One of the reasons I love living in the San Francisco Bay Area is because of the easy access to so many other wonderful places outside of the city. While San Francisco offers tons of amazing experiences, the surrounding region is chock full of destinations that are perfect for day trips.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, and you’re looking for some inspiration, let me share some of my favorite spots. Head to the Central Coast, the Sierra Foothills, Wine Country, Gold Rush Country, and just across the Bay to enjoy experiences entirely different from what you can find inside San Francisco.
These excursions are primarily short road trips, best taken in a car or with a tour group. While public transportation is available for some of these locations, it’s not always recommended. Getting from the public stops to the activities would require additional transportation and may be complicated, especially if accessibility is a concern. San Francisco Ferries are recommended for some of the locations. Please check individual locations for specifics about accessibility parking.
Here are the Best 24 Day Trips from San Francisco
These are listed in order of direction from the city – north, south, and east. Get inspired and get on the road!
1. Muir Woods National Monument
Distance from San Francisco: 16 miles north
How to get here: car, tour
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $$
Muir Woods National Monument is probably the most well known nature preserve within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and it’s one of my most cherished places in the Bay.
I make sure to bring all my visitors to see the giant redwoods that tower overhead in this beautiful forest with pristine trails winding through the groves of magnificent trees. This park is very accessible and doesn’t require any real climbing or hiking, unless you want to, of course!
From Muir Woods, you can climb the Dipsea Trail to awesome views of the Pacific Ocean and Mount Tamalpais. Enjoy strolling through Cathedral Grove and the Bohemian Grove. Enjoy free ranger talks, the gift shop, and a snack bar. This is a must-do day trip from San Francisco!
2. Sausalito
Distance from San Francisco:10 miles north
How to get here: car, tour
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $$$
Sausalito is probably the easiest day trip from San Francisco because it’s just across the Golden Gate Bridge and yet, it feels like you’ve arrived in a different country! Sausalito is the charming European style town on the water overlooking San Francisco.
Visit here to see the famous houseboat communities, the Discovery Museum or the Bay Model Museum. Stroll along the water on the many boardwalks, rent kayaks or bikes, shop, and eat! You can easily take the ferry from the San Francisco Ferry Building, or drive over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. I always recommend dining at the restaurant at Cavallo Point, Sula.
3. Stinson Beach
Distance from San Francisco: 23 miles north
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $
Stinson Beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is just a short drive from the Golden Gate Bridge. Stinson Beach is known for its soft, white sand and great swimming beach.
While the road down into Stinson Beach is very windy, the rewards are worth it! The town of Stinson has great restaurants and because it is next to Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods, the views are unique and breathtaking. Take a beach break and enjoy this hidden gem of the Bay Area as a day trip from San Francisco..
4. Tiburon
Distance from San Francisco: 17 miles north
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $
Tiburon is another of Marin County’s prize locations. Just across the Bay from San Francisco, Tiburon is not only known for its luxury homes with views of the city, but for its shoreline walking trails and great hikes.
Our favorite things to do in Tiburon is hike on the Old St. Hilary’s trails where you can see all the bridges of the Bay Area! Take the Golden Gate Ferry from Pier 39 or the Ferry Building in San Francisco and enjoy the Bay views along the way.
5. Napa Valley Wine Country
Distance from San Francisco: 50 miles north
How to get here: car, tour
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Not so much
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $$
Napa Valley is a very popular day trip destination not only because of its easy access from the San Francisco Bay Area, but also because of its famous wineries. The Mediterranean climate and soil type make this region ideal for growing grapes. The Napa Valley vineyards are known globally for producing some of the best wines in the world.
You can choose from almost 500 wineries for tastings and tours! Wine tasting isn’t the only reason to visit Napa. There’s a lot to do, including hiking, biking, hot air balloon rides, shopping, and excellent food — including world renowned restaurants like The French Laundry.
