San Francisco is a type of magical cities – a bucket record vacation vacation spot within the US, assured to make you are feeling like you might be stepping right into a film set. Whether or not heading to the curvy Lombard Avenue or museum hopping between the Palace of High-quality Arts and California Academy of Science, there are various 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 relentless buzz, San Fran is an thrilling place to go to. San Fran is an excellent spot in Northern California, and we will see why you need to go to a lot. So with all this thought-about, why would you want to go away, even only for a day journey? These 33 best-day journeys from San Francisco will reply that for us.

33 Greatest Day Journeys from San Francisco

When you’ve got greater than 72 hours in San Francisco, a day journey ought to positively be in your playing cards. The town is ideally located to give you a launchpad to discover the encompassing space. You possibly can 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 on the subject of day-tripping from San Fran. These are your high 33 selections.

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 town is an image of coastal dwelling, with cutesy and ever-so-slightly-tacky present outlets and loads of seafood eating places. Its finest points of interest are the well-known Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Outdated Fisherman’s Wharf, all the time alive with over-the-water actions and cultural occasions.

At only a 2-hour drive every approach, it’s a positively possible day journey in case you hire a automotive. You’ll be driving by means of the San Francisco Bay Space and have a choose and mixture of little waterfront cities and cities to select from as stop-off factors. This beautiful 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.

Ensure to take a look at our submit on the Greatest Issues 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 within 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. Nevertheless, equally, there are over 10 wine-tasting homes inside strolling distance of town heart in case you’d want to get pleasure from some vino. Sonoma is the perfect mix between historical past and wine and a wonderful spot for a day journey. It’s simply an hour’s drive north of San Fran or a 2.5-hour bus experience in case you’d want to have a drink whereas visiting.

Sonoma isn’t simply an grownup day journey both; town has Sonoma Practice City Railroad, an amusement park with a miniature prepare taking friends to a mannequin city. You possibly can shortly 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 seashore neighborhood and a vibrant spot for a day journey in case you keep in San Fran for a couple of days. Essentially the most spectacular a part of town is its neighborhood of floating properties 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. Because the icing on the cake, Sausalito additionally has lovely views of the San Francisco Bay Space and its iconic bridge. And in case you fancy an journey, you may 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 possibly can simply mix it with day journeys to the bridge and Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space, particularly if you wish to drop in for one thing to eat, as Sausalito has some glorious waterfront eateries.

Distance from San Francisco: 30-minutes by ferry

4. Oakland

Sitting tucked in amongst numerous neighborhoods in East Bay, Oakland is the most important East Bay metropolis within the San Francisco Bay Space. For a lot of, it’s the ‘Brooklyn’ to San Fran’s ‘New York’ attraction. The town throughout the water is San Francisco’s excellent counterpart, providing a wonderful 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 possibly can catch the ferry on to Jack London Sq., a considerable glitzy marina with a wonderful waterfront promenade. If you’d like someplace you may go to utilizing public transport on a day journey from San Fran metropolis heart, Oakland is right. No automotive is critical.

Distance from San Francisco: 13-minutes by ferry

5. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a day journey that seems on virtually each itinerary for San Fran. However don’t let its mainstream attract put you off. This infamous jail was as soon as residence to a number 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 not possible and virtually all the time deadly. Fortunately, this jail is retired from obligation and is now accessible as a vacationer vacation spot and interesting museum. Simply bounce 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 sensible views. Tickets are a bit dear for the day tour ferry, entrance, and audio tour, totaling round $35+ per individual. Nevertheless, the expertise is effectively price it. Alcatraz Island is infamous and completely well-known in legal historical past.

Distance from San Francisco: 1-hour

6. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a shocking lake cut up in half by the Nevada and California border. As the most important alpine lake in North America, it’s a raging hotspot for watersports from spring to fall. Whereas in winter, the mountains that again the lake grow to be extremely wanted for snowboarding and snowboarding. There are such a lot of issues to do in Lake Tahoe, particularly in case 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 case 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, slicing by means of Sacramento and Tahoe Nationwide Forest or Eldorado Nationwide Forest. In the event you can insure a number of drivers on a rental automotive, this can be a possible day journey if you rotate driving time between individuals. And in case you set off early sufficient, you’ll be capable of get pleasure from a full day of out of doors actions.

Distance from San Francisco: 3.5-hours by automotive

7. Berkeley

Berkeley is a hub of schooling and educational status. So in case you fancy visiting one of the crucial prestigious properties of schooling within the US, this can be a excellent day journey from San Francisco metropolis heart. As you’ll count on, there are various museums in Berkeley, together with the Berkeley Pure Historical past Museum and Lawrence Corridor of Science. Berkeley Artwork Museum can also be effectively price a go to, and there are some lovely parks the place you may choose up a e-book and embrace your inside academia. The town is stuffed with tradition and an underrated day journey from San Fran. Berkeley is for you in case you fancy experiencing a number of the educational aesthetic but venturing off the overwhelmed path.

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

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

8. Reno

Reno is one other cross-border choice and a superb likelihood to enterprise into Nevada whereas staying in San Fran. Who wouldn’t need to squeeze two states into one journey? And by automotive, Reno is among the closest locations in Nevada, taking simply 3.5 hours to achieve a technique. When you’ve got somebody to share the driving with, you may simply rotate driving time and squeeze a visit to Reno into your itinerary.

