33 Best Day Trips From San Francisco in 2023

San Francisco is a kind of magical cities – a bucket checklist vacation vacation spot in the US, assured to make you’re feeling like you’re stepping right into a film set. Whether heading to the curvy Lombard Street or museum hopping between the Palace of Fine Arts and California Academy of Science, there are lots of issues to do in San Francisco.

And whereas it doesn’t have a quaint downtown space, as a substitute having super-sized skyscrapers and a continuing buzz, San Fran is an thrilling place to go to. San Fran is a superb spot in Northern California, and we will see why you wish to go to a lot. So with all this thought of, why would you want to depart, even only for a day journey? These 33 best-day journeys from San Francisco will reply that for us.

33 Best Day Trips from San Francisco

If you’ve got greater than 72 hours in San Francisco, a day journey ought to undoubtedly be in your playing cards. The metropolis is ideally located to offer you a launchpad to discover the encompassing space. You may head off to the Santa Cruz Mountains or nip to the Golden Gate Bridge on an prolonged day journey. There are simply so many choices in terms of day-tripping from San Fran. These are your high 33 decisions.

1. Monterey

What do sardines and John Steinbeck have in frequent? Monterey is a coastal metropolis south of San Fran. Monterey is an ideal day journey from San Francisco, providing a extra compact really feel than its bigger neighbor. The metropolis is an image of coastal dwelling, with cutesy and ever-so-slightly-tacky reward outlets and loads of seafood eating places. Its finest points of interest are the well-known Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, at all times alive with over-the-water actions and cultural occasions.

At only a 2-hour drive every manner, it’s a undoubtedly possible day journey in the event you hire a automotive. You’ll be driving by the San Francisco Bay Area and have a decide and mixture of little waterfront cities and cities to select from as stop-off factors. This fairly little seaside spot is a perfect addition to an ocean lover’s itinerary and anybody who desires a little bit of tacky seafront dwelling for a day.

Make positive to take a look at our submit on the Best Things to do in Monterey for extra concepts.

Distance from San Francisco: 2-hour drive

2. Sonoma

Sonoma is a historic metropolis to day journey to and much more tempting for any wine lovers because it’s in the midst of the wine-tasting area of Sonoma Valley. Colonial buildings strew the historic downtown, and there’s even the Mission San Francisco Solano for some spiritual historical past. However, equally, there are over 10 wine-tasting homes inside strolling distance of town heart in the event you’d choose to take pleasure in some vino. Sonoma is the best mix between historical past and wine and a ravishing spot for a day journey. It is simply an hour’s drive north of San Fran or a 2.5-hour bus journey in the event you’d choose to have a drink whereas visiting.

Sonoma isn’t simply an grownup day journey both; town has Sonoma Train Town Railroad, an amusement park with a miniature prepare taking visitors to a mannequin city. You can rapidly flip this vacation spot right into a family-friendly day journey.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour’s drive or 2.5-hours by public transport

3. Sausalito

Sausalito is a dreamy seaside neighborhood and a vibrant spot for a day journey in the event you keep in San Fran for just a few days. The most spectacular a part of town is its neighborhood of floating houses and brightly coloured paintings. You go to Sausalito to admire it and simply stroll across the metropolis heart for a day. Its architectural and portray views are spectacular. As the icing on the cake, Sausalito additionally has lovely views of the San Francisco Bay Area and its iconic bridge. And in the event you fancy an journey, you possibly can catch the ferry throughout to go to.

San Francisco guests are probably day-tripping to the Golden Gate Bridge anyway, so Sausalito is the best detour. You can simply mix it with day journeys to the bridge and Golden Gate National Recreation Area, particularly if you wish to drop in for one thing to eat, as Sausalito has some wonderful waterfront eateries.

