Road Trips from Santa Clara, CA
Looking for a quick escape from Santa Clara? You've got options. There are several destinations reachable within a couple of hours, perfect for a day trip. Many of these are primarily highway drives, but San Francisco offers a mostly flat terrain. If you're looking for a longer haul, you can reach Southern California cities in about 7-9 hours, and one destination even suggests an overnight stay. Several routes include access to national parks and recreation areas.
Total Routes
7
Shortest
7h
With Parks Nearby
7
Weekend trip
7 total in this range
Long Beach, CA
7h368.6 mi one way
This is a significant drive, 368.6 miles taking about 7 hours. It's mostly highway with a solid drive score of 8. You'll pass near the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, offering a potential park stop on this extended journey.
Anaheim, CA
7h 3m370.6 mi one way
Santa Ana, CA
7h 9m376.7 mi one way
Clocking in at 376.7 miles and 7.2 hours, this trip to Santa Ana is primarily highway driving with a drive score of 8. Similar to Long Beach, it offers proximity to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area for a nature break.
Riverside, CA
7h 36m395.8 mi one way
At 395.8 miles and 7.6 hours, this drive to Riverside is mostly highway with a drive score of 8. It provides access to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, a good option for a lengthy excursion with park potential.
Irvine, CA
7h 17m385.3 mi one way
This 385.3-mile trip to Irvine takes approximately 7.3 hours. It's a mostly highway route scoring an 8 for the drive. Along the way, you can access the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Browse by Mood
Long Beach, CA
7h368.6 mi one way
Anaheim, CA
7h 3m370.6 mi one way
Santa Ana, CA
7h 9m376.7 mi one way
Riverside, CA
7h 36m395.8 mi one way
Long Beach, CA
7h368.6 mi one way
Anaheim, CA
7h 3m370.6 mi one way
Santa Ana, CA
7h 9m376.7 mi one way
Riverside, CA
7h 36m395.8 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With mostly highway routes, spring weather is generally favorable for any of these drives. The mostly flat terrain of San Francisco is pleasant for exploring.
Summer
Longer drives to Southern California are feasible in summer, with parks like the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area accessible.
Fall
Fall offers mild conditions for the shorter highway trips. The drive score of 9 to Fresno is manageable with cooler temperatures.
Winter
Winter weather is typically mild for these California routes, making even the longer drives to Southern California viable options.
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 Santa Clara, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.