Take in the stunning coastal scenery of Monterey along the 17-Mile Drive. This scenic road, which winds through Pebble Beach's gated community, offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and other natural landscapes. Amid the beautiful mansions and golf courses, you can see pelicans diving from sea stacks, have a refreshing dip at Fanshell Beach, and watch the seals and sea lions from the Pescadero Point lookout. And don't forget the iconic Lone Cypress tree. There is a toll for non-residents to access 17-Mile Drive, but you can get it reimbursed with a minimum spend at Pebble Beach. Consider a driving tour from San Francisco or a bike tour of Monterey's beautiful coastline. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5State Street Underpass(2.392 reviews) - Do it especially on a bike Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Drives
4.5Artist's Drive(1.790 reviews) - Beautiful and Cooler at Night Scenic Drives
I’ve been visiting Death Valley for many years, but this year I decided to experience it during the hot month of June. Temperatures were as high as 120 degrees F during the day, but dropped to a cool 109 F at night. I decided night would be the best time to visit Artist’s Palette. Visiting at night is something that I had not done before. The sun had set not too long before I arrived. After my eyes adjusted, I was able to see the rounded contours of the hills and some stars over them. I used my phone camera, which works well in low light, to capture an image of Artist’s Palette. (See photo.) If you haven’t seen Artist’s Palette, you should definitely see it during the day first. But if you have been to Death Valley before, I recommend checking out this attraction at night. It’s peaceful, cooler, and no crowds.See more..
4.5West Cliff Drive(1.338 reviews) - My favorite walk in Santa Cruz Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Scenic Drives • Scenic Walking Areas
This one on the best walks in the Bay Area. The walk has so many wonderful elements. Beautiful views, healthy 5 mile round trip walk, Light house museum, great small beaches, dog beaches, great places to watch surfers up close, interesting architecture, great coffee shop at the church, good local food by the light house, a public restroom, and a great winding walk path. The sunsets are great too!! A must!See more..
5.0Tioga Pass(1.177 reviews) - Grand Sights Scenic Drives
Dramatic drive starting at elevation 6,100 feet outside of Yosemite Valley and finishing 47 miles later atop Tioga Pass.See more..
4.5Anza-Borrego Desert State Park(988 reviews) - Pleasant Hike at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Deserts • Scenic Drives
The largest state park in California is home to amazing flowers and plants which bloom in the early spring.See more..
There are different entrances to this place, but either way it is very easy to get here. Essentially, it's just a highway exit, a beautiful one. As you drive through, you will encounter some shops and the world famous shrine drive through tree, a small sort of garden surrounded by tall Redwoods and a hollow Redwood which you can drive through it if you have a small vehicle. My tundra was too big. $10 will get you in. The Avenue of the Giants is an immersive, impressive, and scenic drive that takes you back through time. This is for sure a must if you are in the area. It loops around so don't worry about getting lost. Luckily, we had the road to ourselves and took some impressive drone footage and photos. The tall trees alongside the road like an ancient natural wall, provides an amazing veiw every inch you drive. Follow me and my adventures ig: Sin_Aguayo_Canelito See more..
4.5Mulholland Drive(882 reviews) - Get lost in the hills! Spent 1-2 hours Scenic Drives
This drive along the top of Hollywood Hills offers great views of Los Angeles.See more..
5.0Redwood Highway(847 reviews) - Off season road trip Scenic Drives
Beautiful drive along the coast even with all the misty rain. Lots of great side trips and attractions. We were there in the off season in Spring so some places were closed. Pack a lunch and stop to enjoy the views.See more..
After visiting the Stout Grove from Hiouchi, I continued on to Crescent City via Howland Hill Road. I thought it would be like the Avenue of the Giants, but it's really so much better. Traffic is sparse, so there is no pressure to drive very quickly. In fact, I don't think I topped 20 mph. Make plenty of stops or you'll miss subtleties of the forest (see my photos of the sunlight filtering through the trees). It felt like being on the moon of Endor (Star Wars), but instead of zipping in the air through the trees on speeders, you're on the ground. It's a one-lane road with plenty of turn outs to let other vehicles by. This really is a must do activity if you're in the area. See more..
