SFO · United States
Big Sur begins two hours south, the Sierra passes three hours east and Highway 1 north of the city is quieter than either.
Great roads in range
4
First road from the terminal
Seventeen Mile Drive, about 2 hr 28 min
Best months
May, September and October
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Drive times are estimates from the terminal to the start of each road, padded for mountain routing. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 13 June 2026
Ranked
01 · California
The Pacific coast at its most theatrical, cliff curves above the open ocean.
About 2 hr 36 min from the airport · 90.1 mi · Rating 9.5 / 10
Landslide closures are frequent, check before setting out
02 · California
The steepest Sierra crossing, narrow and demanding with barely a car on it midweek.
About 4 hr 18 min from the airport · 47.8 mi · Rating 9.3 / 10
Closed in winter, 26 percent gradients
03 · California
Yosemite high country, granite domes and meadows, then a drop to Mono Lake.
About 4 hr 43 min from the airport · 62.1 mi · Rating 9.3 / 10
Closed from November to late May or June
04 · California
Cypress trees, crashing surf and Pebble Beach, best taken slowly at first light.
About 2 hr 28 min from the airport · 16.8 mi · Rating 8.5 / 10
Toll road, no motorbikes permitted
Practical
Excellent fleets, expensive parking. Check Highway 1 for active landslide closures before you set off.
May, September and October. Prices and availability move sharply either side of those months, so lock the car in before the flights if you want anything more interesting than a diesel hatchback.