Save this list of scenic road trips from San Francisco! I love taking California road trips, so use this guide to explore the Bay Area & more.
Road trips are one of my favorite ways to explore! It is so fun to experience new places with cute road stops along the way, and luckily California is perfect for that. If you are living in a city like me and want to take more scenic adventures, this list of awesome road trips from San Francisco is worth saving.
Disclosure: This guide to road trips from San Francisco was created in partnership with RVshare. All opinions are my own.
Whether you want a bit of nature, wine tasting, salty ocean air, or to explore the culinary scene of a new destination, there is a perfect San Francisco road trip for everyone. This guide will help you find the right one for you in the Bay Area and beyond.
[Table of Contents]
What is a San Francisco Road Trip?
Where to Rent an RV in the Bay Area
Best Road Trips from San Francisco
More Tips for Road Tripping the Bay Area and Beyond
Which Road Trip from San Francisco Should You Try First?
What is a San Francisco Road Trip?
As someone living in San Francisco, an SF road trip is perfect for a weekend or week-long getaway from the city.
Unless I’m planning a more extensive California road trip (like my PCH road trip itinerary), I’d rather it be within three hours from San Francisco – four hours max if it is an extra special place.
There are two reasons why I recommend San Francisco road trips within a 2-4 hour distance:
Bay area traffic can get really congested so the drive might be even longer. As a result, your road trip itinerary can get delayed, affecting your planned activities.
If you don’t have a car, you may need to rent one. Because of this, there is a cost factor to consider, in addition to fuel, lodging, and other expenses.
Where to Rent an RV in the Bay Area
If you don’t already have a car for your San Francisco road trip, don’t worry – there are plenty of options. You may already know about standard car rentals (whether that is through an electric car-sharing program or a third-party provider), but remember accommodation costs pile on top of this expense.
Car rentals aren’t your only option, however. You can also try out life on the road with an RV or campervan instead. Renting a travel trailer or van for your road trip is so easy these days; you can do it online!
RVshare for RV Rentals
The best way to plan an adventurous road trip and bypass hotel expenses is by renting a campervan or RV. On average, RV rentals may cost less than the cost of a hotel night in the expensive Bay Area ($250 or less per night). And the farther inland you go to pick one up, the rates get even lower.
RVing is a convenient and affordable option since all of your travel accommodations are in one place. Plus RV campsites are so much cheaper compared to hotels.
Where to pick up an RV in the Bay Area? The Bay Area is big so there are a few places you can pick up your RV or campervan before your trip. I recommend using a website like RVshare to help find your RV rental, as they have one of the largest listings. RVs in the Bay are available in greater San Francisco, in the San Jose area, and even in Sacramento. Pro tip: For those who are new to RV travel and don’t want to physically drive the vehicle, opt for delivery. Many vehicles on RVshare offer delivery and will bring your rental to your destination of choice and set it up for you.
Best Road Trips from San Francisco
Now that we have vehicle logistics out of the way, let’s explore my favorite road trip destinations. Not only do I live in San Francisco, but I have also road-tripped throughout California countless times before ever moving here. Needless to say, I am confident with this list of destinations to road trip to from SF.
1. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a fun, laid-back coastal town in Central California and such a great place for a road trip from San Francisco. I recommend 2-4 days to enjoy this road trip.
It is a surfer’s paradise, offers access to lots of nature, and more. While some people enjoy a long day trip to Santa Cruz, it is even better as a road trip because there’s plenty to see along the way!
The best part about a road trip to Santa Cruz from San Francisco is that you can make an awesome stop at Pedro Point and Half Moon Bay along the way. Just a two-hour drive, this detoured route is slightly longer than going straight to Santa Cruz, but it is worth it!
Along the drive, stop by the famous Taco Bell on the beach at Pedro Point (trust me, it’s a vibe), try your hand at golf at the Half Moon Bay links or hike a coastal trail. I also love Pedro Point at sunset because everyone comes out to see surfers catch the last waves of the day.