Distance from San Francisco: 30-minutes by ferry

4. Oakland

Sitting tucked in amongst numerous neighborhoods in East Bay, Oakland is the biggest East Bay metropolis in the San Francisco Bay Area. For many, it’s the ‘Brooklyn’ to San Fran’s ‘New York’ enchantment. The metropolis throughout the water is San Francisco’s good counterpart, providing a ravishing bridge and a extra stylish vibe. Oakland has road artwork murals, Victorian structure, artwork deco theaters, and a ton of eating places and bars. And the nightlife and hospitality scene is past thriving.

You can catch the ferry on to Jack London Square, a considerable glitzy marina with a ravishing waterfront promenade. If you need someplace you possibly can go to utilizing public transport on a day journey from San Fran metropolis heart, Oakland is right. No automotive is important.

Distance from San Francisco: 13-minutes by ferry

5. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a day journey that seems on nearly each itinerary for San Fran. But don’t let its mainstream attract put you off. This infamous jail was as soon as dwelling to a few of the most feared criminals in US historical past, together with Al Capone. Surrounded by fierce waves, rumored sharks, and intense surveillance, escape from this island jail was close to unimaginable and nearly at all times deadly. Luckily, this jail is retired from responsibility and is now accessible as a vacationer vacation spot and interesting museum. Just leap on an everyday ferry, and also you’ll be capable of discover – guided by an info-packed audio information,

The ferry takes lower than an hour, and also you’ll journey parallel to the Golden Gate, so count on good views. Tickets are a bit of expensive for the day tour ferry, entrance, and audio tour, totaling round $35+ per individual. However, the expertise is nicely price it. Alcatraz Island is infamous and completely well-known in felony historical past.

Distance from San Francisco: 1-hour

6. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a surprising lake break up in half by the Nevada and California border. As the biggest alpine lake in North America, it’s a raging hotspot for watersports from spring to fall. While in winter, the mountains that again the lake grow to be extremely wanted for snowboarding and snowboarding. There are so many issues to do in Lake Tahoe, particularly in the event you love outside actions. For a day of snowboarding or watersports, Lake Tahoe is a agency favourite of San Fran’s day journey choices. And in the event you fancy a flutter with playing, it’s one of the crucial accessible locations to cross the Nevada border to achieve authorized casinos.

Lake Tahoe is 3.5 hours away from San Fran by automotive, reducing by Sacramento and Tahoe National Forest or Eldorado National Forest. If you possibly can insure a number of drivers on a rental automotive, this can be a possible day journey once you rotate driving time between folks. And in the event you set off early sufficient, you’ll be capable of take pleasure in a full day of outside actions.

Distance from San Francisco: 3.5-hours by automotive

7. Berkeley

Berkeley is a hub of schooling and educational status. So in the event you fancy visiting one of the crucial prestigious houses of schooling in the US, this can be a good day journey from San Francisco metropolis heart. As you’d count on, there are lots of museums in Berkeley, together with the Berkeley Natural History Museum and Lawrence Hall of Science. Berkeley Art Museum can also be nicely price a go to, and there are some lovely parks the place you possibly can decide up a ebook and embrace your internal academia. The metropolis is stuffed with tradition and an underrated day journey from San Fran. Berkeley is for you in the event you fancy experiencing a few of the educational aesthetic but venturing off the crushed path.

Berkeley can also be straightforward to go to from San Fran, taking simply 20 minutes by automotive or 45 minutes by public transport. Easy.

Distance from San Francisco: 20-minutes by automotive or 45-minutes by public transport

8. Reno

Reno is one other cross-border possibility and a superb likelihood to enterprise into Nevada whereas staying in San Fran. Who wouldn’t wish to squeeze two states into one journey? And by automotive, Reno is likely one of the closest locations in Nevada, taking simply 3.5 hours to achieve a method. If you’ve got somebody to share the driving with, you possibly can simply rotate driving time and squeeze a visit to Reno into your itinerary.

