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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USACaliforniaBay Loop
San Francisco California

Bay Loop Road Trip

San Francisco - Point Reyes - Sonoma - Napa - Vallejo - Berkeley - Oakland - San Jose

Expect on your itinerary

Comfort Comfort
Urban life Urban life
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Landscape Landscape
Bay Loop Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages8 km407 h/stage0.9

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Bay Loop Road Trip in California?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 180EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 319EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 657EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 837EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 216EUR drive & more 75EUR sleep & more 473EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 980EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,196EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 360EUR drive & more 100EUR sleep & more 792EUR eat & more 576EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,468EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,828EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 900EUR drive & more 113EUR sleep & more 220EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 621EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,521EUR
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Bay Loop Road Trip Itinerary

The Bay Loop Road Trip is an amazing way to explore the beauty of the Bay Area in the United States. Starting in San Francisco, this 407km route takes you through Point Reyes, Napa, Berkeley and San Jose, with plenty of attractions to explore along the way. The best time of year to drive this route is in the summer, when you can enjoy excellent road conditions and the stunning views that this area has to offer. Be aware that some of the roads can be a bit curvy, but the experience and memories you will take away from this trip will be worth it. This road trip is suitable for all drivers, and can be managed on a high budget only.
number of days 4 number of days
route length 407 km route length
budget high budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START San Francisco

Distance 407 km Driving time 7.3 h Pace: modest 105.9 kWh Airports SFO
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San Francisco is an iconic city in the United States, known for its vibrant culture, incredible views, and diverse population. Located in the heart of the Bay Area, the city is the perfect starting point for the Bay Loop Road Trip. Here, travelers can take in the sights of the Golden Gate Bridge, the cable cars on Lombard Street, and the iconic Painted Ladies. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO). There are plenty of car rental services at the airport for travelers to use for the Bay Loop Road Trip. Those looking to explore the city can visit the famous Fisherman's Wharf, the bustling Chinatown district, and the Presidio. The Union Square area is a great place to shop, dine, and explore the city's nightlife. Alcatraz Island is also a popular destination, offering a unique look into the city's history. No trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to the Golden Gate Park, with its beautiful gardens, museums, and attractions. Visitors can also explore the stunning coastal cliffs of the Marin Headlands and the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. San Francisco is a city full of history, culture, and stunning scenery, making it the perfect starting point for the Bay Loop Road Trip. With plenty of car rentals available and numerous attractions to explore, San Francisco is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

1 San Francisco - Point Reyes

Distance 83 km Driving time 1.5 h Pace: modest 21.6 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from San Francisco to Point Reyes? Get ready for an unforgettable journey of 52 miles, taking you less than two hours to reach your destination. Start your journey at Muir Beach, a paradise for surfers and beach-lovers. Enjoy the stunning views of the ocean and the nearby mountains. As you head towards Point Reyes, you will be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and historical sites. Make sure you take a few stops to take in the scenery, as well as some picturesque spots. When you reach Point Reyes, you'll be able to explore the lighthouse, the Point Reyes National Seashore, and the Point Reyes Shipwreck. For more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites, check out the Itinerary of this stage for more information. Enjoy your road trip!

2 Point Reyes - Sonoma

Distance 67 km Driving time 1.0 h Pace: fast 20.0 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Point Reyes to Sonoma! This 41-mile journey will take you less than an hour, and you'll get to experience some of the most interesting sites in the area. Start your adventure in Point Reyes, where you can explore the Point Reyes National Seashore, a stunning coastal park with miles of trails and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. You can also visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse, a historic landmark that offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. As you make your way to Sonoma, you'll drive along the scenic Highway 1, where you can take in the stunning ocean views. Once you reach Sonoma, you can explore the historic Sonoma Plaza, the city's main square, and take a tour of the Mission San Francisco Solano, the last of the 21 California missions. You can also visit the Sonoma Valley Regional Park, where you can take a hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Or, you can visit the Jack London State Historic Park, where you can explore the home of the famous author and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area. No matter what you decide to do, you're sure to have a wonderful time on this road trip from Point Reyes to Sonoma. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage.