In Santa Cruz, stop by the wharf (pier) and have fun on the boardwalk, explore downtown Santa Cruz, experience the redwoods on a steam train, and ride a funicular to California’s most romantic restaurant.
Driving Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours to Santa Cruz
Top Hotels in Santa Cruz:
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz ($$)
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection ($$)
Dream Inn Santa Cruz ($$$)
Inn at Depot Hill in Capitola ($$$)
RV and Tent Campgrounds in Santa Cruz:
KOA Santa Cruz North ($$)
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park ($) (no water fill or dump station)
2. Bodega Bay and Point Reyes
Take a coastal getaway up north to soak up beach dunes and serenity in Bodega Bay. It is a little over 2 hours from San Francisco and the road trip alone is stunning.
If you haven’t had a chance to explore some of SF’s most beautiful sights, this is the perfect time to map it out on your road trip there. I spent four days on my last SF road trip to Bodega Bay.
Along the way explore the Golden Gate National Recreation area with a low-impact trail hike. Then stop in the quaint town of Sausalito, known for its charming houseboats and adorable pedestrian streets.
After Sausalito, make a slight detour to Muir Woods to marvel at towering groves of Redwood trees. Be sure to reserve parking in advance since walk-ins are no longer allowed. The boardwalk trails here are very accessible too.
Depending on your timeline, I’d highly recommend you also visit Point Reyes. This national seashore is at Drakes Bay and its trails lead you to spectacular views. Bundle up here because the fog and wind can get strong (even if it was hot just 15 minutes before!)
While in Bodega Bay, enjoy horseback riding through the dunes and along the beach (I use Horse N Around Trail Rides), go wine tasting at the Sonoma Coast Vineyards tasting room, and grub on some fresh seafood at Fishetarian Fish Market after a fun dune hike near Bodega Harbour.
Driving Distance from San Francisco: 2.5 hours to Bodega Bay (3+ hours with a Point Reyes detour)
Top Accommodations in Bodega Bay:
The Lodge at Bodega Bay ($$$)
Sonoma Coast Villa ($$)
Oceanview home rental at Bodega Harbour ($$$)
RV and Tent Campgrounds near Bodega Bay:
Dorian Regional Park ($) (no electrical hookups)
Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park ($$)
Bodega Dunes Campground at Sonoma Coast State Park ($)
3. Pinnacles National Park
Head to Pinnacles for beautiful rock formations and approx. 30 miles of trail access. Pinnacles National Park is one of the newer parks, designated by President Obama. While it is a smaller park, the unique thing about this natural wonder is that you need to drive its perimeter to get on either side so visiting is a road trip in itself!
With significantly fewer crowds than other National Parks, it is the perfect road trip for the outdoor adventurer who wants a bit of serenity.
Coming from San Francisco, the best route to take is through San Jose however I recommend you make time for a detour and visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park too! California RV and van-lifers, as well as tent campers, would love this road trip.
Driving Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours to Pinnacles
Top Accommodations near Pinnacles National Park:
San Benito RV and Camping Resort $$ (cabins available)
The Inn at Saratoga $$ (if you’re making a night stop at Big Basin Redwoods)
RV and Tent Campgrounds near Pinnacles:
San Benito RV and Camping Resort $$
4. Napa Valley and Sonoma County
There are several wine countries in California but Napa and Sonoma are by far the most popular. Whenever people ask me to choose the better half of these neighboring wine destinations, I simply cannot answer. They are both great, with unique offerings for every personality.
I find Sonoma to be more laid back and welcoming, and considerably less expensive than Napa for tastings. Napa has more of a “who’s who” vibe, boasting star chefs and extravagant wine-tasting experiences. Regardless of which one you choose, I recommend at least two days in the area so you can embrace the relaxed pace the region calls for.
