Whether you’re looking for a way to spend some time with your family or significant other or are just looking for the best views in the area, taking a scenic drive along one of the many roadways in Silicon Valley could be the answer. The weather is beautiful year-round, and with views of the expansive downtown area and the iconic area sunsets with the mountains for a backdrop, there’s no better place to take one than right here in our favorite town.
The team at Lexus of Stevens Creek has taken the time to share where are the best places for a scenic drive in San Jose, California. We hope you find time to do one or more of these drives this season.
About San Jose, California
Image via Flickr by czarcats
San Jose is a beautiful cultural town located in Silicon Valley. It’s the third-largest city in California and is known as one of the cleanest in the country for its mixed energy power grid. There are plenty of things to see and do in the town itself and beautiful scenic roadways that connect everything. This city is great for families due to the abundance of family-friendly activities and attractions, the safe environment, and the beauty the area has to offer.
Santa Cruz Mountains Scenic Road
The Santa Cruz Mountains Scenic Drive will take you down a road less traveled. To make this drive, you can leave from the southwestern edge of San Jose and head west on State Route 9. This winding road offers beautiful views of the mountains, forests thick with redwood trees, and plenty of spots to stop and take it all in. A nice, leisurely route that lets you meander from San Jose to Santa Cruz on your own time, this short 34-mile drive can easily take an hour to navigate safely while still taking in all the beautiful views.
Before you turn around to head back home, you can take advantage of the restaurants and shops located at the Santa Cruz Wharf. While here, head to the beach for an afternoon of water fun or enjoy a scenic bay cruise. The sights along the Santa Cruz Mountains are awe-inspiring at sunrise and sunset, so planning your trip to accommodate one or both will make your drive even more special.
Drive to the Monterey Peninsula and Enjoy the Sights
Another option to find an abundance of scenic views is the drive from San Jose to the Monterey Peninsula. Slightly longer, at around 72 miles, this drive includes unique places to stop, such as the Del Valle Regional Park with trails and a lake surrounded by pristine beaches. You’ll pass through Santa Clara, Pacific Grove, and Santa Cruz. You can hop on Highway 880/17 to Santa Cruz, where you’ll follow the coastline along Highway 1 South for the rest of your trip.
If you have more time, you can take Highway 880 to Highway 280, then Highway 9 to Highway 1. This winding road will take some additional concentration, but the views are worth it. Plus, you can spend time in Monterey once you arrive, which is always a good time.
Navigate Your Way to Pescadero
We love the drive from San Jose to Pescadero, where you can navigate your way through an approximately two-and-a-half-hour drive along a circular path that will take you through Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Half Moon Bay. You’ll then take Interstate 280 to return to San Jose. In Pescadero, you can enjoy sights like Pigeon Point Light Station, a 115-foot-tall light tower that overlooks the ocean.
There are trails throughout the area to enjoy the wildlife and fresh air and become more in tune with nature, even it’s just for the day. There are plenty of local restaurants to visit before your ride home. You’ll find coastal views and redwood-topped mountains with breathtaking beauty on this scenic drive.
Explore Wine Country on Your Way to Livermore
Within just a short 45-minute drive, you can take the scenic route from San Jose to Livermore. The area is home to world-class vineyards, delicious cafes, and fantastic scenery. This drive will allow you to explore the views to and from the local wineries without making your way to Napa. This short excursion would make the perfect day trip with the scenery as well as the wine and delicious food located at wineries throughout the Livermore area.
Visit World-Famous San Francisco
We can’t forget the historical drive from San Jose to San Francisco. Located about an hour north, San Francisco offers many things to see and do and is a beautiful ride from San Jose. As you travel, find spectacular views as you make your way through bustling cities, San Francisco Bay, and along the Pacific Ocean. Once you arrive in San Francisco, you can take advantage of the many places to visit, such as the historic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, or check out the cable cars or Walt Disney Family Museum.
Bringing Back the Scenic Drive
Setting out for a scenic drive on the weekend offers abundant benefits, from getting in some quality family time to discovering and learning. A drive for leisure instead of necessity is good for the mind, body, and soul. Why not take advantage of the sights surrounding the Silicon Valley town of San Jose, California, for a day trip? You can travel north, south, or any other direction to see oceans, mountains, forests, and more. There aren’t many places you can do that, so take advantage of it.
The Lexus of Stevens Creek team hopes you take at least one of these beautiful San Jose, California, roadways for your next scenic drive. Please send us a message if you have any other favorites you feel should be on our list. You can reach us at 669-231-0397 or using our convenient online contact form. We know there’s no way we could cover them all here and would love an excuse to get back out on the road to explore other favorite scenic drives.
Connect with us
