The Bay Area offers many scenic drives with beautiful views of the bay, mountains, forests, and coastline. From San Francisco to Marin County, the Peninsula, and the East Bay, there are plenty of opportunities to take your car out for a spin and enjoy the amazing landscapes of the region. Keep reading for some of the best drives in the Bay Area to add to your bucket list!
Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands
One of the most iconic drives in the Bay Area is over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands. Start by driving north on Highway 101 and crossing the famous orange bridge into Marin County. Once you’ve crossed the bridge, take the Alexander Avenue exit and follow the signs for the Marin Headlands. As you wind up and down the headlands, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the Pacific Ocean. Stop at one of the parking areas along the way to walk out to the cliffs and beaches to fully take in the scenery. The headlands offer great hiking and biking trails as well if you want to stretch your legs. On a clear day, this is one of the best scenic drives in the Bay Area.
Top stops along the way:
- Battery Spencer – uphill hike or drive with panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco
- Hawk Hill – popular spot for viewing raptor migration and the ocean during different seasons
- Point Bonita Lighthouse – historic lighthouse perched dramatically on a cliff
- Rodeo Beach – expansive sandy beach perfect for walking
Muir Woods and Stinson Beach
Head across the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County and take Highway 1 north to this picturesque drive through redwood forests and along the rugged Pacific coastline. Muir Woods National Monument is home to a stunning old-growth redwood forest with some trees over 1,000 years old standing over 250 feet tall. Walk the main paved trail through Cathedral Grove and immerse yourself among these ancient giants. Continue your drive north on Highway 1 through gaps in the forest with sneak peek ocean views until you reach Stinson Beach, a popular swimming and surfing beach. Admire the views of sand, surf, and cypress trees before heading to the quaint town for a bite to eat or coffee break at the charming cafes. This loop drive is about 2 hours round trip from San Francisco.
Top stops along the way:
- Muir Woods National Monument – easy walking trails through towering old-growth redwoods
- Panoramic Highway – section of Highway 1 with scenic views of redwood forests and the Pacific
- Stinson Beach – long sandy beach perfect for picnics, swimming, and relaxing
- downtown Stinson Beach – small beach town with restaurants, cafes, and shops
Big Sur Coast Highway
For an epic full day coastal drive, the winding Big Sur coastline promises jaw-dropping ocean vistas around every bend. The 150 mile stretch of Highway 1 from Carmel down to San Simeon is considered one of the most scenic drives in the country. Allow a full day to make the drive and take time for sightseeing stops along the cliffs and beaches. Some highlights include Point Lobos State Natural Reserve near Carmel, Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Pfeiffer Beach, and the coastal redwoods in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Many state parks and beaches allow you to pull over to take in the views, hike, or picnic. Late spring through early fall offers the most ideal weather and visibility for this unforgettable drive.
Top stops along the way:
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – trails through Monterey cypress groves and along rocky coves
- Bixby Creek Bridge – iconic bridge and viewpoint along Highway 1 with expansive ocean views
- McWay Falls – an 80 foot waterfall that flows directly onto the beach in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- Pfeiffer Beach – secluded beach reached by small road through redwoods, features purple sand and iconic offshort rock formations
- Henry Miller Memorial Library – quirky bookstore, cafe, and art gallery in Big Sur
Sausalito and Tiburon
Just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, the small neighboring towns of Sausalito and Tiburon make for a relaxed drive destination with beautiful bayside scenery. Known for its quaint houseboats along the bay, boutique shops, and restaurants, Sausalito has a fun artsy vibe. Enjoy strolling or biking along the waterfront, stopping for a bite to eat or coffee. Neighboring Tiburon is situated on a peninsula jutting out into San Francisco Bay, offering postcard views of Angel Island State Park, Alcatraz, and the city skyline. The small downtown is home to shops and eateries, many with outdoor patios. There’s a walking path along the shoreline perfect for taking in the sights across the bay back towards San Francisco. Round trip the drive from San Francisco is around 90 minutes, not counting your exploring time. This scenic drive is perfect on a sunny day when you want to get out on the water and enjoy maritime scenery.
