The Bay area is a fantastic place to explore and navigate. If you decide to drive around the Bay area and San Francisco, you’ll find countless spots with amazing vista points and views. Explore these worthwhile and scenic roads around the Bay area for an unforgettable escape from reality.
- Conzelman Road — Marin Headlands
David Yu/Flickr When you leave the city and head to Marin County, you’ll have a chance to drive Conzelman Road. This road features incredible sun, moon, and fog views.
- Grizzly Peak Blvd — Berkeley
KP Tripathi (kps-photo.com)/Flickr This hidden gem in the Berkeley Hills features dramatic views. Grizzly Peak Boulevard stretches through Tilden Park and the adjacent neighborhood, overlooking Berkeley, San Francisco, and the bay. The sunset views aren’t too shabby, either.
- Skyline Boulevard — Silicon Valley
SealFloorScott/Flickr Skyline Boulevard travels along the western ridge of Silicon Valley from Highway 17 to San Francisco at State Route 1. You’ll see lots of classic California views, including the Redwoods.
- Panoramic Highway — Marin County
DB’STravel/Flickr Panoramic Highway is a lovely road to drive near San Francisco. This highway takes you from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach. Make sure to stop at the Muir Woods redwoods and the summit of Mt Tamalpais during your journey.
- North/South Gate Road — Mount Diablo
JaCampos/Flickr If you are in the East Bay, there are plenty of places you can check out. However, driving on Gate Road, either North or South, offers beauty and takes you to one of highest points in the Bay Area with awesome views.
- Route 1 — Pacifica
Aaron.Rosales/Flickr Dramatic landscapes become commonplace on Route 1 once you hit Pacifica from the city. Right off of Highway 1 is Grey Whale Cove State Beach in Pacifica, a striking landscape that features beautiful rocks, and a picturesque beach.
- Petaluma Road — Point Reyes
Harrycjr/Flickr Another pretty drive through Marin County. Enjoy the open space drives and farmhouses set off the road. Near Pt. Reyes, you will find peace, nature, and unspoiled beauty.
- Sir Francis Drake Boulevard — Point Reyes
Erin L/Foursquare Sir Francis Drake Boulevard offers gorgeous views of redwood forests, ranch lands, and even a few wild animals. This beautiful and windswept coastal area of Point Reyes is certainly something special.
- State Route 84 — Menlo Park
Jun Seita/Flickr State Route 84 goes through several parts of the South Bay, though the most scenic route travels from Silicon Valley to the coast. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped away from everything on Route 84.
- Silverado Trail — Napa
Martin Hapl/Flickr Silverado Trail in Sonoma and Napa is incredibly scenic and transports you to the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany — without ever leaving California. The traffic can be heavy on weekends, but you’re sure to enjoy the views of Napa Valley and its sprawling vineyards.
What do you think of these roads? Let us know. Share your opinions. If you’re into exploring near the city, then check out This Hidden Spot Near San Francisco You’ll Want To Find It.
David Yu/Flickr
When you leave the city and head to Marin County, you’ll have a chance to drive Conzelman Road. This road features incredible sun, moon, and fog views.
KP Tripathi (kps-photo.com)/Flickr
This hidden gem in the Berkeley Hills features dramatic views. Grizzly Peak Boulevard stretches through Tilden Park and the adjacent neighborhood, overlooking Berkeley, San Francisco, and the bay. The sunset views aren’t too shabby, either.
SealFloorScott/Flickr
Skyline Boulevard travels along the western ridge of Silicon Valley from Highway 17 to San Francisco at State Route 1. You’ll see lots of classic California views, including the Redwoods.
DB’STravel/Flickr
Panoramic Highway is a lovely road to drive near San Francisco. This highway takes you from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach. Make sure to stop at the Muir Woods redwoods and the summit of Mt Tamalpais during your journey.
JaCampos/Flickr
If you are in the East Bay, there are plenty of places you can check out. However, driving on Gate Road, either North or South, offers beauty and takes you to one of highest points in the Bay Area with awesome views.
Aaron.Rosales/Flickr
Dramatic landscapes become commonplace on Route 1 once you hit Pacifica from the city. Right off of Highway 1 is Grey Whale Cove State Beach in Pacifica, a striking landscape that features beautiful rocks, and a picturesque beach.
Harrycjr/Flickr
Another pretty drive through Marin County. Enjoy the open space drives and farmhouses set off the road. Near Pt. Reyes, you will find peace, nature, and unspoiled beauty.
Erin L/Foursquare
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard offers gorgeous views of redwood forests, ranch lands, and even a few wild animals. This beautiful and windswept coastal area of Point Reyes is certainly something special.
Jun Seita/Flickr
State Route 84 goes through several parts of the South Bay, though the most scenic route travels from Silicon Valley to the coast. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped away from everything on Route 84.
Martin Hapl/Flickr
Silverado Trail in Sonoma and Napa is incredibly scenic and transports you to the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany — without ever leaving California. The traffic can be heavy on weekends, but you’re sure to enjoy the views of Napa Valley and its sprawling vineyards.
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