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San Francisco is more than just cable cars, sourdough bread, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. With vineyards that span for miles and dramatic coastlines all within driving distance, the city is one of the best starting points for an unforgettable road trip. Whether you’re chasing a weekend escape or a longer campervan journey, here are six of the best road trips to take from San Francisco.
1. Big Sur via the Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most iconic drives in the United States, and travelling south to Big Sur is as spectacular as it gets! Hug the coastline down this route, taking you past Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and Monterey. Before long, the cliffs and coves of Big Sur will unfold in front of you – and what a sight to behold! Stop at Bixby Creek Bridge for jaw-dropping views, hike at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, and unwind at quiet beaches tucked along the highway.
Allow at least three to four days for the full experience of the Pacific Coast Highway, although you could stretch this into a week if you continue down to Santa Barbara or Los Angeles.
2. Napa and Sonoma Wine Country
Just an hour’s drive north of San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma offer the perfect getaway for wine lovers everywhere. With sprawling hills, scenic vineyards, and world-class dining, Napa and Sonoma wine country is a road trip that combines relaxation with complete indulgence. Spend your days touring boutique wineries, cycling through vineyard trails, or sampling artisanal cheeses and farm-to-table cuisine. If you’re a fan of wine and fine dining, this is a road trip you won’t want to miss.
This is an ideal two- to three-day escape from the city, giving you plenty of time to enjoy both valleys at a leisurely pace.
3. Yosemite National Park
We can’t talk about our favourite road trips around San Francisco without mentioning perhaps one of the most famous – Yosemite National Park. Few destinations rival Yosemite when it comes to natural beauty, so it’s a worthwhile trip for anyone around the San Fran area. The four to five-hour journey east will take you directly to the famous granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias. Spend your days exploring Yosemite Valley, taking in views from Glacier Point, and hiking trails that range from easy strolls to challenging treks.
Plan a four- to seven-day trip to make the most of the journey. Yosemite deserves more than just a quick stop. Campsites book up months in advance, so we highly recommend planning ahead.
4. Lake Tahoe
Another beloved stop near San Francisco is Lake Tahoe, which is perfect for anyone who loves alpine scenery. About four hours northeast of San Francisco, Tahoe is a year-round playground for kids and adults alike. In summer, you can kayak on the crystal-clear lake, hike through mountain trails, or simply relax on sandy beaches. In winter, Tahoe transforms into a snow sports paradise, with multiple ski resorts offering everything from downhill skiing to snowshoeing.
A campervan makes this trip even better, letting you wake up with mountain views right outside your window. A trip to Tahoe can be as short or as long as you want it to be, but be careful – you might fall in love with it so much that you never want to leave!
5. Mendocino and the Redwoods
Head north from San Francisco along Highway 1 and you’ll find yourself in Mendocino, a charming coastal town known for its rugged cliffs, Victorian architecture, and divine laid-back vibe. Just beyond lies one of California’s greatest treasures: the towering redwoods. Walk among these giants in Navarro River Redwoods State Park or further north in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home to the famous Avenue of the Giants. While this might not be as popular as the other road trips we’ve talked about today, it’s a must for anyone looking for a gentle excursion surrounded by peace and quiet.
This road trip is best enjoyed over four to five days, giving you time to soak in both the coast and the forests without rushing.
6. Point Reyes and Marin County
If you’re looking for a shorter trip, Point Reyes National Seashore is only about an hour north of San Francisco – but it feels worlds away. Explore the windswept beaches, visit the historic lighthouse, and keep an eye out for elephant seals and migrating whales. Marin County also offers fantastic hiking trails, like Mount Tamalpais, which provides sweeping views of the Bay Area.
This road trip is a perfect weekend escape and one of the easiest ways to get a quick dose of nature when the hustle and bustle of San Fran becomes a little too much.
Start planning your San Francisco road trip today!
Now you know all that San Francisco has to offer, what are you waiting for? Get ready to set off on an amazing journey full of wine countries, redwood forests and dramatic coastlines. Check out campervan rental deals in San Francisco to find your future home on wheels, and get excited about your upcoming trip!