We are fortunate to have wonderful weather year-round here in San Francisco, but sometimes it’s good to get out and explore the other wonders of Northern California. So, let’s hit the road in search of the most colorful views and beautiful scenery on these country and rural roads, all within a close drive from San Francisco.
- Shoreline Highway to Stinson Beach
Colin Hughes/Flickr The road to this small beach community in Marin County twists past lush hills and drifting fog, and offers panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean.
- Highway 1 to Muir Woods
Leena J/Flickr Continue on Highway 1 up to Muir Woods. This part of the road trip is filled with the famous redwoods of Northern California.
- Stage Road to Pescadero
Craig Howell/Flickr If you’re near Pescadero, hop on Stage Road. This road traces a narrow, winding inland route between several towns.
- Highway 128 to Healdsburg
Lisa eeeeee/Flickr Drive past beautiful vineyards in and around Healdsburg. You’ll get a sense of the vastness of California when you get to the edge of wine country.
- Route 35, Skyline Boulevard in Silicon Valley
Sathish J/Flickr This narrow scenic highway cuts through the backcountry of Silicon Valley. Be sure to stop at the famous Alice’s Restaurant in Woodside!
- The Bohemian Highway in Sonoma County
Terry -Pueblo Paradiso/Flickr The Bohemian Highway winds through 10 miles of towering redwoods, serene pastures, rocky ravines, and the small towns of Monte Rio, Occidental, and Freestone.
- Point Reyes-Petaluma Road in Marin County
Jeff/Flickr This road is serene, desolate, and full of tranquility despite being near tourist attractions like Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay. You’ll also pass by Clover Stornetta Farms, which has been an integral part of the area’s agriculture community since 1916.
As you can see, there is plenty of amazing nature and hidden gems to discover all over the San Francisco Bay Area. For more scenic drives near San Francisco, check out these 9 Amazing Places You Can Go On One Tank Of Gas From San Francisco.
Colin Hughes/Flickr
The road to this small beach community in Marin County twists past lush hills and drifting fog, and offers panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean.
Leena J/Flickr
Continue on Highway 1 up to Muir Woods. This part of the road trip is filled with the famous redwoods of Northern California.
Craig Howell/Flickr
If you’re near Pescadero, hop on Stage Road. This road traces a narrow, winding inland route between several towns.
Lisa eeeeee/Flickr
Drive past beautiful vineyards in and around Healdsburg. You’ll get a sense of the vastness of California when you get to the edge of wine country.
Sathish J/Flickr
This narrow scenic highway cuts through the backcountry of Silicon Valley. Be sure to stop at the famous Alice’s Restaurant in Woodside!
Terry -Pueblo Paradiso/Flickr
The Bohemian Highway winds through 10 miles of towering redwoods, serene pastures, rocky ravines, and the small towns of Monte Rio, Occidental, and Freestone.
Jeff/Flickr
This road is serene, desolate, and full of tranquility despite being near tourist attractions like Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay. You’ll also pass by Clover Stornetta Farms, which has been an integral part of the area’s agriculture community since 1916.
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