How Many Days Do You Need to See the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California?
Northern California is road-trip heaven. From bluffs with waves along Highway 1 to the volcano-studded vistas around Mt. Shasta and Lassen, The routes offer breathtaking scenery with easy stop-offs as well as short hikes and picturesque small towns. This guide to the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California for 2025 is more than just a list of routes with mini-itineraries, seasonal advice, including EV charging callouts and parking information accessibility notes, as well as safety guidelines. If you’re planning your next road trip around the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California, use this guide as your go-to strategy.
Quick Look: The 9 Best Scenic Drives in Northern California
| # | Drive | Core Route | Distance & Time | Why It’s Amazing | Best Season |
| 1 | Marin to Mendocino Coast | The CA-1 route runs from Point Reyes/Muir Beach up to Mendocino & Fort Bragg | 150-200 miles all day, from Saturday to Sunday | Sea cliffs, lighthouses, coves, classic PCH curves | Apr-Oct (watch summer fog) |
| 2 | Avenue of the Giants | Parallel to US-101 in Humboldt Redwoods SP | 31 miles 1 – 3 hours | Redwoods that tower over cathedral heights with easy stops | Year-round |
| 3 | Redwood Parks Parkway | Newton B. Drury + US-101 (Prairie Creek/Redwood NSP) | 50-80 miles, half-day | Elk meadows, fern canyons, primeval coast redwoods | Apr-Oct |
| 4 | Lake Tahoe Circle | Loop CA-89/US-50/SR28 | 72 miles, 3-4 hours | Emerald Bay overlooks the alpine waters and beaches | Between May and Oct (chains throughout winter) |
| 5 | Lassen Park Road | CA-89, through Lassen Volcanic NP | 30 miles 30 miles, 1-3 hours | Hydrothermal areas, volcano views, and lakes in the alpine | From late May to October (snow closings) |
| 6 | Volcanic Legacy Segment | Shasta-Lassen corridor (CA-89/CA-44/US-97) | 120-180 miles, day+ | Cones, lava bed, Shasta views, and waterfalls | May-Oct |
| 7 | Trinity Scenic Byway | CA-299 (Redding = Blue Lake) | 130-140 miles 3.5-5 hours | Wild & Scenic river, mountain passes, Gold-Rush towns | Apr-Oct |
| 8 | Feather River Canyon | CA-70 (Oroville = Quincy) | 70-90 miles, 2-4hrs | Granite walls, railway tunnels, historic bridges | Apr-Oct |
| 9 | Gold Country Highway | CA 49 (Auburn is Nevada City & beyond) | 60-150 miles. Half-day up to the weekend | Mining-era main streets, rivers, and oak foothills | Year-round |
Pro Tip: Save or share this information before driving. Cell service is available on a variety of Best Scenic Drives in Northern California.
1) Highway 1: Marin to Mendocino Coast (CA‑1)
Why it is among the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California: Nowhere blends ocean drama, dairy-green hills, along with Victorian coastal towns, as well as the northern parts of the Highway 1.
route: Beginning at the Golden Gate’s northern edge, join the CA-1 near Muir Beach – Stinson Beach, Point Reyes/Tomales Beach – Bodega Bay – Jenner – Fort Ross – Sea Ranch – Gualala – Point Arena – Mendocino – Fort Bragg.
The top photo stop and short walks
- Muir Beach Overlook (WWII observation post and steps to the cliffside)
- Point Reyes Lighthouse area & Chimney Rock bluffs (seasonal elephant seals)
- Bodega Head loop (peak-season whale watching)
- Goat Rock & Russian River mouth viewpoints
- Point Arena Lighthouse views
- Mendocino Headlands trail at sunset
- Noyo Headlands & Glass Beach (Fort Bragg)
Drink and eat: Hog Island oysters (Tomales Bay), Crab sandwich within Bodega Bay, bakery stops in Jenner, and wine tasting in the further inland (Anderson Valley) on SR-128 before rejoining the coast.
Weather and season: Summer fog can cover views, while mornings and afternoons can be clear. Storms can create stunning photos. over only at turnouts that are signed.
