The Most Scenic Drives Near Piedmont

Situated in the Oakland Hills, the residential enclave of Piedmont sits tantalizingly close to many of the Bay Area's most spectacular scenic drives. Whether looking for a quick getaway to the coast, a winding journey through redwood-covered mountains, or a leisurely cruise through rolling vineyards, the roads around Piedmont offer a wealth of beauty and adventure. But which of these excursions will take your breath away or carry the promise of a genuinely grand adventure?

Below is a guide to the best scenic drives near Piedmont and what you can expect to experience along the way.

Few drives offer the sweeping San Francisco Bay panoramas that Grizzly Peak Boulevard delivers. Winding along the ridge of the Berkeley Hills, this route is a local favorite for its stunning sunset views, sparkling city lights, and expansive vistas over the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. On a clear day, you can see the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais in the distance.

If the mood strikes, detour into Tilden Regional Park, home to beautiful hiking trails and serene picnic areas. Once the sun sets, the drive transforms into a magical spectacle of city lights, making it one of the most scenic night drives in the Bay Area.

Skyline Boulevard is an unbeatable choice for those seeking towering redwoods and a sense of solitude. This scenic ridge-top road winds through the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering glimpses of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the vast expanse of Silicon Valley on the other.

A particularly charming stop along the route is Alice's Restaurant in Woodside. A famous respite for bikers and road-trippers alike, the eatery is known for its hearty meals and rustic atmosphere. Nearby, Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the views from one of the many scenic trails. The road continues through dense forests, making it one of Northern California's most relaxing and visually stunning drives.

If your idea of a scenic drive includes rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and panoramic ocean views, California's Highway 1 is the ultimate road trip. Beginning in San Francisco, this iconic coastal highway takes you through the charming seaside towns of Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, the latter of which is an excellent place to stop for fresh seafood or a peaceful walk along the beach.

If you have time to spare, plot your return as an inland loop around the Peninsula and San Francisco Bay via the thrillingly twisty Highway 84 (La Honda Road). From seaside hills across patches of rolling farmland through dense forests amidst the 6,142-acre La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve, this drive offers a little of everything that makes scenic drives worth the time and effort. As you continue, worthy stops include Apple Jack's Bar, a nearly 150-year-old dive bar, or link up with the aforementioned Skyline Boulevard to claim a trifecta of stunning scenic byways in a single drive.

One of the advantages of calling Piedmont home is it's surprisingly close proximity to California wine country. With Napa effectively an hour due north of Piedmont, the temptation would be to traverse across Berkeley and take Interstate 80 as it tracks along San Pablo Bay. The better, more scenic route—and far more interesting from a shifting landscape point of view—takes you due east along Highway 24, where you'll have a clear view of Mount Diablo for the first portion of your journey.

The turn north onto Interstate 680 is a necessary but less picturesque interlude that carries you through the hyper-developed areas of Concord, Pacheco, and Vine Hill before motoring past a pair of oil refineries that sit sentry on either side of the Carquinez Strait. Once clear of industry and bridge, you emerge amongst pastoral plains and bucolic hills. The remainder of your trip is vintage wine country, crossing over at Cordelia and traveling across majestic landscapes as Highway 12 takes you into Napa. At that point, you become the grape and Highway 29 your vine as you meander past iconic wineries through bustling towns as you bob in and out of picturesque, sun-soaked hills.

If you want to see the above-mentioned Mount Diablo up close, there is a paved road to that-Mount Diablo's Summit Road. Located just east of Piedmont, this winding trek climbs to the 3,849-foot summit, where on a clear day, you can see as far as the Sierra Nevada, the Farallon Islands, or as the Mount Diablo State Park website claims "40 of California's 58 counties." Effectively, that's 70% of the state.

There are two ways Piedmont residents can access Summit Road—N Gate Road via Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek or S Gate Road via Diablo Road from I-680 in Danville. Both options are visually stunning and take roughly an hour, passing through oak woodlands and chaparral-covered slopes with multiple scenic pullouts. "Rock City," a fascinating stop on the route, features unique sandstone formations and short hiking trails. Once at the top, the outstanding Mount Diablo Summit Visitor Center provides panoramic views and an opportunity to literally stand atop the summit, making this drive a rewarding challenge for any nature lover.

For those who prefer gently rolling hills and open countryside, a drive through the 9,090-acre Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park is exceptional. This scenic route takes you through the rural landscapes of the East Bay, passing grasslands, vineyards, and hillsides adorned with oak trees.

Stop in Pleasanton's charming downtown for a leisurely lunch at one of the many cafés, or explore the nearby Sunol Regional Wilderness for its superb hiking and wildlife watching. The drive is gorgeous in the spring when wildflowers bloom, covering the hills in vibrant colors.

From coastal highways and redwood-covered mountain roads to vineyard-lined country lanes and breathtaking summit views, the scenic drives near Piedmont offer an unforgettable glimpse into the natural beauty of Northern California. Whether planning a short weekend escape or a full-day road trip, these routes provide some of the best scenery in the region.

If you're ready to explore more of Piedmont real estate, including discovering the ideal jumping-off point for your favorite scenic drives, contact Anian and Adrienne Real Estate today. Allow their extensive knowledge and expertise to help you navigate this extraordinary luxury real estate market.