21 Century Panoramic Road Itinerary
Take a journey through the 21st Century Panoramic Road and explore the beauty of the United States! This road trip starts in San Francisco and ends in San Jose, taking you along a 139km journey through the towns of Berkeley, Palo Alto, and Cupertino. Along the way, you will discover many attractions such as the University of California Berkeley, the Stanford University campus, and the Apple Park in Cupertino. The best time to take this road trip is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the roads are in excellent condition.
This road trip is suitable for every driver, however it can be a bit pricey. Plan to spend at least one day driving along the 21st Century Panoramic Road and explore the many sights and attractions this route has to offer!
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START
San Francisco
Distance 139 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
41.6 kWh
Airports
SFO
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San Francisco is an iconic city in the United States, nestled in the northern California coast. It is an incredibly diverse and vibrant city, with a unique blend of cultures, stunning architecture, and a wide variety of attractions. It is the perfect starting point for the “21 Century Panoramic Road” and is a must-see for any traveler.
The city is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf. There are also numerous museums, galleries, and parks located throughout the city. Visitors can also explore the city’s unique neighborhoods, from Chinatown to the Mission District, and sample the diverse cuisine the city has to offer.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the closest international airport to the city, and there are a wide variety of car rental services available at the airport. From there, visitors can start their “21 Century Panoramic Road” journey and explore all that San Francisco has to offer.
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San Francisco
- Berkeley
Distance 39 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
11.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to your road trip stage from San Francisco to Berkeley! This 24-mile journey will take you less than an hour, and you will be able to enjoy some of the most interesting places in the area.
Start your journey in San Francisco, the cultural, commercial, and financial center of Northern California. You can visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the famous Fisherman's Wharf, and the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts.
Continue your journey to Berkeley, a city full of culture and history. Here you can visit the University of California, the Lawrence Hall of Science, and the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive.
On your way, you will be able to admire beautiful landscapes and historical sites. Make sure to keep an eye out for interesting places you may have missed.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Berkeley - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikipedia
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Berkeley
- Palo Alto
Distance 60 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: fast
17.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Take a road trip from Berkeley to Palo Alto, a 37-mile journey that will take you less than an hour. Starting in Berkeley, explore the University of California campus, the Berkeley Marina and the Berkeley Rose Garden. Then, head to Palo Alto, home to Stanford University and the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve. Here, you can take a walk along the trails of the nature preserve, and enjoy the stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. You can also visit the Cantor Arts Center, the Stanford Shopping Center and the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, pack your bags and hit the road to explore Berkeley and Palo Alto!
Palo Alto - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Palo Alto
- Mountain View
- Cupertino
Distance 27 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: modest
6.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for a spectacular road trip through the San Francisco Bay Area? Then join us for a 17mi journey from Palo Alto to Cupertino, which will take you less than 1 hour to complete.
Start your journey in Palo Alto, home to the famous Stanford University, and make sure to visit the Cantor Arts Center and the Anderson Collection at Stanford. Then, drive to Mountain View and enjoy the beauty of the Shoreline Lake, as well as the fascinating Computer History Museum.
Finally, you will reach Cupertino, the birthplace of Apple. Here, you can visit the Apple Park Visitor Center and the Apple Campus.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great road trip!
Cupertino - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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Cupertino
- San Jose
Distance 14 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: fast
4.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an exciting journey from Cupertino to San Jose! This 9mi stretch will take you less than an hour, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the most interesting places along the way.
Start off your journey in Cupertino, home of the iconic Apple headquarters. You can visit the Apple Park Visitor Center to learn about the company's history and get a glimpse of the stunning architecture.
Continue to San Jose, the largest city in Silicon Valley. Here you can discover the Tech Museum of Innovation and the San Jose Museum of Art. You can also explore the city's rich cultural heritage by visiting the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Park.
Make sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery along the route. You may even spot some historical sites, so keep your eyes peeled.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Happy travels!
San Jose - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - National Park Service
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San Jose
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San Jose is a great place to end a road trip like the "21 Century Panoramic Road". Located in Northern California, it is the largest city in the Bay Area and the third most populous in the state. It is a diverse city, with a great mix of cultures, and a vibrant nightlife.
When visiting San Jose, there are many attractions to enjoy. The Tech Museum of Innovation is a great place to explore the latest in science, technology, and engineering. It also features interactive exhibits and a planetarium. If you're looking for something more outdoorsy, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. For those looking for some local culture, the San Jose Museum of Art is a great destination.
For travelers arriving by air, the closest international airport is the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC). It is conveniently located in the heart of the city, with easy access to San Jose's attractions.
If you're looking to end your road trip with a bang, San Jose is the place to be. With its vibrant culture and exciting attractions, it's a great place to explore and create lasting memories. Whether you're looking for a unique experience or just some relaxation, San Jose has something to offer everyone.
End your road trip with a visit to San Jose and explore all that this amazing city has to offer.
21 Century Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
San Francisco
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End:
San Jose
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Distance:
139 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an inspiring journey along the 21st Century Panoramic Road, which stretches for 139km from the vibrant city of San Francisco to the tech hub of San Jose. This route not only offers a glimpse into the bustling urban landscapes but also takes you through the hallowed grounds of prestigious academic institutions such as UC Berkeley and Stanford University, as well as the headquarters of global tech leaders.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- San Francisco: Begin your adventure in a city famed for its cultural diversity and landmarks such as the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, the historic Alcatraz Island, and the bustling Fisherman's Wharf, which is renowned for its seafood and lively atmosphere.
- Berkeley: Engage with the intellectual spirit at the University of California, Berkeley, a premier research institution known for its distinguished faculty, Nobel laureates, and classic Beaux-Arts architecture.
- Palo Alto: Delve into the world of academia at Stanford University, where you can admire the grandeur of Hoover Tower, the tranquility of the Rodin Sculpture Garden, and the cutting-edge knowledge hub that is the Stanford Research Park.
- Cupertino: Witness the intersection of architecture and innovation at Apple Park, the spaceship-like headquarters of Apple Inc., where technology and design converge in a stunning, eco-friendly setting.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal times to embark on this Road Trip are spring or fall when you can enjoy the temperate climate, blooming flora, and generally clear skies that provide the perfect backdrop for Scenic Drives and outdoor exploration.
Potential Risks:
- While the route is well-maintained and considered safe, costs can accumulate from fuel, dining, and potential tolls on bridges like the iconic Golden Gate.
- Be prepared for traffic congestion, especially in densely populated areas around Silicon Valley and during peak commute times, due to the influx of professionals and students.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The entire journey can be comfortably completed within a day, but you may be tempted to linger at each destination to fully experience its unique offerings.
- The region is a melting pot of innovation, with proximity to major tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Tesla, as well as world-class universities, which means traffic flow is often tied to the pulse of academia and industry events.
A good choice for:
Traveling the 21st Century Panoramic Road promises a rich tapestry of experiences, from the intellectual vibe of renowned universities to the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley. It's a day-long odyssey that offers an enlightening snapshot of the cultural and technological dynamism that drives the United States forward.