Services and EVs: DC fast chargers are available in Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Cloverdale, and Fort Bragg; Level-2 options are commonplace within coastal cities. Get your fuel before Jenner, as stations thin out northbound.
accessibility: A lot of roadside views offer parking for handicapped persons; some beaches offer mats for access as well as viewing platforms. Check local park pages for current details.
Security: Narrow shoulders, blind curves, and frequent cyclists. Add extra time – the average speed is 30-40 miles per hour south of Jenner.
2) Avenue of the Giants (Humboldt Redwoods State Park)
Why it ranks among the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California: It’s the purest drive-through-a-redwood-cathedral experience, with quiet pull-outs just steps from thousand-year-old trees.
Route Take US-101 for the Avenue with a sign and meander 31 miles between Phillipsville and Pepperwood.
Don’t miss the stops
- Founders Grove Nature Loop (short, flat walk between titans)
- Dyerville Overlook (Eel River views)
- Rockefeller Forest (the biggest old-growth redwood grove that is contiguous)
- Auto tour kiosks as well as stump-ring exhibits
The best time to visit: Year-round. The winter rains increase the forest’s glow of green; summer brings shaded dappled and warm temperatures.
Notifications The area is a popular picnic spot, with frequent bathrooms, and limited access to cell phones. Early morning = glowing light shafts.
3) Redwood Parks Parkway: Newton B. Drury + US‑101
Why it is among the Top Scenic Drives throughout Northern California: Elk-studded prairies change to tunnel-like redwood corridors as well as fern-draped canyons that are just minutes away from the highway.
Route: Take a detour on US-101 to Newton B. Drury Best Scenic Drives in Northern California Parkway through Prairie Creek Redwoods, rejoining 101 close to Klamath. An alternative gravel side trip is Howland Hill Road (weather permitting) through Jedediah Smith Redwoods.
Highlights
- Elk Prairie: often hosts Roosevelt Elk. View from a secure distance
- The Prairie Creek Visitor Center. The trailheads are located in Fern Canyon (timed entry in the peak season)
- Klamath River Overlook: ocean and confluence of the rivers.
Strategies: Morning fog layers create moody photos. The afternoons are brighter and more inland.
4) Lake Tahoe Circle (CA‑89/US‑50/SR‑28)
It is ranked as one of the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California: Crystal-clear water meets the peaks of granite and pine-lined beaches. Each shoreline of the lake is an individual character.
Route: The classic clockwise loop South Lake Tahoe – Emerald Bay (CA-89) – Meeks Bay – Tahoe City – Kings Beach (SR-28) – Incline Village – Spooner Junction Zephyr Cove Stateline Return towards South Lake via US-50.
Signature viewpoints and stops
- Inspiration Point (Emerald Bay) is a viewpoint
- DL Bliss State Park & Rubicon Trail shoreline sections
- Sand Harbor (East Shore) boardwalks and boulders
- Commons Beach in Tahoe City to watch the sunset
Safety and season: Late spring to autumn are the easiest. In winter, wear chains and keep an eye on the conditions. Small sections along the shoreline could be icy.
Parking info: Emerald Bay fills early. Arrive earlier than 8 a.m. or the later than lunch. There are lots of paid parking spaces, and some are kiosks that use apps.
5) Lassen Volcanic National Park Road (CA‑89)
Why it is one of the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California: Few places let you pass steaming vents, lakes in the alpine, or volcanic domes for just under an hour.
Route starts from the Southwest Entrance near Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, or via the Northwest (Manzanita Lake). The park road rises to 8,500 feet with expansive views.
Highlights
- Sulphur Works roadside hydrothermal area
- Bumpass Hell (short hike to the boardwalk during the season)
- Lake Helen & Emerald Lake photo stops
- Inundated Area views of the Lassen Peak eruption in 1915 zone
Season: It typically begins late spring/early summer. Partially closed with snowfalls in early the fall. Seasons that are shoulder-length can be spectacular with fewer crowds.
Notes: Elevation causes quick weather shifts. Wear layers and drink plenty of water. If roads are closed for vehicles during springtime, the roads will be reopened for walkers and cyclists, a memorable experience.
