Range.
Thomas Fogarty Winery
Stop at Thomas Fogarty Winery if you are in the mood for wine tasting complimented by beautiful views all around.
Silicon Valley Vista Point
At Silicon Valley Vista Point, you’ll see unobstructed views of the world’s tech capital and its surrounding vicinity.
Enjoy the drive through many forest preserves and parks and pull over to see stunning valley vistas along the way. Watch out for cyclists; this road is popular with them on weekends!
5. Silverado Trail, Napa Valley – The journey is the destination!
Napa Valley is world-renowned for its beautiful scenery and its wine. But did you know that a hidden gem in Napa Valley is just waiting to be discovered? That gem is Silverado Trail.
Also read: 55 Top things to do in Napa Valley Besides Wine Tasting
Silverado Trail is a scenic driving route that winds its way through the heart of Napa Valley. It’s the perfect place to take a leisurely drive and enjoy the views of the vineyards and rolling hillsides.
You’ll also find several iconic landmarks, including the Robert Mondavi Winery and the silver-domed Artesa Winery.
One of the best things about the Silverado Trail is that it’s less crowded than other Napa Valley routes. This means you can take your time and enjoy the scenery without worrying about traffic.
And if you’re looking for a place to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch, there are plenty of scenic spots along Silverado Trail where you can do just that.
Tip: I highly recommend driving through the Silverado Trail during the fall, around late October! Fall colors in Napa Valley are spectacular.
If you would rather sip than drive, stay up valley for the night. Calistoga sits at the quiet end of the Silverado Trail and is full of small inns and hot springs.
Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs is the classic Calistoga stop, all mineral pools and mud baths, and it has been going for decades. Rated 9.0.
Brannan Cottage Inn is a small Victorian inn a few streets off the main road, if you want something quieter and more personal. Rated 9.1.
6. 49-Mile Scenic Drive through San Francisco – A journey through changing cityscapes!
San Francisco is one of the most interesting cities in the world, and there is no better way to experience its stunning scenery than by driving along its famous 49-Mile Scenic Drive.
This drive will take you past some of the city’s most historic and iconic landmarks.
Check out a Google Map of 49 Mile Scenic Drive. Here are a few key points of interest.
- 49 Mile Scenic Drive begins at Civic Center, which is home to City Hall, the Asian Art Museum, and the Main Library.
- San Francisco is home to many unique neighborhoods, each with its own distinct culture and charm. Explore North Beach – San Francisco’s Little Italy, Nob Hill – known for its upscale shops, restaurants, and its, stunning Victorian architecture, and China town, the largest Chinese neighborhood in North America
- Popular tourist destinations like Union square, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Ghirardelli Square.
- Famous art museums like The Legion of Honor and SF Moma.
- Golden Gate Bridge and The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, known locally as the Bay Bridge
- Presidio of San Francisco, a unit of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
- Ocean beach, with plenty of sand and surf, is a great place to walk when the fog is rolling in. You can also see the small, stony islands called Seal Rocks.
- Lake Merced is a large freshwater lake and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and birding.
7. Sir Francis Drake Boulevard – A dream drive awaits!
There’s nothing quite like a drive down the coast of Northern California. And there’s no better place to do it than on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.
This scenic route takes you through some of the most beautiful coastlines in the state, with plenty of stops along the way to enjoy the views.
One of the best things about driving on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard is that there’s no need to hurry. This is a leisurely drive meant to be enjoyed at your own pace. So take your time and enjoy everything this beautiful stretch of road offers.
Along the way, you’ll see some stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as some of the most picturesque mountains and valleys in California.
Here’s a quick guide to some of the best things to see and do on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.
Point Reyes Shipwrecks
See the iconic wooden boat stuck on a sandbar in the town of Inverness.
Samuel P Taylor State Park
The thrill of seeing the redwood forest is a feeling that never gets old and refreshes with each new encounter.
If you need a wilderness break from the city stop at Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Marin County, for a picnic or a short hike. It has miles of hiking and biking trails.
Cypress Tree Tunnel
While walking through this Cypress tree tunnel, you will feel that you have left the cacophony of the modern world somewhere afar.
The tree tunnel is made up of Monterey Cypress trees and reveals nature as a flawless architect.
Drakes Beach
Drakes Beach is named after Sir Francis Drake and is one of the most popular beaches in Point Reyes National Seashore.
It boasts stunning views of Drakes Estero, an expansive estuary habitat that’s home to countless species of birds and other wildlife.
Point Reyes Lighthouse
With a beautiful view of the vast expanse of the Pacific ocean from above, Point Reyes National Seashore is a gem.