6. Sonoma
Distance from San Francisco: 45 miles north
How to get here: car, tour
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Not so much
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $$$
Sonoma is just 25 miles across the valley from Napa and is another gem of the Northern California wine culture. I prefer visiting Sonoma because the town square has maintained its historic, adobe, Spanish Mission origins. There’s a cozy and quaint feel to Sonoma, and it’s still close to the over 400 wineries in the region.
Similar to Napa, Sonoma is often bustling with wine tasting tours, but you’ll also find plenty of dining, shopping, and beautiful scenery to enjoy. We really like dining at The Girl & The Fig.
7. Healdsburg
Distance from San Francisco: 70 miles north
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Not so much
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $$$
Healdsburg is another gem of Northern California’s wine country. With its historic plaza surrounded by galleries, shops, and restaurants, as well as the plethora of vineyards and tasting rooms, Healdsburg has a reputation as one of wine country’s most romantic towns.
Rent bikes, visit the museum of local history to learn about the native tribes of the region and about Healdsburg’s early days.
8. Point Reyes
Distance from San Francisco: 42 miles north
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $$$
Point Reyes and Tomales Bay are part of the Point Reyes National Seashore on the coast north of San Francisco. This region is about 100 square miles of gorgeous coast, both rocky and green, with sandy beaches and almost 100 hiking trails. One of the biggest draws to this area is the wildlife – birds, sea lions, and whales! Enjoy the charming town of Point Reyes Station with its cute boutiques, charming restaurants, and great views. Visit the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, hike to Chimney Rock and on the Laguna Trail Loop, watch the sea lions bask in the sun, and watch whales migrating throughout the year.
9. Sebastopol
Distance from San Francisco: 55 miles north
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $
Sebastopol is one of Sonoma County’s hidden gems. It’s a very charming and artsy town inland from the coast and part of Northern California’s Wine Country. We have loved visiting friends there over the years, attended retreats, and explored the quaint community that many Bay Area folks flock to when they want to get away for a day.
Be sure to stroll the town for its cute boutiques and cafes. Visit The Barlow, a sprawling and fabulous outdoor market filled with local art, food, clothes, crystals, and more, all within the renovated fruit canneries from when Sebastopol farmers grew apples and pears.
Also worth visiting are the wetlands by the Russian River — Laguna De Santa Rosa has about 20 miles of trails for bird watching, exploring marshes, and woodlands. Be sure to roam the neighborhoods near Florence Avenue for all the wacky sculptures made from recycled “trash” by local artists Bridgette Laurent and Patrick Amiot. Sebastopol even has the West County Museum filled with the history of the region in a restored railroad station.
10. Jenner-By-The-Sea!
Distance from San Francisco: 75 miles north
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $
Jenner is a big family favorite! We have been taking day trips there for decades and love to bring our out-of-town guests because it is one of Northern California’s most unique spots. Jenner is the coastal town where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. This union creates a combination of rocky coast, green farmland, and sandy beaches.
Jenner is known as a haven for the sea lions who love to bask in the sun on the beach between swimming in the river and the ocean. Its often very breezy and misty, which I love. There are less than 140 people living in Jenner, which gives you an idea of how small and quaint it is.
Go there to hike in the Jenner Headlands Preserve, to stroll on the beach, and to observe the harbor seals and birds on Goat Rock Beach, and to have a meal at one of the local cafes or tasting rooms.
11. Gold Rush in Columbia
Distance from San Francisco: 130 miles north
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $$
Columbia, in the Sierra foothills, is the perfect day trip from San Francisco if you’re looking to learn more about the Gold Rush history of California. This charming town is home to the Columbia State Historic Park, which is a reenactment of the authentic Gold Rush town from the mid 1800s.
Columbia is known as the “Gem of the Southern Mines” because of the boom created within weeks of the discovery of gold there in 1850. Columbia rapidly became one of the largest cities in California at the time.
Now, you can ride a stagecoach, pan for gold, and learn from guides dressed in authentic attire roaming the town. Check out the restaurants and souvenir shops and do some wine tasting along the way.
