Want to experience The Great American Road Trip? There’s no better place to start than San Francisco!
San Francisco is a city like no other. Located on the West Coast, it’s the epitome of laid-back Californian cool and can be difficult to leave. But when the open road does call there are few places better to begin the ultimate Great American Road Trip than San Francisco.
With so many great destinations within easy reach and with car hire made simple you’re spoilt for choice. Where will the road take you?
Here are ten of the best road trips from San Francisco to fire up your Californian wanderlust!
Point Reyes
Often the starting destination for road trips from San Francisco and with good reason. Point Reyes National Seashore boasts rugged cliffs, dramatic shorelines, and jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean. The Point Reyes Lighthouse, perched on the westernmost point of the Point Reyes Peninsula, is a Californian icon, set against a coastal landscape dotted with cypress trees and wildflowers.
If you’re feeling energetic, the Tomales Point Trail is a must. This moderately challenging trail takes you through rolling hills and grassy landscapes, providing an opportunity to spot Tule Elk grazing in the open meadows.
With its pristine white sands and gentle waves, Limantour Beach is a great place to relax and soak up the rays. When you’ve finished exploring head to charming Point Reyes Station to sample the local cuisine.
- Distance from San Francisco: 60 miles (97km)
- Driving Time: 1.5-2 Hours
Santa Cruz
Situated on the northern edge of the stunning Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a popular destination and staging point on road trips from San Francisco. With a lively holiday atmosphere, Santa Cruz has everything you need for a beachside break. Backed by beautiful redwood forests, this town of 63,00 provides the perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant surf-influenced culture.
For nostalgia lovers, the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a must-visit. This old-fashioned seaside amusement park first opened in 1907, and you can still ride classic wooden roller coasters that combine thrills with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Nature enthusiasts can explore the lush redwood forests of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Surfers flock to Steamer Lane, renowned for its consistent waves.
With eclectic shops on Pacific Avenue and great places to eat on Santa Cruz Wharf, Santa Cruz is a town it can be hard to drag yourself away from.
- Distance from San Francisco: 75 Miles (120km)
- Driving Time: 1.5 to 2 Hours
Big Sur
Pacific Coast Highway 1 is a classic starting point for road trips from San Francisco. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head southward towards Big Sur for a breathtaking journey that takes in coastal views, rugged cliffs and the crashing waves of the Pacific. The route showcases the outstanding beauty of California’s coastline, taking in Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz, before reaching Big Sur.
This approximately 90-mile stretch of rugged coastline between Carmel-by-the-Sea to the north and San Simeon to the south encompasses a range of natural attractions, state parks and iconic landmarks. The Bixby Creek Bridge is an engineering marvel and offers a stunning vantage point to admire the sweeping coastline.
For those seeking solitude and unspoiled landscapes, Pflegerhorn State Park and Garrapata State Park offer secluded beaches, coastal bluffs, and wildflower-strewn meadows. When you’re ready to eat, Nepenthe has been a favourite cliff-top restaurant since 1949. Enjoy outstanding food and panoramic views of the Pacific.
- Distance from San Francisco: 120-150 Miles (193-241km)
- Driving Time: 2.5 to 4 Hours
Yosemite National Park
When it comes to breathtaking natural landscapes, there are few places on earth more magnificent than Yosemite National Park. With its towering granite cliffs, pristine alpine meadows, and iconic waterfalls, this is the American West at its most spectacular and unspoiled.
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, it spans 1,187 square miles and is home to iconic landmarks such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. The park provides endless opportunities for hiking, rock climbing and kayaking on the park’s lakes and reservoirs. The park is also home to the world-famous Old Faithful geyser.
Yosemite Valley is the main hub within the national park and offers accommodation, dining, and visitor services. It’s surrounded by stunning granite cliffs and waterfalls. For a close-to-nature experience like no other, Yosemite National Park is an essential destination on road trips from San Francisco.
- Distance from San Francisco: 170 Miles to Yosemite Valley (273km)
- Driving Time: 3.5-4.5 Hours
Napa Valley Wine Country
Lovers of fine wine, beautiful landscapes and Mediterranean climates should head to the Napa Valley in Northern California. Renowned worldwide for its picturesque vineyards and world-class wineries producing exceptional wines, this region stretches for 30 miles along the Napa River.
It’s a favourite destination for road trips from San Francisco and with good reason. The region contains over 400 wineries and is celebrated for its diverse grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot. You can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours and enjoy outstanding culinary experiences. The Napa Valley is also home to charming, laid-back towns such as Napa, Yountville and St.Helena. Calistoga is known for its hot springs where visitors can relax in geothermal pools.