Enough on that, although; why do you have to truly go to in the primary place? First, it has the nickname ‘the biggest little city in the world,’ which is an appreciative nod to its assortment of points of interest. These points of interest embrace the Nevada Museum of Art, the National Automobile Museum, and the Fleischmann Planetarium. Reno can also be thought of a extra budget-friendly various to Vegas, so in the event you fancy a day journey of partying (no alcohol included until you decide a delegated river), it’s preferrred. We have a complete information devoted to the perfect issues to do in Reno!

Distance from San Francisco: 3.5 hours by automotive one-way

9. Turtle Bay Exploration Park

The 300-acre Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a ravishing not-for-profit day-tripping spot. You’ll be surrounded by forest and scenic river trails, however with the choice for indoor points of interest as nicely. The park has a museum, botanical backyard, wildlife heart, and forest camp. If you fancy a day journey with all the pieces in one place, Turtle Bay Exploration Park has all of the comfort of various points of interest and actions in one spot. It is a comparatively prolonged 3-hour and 20-minute drive from San Fran, but the quantity of issues to do in the park justifies the journey. You pay a single entrance charge and get entry to all the pieces.

If you’ve got a couple of individual insured in your rental automotive, we’d recommend driving to Turtle Bay Exploration Park by way of Sacramento. Sacramento makes a superb stopover level. This drive is a bit longer at 4 hours, however combining two points of interest in one journey is nicely price it.

Distance from San Francisco: 3-4 hours relying in your route

10. Big Sur

If you’ve already researched the perfect street journeys from San Francisco, you’ll know all about Big Sur. This stretch of central Californian shoreline is likely one of the most dramatic drives you can also make in the US, with highways cuts into the cliffside overlooking seaside after seaside and skipping between coastal cities. If you possibly can hack it, the 4.5-hour drive to the Big Sur Lookout is likely one of the hottest day journey locations. You’ll be taking a look at a 9-hour spherical journey, however the dramatic views will make all of it worthwhile. Skirting the elegant fringe of the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, you’ll be passing probably the most scenic surroundings in the state.

The finest issues to do en route are visiting Gamboa Point, Bixby Creek Bridge, and mountain climbing the Partington Cove path. Henry Miller Memorial Library is one other good attraction on the best way, with common readings and dwell music on the creator’s outdated residence.

Distance from San Francisco: 4.5 hours by automotive

11. Drive the Skyline Boulevard to the Silicon Valley Vista Point

Skyline Boulevard is probably the most scenic drive from the San Fran metropolis heart. For anybody, a bit of delay by the size of a street journey to Big Sur, Skyline Boulevard is the most suitable choice and is only a 2-hour spherical journey – a lot simpler than 9 hours straight on the street. Attractions alongside the best way embrace Pulgas Water Temple, Filoli Historic House & Garden, and tons of nature preserves. You’ll be hopping in and out and seeing many alternative issues. Finishing on the famend Silicon Valley Vista Point, this mini street journey is a bitesize introduction to the character surrounding San Francisco.

Take benefit of a street journey expertise in northern California. California is the state of all street journeys, so it’s thrilling to hire a automotive and work some wheels. This is a high San Fran day journey if you need an entry-level street journey expertise.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automotive

12. Sebastopol

Sebastopol is likely one of the most unusually named day journeys from San Francisco. Some say its identify originated from a bar struggle likened to a siege in the Crimean War, however actually, it’s a little bit of a thriller. Another declare to fame it has internationally is being a movie set location in 13 Reasons Why – an enormous Netflix hit in current years. It is a metropolis for vacationers to benefit from the wine tasting in Sonoma Valley and quirky points of interest like Florence Avenue’s Trash Art and the West Country Museum. Walkable and filled with character, it is a wonderful various to extra mainstream Sonoma.

Sebastopol is an hour and quarter-hour drive from San Fran or 2.5 hours by public transport. This day journey is definitely squeezed right into a half or full-day expertise

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour and quarter-hour by automotive or 2.5 hours by public transport.

