San Francisco, the City by the Bay, is a launching pad for some of California’s, and even the nation’s, most breathtaking adventures. But the magic unfolds beyond the Golden Gate Bridge. Haven taken a couple of road trips from San Francisco over the past decade, I decided to make a list of the 10 best road trips from San Francisco each promising stunning landscapes, charming towns, and memories to last a lifetime.
Best Road Trips from San Francisco
ROAD TRIP #1: MENDOCINO
| Days | Distance | Time | Best Time to go |
| 3 days | 160 miles | 4 hours | Any Season |
A road trip from San Francisco to Mendocino is my go-to escape for a quick dose of nature. Cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway with the salty breeze whipping through my hair never gets old. Plus, there’s something truly awe-inspiring about standing amongst the towering redwoods.
The Highlights
Breathe in the fresh, redwood-scented air as you meander along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Stop at Point Reyes National Seashore for dramatic cliffs, beaches, and wildlife watching.
Explore the charming town of Mendocino, a haven for art galleries, boutiques, and Victorian-era architecture.
Hike through the towering giants at Montgomery Woods State Reserve or explore the tide pools at Van Damme State Park.
Best Road Trip Itinerary from San Francisco to Mendocino
ROAD TRIP #2: CRATER LAKE
| Days | Distance | Time | Best Time to Go |
| 3-4 days | 320 miles | 6 hours | Summer ( July -September) |
This road trip to Crater Lake takes me back to one of the best summers we had. We may have been a little underprepared, but the sight of Crater Lake, a sapphire jewel nestled in a volcanic caldera, left us speechless. We even braved the chilly waters and took a dip in the volcanic clear waters.
The Highlights
The road trip starts in San Francisco and passes through Napa, Sacramento, Redding, Mt. Shasta and finally Crater Lake.
Witness the crown jewel of Oregon, the cobalt-blue Crater Lake nestled within a volcanic caldera. Hike to the rim for breathtaking views or take a boat tour on the crystal-clear lake.
Explore the nearby Lava Beds National Monument, a surreal landscape of volcanic wonders. On the return trip, soak in the natural hot springs of Reno or visit Lake Tahoe for a scenic detour.
Unforgettable Road Trip from San Francisco to Crater Lake
ROAD TRIP #3: YOSEMITE
| Days | Distance | Time | Best Time to Go |
| 3-4 Days | 200 miles | 4 hours | Spring, Summer, Fall |
Yosemite is a classic for a reason. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature and create lasting family memories. Hiking to the base of Yosemite Falls is a must, and the view from Glacier Point is simply unbeatable.
One year, we even rented a cabin in the park – waking up to the sound of birds, the sight of Half Dome and the smell of pine trees. It was a feast for the senses.
The Highlights
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike to the base of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. Capture iconic views of Half Dome and El Capitan.
Explore Glacier Point for panoramic vistas or take a scenic drive along Glacier Point Road. Visit the Mariposa Grove to marvel at the giant sequoias.
A San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip Itinerary
ROAD TRIP #4: MAMMOTH LAKES
| Days | Distance | Time | Best Time to Go |
| 3-4 Days | 200 miles | 4 hours | Spring, Summer, Fall |
Speaking of winter wonderlands, Mammoth Lakes is my happy place when the snow starts falling and when the weather starts to warm up. The drive to Mammoth Lakes to San Francisco, enables you to drive through Tioga Pass and witness all of the wonders of the road. It is a must do at least once
The Highlights
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Mammoth Lakes offers a playground for outdoor enthusiasts in both summer and winter.
Hike to stunning lakes like Lake Minaret or explore the geothermal wonders of Devils Postpile National Monument and the hot springs of Mammoth Lakes. In winter, hit the slopes at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, one of California’s premier ski destinations.
Must Do San Francisco To Mammoth Lakes Road Trip
ROAD TRIP #5: MT. SHASTA
| Days | Distance | Time | Best Time to Go |
| 3-4 days | 290 miles | 5 hours | Spring, Summer |
Sometimes, you just need a solo adventure. Mount Shasta has a certain energy that always draws me back. The drive there was super exciting. We were able to stop at Marin Headlands, Bodega Bay, Point Reyes, Napa, Sacramento and Redding before arriving in Mt. Shasta.
Hiking to McCloud Falls feels like stepping into a fairytale, and the charming town of McCloud is the perfect place to unwind with a cup of coffee and a good book.
The Highlights
Witness the beauty of Mount Shasta, a dormant volcano revered for its spiritual significance.
Hike to McCloud Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery. Explore the charming town of McCloud, a haven for fly-fishing and outdoor adventures. Visit Castle Lake, a picture-perfect lake nestled amidst towering pines.
Insanely Magical Road Trip from San Francisco to Mt. Shasta
ROAD TRIP #6: EUREKA
| Duration | Distance | Time | Best Time to Go |
| 3-4 days | 290 miles | 5.5 hours | Anytime |
A San Francisco to Eureka road trip would be a great one to add to your road trip from San Francisco to Mendocino. You guys may or may not have heard of Eureka, but I first came across this city on my way to Crater Lake.
Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary from San Francisco to Eureka
It’s a northern California coastal town, with so much charm, Victorian houses and lighthouses. Eureka is a charming town that feels frozen in time. Wandering through the historic Old Town with its colorful Victorian buildings is like stepping onto a movie set.
The Highlights
The drive itself along parts of the Pacific Coast Highway is undoubtedly a major highlight for this road trip but beyond that there’s more…
From San Francisco, you will pass through Bodega Bay, Petaluma, Mendocino and finally Eureka. It is an exceptional road trip that can be done anytime of the year.
In Eureka, step back in time in the charming Victorian town of Eureka. Explore the historic Old Town with its colorful Victorian-era buildings, now housing shops, restaurants, and museums.
Visit the Eureka waterfront and take a boat tour to spot sea lions and harbor seals. Hike through redwood forests at Redwood National and State Parks or explore the tide pools at Clam Beach.
ROAD TRIP #7: SEQUIOA NATIONAL PARK
| Duration | Distance | Time | Best Time to Go |
| 3-4 days | 260 miles | 4.5 hours | Spring, Summer Fall |
If you can’t get enough of those giant sequoias, this is the ultimate road trip for you. Standing next to the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth, is humbling.
On the drive you will pass through Santa Cruz, Monterey, Pinnacles National Park, Visalia and then Sequoia National Park
Exploring Grant Grove with its unique sequoia formations is like walking through a fantastical forest. Don’t miss Kings Canyon National Park either – the scenic byway boasts stunning views of granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
The Highlights
Witness the awe-inspiring sequoia groves of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Hike amongst the General Sherman Tree, the largest living tree on Earth, and other towering giants.
Explore Grant Grove, a wonderland of sequoia trees with unique shapes and sizes. Take a scenic drive along Kings Canyon National Park’s scenic byway for breathtaking views of granite cliffs and waterfalls.
Beautiful Road Trip from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park
ROAD TRIP #8: LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK
| Duration | Distance | Time | Best Time to Go |
| 3-4 days | 200 miles | 4 Hours | Summer |
This park surprised me! Lassen Volcanic National Park is a wonderland of geothermal activity, with bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and colorful hot springs.
On this road trip pass through Sausalito, Napa, Sacramento, Redding and then you will reach Lassen.
The Highlights
Explore the geothermal wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park, a land of steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and colorful hot springs.
Hiking to Lassen Peak, the highest volcano in the Cascade Range, is a challenging but rewarding experience. Just be prepared for the possibility of encountering some sulfurous smells – it’s all part of the geothermal charm!
Visit Bumpass Hell, a hydrothermal area with boiling mud pots and vibrant colors.
Take a scenic drive through Lassen Volcanic National Park and witness diverse landscapes, from volcanic peaks to meadows bursting with wildflowers. Get the entire road trip itinerary from San Francisco to Lassen Volcanic National Park Here!
ROAD TRIP #9: PASO ROBLES
| Duration | Distance | Time | Best Time to Go |
| 2-3 days | 220miles | 4.5 Hours | Anytime |
Paso Robles offers a more laid-back atmosphere and some seriously delicious experiences. I love exploring the shops and restaurants here – they tend to be smaller and more local, and there’s a real sense of community.
Plus, the rolling hills and vineyards make for a beautiful backdrop to a relaxing weekend getaway. You will drive through Monterey, Big Sur, Morro Bay and then finally reaching Paso Robles
The Highlights
Immerse yourself in the rolling hill country of Paso Robles. Explore vineyards known for their unique beauty and laid-back atmosphere.
Visit the historic town of Paso Robles for a dose of Western charm.
Enjoy scenic drives through vineyards and rolling hills for a relaxing escape.
Remarkable Road Trip from San Francisco to Paso Robles
ROAD TRIP #10: BEND
| Duration | Distance | Time | Best Time to Go |
| 5-6 days | 500 miles | 7.5 Hours | Spring,Summer Fall |
The road trip from San Francisco to Bend, is easily one of my favorite road trips I have ever done. It was filled with just about anything you could think of.
Diverse landscapes and highways, to the unique foods, a road trip from SF to Bend should be on your summer bucket list. Drive along Highway 101, explore the stunning Southern Oregon cities of Brookings and Gold Beach and then make your way inland to Bend.
Here is the perfect road trip itinerary!
The Highlights
Drive through scenic byways like Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Escape to Bend, Oregon, an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
Hike through the scenic Deschutes National Forest or explore the volcanic landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Go whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River or paddle down the calm waters of Three Sisters Lake.
Visit the historic town of Bend for local shops, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
Best Road Trip Itinerary from San Francisco to Bend
Conclusion
Remember, these are just suggested itineraries for the best road trip from San Francisco . Feel free to customize them based on your interests, time constraints, and preferred pace. Consider factors like traffic conditions and weather when planning your trip.
Additional Recommendations:
- Pack for all weather conditions, as temperatures can vary depending on the destination and time of year.
- Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Research any road closures or special permits required for certain destinations.
- Download offline maps and consider getting a national park pass if you plan on visiting multiple parks.
- Embrace the detours and unexpected discoveries that make road trips so special!