Point Reyes is a long way out and back in one day, and honestly it deserves better. Staying the night means you can catch the lighthouse in the morning light instead of racing the sunset.
Olema House at Point Reyes sits right by the park entrance, so you are through the gate before the day trippers arrive. Guests rate it 9.0.
Lodge at Marconi looks out over Tomales Bay from a wooded hillside, a little further along the shore and quieter still. Rated 8.7.
Perched atop dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Point Reyes lighthouse has guided ships since 1870. The Point Reyes Lighthouse was retired from service in 1975.
Today, it’s open to visitors who want to learn more about its history or enjoy its stunning views.
8. Conzelman Road through Marin Headlands – Enjoy a dreamlike panorama through the windshield!
If you’re looking for a breathtaking drive with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, look no further than Conzelman Road.
This backroad takes you through the Marin Headlands and is guaranteed to take your breath away. This scenic route offers unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.
There are several scenic spots along Conzelman Road that are worth a visit. Hawk Hill and Battery Spencer are popular vantage points for pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge.
These sites also have interesting military history. Kirby Cove is another beautiful spot, but it requires a short hike down to the beach.
Kirby Cove is also a popular camping spot. This drive is one of my favorite scenic drives.
9. Interstate 280 – The world’s most beautiful freeway!
Most of us think of a freeway as something to get through, not something to enjoy. Interstate 280 is the happy exception.
It runs about 57 miles from San Jose up to San Francisco. But it is the Peninsula stretch that people fall in love with — the Santa Cruz Mountains rising to your west, the bay appearing now and then to your east, and rolling green hills that will never be built upon.
The prettiest part is the six miles between Hillsborough and Belmont, where the road runs right alongside Crystal Springs Reservoir. In spring those hills turn an impossible green.
I have driven this road hundreds of times on perfectly ordinary errands. It still catches me every time.
There is a vista point above the reservoir where you can pull over and take it in properly. Go on a weekend morning when the road is empty and the light is soft.
Fun fact: The official name is the Junipero Serra Freeway, and a dedication sign in Daly City still calls it the “World’s Most Beautiful Freeway” — a title it has carried since the 1960s. And the water sitting in Crystal Springs Reservoir has traveled more than 160 miles from Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite to get there.
Travel Tip: Avoid weekday commute hours. On a Tuesday at 5pm you will see far more brake lights than hills.
Also read: 45 Best Day Trips from San Francisco, California
A few more scenic drives in the Bay Area
It is hard to pick just 9 of the best drives in the Bay Area. Here are a few more routes that I love.
- Highway 128 To Healdsburg – The highway winds its way through Sonoma county, offering breathtaking views of vineyards, mountains, and valleys.
- Berkeley Hills (Wildcat Canyon Rd) – A short drive but a scenic one!
- Ridgecrest Boulevard – A curvy road through rolling green hills with a sea view – like the ones we see in the TV commercials.
Similar Articles from Travel Realizations
Travel Realizations
The San Francisco Bay Area is filled with winding roads that offer stunning views of the water and surrounding hills.
Whether you’re a nature lover or a history buff, seeking scenic landscapes or exploring historic roads, these drives are sure to impress. Wait no more and hit the road to get enchanted!
Leave a comment below if you have any questions, or DM me on Instagram @travelrealizations.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to 9 top scenic drives in the San Francisco Bay Area. You may enjoy these other Bay Area and San Francisco travel guides:
- 12 Best Family Resorts Near the Bay Area (Drive Times Included)
- Bay Area’s Best Redwood Hikes: A Comprehensive Guide
- 55 Best Indoor Activities in the San Francisco Bay Area: Rainy Day Fun
- Bay Area weekend getaways on California Highway 1
- San Francisco Bay Area Gardens
- San Francisco at Night: The Best Things to Do With Family
- Super scenic Cypress Trees and Tunnels near San Francisco
- 100 Best Free Things to Do in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Beautiful steam train rides near San Francisco!
- Exploratorium in San Francisco – When the Destination is Science!
- San Francisco to Death Valley – A Super Scenic California Road Trip!
- Easy Day Trips from San Francisco
- Discover 80 Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in San Francisco
- 50 Top California Landmarks You Should Visit
- 30 Romantic Places to Explore in the San Francisco Bay Area
- 18 Romantic Coastal Towns in California within a Short Drive from the San Francisco Bay Area
- 41 Top places to see Street Art and Murals in San Francisco
If you need this travel guide of the top 9 scenic drives in the San Francisco Bay Area, Pin It for later.