There are two ways I recommend road tripping to wine country from San Francisco:
Head straight to Calistoga: Napa’s northern destination is known for beautiful hotels and hot springs, and medieval Castello di Amarosa (tourist castle but super beautiful). Take in downtown Napa’s shops and tasting rooms along the way, or join the famous Napa Wine Train from downtown Napa.
Or pair this road trip with the Point Reyes/Bodega Bay itinerary I mentioned and head to Sonoma first (this essentially creates a loop from SF -> Golden Gate -> Sausalito -> Muir Woods -> Point Reyes -> Bodega Bay -> Sonoma -> Napa -> SF). With this route, you could enjoy a week’s road trip at a relaxed pace.
Driving distance from SF: 2-6 hours around Wine Country depending on the route
Top Accommodations in Napa and Sonoma:
The Lodge at Sonoma Resort $$$
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa $$$
RV and Tent Campgrounds near Wine Country:
Ritchey Creek Campground at Bothe Napa State Park $
Petaluma KOA $$
5. Gilroy
Ever been to the Garlic Capital of the world? Well, if you love garlic as a staple ingredient for good food then you’ll love Gilroy!
Gilroy is in Central California (a little more inland) and has endless options for good, garlicky food. I’ve even tried Garlic ice cream there! (Which I hated, but I guess we all have our limits.)
While Gilroy is about 2 hours from San Francisco, I think it is the perfect road trip to pair with the extended Santa Cruz route I recommended earlier, or with the aforementioned Pinnacles National Park road trip. It’ll make the driving distance about 3 hours, and you can make a wonderful multi-day trip out of it.
Driving Distance from San Francisco: 2-3 hours to Gilroy (depending on add-on route)
Top Accommodations in Gilroy:
Hampton Inn & Suites Gilroy $$
RV and Tent Campgrounds in Gilroy:
6. Big Sur
Big Sur is one of California’s most iconic destinations and a dream road trip for any adventurers traversing the state. Its midway positioning between San Francisco and Los Angeles makes it the perfect driving distance from either direction too!
What I love the most about Big Sur is it's right on the beautiful coastal Highway 1, so the views are endless.
A road trip to Big Sur from San Francisco is packed with great things to see. Not only can you pair this route with my recommended Santa Cruz road trip, you can also add on Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The charming towns are small but mighty, with delicious dining options, romantic boutique hotels, and quaint streets. I spent one of my wedding anniversaries there, so great for couples!
In Big Sur, hike the Waterfall Overlook Trail at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for a quick view of McWay Falls and safely stop at a roadside overlook to view the striking Bixby Bridge (Big Sur’s most photographed landmark). The most famous place to eat here is the colorful Nepenthe, so it will be crowded given its no-reservation policy, but it is a fun dining experience nonetheless.
Note: For safety, always check the weather and warnings in Big Sur before going (mudslides can happen here). And there are little to no gas stations once you pass Monterey to Big Sur so fill up beforehand.
Driving Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours to Big Sur
Top Accommodations in Big Sur:
Big Sur Lodge $$$
Big Sur Campground and Cabins $$
Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa $$$
RV and Tent Camping in Big Sur:
Big Sur Campground and Cabins $
**More Big Sur camping tips at the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
7. San Luis Obispo
Famed for a charming wine country of its own as well as a variety of wildlife, San Luis Obispo (SLO) is a road trip must! You can drive straight through San Jose, stopping in Gilroy along the way and even the west side entrance of Pinnacles.
Alternatively, if you are open to extending the road trip beyond the 4-hour length, you could do the Santa Cruz / Big Sur route instead. This would likely take 6 hours so only do it if you have time to break up across multiple days (I don’t have the stamina to drive that long and explore in a short period of time).
In SLO, check out elephant seals and monarch butterflies, or take a whale-watching tour. Artisanal markets, crafts, and galleries dot this adorable destination. With 40 grape varieties and over 250 wineries across Paso Robles and SLO regions, there are also lots of wine touring opportunities.