12. Monterey
Distance from San Francisco: 120 miles south
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day & Overnight
Budget: $$$
Monterey is the seaside town that was the capital of California from 1776-1848. Known for its historic Spanish and Mexican architecture and its canning and fishing history, Monterey is one of Northern California’s busiest tourist towns. Made even more famous by John Steinbeck’s world renowned novel Cannery Row, this area is one of the most picturesque spots along California’s Central Coast.
Spend the day walking from the Old Historic Town to Cannery Row, enjoying Fisherman’s Wharf, visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops, and can even go scuba diving, and whale watching! My favorite restaurant in Monterey is Cella.
13. Carmel-By-The-Sea
Distance from San Francisco: 125 miles south
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day & Overnight
Budget: $$$
Carmel is like Brigadoon – a magical beach town south of San Francisco and adjacent to Monterey. It sits on one of the most lovely beaches in Northern California and at just one square mile, is just like a charming European village. We visit Carmel a lot and love Carmel for its storybook cottages, great food and shopping, and mostly for the beach. You can easily spend a day trip relaxing and walking on the beach or strolling around town.
Take the 17-mile Drive to see some of the exquisite coastline and magnificent mansions overlooking the water. Are you a golfer? Then take a day trip to the famous Pebble Beach.
14. Big Sur
Distance from San Francisco: 150 miles south
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $$$
Big Sur is the region of California’s Central Coast that is known for its breathtaking cliffs and the very famous Bixby Bridge. Big Sur spans about 70 miles along the coast with the Santa Lucia Mountains bordering on the west. This is a great add-on to a day in Carmel or Monterey because it is just south of them along the coast.
Experience the winding turns along Highway 1. Stop for a hike at Garrapata State Park, take pics at the Bixby Bridge, enjoy the famous Pfeiffer Beach, view the McWay Falls, and find great cafes tucked in the hills.
15. Santa Cruz
Distance from San Francisco: 72 miles south
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $$$
Santa Cruz has a special place in my heart because it’s one of the first places my husband took me when we were first dating! It is the surfing mecca of Northern California and has a huge amusement park and boardwalk along the beach. Santa Cruz has some of excellent restaurants and cafes.
Ride the roller coaster, or sit on the beach, shop at the boutiques in town, check out the surfer museum, or visit the Monarch Butterfly Preserve — It’s always a fun time in Santa Cruz.
16. Half Moon Bay
Distance from San Francisco; 37 miles south
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $
Half Moon Bay is perfect for an easy day trip if you’re looking for some coastal time without any crowds and are in the mood for shopping and a nice seafood lunch. There is a great section of the Coastal Trail along the water through Half Moon Bay. You’ll cross bridges, see lots of coastal birds, and enjoy spectacular views.
We’ve loved the .8 mile Devil’s Slide Trail, shopping at the cute gift stores in town, and having calm chowder outdoors at the Miramar Beach Restaurant.
17. Point Lobos
Distance from San Francisco: 129 miles south
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $
Promise me you’ll take a day trip to Point Lobos Natural Reserve! It can be part of your Carmel and Monterey adventure, or just a day all to itself. This state park and natural reserve is among Northern California’s most beautiful places.
I can’t emphasize enough how unusual and beautiful this park is! Expect to see emerald green water, lots of wildlife, tide pools, and the historic home of fisherman. Point Lobos is a very popular whale watching spot and is famous for scuba diving. There are also a lot of trails and lovely nature walks. The parking lot fills up quickly, so get there early and enjoy the helpful rangers who are around to answer all your questions.
18. Pinnacles National Park
Distance from San Francisco: 123 miles south
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: Spring, Summer, Fall
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $
While there are many National Parks near the Bay Area and some easily accessible for a day trip, I’m choosing to share the most underrated of all — Pinnacles National Park is just about two hours from the city and is filled with magical spires, lakes, caves, wildlife, and beauty.
