San Francisco is known for being a vibrant and multicultural city that truly has something for every type of traveler. Between its delicious local delicacies, such as seafood, as well as its unique landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll never run out of things to see and do here. But if you want to explore beyond its confines, fortunately, San Francisco is a great starting point for a road trip, whether your destination is just a few hours away, or involves a long drive. If you’re ready to plan your adventure, our list of the 10 best road trips from San Francisco is a great place to start.
- Napa Valley, CA
- Sacramento, CA
- Cayucos, CA
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Nevada City, CA
- Kings Canyon National Park
- Lake Tahoe
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Death Valley National Park
- Las Vegas
- Other road trips from San Francisco
1. Napa Valley, CA
Popular for its beautiful natural scenery and delicious wines, the Napa Valley is a great place to visit. The vineyards are particularly known for their zinfandel grapes and there are many local wineries to choose from if you would like to taste the local wines.
SIXT Pro Tip:
The Napa Valley isn’t just known for its wine, as there are also quite a few Michelin-starred restaurants that will make foodies rejoice. If you’re hoping to dine at one, make sure that you make a reservation well in advance, as they tend to book up quickly.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN FRANCISCO: 59 miles; a 1-hour 10-minute drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls while driving along this route on I-80 E.
2. Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, California’s capital city, is a great place to go if you would like to see a mixture of history and unique architecture. Heading to the California State Capitol is a must, and you can always explore the California State Railroad and California Automobile museums, which the little ones may enjoy.
SIXT Pro Tip:
The city has an up-and-coming coffee scene, so be sure to grab a cup of joe from one of the many independent coffee shops that roast their own beans.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN FRANCISCO: 88 miles; a 1.5-hour drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls while driving along this route on I-80 E.
3. Cayucos, CA
For a beautiful getaway along the coast, consider driving to the charming town of Cayucos. The city dates to the early 1800s and has a unique mixture of old wooden buildings, surf shops and relaxed cafes.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Cayucos tends to be cloudy during the months of June and July, so if you want to avoid this weather, it’s typically best to plan your visit for between August to November.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM CITY: 227 miles; a 3.5-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
4. Lassen Volcanic National Park
If you enjoy being outdoors, don’t miss the chance to explore Lassen Volcanic National Park. In this park, you’ll find four different types of volcanoes, as well as over 150 miles of hiking trails for you to enjoy.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Between the months of June and September is typically the best time of the year to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park, as this is when the weather is warmest, and you can guarantee that the park will be open for visitors.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN FRANCISCO: 247 miles; a 4-hour drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls on I-5 N.
5. Nevada City, CA
To escape the crowded city and for an area that is filled with fresh air, mountains and forests, plan a quick road trip to Nevada City. This town used to be one of the most prominent areas for gold mining in California, meaning you can still see several classic Old West-style buildings and shops while exploring the historic city center.
SIXT Pro Tip:
If you want to go swimming or enjoy a hike, head to the Yuba River that is located just a few miles north of Nevada City.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN FRANCISCO: 147 miles; a 2-hour 45-minute drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls while driving on I-80 E.
6. Kings Canyon National Park
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the region’s redwood trees by paying a visit to Kings Canyon National Park. This park is known for having amazing hiking trails, as well as many picturesque valleys, lakes and rivers. The world’s largest tree, named General Sherman, can be found here.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Kings Canyon National Park is just a short drive from Sequoia National Park, in case you would like to visit both parks on the same trip.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN FRANCISCO: 240 miles; a 4-hour drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls on CA-99 S.
7. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a great place to visit no matter what time of the year it is. If you’re there during the winter months, you can always enjoy some snow activities, such as skiing or snowboarding. During the summer, you can spend time on the lake boating, swimming or kayaking.
SIXT Pro Tip:
North Lake Tahoe is often popular amongst those that are there for skiing or snowboarding, while South Lake Tahoe is a great place to go during the summer, as there are plenty of beaches.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN FRANCISCO: 200 miles; a 3.5-hour drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls on I-80 E.
8. Salt Lake City, UT
Famous for being the religious center of the Mormons (Latter Day Saints), Salt Lake City is a unique city that is also great for shopping, dining and sightseeing. It’s not far from several mountain ranges, so many travelers also use this as a home base to go skiing or hiking.
SIXT Pro Tip:
If you’re interested in doing any hiking during your time in the region, try to plan your visit in either September or October, as the weather will be particularly nice and the area is typically less crowded.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN FRANCISCO: 740 miles; a 10.5-hour drive
TOLLS: You may encounter tolls on I-80 E.
9. Death Valley National Park
The highest temperature on earth was recorded at 134 degrees F here in 1913, making Death Valley National Park an interesting destination that has diverse geography composed of mountains, sand dunes and dried up and cracked former lake beds.
SIXT Pro Tip:
It’s best to avoid visiting during the summer months, as the temperatures run the risk of being unbearable and dangerous. If you visit during the winter months, you can camp within the park and stargaze.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN FRANCISCO: 460 miles; a 9-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
10. Las Vegas
For a one-of-a-kind experience, spend some time in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Strip is lined with interesting hotels, nightlife and sights for you to explore. You can also see a live show during your stay in town or drive a little further and head to the Grand Canyon.
SIXT Pro Tip:
The city tends to be particularly hot between the months of June and August, so you may want to avoid this time if you would like to stay out of the heat.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM SAN FRANCISCO: 570 miles; a 9-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.
