 49-Mile Scenic Drive | |
|---|---|
 49-Mile Scenic Drive highlighted in red | |
| Route information | |
| Maintained by San Francisco DPW | |
| Length | 48.8 mi[2][3][4] (78.5 km) |
| Existed | September 14, 1938[1]–present |
| Major junctions | |
| Loop around San Francisco | |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | San Francisco |
| Highway system | |
| Streets in San Francisco | |
The 49-Mile Scenic Drive is a designated scenic road tour highlighting much of San Francisco, California. It was created in 1938 by the San Francisco Down Town Association to showcase the city's major attractions and natural beauty during the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition.[1]
Originally beginning at San Francisco City Hall and ending on Treasure Island, the route has been modified several times since.[5] Today the route forms a loop proceeding counterclockwise from Civic Center Plaza, and its length is closer to 48.8 miles (78.5 km).[2][3][4] Owing variously to its length, its labyrinthine route, and the difficulty of driving through a bustling city, the drive remains relatively unpopular with tourists and locals alike.[1][6]
In 2019, the San Francisco Chronicle proposed a non-driving alternative that it called the 49-Mile Scenic Route.
- ^ a b c Lubow & Rosen 2001, p. vii
- ^ a b "Polk St to Lyon St" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
- ^ a b "Presidio through Golden Gate Park" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
- ^ a b "Stanyan St to San Francisco City Hall" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
- ^ Lubow & Rosen 2001, p. viii
- ^ Sullivan, Kathleen (August 15, 2003). "A Long and Winding Road: City's 49-Mile Scenic Drive a Little Loopy but not Without its Charms". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved August 3, 2013.