City Escape: San Francisco, California

This route unfolds just south of the bustle of San Francisco. The ride includes a coastal stretch as well as a beautiful and twisty route through the mountains. To top it off you can eat lunch at one of the Central Coast’s most iconic motorcycle stops before your return ride beside that famous bay.

Length

Approximately 96 miles

Meet-up Spot

Peet’s Coffee, 102 Grand Ave, South San Francisco, CA

Lunch Stop

Alice’s Restaurant is an iconic eatery featuring burgers that carry motocentric names like Ducati, Le Mans, BMW, Suzuki, and Vespa to name just a few. Find it at 17288 Skyline Blvd, Woodside, CA.

Scenery (5 out of 5)

You can’t beat this ride’s mix of scenery. Sandy beaches, lush forests, and elevation changes that offer panoramic views highlight the route.

Difficulty  (4 out of 5)

City traffic at the start and finish of the ride requires vigilance and patience. The mountain roads that define the middle of the route are narrow, tree-lined, and technical.

Road conditions  (4 out of 5)

The road surfaces are generally good throughout the route. There are often no shoulders on the mountain portions, and guardrails are sporadic.

Points of Interest

Pacifica State Beach
This beautiful crescent-shaped beach is a picturesque hotspot for surfers. The beach offers restrooms and picnic tables for a nice reason to put down the kickstand.

Gray Whale Cove State Beach
If the surfers are the stars of Pacifica State Beach, huge sea creatures are the attraction at Gray Whale Cove. You may just get a glimpse of a behemoth from the cliffs that surround the stunningly beautiful cove.

Sam McDonald Park
Trails will get you inside the county park’s lush old-growth forest. There is also an open ridge section that offers an elevated view of the Pacific Ocean.

Coyote Point Recreation Area
This bayside park features trails, ornate playgrounds, and some interesting views of various bay activities, like windsurfing and sailing.