Road Trips from San Francisco, CA
Where to drive next — curated by how much time you have and what you're in the mood for.
Total Routes
93
Shortest
0.4h
With Parks Nearby
81
Under 2 hours
30 total in this range
Byron, CA
1h 16m59.7 mi one way
Deer Park, CA
1h 27m68.3 mi one way
Rio Vista, CA
1h 19m61.6 mi one way
Sacramento, CA
1h 47m87.4 mi one way
San Leandro, CA
31m21.8 mi one way
Full-day getaway
20 total in this range
Sebastopol, CA
3h 23m159.9 mi one way
Citrus Heights, CA
2h 4m102.1 mi one way
Olivehurst, CA
2h 27m121.2 mi one way
Cedar Ridge, CA
3h 15m144.7 mi one way
Sheridan, CA
2h 31m125.1 mi one way
Weekend trip
34 total in this range
Atascadero, CA
4h 10m214.3 mi one way
Morro Bay, CA
4h 36m231.6 mi one way
San Luis Obispo, CA
4h 30m231.1 mi one way
Templeton, CA
4h 5m209.1 mi one way
Santa Margarita, CA
4h 22m224.3 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
9 total in this range
Browse by Mood
Atascadero, CA
4h 10m214.3 mi one way
Morro Bay, CA
4h 36m231.6 mi one way
San Luis Obispo, CA
4h 30m231.1 mi one way
Templeton, CA
4h 5m209.1 mi one way
Atascadero, CA
4h 10m214.3 mi one way
Morro Bay, CA
4h 36m231.6 mi one way
San Luis Obispo, CA
4h 30m231.1 mi one way
Sebastopol, CA
3h 23m159.9 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Long daylight returns and parks begin peak bloom.
Summer
Avoid low-desert routes at midday; pick mountain destinations instead.
Fall
Cooler temps and foliage make it the underrated season here.
Winter
Desert driving is at its best — cool days, clear light.
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.