3 Sonoma - Napa

Distance 54 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: modest 14.1 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Get ready for an amazing road trip from Sonoma to Napa! The drive is only 34 miles and will take you less than 2 hours. As you make your way through Oakville, take in the beautiful scenery and winding roads. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of the most interesting places to visit in these locations, like the Sonoma Plaza, the Oakville Grocery, and the Napa Valley Wine Train. You'll be sure to find something enjoyable to do at any of these spots! Along the way, you may even come across some hidden gems that you won't find on any map. As you make your way through the winding roads, you'll find yourself immersed in the beauty of the countryside. Once you make it to Napa, you'll be able to explore even more of the area. With more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites available in the "Itinerary" of this stage, you'll be sure to have an amazing road trip experience!

4 Napa - Vallejo

Distance 23 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: modest 5.9 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips
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Embark on a 14-mile journey from Napa to Vallejo and experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. Drive through the vineyards and rolling hills of Napa Valley, and take in the sights of the Carneros region, an agricultural paradise of orchards, farms, and vineyards. As you drive, keep an eye out for the many wineries and tasting rooms along the way. As you reach Vallejo, you'll be rewarded with the views of the Carquinez Strait, with the cities of Benicia and Martinez on the opposite side. Take a stroll in the Mare Island Shoreline Heritage Preserve and explore the city’s maritime history. Experience the unique atmosphere of the Vallejo Waterfront, a vibrant destination for visitors and locals alike. This drive will take you fewer than one hour, but you'll want to take your time and savor the scenery. Make sure to take advantage of the many opportunities to explore Napa and Vallejo. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage.

5 Vallejo - Berkeley

Distance 35 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: fast 10.4 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips accommodation options
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Welcome to the Vallejo-Berkeley road trip stage! This stage of your journey is only 22 miles and will take you less than an hour to complete. Vallejo is the perfect starting point for your adventure, with attractions like Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, the Mare Island Historic Park, and the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum. When you’re ready to move on, take a short drive to Berkeley and explore the UC Berkeley campus, the Berkeley Rose Garden, and the Berkeley Marina. Be sure to visit the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive for a unique cultural experience. For the outdoor enthusiast, don’t miss the Berkeley Aquatic Park and Tilden Regional Park. When you’re done, you can end your journey with a visit to the Berkeley Bowl Marketplace. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your Vallejo-Berkeley road trip!

6 Berkeley - Oakland

Distance 9 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: slow 2.1 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips
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Welcome to the Berkeley-Oakland stage of your road trip! This exciting 6mi drive takes you through the beautiful Bay Area, and will take you less than an hour. You will be treated to a scenic drive along the way, with plenty of opportunities to take in the sights of the area. Once in Berkeley, be sure to check out the University of California Berkeley, the Berkeley Art Museum, and the Berkeley Rose Garden. In Oakland, the Oakland Museum of California, Lake Merritt, and Jack London Square are must-sees. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage. Enjoy your Berkeley-Oakland road trip!

7 Oakland - San Jose

Distance 72 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 21.5 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Are you ready for a scenic road trip from Oakland to San Jose? This 45 mile journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and along the way you'll get to experience some of the best sights and attractions in the area. Start your journey in Oakland and take in the stunning views of the bay. Make sure to look out for the historic sites of the area, including the USS Potomac, the former presidential yacht of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Continue your drive to San Jose, the capital of Silicon Valley. Here you can explore the Tech Museum of Innovation and the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. Make sure to take your time on this road trip and enjoy the sights and sounds of the area. There's plenty to explore, so make sure to check out the itinerary for this stage of the tour for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.