6) Volcanic Legacy Scenic Segment (Shasta ⇄ Lassen)
Why it is among the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California: This All-American Road connects snow-clad stratovolcanoes with waterfalls, lava beds, and bird refuges for migratory birds.
route: Use CA-89/CA-44/US-97 to connect Mt. Shasta, McCloud, Burney Falls along with Burney Falls, and the Lassen region. Continue north until Lava Beds National Monument if you have the time.
Stops at the top
- Mt. Shasta views are from Lake Siskiyou & Everitt Memorial Highway pullouts
- McCloud & Burney Falls side trips
- Hat Creek Rim overlooks and volcanic buttes
Important to be aware of: Services are thin between towns; make sure you keep your the fuel and snacks up. The skies at night here are incredibly dark. Consider an astrostop.
7) Trinity Scenic Byway (CA‑299)
It is ranked as one of the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California: A river-hugging highway that weaves through oak valleys, mountain passes, and the historic Weaverville.
The route: Redding – Whiskeytown Lake, Buckhorn Summit – Weaverville – Trinity River corridor – Willow Creek Blue Lake/Arcata.
Don’t-miss
- Main Street of Weaverville, which is preserved, and a museum
- River pull-outs are great picnic spots and summer swimming (watch the currents)
- Whiskeytown Lake overlooks and short waterfall hikes are also available nearby.
Style of driving: The road is curvy with occasional rockfalls. Be aware of your surroundings. Give plenty of intervals for photos.
8) Feather River Scenic Byway (CA‑70)
Why is it ranked as one of the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California? Granite walls, tunnels for rails, and numerous river crossings create the classic Sierra scenery of canyons.
Route Oroville and the North Fork Feather River – Twain – Quincy, and continue to Graeagle when you have enough time.
The best bits
- Pulga Bridges and historic rail features
- Feather Falls & Middle Fork waterfalls (hikes off the main route)
- Fall color patches close to Spanish Creek
NOTES: Pay attention to freight train tracks and tunnels that are cut into the cliffs. After storms, be sure to check for warnings of rockfall.
9) Gold Country Highway (CA‑49)
Why is it ranked as one of the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California? The “Golden Chain” is a string of mining towns and wineries, swimming spots, and oak-strewn hillsides.
Route (Northern area of focus): Auburn – Grass Valley – Nevada City and detours to the South Yuba River. Expand north to Downievill, along with Sierra City, for alpine drama.
The classic stops
- The preserved downtown of Nevada City and its restaurants
- South Yuba River State Park bridges and beaches for boulders
- Gold-rush sites and historical museums, as well as live-history events and seasonal demonstrations
What time to visit: Spring wildflowers and autumn colors are awe-inspiring against the oaks. Summer brings dips in the river.
Deeper Planning for the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California
How do you select your path?
- For those who are new to the sport: Do Highway 1 (Marin to Mendocino) for a complete tour of Northern California’s coastline. Lighthouses, fishing communities, and sea stacks are picture-perfect and perfect to get a taste of California’s culture of road trips.
- Nature enthusiasts: Pick the Avenue of the Giants or Redwood Parks Parkway. These two routes allow you to dive into the old-growth forest, where trees are more than two thousand years old.
- Adventurers: Choose Lassen Park Road or the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Both offer steaming fumaroles, volcanic domes, and crystal clear lakes in the alpine.
- Mountain Explorers: Drive the Lake Tahoe Circle or the Trinity Scenic Byway to access alpine passes, lakeside hikes, and spectacular autumn leaves.
- History enthusiasts: The Gold Country Highway (CA-49) uncovers the northern California’s Gold Rush heritage through preserved towns and riverside museums.
Seasonal Tips for the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California
- Spring (March-May): Wildflowers bloom in the Gold Country foothills as Lake Tahoe still features snow-capped peaks to contrast.
- The summer months (June-August): Best for areas with higher elevations, such as Lassen Volcanic NP or Lake Tahoe Circle. However, expect to see crowds along Highway 1. Be sure to arrive early for parking.
