5 best weekend road trips from San Francisco
While summertime in the Bay Area is buzzing with activity, a weekend road trip outside the city can provide a relaxing recharge as the weather warms. There are plenty of bucket list-worthy destinations within a few hours’ drive of San Francisco, including our five favorites highlighted below. So book an adventure-ready ride and discover all the Golden State has to offer!
Yosemite National Park
Drive time: 3 hours 45 minutes (170 miles on Google Maps)
What to see: Just about every view of Yosemite offers something spectacular. From the famous Half Dome rock formation (best seen from Glacier Point) to the peaceful Hetch Hetchy Valley and the countless waterfalls, colorful meadows, and giant sequoia trees in between. We suggest visiting the National Parks Service’s Yosemite page for a more thorough walkthrough of all Yosemite has to offer.
Where to eat: What better way to refuel while exploring Yosemite than to picnic right in the park? On the way back to S.F., take a detour through Mariposa to visit the well-reviewed 1850 Restaurant and Brewery.
What to drive: The four-wheel drive Jeep Wrangler has more than enough room for your camping gear, hiking boots, and picnic supplies. Remove the soft top roof to take in the overhead views!
Big Sur
Drive time: 3 hours (145 miles on Google Maps)
What to see: The drive down the Pacific Coast Highway through the Big Sur region of California is world famous for a reason. Without leaving your car, you’ll see breathtaking views of rocky bluffs, towering redwood forests, stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and even rich wildlife, with California condors overhead and sea otters basking on the sands below.
Beyond the driver’s seat lie stunning state parks, amazing hiking trails, secluded coves, and so much more. Check out Visit California for more.
Where to eat: Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, Nepenthe restaurant offers a comfortable terrace space with spectacular sunset views. The homemade desserts are equally unforgettable.
What to drive: For the full summer experience, book a convertible so you can take in unobstructed views all along the coastline. Just be sure to fill the tank in Monterey — gas stations are few and far between along the coast!
Note: Due to mudslides and other natural events, portions of Highway 1 are occasionally closed for repairs. Be sure to check the highway conditions before planning your trip.
Lake Tahoe
Drive time: 4 hours 30 minutes (200 miles on Google Maps)
What to see: If you can take your eyes off the pristine blue water and majestic green Jeffrey pine trees, you’ll want to plan a visit to Emerald Bay State Park along the southwest shore. There, you can hike along Eagle Lake Trail, kayak to Fannette Island in the middle of the lake, or take a peek at the Underwater Park with your own snorkeling gear. Whatever you do, bring a camera!
Where to eat: While there are plenty of terrific places to dine and drink in Truckee, Kings Beach, and Tahoe City, we recommend The Hangar in South Lake Tahoe. Boasting a huge outdoor seating area beneath the pines, The Hangar is the perfect place to relax with some grub from one of the many food trucks on site. Plus: They’ve been voted the best beer in Tahoe four years running.
What to drive: No matter what time of year you visit Tahoe, a Subaru Forester will work nicely, with room for ski equipment, camping gear, and a few friends.
Napa Valley
Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (67 miles on Google Maps)
What to see: Vineyards, everywhere you look. According to the Alcoholic Beverage Control of California, there are more than 1,800 wineries in Napa Valley, with around 500 tasting rooms open to the public. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options available, this helpful directory and guide will help you choose the best spots for your group.
Where to eat: On top of the world-renowned wine offerings, the Napa area features incredible dining experiences from some of the country’s finest chefs. Housed in an old Italian grocery store, Ciccio in downtown Yountville takes wood-fired pizzas to the next level.
What to drive: Treat yourself to a luxury sedan for the trip to wine country. To narrow your search, tap More filters > Car make in the Getaround app.
Mendocino Coast
Drive time: 4 hours 15 minutes (160 miles on Google Maps)
What to see: Stretching from Rockport in the north to Anchor Bay in the south, the Mendocino county coastline has more attractions than can be covered in a mere blog post. The perfect day might start with a trip to Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park, an afternoon hike at Russian Gulch State Park, a quick trip on the World-Famous Skunk Train, and a sunset stop at Mendocino Headlands State Park.
Where to eat: Just off Highway 1 overlooking Van Damme State Beach sits local favorite Little River Inn, offering brunch, dinner, and evening drinks at the Whale Watch Bar.
What to drive: It’s a longer trip — especially if you take Highway 1 along the California coastline — so opt for a comfortable hybrid like the Toyota Prius to save on fuel.
