8

Unbelievably Beautiful Scenic Drives  in California

17 - Mile Drive

Carmel, CA

A unique drive that offers a wide variety of landscapes! Enjoy the expansive beaches, golf courses wedged between the road and the coast, humungous mansions, & Cypress tree groves, all mixed in along the rugged coastline!

Carson Pass

Hope Valley, CA

There are a few inviting lakes scattered around with viewpoints and gorgeous trees lined the whole way up to the snowcapped mountains. It is absolutely beautiful. If you are looking to skip "Sac" to or from the Bay Area and Tahoe, you won't regret taking this route!

Cabrillo Hwy

Half Moon Bay, CA

Obviously, there are no "bad" views where Highway 1 hugs a large portion of the California coastline but there are a few spots that are more epic than others. You can take photos like the one above directly from the passenger seat of your moving vehicle.

Carmel to Big Sur

Carmel Highway, CA

This stretch of Highway 1 is easily one of the most beautiful drives I've ever taken. The Carmel Highlands serve as the gateway to the Big Sur coastline. With these views, you'll see why it is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the country.

Glacier Point

Yosemite Valley, CA

Glacier Point is phenomenal. Every time I saw this landscape, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Washburn point is the first, less popular but equally as gorgeous stop! This was one of my favorite parts of every single Yosemite trip we have taken so far. It is a MUST-SEE.

Marin Headlands

Sausalito, CA

After entering the Headlands, do a quick loop to see gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge or head up Conzelman Rd. It has incredible views & surroundings and becomes quite a ride down a single lane, one way road on the edge of the coast!

Mt Diablo Summit

Walnut Creek, CA

After a thrilling drive to the top, there is a large parking lot with bathrooms, or you can continue the climb to the summit. Here, you can stroll through the exhibits in the visitors center, stand atop of the 3,849 foot peak & soak in nearly 360 degree views!

Point Reyes

Inverness, CA

There are many beautiful stops through Point Reyes National Seashore. Be sure to see the Cypress Tree Tunnel & Drakes Beach to name a few! Drive to the Lighthouse parking lot & walk 1 mile roundtrip to see the visitor's center & lighthouse. It is worth it!

Read about more  Bay Area destinations!

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How to spend a weekend in Santa Cruz