Northern California is a dream destination for any exotic car enthusiast, offering stunning coastlines, breathtaking mountains, and charming towns that make for unforgettable road trips. With your high-performance vehicle, you can experience the thrill of driving on some of the most scenic routes in the country while taking in the region's diverse landscapes. Here’s a guide to the best road trips and destinations to explore in Northern California with your exotic car.
Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
Distance: Approximately 123 miles from San Francisco to Monterey
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is iconic for a reason. This route winds along the rugged California coastline, offering breathtaking ocean views and opportunities to stop at charming seaside towns. Starting in San Francisco, make your way south through Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and into Monterey. Don't miss the stunning vistas at Big Sur, where you can pull over to enjoy the scenery at locations like McWay Falls and Bixby Creek Bridge.
Why It’s Great for Exotic Cars: The combination of smooth curves, ocean views, and picturesque landscapes creates the perfect environment for enjoying your exotic car’s performance. The thrill of navigating this winding highway is simply unparalleled.
Napa Valley and Sonoma County
Distance: Approximately 60 miles from San Francisco
Known as the heart of California’s wine country, Napa Valley and Sonoma County offer some of the most scenic drives, delicious food, and world-class wines. Start your journey in San Francisco and head north to Napa, where you can take in the views of vineyards and rolling hills. Consider stopping at renowned wineries such as Opus One, Robert Mondavi, and Domaine Carneros for tastings. Afterward, continue to Sonoma County to explore charming towns like Healdsburg and Sonoma.
Why It’s Great for Exotic Cars: The winding roads through the vineyards and the opportunity to enjoy gourmet dining make this trip a feast for the senses. Plus, showing off your exotic car in this luxurious setting adds to the experience.
Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive
Distance: Approximately 190 miles from San Francisco
Lake Tahoe is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities, making it a fantastic destination for a weekend getaway. Drive from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe, taking the scenic route through the Sierra Nevada mountains. Once you arrive, enjoy the crystal-clear waters, breathtaking views, and numerous recreational activities, from hiking and boating in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
Why It’s Great for Exotic Cars: The scenic drive through the mountains offers thrilling twists and turns, providing an exciting driving experience while showcasing the beauty of Northern California's natural landscape.
Redwood National and State Parks
Distance: Approximately 300 miles from San Francisco
Home to some of the tallest trees in the world, Redwood National and State Parks offer an awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers. Start your journey in San Francisco and head north along the scenic Highway 101. As you drive through the park, be sure to stop at the iconic Avenue of the Giants, where you can take in the towering redwoods and explore hiking trails.
Why It’s Great for Exotic Cars: The serene roads winding through the park provide a unique driving experience, while the majestic scenery makes for incredible photo opportunities with your exotic car amidst the ancient trees.
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Distance: Approximately 30 miles from San Francisco
For a quick escape with stunning views, consider a drive to Mount Tamalpais State Park. Just a short trip from San Francisco, the winding roads lead you to the summit of Mount Tamalpais, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Bay Area, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding hills. This area offers numerous hiking trails and picnic spots, making it an ideal day trip.
Why It’s Great for Exotic Cars: The tight curves and elevation changes make this a thrilling drive, and the spectacular vistas from the summit create a perfect backdrop for showcasing your exotic vehicle.
Yosemite National Park
Distance: Approximately 170 miles from San Francisco
Yosemite National Park is one of the crown jewels of the National Park System, renowned for its stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The drive from San Francisco to Yosemite takes you through picturesque landscapes and charming towns. Once inside the park, take in iconic sights such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.
Why It’s Great for Exotic Cars: The routes leading into the park offer fantastic driving conditions, and the awe-inspiring scenery of Yosemite is a perfect complement to your exotic car experience.