I recommend the Bear Gulch to Condor Gulch to High Peaks Trail. This hike will let you experience the volcanic rocky pinnacles which gives it its name. I’m always a fan of getting to the parking lot early to complete your hike before any crowds might show up. And then you can head to the coast for a meal in Carmel if you like!
19. Gilroy
Distance from San Francisco: 80 miles south
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: Spring, Summer, Fall
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $$
What’s in Gilroy you might ask? Garlic! Lots and lots of garlic!
As you might know, the central coast of California is filled with farm land. You’ll find artichokes and all kinds of fruits and vegetables being grown, but Gilroy is known as the “Garlic Capital of the World” and was home to the annual Garlic Festival events. There’s also a very cute family theme park that our kids used to love visiting called Gilroy Gardens. Historic downtown Gilroy is a great place to shop for antiques and to visit the Gilroy Museum in an old library.
20. San Jose
Distance from San Francisco: 50 miles south
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: Spring, Summer, Fall
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $$
While San Jose is another of California’s giant cities, it’s vastly different from others and well worth a day trip. I think most of us Bay Area locals forget how many fun and family-friendly activities San Jose has to offer, let alone a great nightlife and Jazz music scene. Traffic can definitely be an issue when heading to San Jose, so be mindful of rush hour.
We have loved visiting the wacky and weird Winchester Mystery House and then shopping and dining on the luxury Santana Row nearby. We have also enjoyed the unusual Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum with its artifacts from Egyptian burials. There is also a cool Tech Museum with all hands-on activities, inspiring tech and science creativity.
For some California history, visit the Mission Santa Clara de Asis, a Franciscan church built in 1777. San Jose is home to many beautiful public parks, but the most famous is the amusement park known as California’s Great America — think Disneyland in San Jose!
21. Calistoga
Distance from San Francisco: 75 miles east
How to get here: car
Best Time of Year: Spring, Summer, Fall
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $$
Calistoga, the northernmost town of Napa Valley, has been my almost yearly pilgrimage since I moved to San Francisco in the 1980s! No, not because of its location in gorgeous wine country, but because of its mud baths and hot springs.
In the 1860s, a wealthy man, Sam Brannan, wanted to make this town the Saratoga Springs, New York, of California. (Fun Fact: I went to college in Saratoga Springs!). The story is that he drank a lot of wine when he made this claim, and he said, “Calistoga of Sarafornia. ” Hence, the name Calistoga.
His original resort is my heaven — Indian Springs. Go to Indian Springs, take a mud bath, have a massage, and sit by the pool or stroll through the Petrified Forest. Then, enjoy delicious dining from a choice of many restaurants in town, go wine tasting, and shop at the great boutiques. This is a perfect day trip from San Francisco!
22. Old Sacramento
Distance from San Francisco: 86 miles east
How to get here: car, train
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $$
Why should you take a day trip to Old Sacramento from San Francisco? Not only is Sacramento the California State Capital, but it’s also a truly historic city along a river with all the things a big city should have — Museums, culture, basketball, and excellent food choices!
I recommend you head to Old Sacramento to experience the wild west along the Sacramento River, which is complete with a river boat restaurant and an exciting train museum. The very special and historic Crocker Art Museum and the History Museum will keep you really busy. You can also see the State Capital building and learn all about the Gold Rush era of 1849. You can take a train to Sacramento from the Montgomery station in San Francisco. What a great day trip from San Francisco!
23. Berkeley
Distance from San Francisco: 13 miles east
How to get here: car, train
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $$
Berkeley is worth a day trip from San Francisco for a myriad of reasons! It’s an easy trip on the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) train and offers a peek into what you’ve probably heard is one of the most progressive cities in California and possibly the country!
Berkeley is home to the oldest and finest of the universities in the state of California, UC Berkeley. Berkeley is famous for its protests and culture of free speech originating in the 1960’s. Visit Telegraph Avenue for fun boutiques, pizza and street vendors.