Top stops along the way:
- Sausalito houseboats – unique floating homes moored along the Sausalito waterfront
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area – expansive parks with hiking, beaches, and bay views
- Main Street Tiburon – restaurants, cafes, and shops with views across the bay
- Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum – museum telling the history of railroad and ferry services in Marin
Point Reyes National Seashore
Located under an hour north of San Francisco in Marin County, Point Reyes National Seashore protects over 100 square miles of rugged coastline perfect for an nature-filled scenic drive. With over 150 miles of hiking trails, isolated beaches, and abundant wildlife, you can spend a full day exploring the natural landscapes. Highlights include the Point Reyes Lighthouse set on dramatic cliffs above the ocean and the Cypress Tree Tunnel, a dreamy drive through a tunnel of arching Monterey cypress trees. Go whale watching or birding from the scenic overlooks, visit historic dairy and cattle ranches, or drive out to the Point Reyes Beach, popular with surfers. Don’t miss the otherworldly views of Tomales Point with elk and tule herds roaming the rolling hills Meeting the sea. With no shortage of vista points, trails, and beaches, Point Reyes offers endless options for adventure and taking in the area’s wild natural beauty.
Top stops along the way:
- Point Reyes Lighthouse – iconic lighthouse with museum and whale watching overlooks
- Cypress Tree Tunnel – Instagram-famous drive framed by towering cypress trees
- Chimney Rock – short hike to overlook with views of the Point Reyes headlands and Pacific
- Point Reyes Beach – popular beach with swimming and surfing in the federally protected seashore
Mount Tamalpais
Towering over Marin County, the 2,571-foot Mount Tamalpais provides phenomenal panoramic views stretching up and down the California coastline. There are several winding roads that snake up the mountain to take in the vistas from various overlooks. Start your journey north of San Francisco by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County on Highway 101, then take Highway 1 to the base of Mount Tamalpais. Panoramic Highway climbs up the south side of the mountain through shady redwood groves before emerging above the fog line with non-stop views around every turn. Park at one of the overlooks like Battery East Trail or Mountain Theater to marvel at the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and city skyline spread out below you. Or drive further to the East Peak Summit, West Point Inn, or the town of Muir Beach at sea level. With its mix of ocean, bay, forests, and mountains, Mount Tamalpais Scenic Drive is one of the most varied and beautiful in the Bay Area.
Top stops along the way:
- Battery East Trail – short uphill hike to panoramic overlook with views from the Golden Gate Bridge to Stinson
- Mountain Theater – historic theater with an impressive backdrop of the bay and ocean
- East Peak Summit – 2,571 feet high, the highest point on Mount Tam with 360 degree views
- Muir Woods National Monument – scenic redwood forest at the base of Mount Tam
Napa and Sonoma Wine Country
No Bay Area scenic drive is complete without venturing into wine country for lush vineyards, country roads, charming small towns, and award-winning California wines. Napa and Sonoma Valleys feature hundreds of wineries perfect for tasting appointments paired with enjoying the scenery. Historic State Route 29 winds through the vineyards in Napa while Sonoma offers a range of country roads passing through towns like Healdsburg, Glen Ellen, and Sonoma. Don’t miss Route 121 and 116 into Sonoma’s wine regions like Russian River Valley and Dry Creek Valley. Most wineries have outdoor patios with views ideal for picnics and wine tasting. Beyond sipping vintages, popular stops include dining in Yountville, the French-inspired town of St. Helena, and exploring downtown Napa’s restaurants and boutiques. With its mix of gastronomy, small town charm, and endless vineyards set amid rolling hills, Napa and Sonoma Valleys are perfect for an unforgettable day trip drive into wine country splendor.