- Distance from San Francisco: 50 Miles (80km)
- Driving Time: 1-1.5 Hours
Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay
Lake Tahoe is an Alpine-style lake and the second deepest in the USA. Situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it’s famed for crystal clear water surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It’s a breathtaking haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, whether you fancy a leisurely stroll along the shoreline or want to take part in something more energetic.
In the park’s interior, you’ll discover Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian-style castle that nestles amid towering pine trees. The park provides a network of scenic trails to suit all abilities, each of which provides panoramic views of the lake, forests and mountains. In the warmer months, you can enjoy a cruise across turquoise waters. In winter, the region becomes a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, with world-class resorts nearby such as Heavenly, Squaw Valley, and Northstar.
- Distance from San Francisco: 200 Miles (322km)
- Driving Time: 3.5 – 4.5 Hours
Mount Shasta and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Mount Shasta is one of California’s most iconic landmarks. Soaring to an elevation of 14,179 feet (4,322 meters), it is the second-highest peak in the Cascade Range. With a year-round snow-capped peak, Mount Shasta is an outdoor enthusiast paradise, surrounded by pristine wilderness.
Not far from Mount Shasta, the Lassen Volcanic National Park is a geothermal wonderland that showcases the incredible geological features of the Cascade Range. Here you’ll find boiling springs, fumaroles, and the famous Bumpass Hell, an otherworldly landscape of vibrant coloured pools and steaming vents. Lassen Peak is the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade range, and trails take you past volcanic craters, along alpine lakes and through meadows filled with wildflowers.
- Distance from San Francisco: 370 Miles (595km)
- Driving Time: 5-7 Hours
Mendocino
With its cliffside trails and beaches, Mendocino is a laid-back artistic community that was once a firm favourite on the hippy trail. Established in the 19th century, you will still find Victorian architecture and charming homes that evoke a bygone era. The village itself is designated as a historical landmark and is home to galleries, unique shops and the renowned Mendocino Art Center, showcasing the work of local and regional artists. The botanical gardens are home to diverse flora, while the Mendocino Headlands State Park offers dramatic coastal trails with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
A short drive away in Fort Bragg you can find Glass Beach, which as the name suggests, is littered with smooth, colourful sea glass. The nearby Russian Gulch State Park is home to a majestic 36-foot waterfall and is a great place for picnics. The local culinary scene is influenced by Pacific seafood and farm-to-table dining all to be enjoyed in relaxed and rustic cafes and restaurants.
With its unique blend of natural beauty, artistic expression and laid-back tranquillity, Mendocino remains a popular destination on road trips from San Francisco.
- Distance From San Francisco: 150 Miles (260km)
- Driving Time: 3-4 Hours.
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, often referred to as SLO, is a vibrant and charming city located on the central coast of California and is a popular stopping point for roadtrippers exploring the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. At the heart of SLO is the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a landmark dating back to 1772 that showcases the region’s Spanish-Renaissance architecture and rich history.
The pedestrian-friendly downtown is a great place to relax and enjoy yourself. With its eclectic mix of shops, boutiques and restaurants, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll. Diverse neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy, each have their own distinct charm and culinary traditions.
If you’re looking to get out into nature, then there are plenty of hiking trails nearby. Climb Bishop Peak, one of the Nine Sisters volcanic peaks, to enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. The Bob Jones City to Sea Trail, a popular cycling and walking route connects the city to picturesque Avila Beach.
- Distance from San Francisco: 231 Miles (372km)
- Driving Time: 4-5 Hours
San Diego
San Diego is a city blessed with a stunning location, an enviable climate and a high quality of life. It’s a popular destination in its own right and is often the end destination for road trips from San Francisco along the Pacific Coast.
San Diego combines old-fashioned charm with modernity. Begin your exploration in the lively Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego, known for its historic charm and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy the laid-back Californian atmosphere in artistic North Park and the fashionable streets of Hillcrest, each offering great places to shop, eat and relax. Beyond the city, you’ll find stunning coastal retreats like La Jolla Cove and Mission Beach. A detour to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserves lets you enjoy stunning trails and panoramic coastal views. For surf culture, coastal gems like Encinitas and Oceanside are great places to catch some waves.
San Diego is classic California and a great place to end your road trip.
- Distance from San Francisco: 500 Miles
- Driving Time: 8-9 Hours
Ready To Start Your Californian Adventure?
California is a vast, often untamed and frequently fascinating state that has made the good life into an art form.
It’s the perfect territory for a road trip to remember and Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy to find the perfect vehicle for your big Californian adventure whatever your budget.
With the cheapest car rental deals in San Francisco Airport, your next adventure is just a few clicks away!
