Road Trips from San Francisco, CA
Looking for a drive from San Francisco? You've got options ranging from a quick 5.6-hour trip to Vandenberg Village with its gently rolling terrain, to longer excursions over 8 hours into Southern California's hilly landscapes. Many routes offer access to national parks, including Yosemite and Pinnacles, making them great for nature lovers. Whether you prefer a primarily highway drive or a mix of roads, there's a trip tailored to your preference, with several destinations even recommending an overnight stay.
Total Routes
176
Shortest
0.3h
With Parks Nearby
150
Under 2 hours
23 total in this range
Rosemont, CA
1h 55m94.1 mi one way
Florin, CA
1h 55m94.5 mi one way
Amesti, CA
1h 54m87.2 mi one way
Ashland, CA
32m24 mi one way
Interlaken, CA
1h 54m90 mi one way
Full-day getaway
8 total in this range
Loomis, CA
2h 13m111.2 mi one way
Cameron Park, CA
2h 22m117.1 mi one way
Delhi, CA
2h 13m110.7 mi one way
Dos Palos, CA
2h 45m137.8 mi one way
Soulsbyville, CA
3h 2m139 mi one way
Weekend trip
118 total in this range
San Luis Obispo, CA
4h 30m231.1 mi one way
Vandenberg Village, CA
5h 35m286.2 mi one way
This 5.6-hour drive to Vandenberg Village offers the shortest trip of the bunch, covering 286.2 miles. It features a mixed highway and surface road profile with a perfect drive score of 10. The terrain is gently rolling, and you'll have access to San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, and Pinnacles National Park.
Templeton, CA
4h 5m209.1 mi one way
Santa Margarita, CA
4h 22m224.3 mi one way
Inyokern, CA
7h 17m385.9 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
27 total in this range
Fort Irwin, CA
8h 32m449.6 mi one way
Big River, CA
11h 37m618 mi one way
Chula Vista, CA
9h 38m509 mi one way
Banning, CA
8h 39m463.3 mi one way
Consider this 8.7-hour drive to Banning, a longer option at 463.3 miles, with a drive score of 7. The route features high-altitude sections and notable climbs. It’s a primarily highway drive and recommends an overnight stay. Nearby parks include San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, and Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Temecula, CA
8h 41m463.7 mi one way
This 8.7-hour drive to Temecula covers 463.7 miles on mostly highway roads, with a drive score of 7. The terrain is hilly with moderate elevation changes, and an overnight stay is recommended. Parks accessible from this route include San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, and Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Browse by Mood
San Luis Obispo, CA
4h 30m231.1 mi one way
Vandenberg Village, CA
5h 35m286.2 mi one way
Templeton, CA
4h 5m209.1 mi one way
Santa Margarita, CA
4h 22m224.3 mi one way
San Luis Obispo, CA
4h 30m231.1 mi one way
Inyokern, CA
7h 17m385.9 mi one way
Arroyo Grande, CA
4h 48m246.9 mi one way
Ridgecrest, CA
7h 32m394.1 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers the chance to drive through gently rolling or hilly terrain, with parks like Pinnacles and Yosemite accessible. The mountain driving to Big Pine could be particularly scenic.
Summer
Summer drives through varying terrain are feasible, with access to numerous national parks. Longer highway routes to Southern California are also viable.
Fall
Fall presents an opportunity to experience hilly terrain and mountain driving with a drive score of 9. Parks like Yosemite and Pinnacles offer seasonal beauty.
Winter
Winter drives feature varied terrain, including high-altitude sections on the longer routes. Parks such as San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park remain accessible.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the San Francisco, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.