13. Pescadero

This tiny city south of San Fran is someplace you in all probability wouldn’t even suppose to hover over on a map, not to mention manage as considered one of your day journeys. So, what precisely makes this spot so distinctive? Aside from the much-loved Duarte’s Tavern (a neighborhood vibrant pink restaurant), the city’s entry to the Sequoia Audubon Trail attracts probably the most guests. This path is flat and straightforward to handle, even with younger kids, nevertheless it has unequalled chook watching and delightful tide swimming pools. There are different close by trails, together with Pescadero Marsh Trail and a hike to the Historic Nunziati Trout Ponds. Pescadero is about in a few of the most lovely but lesser-visited nature preserves and has some traditional surroundings.

It’s a easy drive an hour south of town to get there. This is likely one of the shortest day journeys from San Fran, and whilst you’ll want a automotive, reserving a rental for a day is straightforward.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automotive

14. Santa Cruz

Everyone has heard of Santa Cruz. We’ll maintain our palms up and say that it’s best to ebook an in a single day keep to get probably the most out of your go to. But in the event you solely have a day journey, you possibly can condense your journey into just some actions. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the spotlight, and this amusement park has some improbable rides dotted alongside its mile of sandy seaside. For a carefree coastal getaway, Santa Cruz actually hits the spot. Remember to go to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, one of many quirkiest points of interest close to San Fran.

Just 1.5 hours away from San Fran by automotive, Santa Cruz is a simple day journey logistics-wise. While in the event you do have to take public transport, it’s nonetheless possible as only a 2.5-hour journey.

Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours by automotive or 2.5 hours by public transport

15. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a spot of actual magnificence with many fabulous points of interest inside park boundaries. These points of interest embrace Sea Lion Cove, the place you possibly can admire a great deal of sunbathing sea lions from a ravishing vantage level. If you desire a nature reserve that provides extra encounter-like experiences, Point Lobos offers extra than simply nature trails. Other animals you possibly can spot are sea otters and seals – Point Lobos is like an moral free-range zoo. Bring binoculars and a digicam and luxuriate in a full time out amongst wildlife.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is only a 2-hour and 20-minute drive from San Fran. This is a possible and fulfilling day journey possibility, particularly in the event you love animals and having wild encounters.

Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours and 20 minutes by automotive

16. Los Gatos

Los Gatos is likely one of the shortest day journeys from San Francisco. Named ‘the cats’ after the bobcats that after skirted the outskirts of the Bay Area, Los Gatos is a last outpost earlier than suburbia reaches the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. It is a pleasing space to discover on foot, with Vasona Lake County Park, a handful of wineries, and plenty of Victorian-era houses and structure. In brief, Los Gatos is a lesser-visited day journey for vacationers and an unbelievable hybrid of classy and purely healthful. Los Gatos is that spot if you wish to take aesthetic images and seize a espresso at a family-friendly cafe.

Just an hour away from San Fran by automotive, this is likely one of the most handy day journeys from town heart. You’ll probably should drive, however organizing with many rental automotive firms remains to be manageable.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automotive

17. San Jose

San Jose is cool, and there’s no level denying it. The metropolis is called a hub of know-how and growth. While it was dwelling to the world’s first radio broadcasting station, it continues to offer cutting-edge tech developments. You may also go to the primary broadcasting station, and Mount Hamilton has the world’s third-largest optical refracting telescope on show. Of course, you’ll wish to go to Silicon Valley. The historic downtown space has different points of interest, too, although, like Winchester Mystery House. There are so many issues to do in San Jose.

Aside from all its points of interest, San Jose is only a brief drive from San Fran. You could be in town heart in half-hour in the event you drive – which is good day journey journey time in this information.

