9 Most Scenic Drives in and Around San Francisco

San Francisco drives offer breathtaking views of the city’s sky and oceans. When you are driving around you will come across various spots including Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, and the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. These places provide stunning views that you will remember forever. San Fran is an ideal location for a vacation to enjoy the splendor of nature because of the immaculate beaches and striking cliffs, plus the attractions here are unmatched. So, if you're thinking of taking a drive around the city on your vacation, these 10 of the most picturesque routes in San Francisco California are worth checking out

If you're a first-time visitor to San Francisco and want to explore some captivating sights then, the 49-mile Scenic drive is the best way to do so. This road was designed in the early 1900s and has undergone several modifications since then. While driving through this route you will get to see the most well-known sights in San Francisco, including AT&T Park, Lombard Street, and the Golden Gate Bridge. In addition to that you can also make stops at Fisherman's Wharf, the Asian Art Museum, and the San Francisco Zoo.

The travel from San Francisco to Skyline Boulevard (Route 35) takes around forty minutes. There are several places for hiking and biking along this path, and you will be able to enjoy expansive views of the enormous blue ocean as well. Numerous wayside eateries are also present, ideal for stopping along the way to refuel, such as the Bella Vista, Mountain House, and Woodside's Alice's Restaurant

While driving through this beautiful route you will get to see a lot of stunning views such as tiny seaside towns, lush green hills, and drifting fog creating a charming scene. Inhale the fresh sea air as you take in the beautiful vistas of the Pacific Ocean here. During your trip, you will also pass by some cool tourist destinations including Village Green Park, Stinson Beach Market, Live Water Surf Shop, and eventually Stinson Beach itself.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, taking the Panoramic Highway route from Muir Woods to Mount Tam is an ideal choice to opt for. Enjoy the beauty of the tall Redwood trees as you travel through the Muir Woods. Enjoy some stunning meadows as you make your way up Mount Tamalpais and take a moment to appreciate ferns and other animals that you will encounter along Fern Creek. Conclude your tour at Muir Woods National Monument, which pays tribute to nature enthusiast and explorer John Muir.

In addition to being a well-known bike route, Stage Road to Pescadero is also a beautiful driving road that you should visit when visiting San Francisco. Here you can admire the breathtaking vistas of hilly landscapes and magnificent woodlands. This route might not be as crowded with tourists but it’s a secret treasure for people who love exploring hidden gems.

Take an enjoyable drive on Highway 128 to Healdsburg where you will admire the beautiful views of the eastern border of Sonoma County. Moreover, you will also get to discover numerous vineyards including Jordan Vineyard, Francis Ford Coppola winery or the local tasting room so don’t miss the chance to check them out. To take a break between your rides visit the Russian River for a peaceful and refreshing swimming experience or birdwatching.

Marin County is rich with beautiful nature, whether you want to walk through rivers and streams or take a stroll along the beach, you can always find interesting outdoor activities to enjoy there with your loved ones. Take a drive starting in Marin County and travel down the coast past steep, jagged cliffs until you reach Point Reyes Lighthouse. Finish your trip by taking stunning pictures of the iconic Point Reyes lighthouse with powerful waves crashing in the background.

Explore the fascinating beauty of San Francisco drives by visiting Berkeley Hills. This area offers a variety of breathtaking road routes. Nonetheless, the path along Wildcat Canyon Road is noteworthy due to its accessibility, short distance, and breathtaking scenery. Here you can enjoy the majestic redwood trees and bubbling stream as you drive through Tilden Regional Park. Also don’t forget to take a picture at Inspiration Point for Instagram.

Traveling along the Bohemian Highway is always a pleasure for visitors, offering a beautiful route surrounded by redwood trees. As you make your way to Freestone, California, you will get to see numerous landscapes, from lush green forests to deserts, turning it into an exciting trip through marvels of nature. Though it's a rare and less-traveled road for travelers, but an excellent place to see California's distinctive redwood trees.