Routes through and around SF

January 7, 2006 7:14 PM

I'm driving from Santa Cruz to Santa Rosa tomorrow morning, what's the best (least confusing, quickest) route through the city? On the way back, we'd like to go to a park or beach or something north of SF while we're up there, any suggestions? And since we'll be in less of a hurry, any scenic routes through the city? I've never been over the Golden Gate, so that's a possibility.

Basically, I'm dragging the whole family on a long trip to get a couple old, greasy truck axles I found on craigslist, instead of taking them to a park like we had planned. So I want to make this a combo trip.

posted by 445supermag to travel & transportation (8 comments total)

Just don't get stuck during nighttime traffic on your way back, if you should come down the Bridge. You'll want to make sure you don't go down Van Ness or some really busy thoroughfare that has been designated the "freway."
posted by johngoren at 7:31 PM on January 7, 2006

You'll want to take the 17 to the 85 to the 280 toward San Francisco. When you get to the city, the 280 becomes 19th Avenue (Hwy 1). 19th will go stright through the Sunset district, then take you through Golden Gate Park, then lead you directly to the Golden Gate Bridge (Hwy 1 and 101).

You're home free from there.
posted by pmbuko at 7:48 PM on January 7, 2006

What pmbuko said, only without the "the" in front of the freeway names; this ain't LA :-) 280 into the city, up 19th avenue through the park and onto Golden Gate Bridge and thence 101 north. Go early to avoid traffic.

On your way back, a nice side trip is to take a right turn just off the bridge in San Francisco and work your way around the north end of SF to Ocean Beach. Lots of cool views and places to stop along the way. Then you end up on the Great Highway on the coast and drive south. Follow your nose and you'll be back on 280. The Beach Chalet on the Great Highway is a good place to stop for a beer on the way, cool old WPA building.
posted by Nelson at 8:15 PM on January 7, 2006

pmbuko's directions are ok, except that 280 doesn't become Hwy 1, you have to exit onto 19th Ave/Hwy 1. That way will get you through the city, but scenic it is not. If you're in the mood for scenic, don't take 17 from Santa Cruz. It's an awful road. Instead, just take Hwy 1 all the way up. You'll be going up the coast - very beautiful. Somewhat slower, but less stressful.

Another way to do scenic once you get to the city is to be on 280 until it ends (at King Street). The road will funnel you past PacBell, SBC, AT&T park, and onto the Embarcadero. Just take the Embarcadero all the way past the Ferry Building (stop and visit the market if you like - lovely for lunch, looking out over the Bay). You can continue on through Fisherman's Wharf, if you like tourist tacky (I do), or take a left on Bay Street. Follow it along, it'll wind around a little, and you'll end up on Marina Blvd. Shortly, you'll see a beautiful old dome - the Palace of Fine Arts. Stop and visit the Exploratorium, if you've never been and have time. Or, for a lovely park, keep on going straight (don't take the soft left that gets you on Doyle Drive to the GG Bridge), and find parking at Crissy Field, and wander around. It's great!

One great thing you could do if the weather is nice, is park at the GG Bridge lot, and walk on the Bridge. You can walk all the way across, if you like. It's fantastic!

As far as parks to hit on the way down from Santa Rosa, there's always Mount Tamalpais State park. Just get off 101 at Hwy 1 around Mill Valley and find your way to Pan Toll Ranger station (towards Stinson Beach). It's a lovely hiking area, if that's what you're into.
posted by jasper411 at 8:27 PM on January 7, 2006

Try Point Reyes. It's a fantastic place to explore. Beach, forest, dunes, Tomales Bay, beautiful!
posted by shifafa at 10:08 PM on January 7, 2006

Query "great highway, San Francisco, CA" on Google Maps. It goes from Hwy 1 all the way to the Golden Gate (It turns into Geary, turn left on 19th Ave, here it's north of GG park). And I'll second that nod to avoid 19th Ave. It's a great way to go North or South in SF, but really only if you live there or are looking to get through quickly. And also second that nod about avoiding the 17, unless you found Red Asphalt (Caution: RealPlayer) oddly arousing.

Go Slugs!
posted by gilgul at 9:39 AM on January 8, 2006

I third the do NOT take 17 from Santa Cruz - it is fun to drive on a motorcycle, but not in a car full of kids and axles. It's nice and sunny - so I would also vote for Port Reyes.
posted by sixdifferentways at 10:25 AM on January 8, 2006

bolinas. shhhh.
posted by specialk420 at 8:00 AM on January 9, 2006