Driving distance from San Francisco: 4 hours to San Luis Obispo
Top Accommodations in San Luis Obispo:
Hotel Cerro $$
RV and Tent Campgrounds in San Luis Obispo:
Morro Bay State Park Campground $
8. Mendocino
Mendocino is a local California hidden gem, in my opinion. Making it great for a road trip to uncover many of this coastal town's best offerings.
Along this road trip, it’d be fun to pair some of the Bodega Bay route, as it’ll switch you from the inland Sonoma County roads to a coastal Highway 1.
While there, take a trail or two to explore the rugged cliffs and beaches along the Pacific, soak in the quaint B&B environment and laid-back energy, and keep an eye out for whale spotting!
And if you’re in the mood for a bit more adventure, you must visit Mendocino Headlands State Park for some good hikes. For a unique experience try mushroom hunting in Jackson State Demonstration Forest too.
Driving distance from San Francisco: 3 hours to Mendocino
Top Accommodations in Mendocino:
Headlands Inn Bed & Breakfast $$
Stanford Inn by the Sea Eco-Resort $$$
RV and Tent Campgrounds in Mendocino:
Mendocino Grove $$ (glamping tents)
9. Yosemite
Yosemite is every park-lover’s National Park dream. And for good reason! This park is breathtaking in every way and suited for people of all abilities. You’ll want to bring your good camera for this one!
Whether you want to camp, luxuriate in an onsite hotel lodge, or meet halfway in a tent cabin – you have plenty of options for lodging after your drive.
This is one of the country's most famous parks, however, so before committing to this four-hour journey you’ll want to check availability first.
Driving distance from San Francisco: 4 hours to Yosemite
Top Accommodations in Yosemite:
Various Yosemite hotels and tent cabins $-$$$
RV and Tent Campgrounds in Yosemite:
Various Yosemite campgrounds $
More Tips for Road Tripping in the Bay Area and Beyond
I am always shocked at how different something as simple as road-tripping differs across states can be. While road trips from San Francisco are fairly easy, there are a few things you should know:
HOV lanes: HOV lanes stand for high-occupancy vehicles, which means a carpool. In the Bay Area, most carpool lanes require two or more people to be in the vehicle to enter this faster lane without penalty. In other US cities, HOV lanes often require 3 people or more, so you’re in luck!
Express lanes: One thing I was surprised to see in the Bay Area was express lanes by toll. Different criteria qualify you to get into an express lane, but often you’ll see a “FasTrak” sign above it, indicating a toll to access this even faster route. If you are an HOV-3 vehicle, you may be able to access this lane toll-free or for a discounted rate.
FasTrak: for my east coasters, FasTrak is just the equivalent of EZ Pass. With most places reducing toll booths, a FasTrak pass can adhere to your window, bill the toll to your account, and get you on your way without needing to stop.
** Note: if you are driving a larger vehicle like an RV / travel trailer, you cannot use HOV lanes
Another thing to consider when planning your road trip from San Francisco is your total trip expenses.
Whenever giving outdoor trip planning tips I often praise the site, Toll Guru because it helps map out the total fuel and toll costs expected for your road trip. This helps avoid unexpected California road trip fees.
If you are driving an electric vehicle, you’ll save on California’s shocking gas prices. But be sure to bring the adapter so you can plug it in anywhere (and make stops at stores like Costco and McDonalds for a free charge!)
Which road trip from San Francisco should you try first?
These are all amazing road trips in the Bay Area and beyond, and there are so many ways to experience them – even if not coming directly from San Francisco proper.
If I had to decide which to try first I would save the northern and inland road trips for Spring and Summer. Then, I’d head south during Autumn and Winter. Remember though, the morning fog and coastal breeze in the Bay Area can catch you by surprise so bring layers.
Enjoy these road trips from San Francisco!
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