If you’re planning a weekend adventure just a stone’s throw away from San Francisco, keep reading as I’m about to reveal the most breathtaking scenic drives and the hidden gems found along the way, each with its own secret charm.
This post contains affiliate links.
1. Best Scenic Road Trip Around San Francisco: Point Reyes National Seashore
Famed for its spectacular coastal cliffs and lush landscapes, Point Reyes is an irresistible retreat for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Less than a 2 hour drive from San Francisco, it offers a plethora of outdoor activities such as wildlife sighting, hiking, picnicking, and guided tours. What sets it apart is the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse which offers majestic views over the Pacific.
For years I felt called to visit Point Reyes and never got around to visiting until 2022, and once again in 2023. It’s perhaps one of my most prized destinations in all of California. This small coastal town has enough for you to see and do without overwhelming you. I highly recommend booking a room at Olema House, specifically the Mountain View King room. Perfect for solo travelers and romantic getaways, Point Reyes is sure to win your heart. I also recommend trying their famous buffalo ice cream inside the Palace Market, which is so creamy and delicious!
2. Unforgettable Weekend Road Trip from San Francisco: Napa Valley
Napa Valley is no hidden gem. Known as one of the world’s premier wine regions, Napa Valley is a place of remarkable beauty and tranquility. The region’s beautifully sculptured vineyard landscapes coupled with world-class wine tasting experiences make Napa a worthy weekend escape. You can take the Napa Valley wine train, which offers a novel way of exploring the valley and its prestigious wineries, or you can book a tour that takes you to Napa’s best wineries and tasting rooms.
For hotel recommendations, I recommend staying at R INN NAPA in downtown Napa or the Alila Napa Valley in St. Helena. Both offer luxurious amenities and a beautiful place to stay, making it the cherry on top to your California wine country experience. When it comes to cuisine, you really can’t go wrong with any restaurant. I have yet to come across a restaurant that disappoints me. Napa Valley is truly a special place to be in. Napa Valley has so much to offer for any traveler.
3. Scenic Drive from San Francisco: Sonoma Valley
Often less crowded than Napa, Sonoma Valley exudes an understated elegance with its sprawling vineyards, historic sights, and quaint boutiques. This wine country hotspot is renowned for its diverse wineries offering everything from small batch Pinot Noirs to bold, opulent Cabernet Sauvignon. A stand-out attraction is the charming town of Sonoma, with its postcard-perfect plaza surrounded by colonial-era buildings.
It’s quite obvious that I favor Sonoma Valley way more than Napa Valley. It offers so much more than just miles and miles of vineyards. Don’t get me wrong, I love Napa Valley’s landscape, however I prefer the forest and the ocean a bit more. I love that in Sonoma Valley, you get beautiful vineyards with the forest as its backdrop, enchanting coastal towns with panoramic views of the Pacific, and both luxurious and rustic hotels to stay in. My personal favorites are the MacArthur Place in Sonoma and Mine + Farm Inn in Guerneville. Sonoma Valley has that “tucked away and untouched” feel that Napa Valley cannot replicate.
I hope it stays that way forever.
4. Top-rated Road Trip from San Francisco for the Weekend: Big Sur
Big Sur, with its rugged coastline and mountain views, serves as a testament to California’s unspoiled beauty. A drive along the Pacific Coast Highway offers panoramic ocean views unlike any other. The towering Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world, is Big Sur’s signature landmark that you shouldn’t miss.
You can have a luxurious getaway at Alila Ventana Big Sur, or stay at a lodge/bed and breakfast along the highway. If you go a little further south, you’ll hit the small town of Lucia, where you’ll find Lucia Lodge. I have yet to stay there, however it’s been on my list for a few years now. It’s a small lodge perched up against a cliff with a handful of bungalows. It was in the popular Netflix show, Ratched!
Big Sur is one of those places that literally take your breath away. I love coming here as much as possible.
5. Explore this Hidden Gem on a Weekend Road trip from San Francisco: Carmel by the Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is an idyllic seaside village that is as enchanting as it sounds. Famous for its fairy-tale cottages, art galleries, and a stunning white-sand beach, it offers a perfect blend of cultural pursuits and seaside relaxation. Unique to Carmel is their custom of naming houses instead of using street numbers, which adds to the town’s charm. Another fun fact is that Clint Eastwood used to be the mayor many moons ago!
Carmel is a true hidden gem. Not a lot of people know about it, and it’s managed to hold its integrity as a charming, perfect storybook town for decades. I don’t see it ever fading away.
This little town has so many mom and pop restaurants, you won’t see a single chain in Carmel. Some of my favorites include La Bicyclette, Hidden Gem, Grasing’s, The Tuck Box, and Enzo, just to name a few.
6. Captivating Scenic Drive and Destination from San Francisco: Yosemite National Park
Known for its awe-inspiring granite cliffs, powerful waterfalls, and giant sequoia groves, Yosemite National Park needs little introduction. Hiking trails like the legendary Half Dome and Mist Trail take you through some extraordinary landscapes. The park’s heart, Yosemite Valley, is a masterpiece of nature with its sheer granite walls, green meadows and powerful falls, it’s truly a sight to behold.
