Motorcycle Routes in San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the best starting points for motorcycle riding in California. Within a short ride from the city, you can access coastal highways, mountain roads, redwood forests, and some of the most iconic motorcycle routes in the United States. From the Pacific Coast Highway to the twisty roads of Marin County and the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Bay Area offers incredible variety for motorcyclists. On this page, you can explore motorcycle routes in and around San Francisco that have been saved and shared by riders using Detecht. These routes highlight real roads that local motorcyclists ride regularly. Many of these routes feature roads that are:

• twisty and technical

• scenic and iconic

• popular among Bay Area riders

• perfect for day rides and weekend trips

If you're looking for the best motorcycle roads near San Francisco, this is a great place to start.

Riding a Motorcycle Around San Francisco

San Francisco is uniquely positioned for motorcycle riding in multiple directions. Within 1–2 hours, you can reach:

• Marin County – coastal roads and mountain twisties

• Santa Cruz Mountains – forest roads and tight curves

• Napa & Sonoma – scenic vineyard routes

• Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) – world-famous coastal riding

This makes San Francisco one of the most diverse riding hubs in the United States. Many routes shared in Detecht begin in San Francisco and extend into these regions.

Local Favorite Motorcycle Roads in San Francisco

The Bay Area is full of legendary roads that are well known among local motorcyclists.

Highway 1 – Pacific Coast (North of San Francisco)

Heading north over the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway 1 offers one of the most iconic motorcycle rides in the world. Highlights include:

• coastal cliffs and ocean views

• sweeping curves

• access to Point Reyes and beyond

Mount Tamalpais (Mount Tam)

The roads around Mount Tamalpais are extremely popular among local riders. Here you'll find:

• tight technical curves

• elevation changes

• forest and mountain scenery

Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35)

Skyline Boulevard runs along the ridgeline of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is a favorite for Bay Area motorcyclists. It offers:

• long sweeping curves

• scenic overlooks

• connections to multiple side roads

Highway 9 – Santa Cruz Mountains

Highway 9 is one of the most well-known twisty roads near San Francisco. It features:

• tight corners

• forest riding

• elevation changes

Often combined with Skyline Boulevard for a full loop.

Lucas Valley Road

Located in Marin County, Lucas Valley Road is a hidden gem among local riders. It offers:

• smooth pavement

• flowing curves

• less traffic than more popular routes

Popular Motorcycle Roads Near San Francisco

Many motorcycle routes in the area are built around these well-known roads.

Highway 84 – La Honda Road

A favorite route connecting the Bay to the coast. Popular for:

• tight curves

• scenic riding

• connections to Highway 1

Grizzly Peak Boulevard (Berkeley Hills)

A short but scenic ride offering:

• views over the Bay Area

• quick access from the city

• popular sunset rides

Napa Valley Roads

Roads through Napa and Sonoma offer:

• rolling hills

• vineyard scenery

• relaxed cruising

Motorcycle Cafés and Popular Stops

Motorcycle culture in the Bay Area is strongly tied to iconic stops along popular routes. Some well-known gathering spots include:

• Alice’s Restaurant (Woodside) – one of the most famous motorcycle stops in California

• Bovine Bakery (Point Reyes Station) – popular stop along Highway 1

• Philz Coffee (various locations) – common meetup spot in the city before rides

• Half Moon Bay cafés – popular coastal stop after riding Highway 1

On weekends, these locations often attract large groups of motorcyclists.

Motorcycle Community in San Francisco

San Francisco and the Bay Area have a large and diverse motorcycle community. The region includes:

• sportbike riders

• touring riders

• adventure riders

• café racer and custom communities

There are also many local riding groups and meetups, as well as national organizations such as:

• American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)

• brand-specific clubs (Ducati, BMW, Harley-Davidson, etc.)

Many riders also use Detecht to share routes and discover new roads across the Bay Area.

Find Motorcycle Routes in San Francisco

The routes shown on this page are created by motorcyclists using Detecht. They represent real rides taken in and around San Francisco and highlight some of the best roads in the Bay Area. By exploring these routes, you can:

• discover new roads

• plan your next ride

• explore beyond the city

• find both short and long motorcycle routes

Scroll down to explore motorcycle routes near San Francisco and find your next ride.