Distance from San Francisco: half-hour by automotive or an hour by prepare

18. Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Fancy going horseback driving or mountain climbing throughout a 1,400-acre reserve with big redwood timber? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is an unbelievable day journey from San Fran. There are 6 miles of mountain climbing and horseback driving trails, and also you’ll be mountain climbing or driving by fir and redwood forests. Of course, today journey attracts horseback riders and nature lovers. However, seeing redwood timber on a day journey from San Francisco can also be preferrred. It is the one of many closest redwood websites to San Fran metropolis heart and could be reached in simply 1 hour by automotive – dreamy.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automotive

19. Mount Tamalpais State Park

Mount Tamalpais State Park proves that you simply don’t want nationwide parks to have a improbable time in nature. State parks are the subsequent neatest thing, and generally, even higher. When visiting San Francisco, Mount Tamalpais State Park has beautiful redwood groves and a 2,571-foot mountain with panoramic views. Mount Tamalpais State Park has mountain climbing and biking trails and is a agency favourite for outside exploration from San Francisco. If you like mountain climbing trails, get your mountain climbing boots and head off for a full day of pleasure.

Mount Tamalpais State Park is only a 50-minute drive away. It is finest for many who need ridge and mountain walks as, whereas it does have some redwoods, they’re few and much between.

Distance from San Francisco: 50 minutes by automotive or 1 hour 40 minutes by public transport

20. Sierra Nevada Mountains

The Sierra Nevada Mountains are one of the crucial ‘wow’ day journeys from San Francisco. The mountain vary extends over 250 miles and stretches to Los Angeles, the place you’ll discover the best mountains. The mountains are well-known as an enormous space with loads of sub-sections, together with nationwide parks like Yosemite. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are the place to move on a day journey from San Francisco for an final mountain climbing, mountain biking, or climbing tour. You can ebook a guided tour or simply head there your self by renting a automotive.

Where you go to in the Sierra Nevada Mountains depends upon your preferences, as totally different areas have totally different actions and advantages. As a common rule, enable a minimum of 4 hours one strategy to drive to the mountain vary’s hottest locations. And ebook an organized tour to keep away from spending hours driving.

Distance from San Francisco: 4 hours by automotive

21. Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore is not at all a measly-sized protect. The park is a whopping 71,000 acres in measurement and is only a 2-hour drive from San Francisco. It’s good it’s so shut as a result of you might return simply to see belongings you missed out on the primary time. Point Reyes National Seashore is dwelling to an enormous colony of elephant seals. It is likely one of the finest wildlife recognizing websites close to San Francisco.

Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automotive

22. Yosemite National Park

You will certainly already know Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is nicely price a protracted journey day, however in all probability not a lot in the event you drive. The journey from San Francisco to the primary customer heart is almost 5 hours by automotive, which is difficult, even by US requirements, the place all the pieces is much aside.

There’s a simple manner round that, although: to ebook a guided tour. This manner, you’ll take pleasure in all of the highlights like Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome with out pushing your self an excessive amount of whereas driving. Some could name you loopy, however we are saying the world belongs to the courageous.

Distance from San Francisco: 5 hours by automotive

23. Steep Ravine Trail

For these with a way of journey and wanting a mountain climbing path so different it seems like an impediment course, Steep Ravine Trail in Mount Tamalpais State Park is the best way ahead. You’ll traverse all the pieces from picket bridges to rough-cut ladders and previous windy waterfall-side paths. And the entire time, you’ll have gorgeous old-growth redwoods to maintain you content material with atmospheric backdrops. This 1.5-mile path is a ravishing strategy to spend an hour or two.

Distance from San Francisco: 55 minutes by automotive or 2.5 hours by public transport

24. Stinson Beach

Stinson Beach is gorgeous, one of many finest seashores in California for pure magnificence. The seaside snakes alongside a dramatic peninsula, backed by a same-name down with candy native outlets, together with a surf and kayak rental retailer. Regarding seaside days, Stinson Beach is probably the most spacious possibility and a extremely handy selection – simply an hour away by automotive. Its waves get fairly uneven, so it’s undoubtedly extra of a surfer spot than a swimming spot, nevertheless it’s good for surfers or seaside bums.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automotive or 2 hours by public transport

