Are you traveling to San Francisco or live in the Bay Area? Even though San Francisco has a wide variety of activities that could keep you amused for weeks, there are plenty of places to explore beyond. The awesome thing about this city is that you can ski the slopes and surf the waves on the same day! And some of the best hidden gems lie close to the city, easily accessible by a short drive. Here are 12 of the best day trips from San Francisco to get exploring!
While in San Francisco, use this guide to learn about everything you must do on your visit to this amazing city!
1. Muir Woods National Monument
Located only 12 miles away from San Francisco city, Muir Woods is easily THE BEST day trip from San Francisco. This is especially true if you are looking for time away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Go hang out with the giant redwoods that will make you feel insignificant (in a good way) and at the same time, ponder over how amazing Mother Nature is. Aim to reach early in the day when crowds are less, and try forest bathing. You will come back much more zen and at peace.
Read this guide on everything you need to know about visiting Muir Woods National Monument and how to get there from SF.
Make sure you book parking tickets with your arrival time at least a week in advance.
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2. Sausalito
Just across the Golden Gate bridge is the quaint little city of Sausalito. To reach here, you can take the ferry from San Francisco which will drop you at Sausalito Ferry Terminal. And there is plenty to keep you occupied for a day at this laidback place. Spend your day kayaking in the bay waters, biking across the city, or just walking around. I stumbled across the Sausalito Yacht Harbor and enjoyed daydreaming of owning a yacht (lol someday?).
Check out the charming downtown area with its compact houseboats. In the afternoon, head over to the numerous restaurants overlooking spectacular views of the bay. Sip on a hefeweizen and sample some fresh seafood. End your day with an extra dose of deliciousness at Lappert’s Ice Cream.
3. Napa and Sonoma area
This place that needs no introduction. The famous valley of wine and all fine things is not just for girls trips (although they are awesome in their own way). Napa Valley and the surrounding Sonoma area boasts over 800 wineries (yup, you read that right) and a mind boggling number of tasting rooms. Feeling adventurous? Take the Napa Wine train and enjoy views of rolling hills covered with vines and Tuscan mansions (Castello di Amarosa), while you sip on a delicious Cabernet. If winery-hopping is not your thing, consider trying out ziplining over the stunning redwood canopies or dabble the world-renowned cuisine.
4. Santa Cruz
If you are from the SF Bay Area, you know that the beaches here are not exactly warm. But there is a place you can go for some nice sun and surf – Santa Cruz! Located about 35 miles south, this day trip from San Francisco has some things to do for everyone. Spend your morning surfing the waves, catch lunch on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and then head to the Casino Arcade for some fun times! If you want to explore more, head down to Natural Bridges State Beach (my favorite!). It has a natural bridge on the beach and tide pools where you can see numerous sea creatures at low tide.
5. Angel Island
Less popular than its cousin Alcatraz, Angel Island makes for a perfect day trip from San Francisco. Catch a morning ferry and start your day with a hike, or rent a bike and hit the trails. Afterwards, visit the Immigration Museum, and learn about the history of the (mostly) Asian immigrants who were held here for weeks and sometimes, years.
Have a picnic at the Angel Island State Park, or go to the waterfront Angel Island Café for some oysters. Angel island is a great spot for whale watching during whale migration season in winter.
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6. Pinnacles National Park
One of my favorite day trips from San Francisco is Pinnacles National Park. About 80 miles south of San Jose, it is home to the endangered California condor and miles of caves making it a perfect destination. There are miles of hiking trails including caves with a thriving bat population! The Bear Gulch and Balconies caves are partially closed during the winter and spring months due to the bat hibernation season. However, if you visit between summer and late fall, you can explore most of the caves. Check out the reservoir at the top of the park by hiking the short Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop.
7. Bodega Bay
Just an hour and half north of San Francisco, is the cute little town of Bodega Bay! It feels like a quintessential Norcal small town with many different adventures it offers in a day. Try your hand at kayaking or paddleboarding. You can rent equipment at local shops. Walk on Bodega Dunes and try birdwatching. sip on local wine at Sonoma Coast Vineyards. Or you can just hang out and birdwatch at Doran Beach.
Feeling more adventurous? Hike around Bodega Head or Pinnacle Gulch trail offering panoramic views of the Pacific ocean.
8. Point Reyes National Seashore
About 60 miles north of San Francisco, there’s Point Reyes, which boasts of some of the most beautiful Pacific coastlines in California. There are so many outdoor things you can do here, including spotting sealife!
If you visit during the winter months you can view migrating whales from the South. Elephant seals will also greet you (or rather just busy sunning themselves) at Elephant Seal Overlook. If a day long hike is your thing, go on the Alamere Falls via Coast Trail, an 11 mile out and back trail.
Afterwards, head over to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, one of the prettiest ones in California! Also, stop on your way back at the Cypress Tree Tunnel for the coolest pictures with a Game of Thrones-like backdrop. Thank me later 😉
9. Monterey
Down south, we have Monterey located close to the stunning Big Sur area and has loads of activities for you. You can choose to hike, camp, surf or explore the historic places. Stroll down Cannery Row to get a feel of old time Monterey when there used to be canneries and fisheries. Walk around in the beautiful Asilomar State Beach or climb the rocks at the edge of Lovers Point Park. Learn about the marine habitats of Monterey Bay at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. You can also go to the seas with a boat tour to view humpback whales, dolphins and blue whales (!!). I was there two years ago and saw 3 blue whales side by side and it was an utterly surreal moment!
10. Carmel-by-the-Sea
Next door to Monterey is Carmel, one of the prettiest day trips from San Francisco (and so worth it!). The entire town is adorable, and its little downtown looks like it came straight out of a postcard picture! Shop for trinkets and vintage pieces at the many artisanal galleries scattered around this place. Buy some chocolates at the Cottage of Sweets. Carmel Beach is a must stop either for an al fresco lunch, or simply to dip your toes in the water. Expect it to be cold though!
Take the much-hyped Seventeen mile drive and take a photo of the Lone Cypress tree. You will need to pay a small fee to enter and It is totally worth it!
Go for a hike at one of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve’s many trails down to the water.
11. Mt. Diablo State Park
If you are looking for a day hike while staying in the Bay Area, but beautiful views are a must, Mt Diablo is the spot for you! Here, the best way to the killer view is by hiking the Mount Diablo via Summit Trail to the top. It is interesting to note that even though the highest point in this park is only 3,849 feet, it is surrounded by low, rolling hills and expansive flat valleys. During ideal conditions, you can see almost 200 miles.
At the top is an observation deck where you can find telescopes to check out the panorama.
12. Pfeiffer State Park
Do you know about the famed waterfall off the Pacific Coast Highway that falls on a secluded beach into the Pacific waters? Sounds magical, right? That is the McWay Falls that is one of the spots you must stop on your PCH trip! It is situated in the Pfeiffer State Beach at Big Sur. While you cannot walk to the beach, you can take a short trail off Highway 1 which leads to a vista point and a perfect Instagram post. Oh, and make sure to stop at Bixby Bridge on your way to marvel at the engineering feat! And have your camera ready!
All in all, whether you live in the Bay Area or are just visiting, there are a ton of places you can go for day trips from San Francisco. And the best part? It does not matter which destination you pick, you will be rewarded with stunning views and fond memories!
Did I cover your favorite day trips from San Francisco? What are your favorite spots? Let me know in a comment below!
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During pandemic I had been looking for places to visit on weekends, and this is THE most practical list I have seen so far! Time for some road trips!!!
So glad to hear that you found this useful! 🙂