A destination of dreams for any culture-lover, San Francisco is a city that is ready to be explored. With some of the most eye-catching views in the United States, like the famous San Francisco Zoo and the monumental Golden Gate Bridge to name just a couple, this trendy, creative scene is oozing with energy, and imagination. However, there is plenty to see and do beyond the city limits too, so we recommend renting a car and booking in a couple of day trips to get out and make the most of your visit while you’re there.
San Fran’ is a fantastic place to base yourself if you want to explore the surrounding Californian areas. There are hidden gems all over the Sunshine State which can be discovered via some of the best driving roads near San Francisco. Generally, California is pretty huge, so you’ll need to plan an extra-long road trip if you want to travel the 50,000 miles of connecting highway and freeways to see all of it. However, the roads surrounding San Francisco are more than enough to quench any adventurer’s thirst. Panoramic views of the glistening Pacific Ocean, thriving forests, and lush green mountains will adorn every turn and bend as you cruise along the sun-drenched, open roads.
Day Trips from San Francisco
To inspire you some more, here are two of the best driving roads near San Francisco that are essential to explore on a day trip:
1. Scenic 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach
Famed for its incredibly scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, the 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach is one of the best-known driving roads for day trips in California. Only an hour and a half away from San Francisco, the route connects the towns of Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-the-Sea in Monterey County. Whilst the drive itself is short, the journey involves an abundance of incredible sights and things to do, so it makes for the perfect day trip for anyone wanting to get out and explore the coast for an entire day.
First and foremost, the views you will see along this route are out of this world. With the most beautiful white, sandy beaches on the west coast to peruse, turquoise waters in which to spot sea birds, dolphins and whales, and an array of rocky cliffs and landscapes settled upon the horizon, you’ll be spoilt for sights. And if you want to get out and stretch your legs there are countless places to stop along the way, with rockpools and trails by the sea, or golf courses, shops, and some fantastic places to wine and dine as you head a little more in shore. Finish your day trip off by watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean for a view that you won’t forget in a hurry.
2. San Francisco to Big Sur via the Pacific Coast Highway
Another route that takes in the beauty of the Pacific Coast is one of the most famous driving roads in the world; the Pacific Coast Highway. This journey takes you from Washington to California, spanning across two highways, US 101 and highway 1, and it is an incredible 1,675 miles long. One of the most beautiful sections of the Pacific Coast Highway begins at San Fransisco and is the journey to Big Sur, a mountainous area of the Central Coast. It is along here that you will see some of the most breathtaking views in the entire state of California.
The drive from San Fran to Big Sur is about 4 hours long. This can be done in a day, however if you want to spend extra time stopping off along the way, it can also be broken up over a few days for a longer road trip. We recommend both, however it is definitely worth taking your time with the journey, as you will be in prime position to see some absolutely incredible, jaw-dropping ocean views. If you do decide to stop, make sure to check out Pigeon Point Lighthouse, approximately 20 miles south of Half Moon Bay. This famous lighthouse is well known for being incredibly tall, and is still active today. It provides an iconic photo opportunity, and sometimes you can even spot whales or seals swimming in the cool waters near it.
Finally, when you get to Big Sur, make sure you spare some time to explore, because the sights there are just as incredible. Here you can see the towering Santa Lucia Mountains as they rise up from the ocean. This dramatic scenery is a once-in-a-lifetime sight for any natural landscape lover.
Conclusion
With some of the very best natural views that California has to offer, the areas surrounding San Francisco are a must-have on any nature-lovers bucket list. These scenic routes are just some of the most picturesque roads in California, let alone the United States, with an array of 360-degree views from the photographic Pebble Beach to the wild and wonderful Santa Lucia Mountains. However, no matter what direction you decide to head in, you can be guaranteed that you will get a beautiful view of the Bay Area and beyond. So, get that rental car booked and head out into the Sunshine State so that you can discover the best driving roads near San Fransisco today.
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