25. Angel Island State Park

You can’t beat a go to to Angel Island State Park for the perfect views of the San Francisco skyline. This ferry-accessible island is likely one of the high day journeys from San Francisco. It is roofed in mountain climbing and biking trails, with only one essential street looping the island’s circumference. Landing on the essential ferry touchdown, hire a motorbike, and also you’ll be capable of discover in half a day. Treat your self to a snack on the Angel Island Cafe if you end up finished, and cease at seashores and the Fort McDowell ruins alongside your manner.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour and 20 minutes by public transport (together with a 45-minute ferry)

26. Carmel by the Sea

Carmel by the Sea is finest identified for fairytale cottages and underwater experiences. Despite its metropolis standing, it has a seaside city vibe, and the cottages sprinkled all through town give it a whimsical really feel at random turns. The most well-known cottages are the Hansel and Gretel Cottages on Torres Street. However, you possibly can spend hours happening a seek for the prettiest. And once you aren’t doing that, there’s the white sand seaside and native outlets to take pleasure in.

There are many extra issues to do in Carmel by the Sea, so take a look at our information on the perfect actions for correct inspiration. Despite being 2 hours from San Fran by automotive, Carmel by the Sea is likely one of the finest day journeys for a seaside day with a fairytale twist.

Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automotive

27. Natural Bridges State Beach

Natural Bridges State Beach is a ravishing spot for a novelty seaside day with, you guessed it, pure bridges constituted of its rock formations. At low tide, you possibly can rise up shut to those formations. But Natural Bridges State Beach can also be a improbable day journey for wildlife watching – with possibilities of recognizing whales, starfish, butterflies, numerous sea birds, and cute little seals. Definitely plan to go rock pooling (another excuse to go to at low tide) and produce a digicam to doc your encounters.

Natural Bridges State Beach is a enjoyable day journey with a little bit of a wildlife-watching twist; even David Attenborough can be happy with you for today journey from San Francisco.

Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours from San Francisco

28. Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument is a big forest well-known for its big redwoods. Who doesn’t love redwoods? And at this park, you possibly can spot them in their tons of. Stop by the customer heart for some additional info and steerage on the perfect routes and sights. There are some great mountain climbing trails, with some routes even appropriate for strollers.

At simply 45 minutes away from San Fran by automotive, Muir Woods National Monument is a simple day journey to arrange. You’ll even drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, which is completely dream-worthy.

Distance from San Francisco: 45 minutes by automotive or 2 hours by public transport

29. Napa Valley

Napa Valley is adjoining to Sonoma Valley and a rival for wineries. The rolling hills are well-known for winery excursions on horseback, and you may normally spot a sizzling air balloon journey overhead. Napa Valley is nicely price a go to, and you may ebook organized wine excursions to take advantage of the expertise. The last item you want is a DUI, so play your playing cards proper and take the switch possibility.

What is the distinction between Sonoma and Napa? Napa Valley is a bit more unique and so pricier. It is the luxe possibility. And at about 1.5 hours away from San Francisco by automotive, not far in terms of day journeys.

Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours

30. Castle Rock State Park

Castle Rock State Park is likely one of the finest day journeys from San Francisco if you need a 5,242-acre park of mountain climbing trails, dramatic sandstone climbing alternatives, and loads of forests – together with redwood timber. The park is simply outdoors the ever-so-popular Los Gatos and is a simple drive from San Fran. You can take a look at one of many essential mountain climbing routes or attempt some climbing in case you are skilled sufficient and have the gear. For a enjoyable problem, it’s a scenic place and a strategy to escape town heart.

Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours by automotive

31. Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge could be one of the crucial well-liked issues to do in town. In truth, photographing Golden Gate Bridge is what most individuals prioritize when visiting. The iconic Art Deco suspension bridge is a attribute vibrant pink shade and spans 4,200 toes. To make a day journey out of it, you possibly can stroll, cycle, or drive throughout – ideally do all three. Walking is finest in the event you can stroll for 20 minutes in generally windy situations. It is likely one of the finest mountain climbing trails in and round San Francisco, and in case you are fortunate, you possibly can usually see whales from the bridge.

