Feel like getting out of the house but not sure what to do? How about taking a country road through some of the prettiest parts of Northern California? Grab your significant other or a friend, fill up your gas tank, and crank up the tunes. There’s nothing like a long scenic drive to get back to enjoying some of the simple joys of life. Don’t forget to pull over and smell the roses every once in a while. Here are seven of the best scenic drives in Northern California you’re just going to love!

1. Redwood Highway
flickr/doug kerr
Begin this three-hour drive at the most northern border of California and Oregon on Hwy 193. Then just shoot down south on Hwy 101 and enjoy. not only the Pacific Coast but a 33-mile drive through The Avenue of The Giants. Redwood trees make this drive along the Redwood Highway an exceptionally magical drive.
2. Silverado Trail, Napa Valley
fickr/james draiden
The Silverado Trail is 29 miles that winds through some very scenic places in Northern California. This is a much better choice than the tourist trap Hwy 29 can be. Here's your next weekend getaway. You're welcome.
3. Ebbets Pass, Arnold
dangerismycat/Flickr
For one of the most beautiful drives in Northern California, begin in Arnold on Ebbetts Pass AKA CA - 4E. Make your way through 61 miles of nature showing off and enjoy the 90-minute drive that ends in Markleeville. You can read more about Ebbet's Pass in our full coverage.

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4. South Lake Tahoe Loop
flickr/deb etheredge
Begin your drive in South Lake Tahoe. This drive will take a little over two hours if you never stop once. So, please do. Catch this loop from Hwy 50 to Hwy 89 and make your way around the whole lake...and Emerald Bay and a few other amazing places that will make you take a camera out for a while. As one of the most beautiful drives in Northern California, you'll want to take your time with this one.
5. Northern Pacific Coast Highway
flickr/john fowler
Take Hwy 1 from Legget to begin your four-hour, 225-mile drive along the coast. This drive will take you through Mendocino and end at The Golden Gate Bridge. Drive along some of the prettiest views and the most scenic places in Northern California you've ever seen in your life.
6. El Dorado Byway
Mobilus In Mobili/Flickr
Begin in Placerville. Enjoy breakfast at Sweetie Pies, then take off on Highway 50 East for 60 miles. Enjoy the next hour and ten minutes winding through pine trees and waterfalls. Destination South Lake Tahoe. Gorgeous!
7. Bohemian Highway, Sonoma Couty
flickr/brad coy
A 10-mile drive that may seem too short of a country drive, if you come here you can stretch your drive into a day trip while you stop in the darling towns along the way. If you begin on the far south end of Bohemian Highway you'll be immediately in Freestone. Stop here for wine tasting or their bakery or continue on to visit other towns like Occidental and Guerneville. Both adorable little hamlets, if you don't feel like driving here then throw your bike in your car and ride the 10-mile stretch. A gorgeous spot for cyclists, too. You can read more about Bohemian Highway in our full coverage.

Don’t you just love taking drives to see some of the most scenic places in Northern California? What do you think of our list of the best scenic drives in Northern California? Are there any others you would like to share with your fellow readers? Please do so in the comment section.

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More to Explore

Best Scenic Drives In Northern California

Melissa M. | July 10, 2021

What other beautiful drives in Northern California can I take?

NorCal is chock full of jaw-dropping drives and along the way, you’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery in this part of the state. Take U.S. Route 199 from Crescent City through the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park for some incredible views before the road eventually reaches and extends into Oregon. California State Route 49, a.k.a. The Gold Country Highway runs north and south through the Sierra Nevada Foothills with gorgeous views of rivers and mountains. For more beautiful drives in Northern California, read our previous coverage. 

What are some of the most scenic places in Northern California?

If you love beautiful places and incredible natural swimming holes, then you need to make plans to visit the McCloud River and its three stunning waterfalls. You’ll take a scenic hike to get there but your efforts will be rewarded with a gorgeous swimming hole at the lower falls, perfect to take a dip in on a hot summer day. NorCal is a region filled with epic hikes to beautiful overlooks and views. Read our post 15 Of The Most Scenic Hikes In Northern California You’ll Love for your next hiking adventure.

What are some of the best hidden gems in Northern California?

Northern California is, as we all know, beautiful. It’s also filled with hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Take a look at our Ultimate Northern California Hidden Gem Road Trip that will take you to some lesser-known places around the state.

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