4.5Generals Highway(436 reviews) - One of the Most Beautiful Drives in the NPS Spent < 1 hour Scenic Drives
This scenic driving tour climbs from the desert through the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, before descending again to the desert. The route passes through a series of areas preserved for animal habitat, ranging from desert oasis to snow-capped mountains, and parts of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument and San Bernardino National Forest. Drivers can pull off the winding and often steep road at a number of pulloffs or lookout points, each with habitat ranging from forested mountainsides with pine, oak and fir, to a reservoir, to arid brush- and cactus-covered stretches -- not to mention sweeping views of mountains and valleys.See more..
5.0Tioga Road(375 reviews) - Best way to travel between Yosemite and Lee Vining Scenic Drives
This road, leading to Yosemite's high country, winds through one of the highest mountain passes in the state.See more..
4.5Inspiration Point Vista(359 reviews) - One of the best spots for scenic view of Lake Tahoe Scenic Drives
Santa Barbara is a picturesque small city built in a valley that goes from the mountains to the ocean. The historic Mission looks down over the city to the Pier at the base of the primary road, State Street. Wonderful restaurants and charming hotels with a beautiful downtown shopping area.See more..
4.5Colorado Boulevard(255 reviews) - Rose Parade 2020 Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Drives
The site of the Rose Parade in Pasadena.See more..
3.5Shrine Drive-Through Tree(207 reviews) - $10 for the picture Friday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives
It was really weird - no one was there to collect the $10 entry so we had to go inside the gift shop to pay. No one else was there so driving through the tree we took our time. We liked the Chandelier tree waaaayyyy better. At least that one is still alive.See more..
5.0Newton B Drury Parkway(187 reviews) - Beautiful Redwood Drive with trailheads just south of Crescent City Scenic Drives
Really worth a five it's spectacular Drive. Redwoods are impressive and there are constant trailheads so if one's busy you go to the next one. Discoveries await you at every corner and the woods are so well groomed there's not a stick on the path anywhere. Truly pristine. We drove through in the morning and caught these pics of the Mist Rising off the trees and the road.See more..
5.0Highway 1 Road Trip(166 reviews) - Wonderful, Well worth the long drive Spent More than 3 hours Scenic Drives
Roam this 101-mile stretch of Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) where you'll find 10 uncrowded beaches, 12 state parks, Hearst Castle, three bountiful wine regions, farm-to-table cuisine, and unique wildlife habitats. Wherever you roam along the Highway 1 Discovery Route, you will find the best of Highway 1!See more..
Tales of potholes are overblown. A spectacular and safe drive for practically any vehicle. Observe basic safety standards, be aware you are very off-the-grid for much of it. Be sure to stop for a snack at the Honeydew Market. We found the best beach access at the end of that first stretch right before it veers right.See more..
4.5Old Coast Road(112 reviews) - Enjoyable but very bumpy and narrow ride. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives
This is an excellent drive on the old Coast Road. But Be preferred for hilly bumpy narrow sections. It is unpaved and some of the road has big ditches in it due to water washout. It is mostly through the forest of dense big trees. We thoroughly enjoyed it but just be warned it is not an easy ride.See more..
4.5Requa Road(110 reviews) - Whale World Scenic Drives
One of the most beautiful spots for wildlife watching. I have never been there that I did not spy whales. This is at the Klamath estuary and wildlife of all kinds is abundant. Requa has two levels for viewing, the top level allows easy access, and a view that will absolutely take your breath. If you are able, walk down to the lower deck via the built in stairs. The platform sits right over the mouth of the Klamath and allows you to watch the sea lions hunting, and the whales spying from up close. Remember though, if you climb down you must also climb back up. Us older folks or the disabled might have some difficulty, but if you do make the effort the reward is something you will never forget. Requa is just about my favorite place in the world. I have spent many hours sitting, watching and appreciating the beauty and the nature that surrounds you.See more..