Getting to the Golden Gate Bridge takes simply 50 minutes from San Fran metropolis heart by public transport or 20 minutes by automotive. However, we’ve added it on as a day journey since you ought to enable a minimum of half-hour to stroll throughout the bridge whereas taking images and one other 20 minutes to move as much as one of many viewpoints. If you resolve to stroll again, you’ll quickly spend over half a day on this attraction. And that’s with out exploring Marin Headlands.

Distance from San Francisco: 20 minutes by automotive or 50 minutes by public transport

32. Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is one other agency favourite for unbelievable day journeys from San Francisco. The small metropolis appears unassuming however is dwelling to a few of the most lovely seashores in the area. Its string of sandy seashores is linked by the California Coastal trailhead. This gorgeous hike spans 1,200 miles however could be accomplished in a manageable snippet. If you go to Half Moon Bay and fancy a coastal stroll, attempt the California Coastal trailhead by Manhattan Beach to Pillar Point Beach. This 2.5-hour hike is way more appropriate for a day journey and can showcase the perfect of town’s seashores.

Getting to Half Moon Bay is a simple 45 minutes by automotive. You simply head south alongside the Cabrillo Highway, and voila, Half Moon Bay rears its lovely head.

Distance from San Francisco: 45 minutes by automotive

33. Santa Cruz Mountains

The Santa Cruz Mountains are our last addition to this information and simply among the finest day journeys from San Francisco. The mountain vary stretches from the city areas south of San Jose – like Los Gatos – and down in direction of Monterey Bay. The Santa Cruz Mountains will likely be dreamy in the event you like serene pure environments. The vary has a heavy scattering of gorgeous redwood timber, solely briefly damaged up by cleared land for wineries or the odd mountain climbing path. You can discover on foot or by mountain bike; the selection is yours.

The mountains are 1 hour and 40 minutes away from town heart of San Fran, so a simple drive in the event you hire a automotive. Plus, the route takes you previous stylish Los Gatos and the scenic coastal cities alongside San Francisco Bay. The Santa Cruz Mountains have been a particular winner in the nice open air for a while.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour and 40 minutes by automotive

Best Day Trips from San Francisco: FAQs

How fabulous do these 33-day journey concepts look? Your choices are excitingly infinite when you have just a few days or extra in San Fran. You could possibly be admiring redwoods, visiting island prisons, or driving horseback by rolling hills earlier than wine tasting. Before you select any of these unbelievable actions, although, take a look at these high FAQs.

What is a day journey from San Francisco?

There are over 30 well-liked day journeys from San Francisco, together with Napa Valley, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Muir Woods National Monument.

What different locations to go to close to San Francisco?

You may go to Carmel by the Sea, Napa Valley, Yosemite National Park, Angel Island, or Point Reyes National Seashore.

Can you do a day journey to Lake Tahoe from San Francisco?

Yes, Lake Tahoe is a possible day journey from San Francisco. However, we’d advocate staying in a single day as there’s a lot to do.

Where can I journey for at some point?

There are greater than 30 locations close to San Francisco that you possibly can journey to for a day, together with Angel Island, San Jose, and Mount Tamalpais State Park.

To Conclude

San Fran is right for sightseeing and exploring totally different points of interest. However, as you possibly can see, it’s price branching out with day journeys. You may head to a nature protect (preserve your eyes out for native animals just like the San Francisco garter snake) or head to an amusement park overlooking a sandy seaside. You may even swap issues up solely with a go to to a special metropolis, like San Jose. Anyone visiting San Francisco ought to severely think about taking a day journey – particularly in the event that they keep in town for greater than 72 hours.

Regarding the place to remain in San Francisco, you’ll be thrilled with the variety of boutique motels and scenic neighborhoods. San Fran is our bread and butter, so take a look at our present sources to bag the suitable place for you. Accommodation and neighborhood are two massively influential elements that may actually form your journey, so bear in mind to analysis them too, not simply day journeys on your itinerary.