- Autumn (September-November): Perhaps the most magical time for the Feather River Canyon and Gold Country Highway–both glow with vibrant fall foliage.
- Winter (December-February): The Avenue of the Giants remains lush and misty all year round, while Highway 1 offers stunning storm-watching. Chains or snow tires could be needed for Lassen as well as Tahoe.
Travel Tips for the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California
- Navigation and cell coverage: Many routes, like the Avenue of the Giants and Highway 1 beyond Jenner, are not covered by cell coverage. Download offline maps before you go.
- Travel with EVs: Fast chargers for DC are located on the outskirts of cities (Santa Rosa, Fort Bragg, Redding, Tahoe City). Plan your EV road trips using apps such as PlugShare.
- Parking info: Popular pull-offs like Emerald Bay fill prior to 8 a.m. Consider sunrise starts.
- Fuel and food: Remote stretches (Highway 1 north of Jenner, Volcanic Legacy corridor) have limited services. Take snacks with you and replenish your fuel early.
- accessibility: A lot of overlooks offer accessible parking as well as viewing decks. Be sure to check the official site of each park to find up-to-date access information.
Safety Notes on the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California
- Highway 1: The road is narrow and winding with blind curves. Be careful and steer clear of driving at night in the direction of Jenner.
- Feather the River Canyon. It is prone to sudden storms. Always keep an eye on Caltrans for updates.
- Lassen Park Road: Rapid elevation changes could cause fatigue at altitude. Drink water and rest.
- Tahoe Loop: Winter snow may require chains. Always be sure to check Caltrans as well as weather applications.
- Animals: Roosevelt elk, bears, and deer regularly traverse roads in the redwood forests. They slow down in the morning/dusk.
Sample 3-Day Case Study Itinerary
Case Study: A Long Weekend Road Trip (Best Scenic Drives in Northern California)
- day 1: Marin – Mendocino (Highway 1)
Begin across through the Golden Gate, stop at Point Reyes for lighthouse views, eat oysters in Tomales Bay, then overnight in Mendocino. - Day 2: Avenue of the Giants – Redwood National Park
Drive through Humboldt Redwoods, stop at Founders Grove, then continue north to Prairie Creek Redwoods and Fern Canyon. Overnight in Crescent City. - Day 3 Trinity Scenic Byway – Redding
Loop back to CA-299 following the Trinity River and stopping in Weaverville before ending in Redding. Perfect for mixing redwoods, ocean, and mountain landscapes on one day.
Final Word: Planning Your Journey on the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California
Northern California’s roads mix Pacific Ocean drama, ancient forests, volcanic mountains, lakes in the alpine, and Gold Rush history in the way that no other region could. No matter if you’re making Highway 1 curves, circling Lake Tahoe, or tracing the Feather River, each journey has its own unique character.
Follow this 2025 travel guide to plan your trip, download offline maps, and bring snacks, because once you’ve hit the road, the only thing that counts is the view that is in front of you.
Are you ready to travel? Take a look at this list of Best Scenic Drives in Northern California and start thinking about your next road trip now.
FAQs About the Best Scenic Drives in Northern California
Highway 1 from Marin to Mendocino is usually regarded as the most famous due to its lighthouses, sea cliffs, and small villages.
Yes, some routes, such as Avenue of the Giants and Highway 49, are open year-round. But Lassen Park Road and Lake Tahoe Circle may require snow chains, or even close at certain times of the year.
Yes, most routes include picnic areas, easy walks, and frequent viewpoints that are great for both seniors and children.
Highway 1 delivers dramatic photos of beaches, and the Avenue of the Giants is unbeatable for photography of forests, with its glowing light shafts.
You can take a single route within a half day; however, combining several routes into a three to 5 day loop will give you the most rewarding experience.
Hi, I am Raghav Ahuja a curious explorer, travel enthusiast, and the voice behind Travel The World Today. I believe in discovering the beauty of every destination without breaking the bank. Through my journeys, I share tips, stories, and travel guides to help you explore the world on a budget. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a family traveler, or just planning your next escape, I’m here to inspire and guide you every step of the way.
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