Palo Alto's Scenic Drives: Explore the Beauty of the Bay Area

Palo Alto, located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and scenic drives that offer a unique and delightful way to experience the natural beauty of this region. Spanning from coastal views to mountain vistas, these routes are perfect for both leisurely drives and day trips. Here, we will explore the best scenic drives around Palo Alto and beyond.

Recommended Scenic Drives around Palo Alto

Skyline Boulevard CA-35: Begin your journey from Palo Alto and head west on Alpine Road to CA-35 Skyline Boulevard. This winding drive along the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Bay Area. Don't miss the chance to stop at various pullouts where you can fully soak in the beauty around you.

Page Mill Road: Take a scenic tour up Page Mill Road, which leads you to the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This winding road offers panoramic views of the hills and valleys. If you continue further, you can reach the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, where you can enjoy hiking and discover more scenic vistas.

Foothills Park: Although not a traditional scenic drive, Foothills Park provides a beautiful landscape with native wildlife and views of the Bay Area. You can access the park from Palo Alto and enjoy its lush scenery at your leisure.

Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway): For a longer and more adventurous drive, head south from Palo Alto to join Highway 1. This stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway offers breathtaking views of the ocean cliffs and beaches. Consider stopping at iconic spots such as Half Moon Bay or Santa Cruz for even more scenic experiences.

San Francisco Bay Trail: While not a traditional driving route, the San Francisco Bay Trail offers several access points around the Bay, including near Palo Alto. You can drive to various trailheads and enjoy the scenic views of the bay, wetlands, and diverse wildlife.

Additional Scenic Drives

For those looking to venture further into the hills, La Honda is a must-visit destination. Take Page Mill Road up high enough into the hills late at night, and you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Bay Area all lit up. However, be cautious due to the presence of deer along the route.

Another beautiful drive is CA-84 from 280 out to 1 on the coast, which is especially picturesque during the day. With the option to continue the loop by going north on CA-1 to Half Moon Bay and then back to Palo Alto via CA-92, this route offers a diverse range of scenic views.

Distance Details

Here are the approximate distances for some of the highlighted routes:

Page Mill to Skyline: 15 miles Skyline to Highway 9 or Highway 35: 15-50 miles Arastradero: 5-10 miles Alpine all the way up to the dead end: 5-10 miles, depending on your destination along the route

Whether you're looking to explore the coastal mountains, enjoy urban scenery, or simply drive to the nearest trailhead, the scenic routes around Palo Alto offer something for everyone. Plan your trip today and experience the beauty of the Bay Area in the most breathtaking way possible.