Went there last Sunday for the very first time. I got there just after 7 a.m., and I am glad I did not have to deal with traffic at all. Another key was my Subaru Forester: I did not have to worry about chain. Some turns were tight and (I think) icy, but my car had no issues. Not a big parking lot (compared to Snow Valley), but the whole place was not crowded anyway. And that is why I like this place better than Snow Valley. Lines (for anything) were super short or nothing. Another huge plus is this place is cheaper than SV (or Snow Summit). For a beginner snowboarder like myself, this place was a bit overwhelming. But I had a blast and can't wait to get back... See more..
4.5Geology Tour Road(52 reviews) - 2 Guy's Drive the Road Scenic Drives
For four wheel drive vehicles only, this challenging road offers some sweeping panoramic views.See more..
4.0Mineral King Road(50 reviews) - The best in Central California Scenic Drives
5.0Donner Pass(41 reviews) - Superb Drive over the Pass Scenic Drives
I love the drive from Soda Springs to Donner Lake that takes me over this pass with the great views of the Lake and the mountains. I always stop at the view point to take a photo. Train tracks on the horizon.See more..
Pebble Beach Dr. extends from the Brother Jonathan Cemetery and Pt. St. George Park at 8th St. north to Washington Blvd where the Pt. St. George Heritage area begins. Named for the tumbled agate stones washed out of the mountains ages ago. you can walk, bike or drive along the road, as well as access the beach at numerous points. Lots of locals scour the beach after big storms looking for exposed agates. But be careful on beach walks. The incoming tide can leave the unsuspecting trapped on the beach against a cliff wall with no easy exit. Several parking overlooks contain information signs for local flora, fauna and history. Surfers (when conditions are right), sea lions, harbor seals and lots of birds can be found all along the beach. A favorite spot for picnicers, Pebble Beach Dr. provides many spectacular photo opportunities, especially for sunsets and during stormy winter days .See more..
This 120-mile U.S. Forest Service Scenic Byway climbs from 2,000 feet to 6,500 feet, following the path of early miners and settlers.See more..
4.5Highway CA 198, California(28 reviews) - Traveled from Peachtree all the way to 198 and off to Coalinga. Scenic Drives
Wow! Amazing Drive. It's beautiful, mostly wide open, and on Peachtree, almost no traffic. You can see the San Andreas Fault and it's amazing drop-offs, like a mini Grand Canyon. 198 is mostly a two-lane road and it's not the easiest one to drive. I would not drive it in bad weather, or when it's cold and icy. It was not the fastest way to get to Coalinga, but it most certainly was an interesting and educational trip. If you have a problem with two lane highways which become narrow, and trucks passing in the opposite direction, this is not the road for you. If you can keep your cool, enjoy the ride and just take your time, it's certainly worth seeing this part of California on Highway 198. This highway is one of the roads that makes California unique. It's so different from Highway 101 or Highway 5! Overall, it was worth the trip just to see the geology and the beautiful expansive fields. See more..
4.5California Route 36(25 reviews) - Curves next 140 miles! Spent More than 3 hours Motorcycle Trails • Scenic Drives
When you leave Red Bluff and enter Route 36, you see the sign every biker dreams of: Curves, next 140 miles! A couple of hours of pure joy, without a straight piece of road in sight. So great we had to take it twice, in both directions!See more..
Scenic driving route through Santa Barbara wine country that offers opportunities to tour major wineries along the way.See more..
4.0Indian Vista Scenic Overlook(18 reviews) - These huge boulders and views! Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Drives
We stopped to see the Indian Vista Scenic Overlook. There were boulders, several boulders. They were attractive! How did they came here? Nobody could move these boulders. Wow! I took a lot of pictures and even hiked a bit. I saw some beautiful views! A must see!See more..