8 San Jose - San Francisco

Distance 65 km Driving time 1.7 h Pace: slow 15.0 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options interesting  historic site attractive landscape
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Embark on a 40mi road trip from San Jose to San Francisco and explore the beauty of the Bay Area! Start your journey in the vibrant city of San Jose, and make your way to Palo Alto, home of Stanford University. Along the way, you can marvel at the picturesque landscapes, drive through scenic roads, and visit historical sites. The drive should take you no more than 2 hours, so you can easily plan a day trip. Once you reach San Francisco, you can visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, and the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts. Don't forget to take some time to explore the charming neighborhoods of the city. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

  San Francisco

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San Francisco is the perfect end point for the Bay Loop Road Trip. This vibrant city is full of amazing attractions, from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the famous cable cars. Start your visit with a stop at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This world-famous bridge is a must-see for any traveler. From here, you can take in the breathtaking views of the city and the bay. After taking in the views, head over to Alamo Square to see the famous 'Painted Ladies' – a row of colorful Victorian houses. The San Francisco Cable Cars are another must-see. Hop on one of the cars and ride up and down the steep San Francisco hills. The cars are a great way to explore the city and take in the sights and sounds. After exploring the city, take a drive down the coast to enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The rugged coastline and crashing waves make for a beautiful drive. Finally, end your trip in style with a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf. Here, you’ll find a variety of attractions, from seafood stalls to souvenir shops. San Francisco is easily accessible by car. The closest international airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), just 16 miles from the city center. So, come and explore this amazing city and take in the sights and sounds of San Francisco.

Bay Loop Road Trip at a glance

We hope that the presented Bay Loop Road Trip gave you plenty of inspirations for your future travels.
The proposed ideas may become useful in the midst of your travels or already at the planning stage.
If car travel is a means of travel that you prefer, there are a number of important traffic regulations to follow and a bunch of elements to keep in mind to make your road adventure smooth. These tips will surely become useful for holidayers who opt for car hire or camper hire in California.
When sightseeing around California, you should obey the local road rules. In California, if you are planning to drive, try avoiding alcoholic beverages at any cost. Holidayers should remember that the legal alcohol limit is low and cannot exceed 0.5‰. In order to avoid a speeding ticket, it is best to never exceed 40km/h, which is the maximum car speed around the city. Outside the cities, travellers can travel at at speeds up to 72km/h. While on highways, you can travel at the permissible speed of 129km/h. In order to stay safe, we recommend equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and driving with your headlights on during the day.
The majority of drivers wonder about the costs of the whole tour. The final cost of the whole tour are dependent on the budget option that you are interested in. Check out the available budget possibilities.
In the cheapest option, you have to spend the maximum of 50 EUR on fuel to cover the planned 9 stages while travelling around California. Economy accommodation options will cost holidaymakers roughly 319 EUR. Holidaymakers should also take into consideration the fact that they will spend about 288 EUR for food and restaurants in this option. If your aim is also the budget car rental offer, you will pay approximately 180 EUR. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be about 657 EUR without vehicle rental and 837 EUR with vehicle hire.
Holidayers who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option will pay about 75 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the itinerary. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should bear in mind that the expenses may amount up to roughly 473 EUR. When opting for this option, take into consideration that the food and restaurants within this range will cost about 432 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire car can expect a cost of roughly 216 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 1,196 EUR for holidaymakers who would like to try vehicle rental and 980 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
Holidaymakers who would like to benefit from the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium option. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 1,828 EUR for holidaymakers who are considering car rental and 980 EUR for those who do not need a rental car. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a premium rental car should expect a cost of roughly 360 EUR. In the premium configuration of the tour, you have to spend the maximum of 100 EUR on the fuel needed to cover the tour. Drivers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their itinerary should expect to pay roughly 792 EUR for overnight stays and around 576 EUR for restaurants and food.
Our itinerary will also be excellent for all camper fans, as it can be easily adjusted to their requirements. Tourists who would like to rent a camper will pay around 900 EUR for the service. You have to spend the maximum of 113 EUR on the fuel required to cover the tour in a camper. Tourists who are considering camper hire should expect to pay roughly 220 EUR for accommodation and approximately 288 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the presented details in a simple way.
The period between January and December is perfect to visit the part of California showed in our road trip idea. If you like Bay Loop Road Trip, there are plenty of interesting road trips and scenic drives on our website. We hope that the great variety of travel opportunities will definitely meet the expectations of the most demanding travellers.

Facts for safer driving in California

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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