Check out the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive or see a concert at the famous outdoor Greek Theater, and visit the vast Tilden Park and its hundreds of hiking trails. The Lawrence Hall of Science is an excellent, hands-on museum that is fun for families to explore, or head to the Berkeley Marina for kite flying by the water.
A personal favorite is the University of California Botanical Garden with its collection of some very rare plants. Berkeley has no shortage of hip and fun restaurants and bars, but is probably best known for the famous Chez Panisse Restaurant, owned by the world renowned chef, Alice Waters.
The chic shopping on Fourth Street is worth the trip if you’re looking for some high-end boutiques and great food. Head to Berkeley for a great day trip from San Francisco!
24. Alameda
Distance from San Francisco: 13 miles east
How to get here: car, ferry
Best Time of Year: All Seasons
Family Friendly: Yes
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Day
Budget: $
I’ve added Alameda to this list, not just because it’s where I live, but because it is such a beautiful island with lots to do! Alameda is just across the bay from San Francisco. Take the ferry from the Ferry Building on Embarcadero to enjoy Crown Beach for a day of volleyball and windsurfing.
Or come for the “Spirits Alley” on the former Naval Base known as Alameda Point to enjoy local beers and wines along with some great restaurants. The views from the Base of the city skyline are spectacular.
Ride bikes on the great bike paths along the beach and onto Bay Farm Island. Come for a movie downtown at the historic Alameda Theater and shop and dine on Park Street or Webster Street.
Alameda also has some of the Bay Area’s most magnificent Victorian homes in the neighborhoods of the Gold Coast, if you enjoy architecture drives. And don’t miss the children’s visitor center at the Crab Cove Beach. Alameda is a delightful hidden gem day trip from San Francisco!
Getting Around San Francisco and the Bay Area
Like I said, for these day trips, you are best off with a rental car or joining a tour. But, if navigating public transportation is your thing, then here’s some info for you.
Rental Car
Consider a rental car for taking day trips out of the city.
The Ferry System
Check out the many ferry routes and schedules here at Golden Gate Ferry.
San Francisco’s Public Transportation System
BART, or the Bay Area Rapid Transit, is a rail system that takes people from the East Bay and Peninsula into and out of the city. It is used primarily by commuters.
MUNI, or the Municipal Transit Agency, includes buses, electric bus trolleys, light rail trains, cable cars, and street cars. Load the MuniMobile App to plan your route and pay for your tickets. A three-day visitor Pass on Muni Mobile is $31.
The Clipper Card is available for download on your phone, or you can purchase a physical card. The beauty of the Clipper Card is that it is good for ALL Bay Area transit – BART and Muni.
Uber and Lyft are San Francisco based companies, and are very popular choices for getting around. I recommend rideshare apps to avoid rental car fees, parking hassles and fees, and to save time, especially if traveling with a family or group. If you don’t have the apps on your phone yet, download now!
ARRO, YoTaxi SF, and FlyWheel are apps to load on your phone for taxi service. I have heard that they are more expensive and slower to respond than Uber or Lyft.
Waymo — You may be curious about autonomous cars as a way to get around San Francisco! Waymo’s driverless cars are available around the city. You need to load the app on your phone. They avoid the freeways, however, and the wait time for pick up is longer than Uber and Lyft. People love using Waymo. Just order the car about 20 minutes before you want to be picked up.
Final Thoughts
The San Francisco Bay Area is a treasure trove of incredible day trip destinations, each offering its own unique charm and experiences. From the serene redwoods of Muir Woods to the picturesque coastline of Big Sur, the historic streets of Old Sacramento to the wine-soaked valleys of Napa and Sonoma, there’s something for everyone just a short drive or ferry ride away.
Whether you’re craving nature, history, food, or adventure, these day trips are a perfect escape from the busy city. Plan your route, grab some car snacks, and get ready to explore the beauty beyond San Francisco’s iconic bridges. Your next road trip is waiting!