Great stop off the Pines to Palm highway! I was making my way from Julian to Joshua Tree and decided to stop here to snack and stretch my legs. I'm so glad I did :) The native tribe thoughtfully put this area together which had multiple vista points, including a large deck that looks out to the Santa Rosa Mountains. On the deck you have a chance to listen to the native birdsongs (push the button to turn it on and off) while admiring the views. If you have the time, def walk the 1/4 trail loop! The walk is easy and full of local plants in bloom, including the prickly pearsSee more..
4.5Peninsula(15 reviews) - I love it Scenic Drives
Take Highway 84 through La Honda and you won't regret this scenic coastal drive.See more..
4.5Rincon Bike Trail(14 reviews) - A Must on a Sunny Day! Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Scenic Drives
This bike trail has just been constructed along the Rincon south of Carpinteria. The views of the Channel Islands and the coast are spectacular as the beach and waves are right beside you. The route is dead flat and paved in concrete. The trail is 3.6 miles long beginning just south of Carpinteria at the world famous surf break, Rincon Point and continues down the coast to Mobil Pier Road. From there you can either turn around or continue along the old, two lane Hwy 1 that has wide paved shoulders. Bring a snack or ride past the Mobil Pier to Hobson County Park snack shop for a snack and a drink. The ride is easy one for any age and the views are the best!See more..
4.5Big Oak Flat Road(14 reviews) - A small Gold Rush Town Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives
Should give it a visit, a Catholic Church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel with traditional Cemetery in front to see the history of original families in this town. A small cemetery on another site with no markers where Chinese of the Gold Rush era were buried, Found this during a Pokemon search.See more..
4.0Queen Valley Road(14 reviews) - Escape the hordes of tourists for a nice drive Scenic Drives
This roadway was recommended by a park ranger in the visitor center. I drove a little more than half the distance on a cold, clear, gorgeous morning in February. Although there's nothing in the way of stupendous rocks or vegetation to "sink your teeth into," it is a very nice drive with scenery that is easy on the eye. The roadway begins by winding through some cool rock piles, then drops slightly into a flat, expansive valley. Overall, there's very little elevation change, and although the decomposed granite-type roadway is passable by all vehicles, it is very narrow: if someone comes the other way one of the drivers must find a turn-out, or put the right wheels slightly up on the shoulder embankment, in order to let the other pass. During my trip, I encountered only one other vehicle. Fortunately, there was enough shoulder room for several stops to take photos of the landscape. While out of the car, I noticed almost pure silence (not even birds) . . . it was amazing.See more..
We went up to Keller Peak and had the place all to ourselves today. We had incredible 360 degree views. Even our teenagers agreed that it was a highlight of our trip so far. See more..
4.0Arroyo Hondo Vista Point(7 reviews) - Super cool place! Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives
Lots of graffiti but very cool. Loved stopping here...great views. We didn't walk down to the beach on the very steep stairs because of time, but it looked amazing as well!See more..
4.5Paul's Slide(6 reviews) - Impressive Architecture to Allow One to Drive Highway One in Big Sur Area; Paul's Slide Scenic Drives
We have driven highway 1 many times, but this was our first time we saw the new tunnel that they built. This is called Paul's Slide. It was put in place as the old road was damaged. We thought the architecture for Paul's Slide was impressive.See more..
A designated scenic highway located in the Plumas County area.See more..
4.0Naciiemento-Fergusson Road(2 reviews) - Amazing road, great for motorcycles Scenic Drives This is a rare crossing of the Santa Lucia mountains crossing Fort Hunter Liggett to Big Sur It is 24.5 miles of adventure. Tight corners (no trailers or RVs), no guard rails, very narrow. But some great vistas, one of which the Honda Pacific Coast was named after and used in their ads You have to kind of look where it starts. It is paved but sometimes is starting to break up. When they use the Fort for some tank firing exercises they close the road for awhile A hidden treasure with a couple of campgrounds and access to trailsSee more..