Top stops along the way:
- Castello di Amorosa – Medieval castle and winery in Napa Valley offering tours and tastings
- Domaine Carneros – beautiful chateau-style winery known for sparkling wines and views of Sonoma Valley vineyards
- Hall St. Helena – modern winery in St. Helena with outdoor sculptures and tasting options
- Sonoma Plaza – historic central plaza in the charming town of Sonoma, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and shops
Silicon Valley
The suburbs of Silicon Valley south of San Francisco make for an interesting drive to explore this hub of technology and innovation. Start by taking Highway 101 south from San Francisco, or Highway 280 for a more scenic tree-lined road less prone to traffic. Stop at Stanford University to admire the mix of historic sandstone buildings and palm tree-lined drives. Continue to Palo Alto’s University Avenue to peruse boutique shops and restaurants and soak in the college town vibe. Head to Mountain View’s Castro Street downtown area for a choice of eateries and shops showcasing the town’s artistic side. No trip to Silicon Valley is complete without driving by the ever-expanding Googleplex headquarters, set at the end of Bayshore Parkway in Mountain View. Continue south on Highway 101 to Cupertino to check out Apple Park’s distinctive spaceship-like circular design. With its combination of tech campuses, university grounds, and suburban downtowns, Silicon Valley makes for an interesting look into the modern face of the Bay Area.
Top stops along the way:
- Stanford University – one of the world’s top universities with historic buildings and manicured grounds
- Apple Park – Apple’s futuristic circular headquarters in Cupertino
- Googleplex – the vast Google headquarters campus in Mountain View
- Computer History Museum – museum in Mountain View exploring the history of computing and Silicon Valley
Berkeley and Oakland
East of San Francisco across the Bay Bridge, the eclectic neighboring cities of Berkeley and Oakland offer great contrasts between historical charm and modern city scenes.Known as a hub of activism and progressive culture, Berkeley is home to the University of California, Berkeley campus, Telegraph Avenue shopping district, and the so-called Gourmet Ghetto neighborhood packed with foodie spots. Don’t miss Sather Gate leading into the university or the beautiful Rose Garden. Continue into Oakland to explore art deco architecture downtown, Jack London Square on the waterfront, and the city’s neighborhoods like Rockridge and Temescal brimming with a dynamic restaurant and arts scene. For amazing views over the bay, drive up into the Oakland Hills to admire the Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline, and even the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance from Grizzly Peak Boulevard. With its combination of historical and modern attractions, delving into Berkeley and Oakland makes for a great scenic urban escape just across the bay.
Top stops along the way:
- UC Berkeley campus – flagship campus of the University of California system founded in 1868
- Telegraph Avenue – vibrant street lined with shops, cafes, and street vendors
- Jack London Square – popular Oakland waterfront district named for the author
- Lake Merritt – lovely urban lakeside park providing a scenic break within the city
Bodega Bay
Traveling north of San Francisco for just over an hour on Highway 101 will bring you to the small coastal town of Bodega Bay, made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s movie The Birds. This drive takes you across the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County, through rolling hills and open pastures to Sonoma County’s gorgeous coastline. Enjoy strolling along Bodega Bay’s harbor checking out the fishing boats, restaurants, and shops in town. For amazing ocean views, head out to the Bodega Head hiking trail or Campbell Cove. Further down the coast lies Goat Rock Beach and the Russian River. Bodega Bay is a popular spot for whale watching, kayaking, and beachcombing along the tide pools and bluffs. Whether you admire the Pacific vistas, enjoy fresh seafood, or look for wildlife, Bodega Bay’s laidback oceanside atmosphere makes it an appealing day trip escape from the city less than two hours away.
Top stops along the way:
- Bodega Head – panoramic oceanside cliffs with a short hiking trail
- Goat Rock Beach – scenic beach and important harbor seal habitat site
- Sonoma Coast State Park – over 17 miles of hiking trails with ocean, sand dunes, and meadows
- Campbell Cove – picturesque small protected cove popular for kayaking
Conclusion
With scenic coastlines, towering redwood forests, Napa’s vineyards, and both historic and high-tech destinations, the San Francisco Bay Area offers limitless options for taking a drive. Whether you cruise down Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur, soak in views on the Golden Gate Bridge, or sample wines in Sonoma Valley, there are drives tailored for every interest. Pack up the car and hit the road to discover the amazing diversity of landscapes and attractions within a short drive of San Francisco and the Bay Area cities. No matter which scenic route you choose, you’re sure to make unforgettable memories enjoying the natural beauty and sights of Northern California on four wheels.