This is perfect for the adventure traveler who loves the great outdoors. Yosemite provides opportunities for you to partake in glamping or car camping. It allows you to stop and breathe in fresh air, unplug for a while, and be present in the moment.
7. San Francisco’s Top Spot for a Breathtaking Weekend Road Trip: Mendocino
Mendocino offers a delightful fusion of rugged coastline, delicious cuisine, and impressive architecture. The town itself is an artistic enclave populated with galleries and historical Victorian buildings. One of the most distinctive features of Mendocino is its Pygmy Forest, home to dwarfed trees and plants offering a unique hiking experience.
In the future I will end up being a grandmother with a home in Mendocino. Mendocino is the birthplace of the coastal grandma trend (or so I think). There are so many different things to do in Mendocino. From driving through giant redwoods, staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, and going on leisurely walks by the ocean, Mendocino is a breath of fresh air.
Coming here just makes you forget all your problems. This is definitely the perfect place for the slow traveler or for the artist who needs a “think week.”
8. Where to Go on a Scenic Drive from San Francisco: Humboldt County
Humboldt County is a true gift to the world. For the traveler who loves the forest, gloomy beaches, mystical and magical evenings, and spiritual retreats, Humboldt County is the place to be. It’s like the ultimate escape into a cool, lush version of California that combines towering redwoods with a seriously chill coastal vibe. It’s far enough from the major cities to keep its low-key, indie spirit alive, making it the kind of place where you can find yourself at an impromptu beach bonfire one night and at a quirky local art gallery the next.
Famous for the colossal Redwoods, Humboldt offers epic trails that can make anyone feel totally tiny in the best way. Beyond the forests, you have places like Arcata, where the college scene infuses the town with youthful energy and weekly farmers markets offer the freshest local eats. The county’s passion for sustainability and organic agriculture sets it apart too, making it a haven for anyone trying to live eco-friendly. Plus, Humboldt’s cannabis culture is big, with some calling it the Napa Valley of weed, thanks to all the artisanal growers in the so-called “Emerald Triangle.” All in all, Humboldt is about as laid-back as California gets.
I recommend staying at the Victorian Inn in Ferndale, as well as checking out Cafe Mokka in Arcata. If you want the full Humboldt experience, make sure you go to Slice of Humboldt Pie and visit the brewery right next door, and go to Los Bagels in the morning. For dinner, treat yourself to Campground. No explanation needed except for it’s the best dinner spot in town.
9. San Francisco Weekend Getaway Road Trip to Bolinas
Bolinas is a hidden seaside gem that has maintained a bohemian vibe due to its relative isolation. Enjoy surfing on its uncrowded beach, take a scenic hike to nearby Alamere Falls, or enjoy shopping at the local vintage stores. Bolinas famously takes down road signs to prevent people from finding it, which just adds to its quirky, offbeat appeal.
10. California Road Trip Idea: Stinson Beach
Stinson Beach, just about an hour’s drive from San Francisco, is a serene haven tucked away in Northern California’s Marin County, where natural beauty meets a laid-back beach town vibe. The expansive white-sand beach stretches for over 3 miles, edged by the turquoise-blue waves of the Pacific lapping its shores and backed by lush, undulating hills and the rugged cliffs of Mount Tamalpais State Park.
What sets Stinson Beach apart is its blend of pristine, often uncrowded seaside perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, surfing, and even bonfires at sunset; and its proximity to some of the region’s best hiking trails, offering heart-stopping views of the coastline. The town itself, with its quaint, independent shops, locally-loved eateries, and artists’ studios, retains a kind of timeless charm that appeals to both locals and tourists alike. From the tranquility of dipping your toes into the Pacific to the adrenaline of hiking up Mount Tam, Stinson Beach offers an unique escape into nature’s allure, right on San Francisco’s doorstep.
If you’re looking to stay in Stinson Beach, I highly highly highly recommend booking a night or two at Surf Lodge.
11. San Francisco’s Top Weekend Road Trip Destination: Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, with its stunning coastline adorned with palm trees and beaches, embodies the quintessential California beach town vibe. In addition to surfing and other beach activities, attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Mystery Spot make it worth a visit. The town’s giant redwood-covered mountains also offer excellent outdoor adventures.
12.Perfect Weekend Road Trip from San Francisco: Pescadero
A small rural town on the California coast, Pescadero is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore Pescadero State Beach, visit the historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse, or take a walk through the sprawling fields of nearby Harley Farms Goat Dairy. Unique to the town is its annual summer Artichoke Festival, celebrating its locally grown crop.
Best Weekend Road Trips from San Francisco
And that concludes my short, sweet, and straight to the point guide to the best weekend road trips from San Francisco. I hope these destinations ignite inspiration and happiness for you and I look forward to hearing how your visit to these places go!