Sufficient on that, although; why do you have to truly go to within the first place? First, it has the nickname ‘the largest little metropolis on the earth,’ which is an appreciative nod to its assortment of points of interest. These points of interest embrace the Nevada Museum of Artwork, the Nationwide Car Museum, and the Fleischmann Planetarium. Reno can also be thought-about a extra budget-friendly various to Vegas, so in case you fancy a day journey of partying (no alcohol included except you choose a delegated river), it’s perfect. Now 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 wonderful 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 effectively. The park has a museum, botanical backyard, wildlife heart, and forest camp. In the event you fancy a day journey with every little thing in a single place, Turtle Bay Exploration Park has all of the comfort of various points of interest and actions in a single spot. It’s a comparatively prolonged 3-hour and 20-minute drive from San Fran, but the quantity of issues to do within the park justifies the journey. You pay a single entrance price and get entry to every little thing.

When you’ve got multiple individual insured in your rental automotive, we’d recommend driving to Turtle Bay Exploration Park through Sacramento. Sacramento makes a wonderful stopover level. This drive is a bit longer at 4 hours, however combining two points of interest in a single journey is effectively price it.

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

10. Huge Sur

In the event you’ve already researched the perfect highway journeys from San Francisco, you’ll know all about Huge Sur. This stretch of central Californian shoreline is among the most dramatic drives you can also make within the US, with highways cuts into the cliffside overlooking seashore after seashore and skipping between coastal cities. In the event you can hack it, the 4.5-hour drive to the Huge Sur Lookout is among 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 chic fringe of the Pfeiffer Huge Sur State Park, you’ll be passing probably the most scenic surroundings within the state.

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

Distance from San Francisco: 4.5 hours by automotive

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

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

Make the most of a highway journey expertise in northern California. California is the state of all highway journeys, so it’s thrilling to hire a automotive and work some wheels. This can be a high San Fran day journey if you would like an entry-level highway journey expertise.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automotive

12. Sebastopol

Sebastopol is among the most unusually named day journeys from San Francisco. Some say its title originated from a bar battle likened to a siege within the Crimean Conflict, however actually, it’s a little bit of a thriller. One other declare to fame it has internationally is being a movie set location in 13 Causes Why – an enormous Netflix hit lately. It’s a metropolis for vacationers to benefit from the wine tasting in Sonoma Valley and quirky points of interest like Florence Avenue’s Trash Artwork and the West Nation Museum. Walkable and stuffed 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. Today journey is well 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 most likely wouldn’t even assume 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? Apart from the much-loved Duarte’s Tavern (a neighborhood vibrant pink restaurant), the city’s entry to the Sequoia Audubon Path attracts probably the most guests. This path is flat and straightforward to handle, even with younger kids, nevertheless it has unequalled chicken watching and delightful tide swimming pools. There are different close by trails, together with Pescadero Marsh Path and a hike to the Historic Nunziati Trout Ponds. Pescadero is ready in a number 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 among the shortest day journeys from San Fran, and when you’ll want a automotive, reserving a rental for a day is simple.

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automotive

14. Santa Cruz

Everybody has heard of Santa Cruz. We’ll maintain our fingers up and say that you need to e-book an in a single day keep to get probably the most out of your go to. However in case you solely have a day journey, you may condense your journey into only a few actions. The Santa Cruz Seashore Boardwalk is the spotlight, and this amusement park has some unbelievable rides dotted alongside its mile of sandy seashore. For a carefree coastal getaway, Santa Cruz actually hits the spot. Bear in mind to go to the Santa Cruz Browsing Museum, one of many quirkiest points of interest close to San Fran.

Simply 1.5 hours away from San Fran by automotive, Santa Cruz is a straightforward day journey logistics-wise. Whereas in case you do must 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. Level Lobos State Pure Reserve

Level Lobos State Pure 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 may admire a great deal of sunbathing sea lions from a wonderful vantage level. If you’d like a nature reserve that provides extra encounter-like experiences, Level Lobos offers extra than simply nature trails. Different animals you may spot are sea otters and seals – Level Lobos is like an moral free-range zoo. Deliver binoculars and a digicam and revel in a full day trip amongst wildlife.

Level Lobos State Pure Reserve is only a 2-hour and 20-minute drive from San Fran. This can be a possible and gratifying day journey choice, particularly in case you love animals and having wild encounters.

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

16. Los Gatos

Los Gatos is among the shortest day journeys from San Francisco. Named ‘the cats’ after the bobcats that after skirted the outskirts of the Bay Space, Los Gatos is a remaining outpost earlier than suburbia reaches the Sierra Azul Open House Protect. It’s a nice space to discover on foot, with Vasona Lake County Park, a handful of wineries, and plenty of Victorian-era properties and structure. Briefly, Los Gatos is a lesser-visited day journey for vacationers and an unimaginable hybrid of stylish and purely healthful. Los Gatos is that spot if you wish to take aesthetic pictures and seize a espresso at a family-friendly cafe.

Simply an hour away from San Fran by automotive, this is among the most handy day journeys from town heart. You’ll probably must 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 town is called a hub of know-how and growth. Whereas it was residence to the world’s first radio broadcasting station, it continues to supply 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. In fact, you’ll need to go to Silicon Valley. The historic downtown space has different points of interest, too, although, like Winchester Thriller Home. There are such a lot of issues to do in San Jose.

Apart from all its points of interest, San Jose is only a quick drive from San Fran. You could be within the metropolis heart in half-hour in case you drive – which is sensible day journey journey time on this information.

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

18. Bear Creek Redwoods Open House Protect

Fancy going horseback using or mountain climbing throughout a 1,400-acre reserve with large redwood timber? Bear Creek Redwoods Open House Protect is an unimaginable day journey from San Fran. There are 6 miles of mountain climbing and horseback using trails, and also you’ll be mountain climbing or using by means of fir and redwood forests. In fact, at the present time journey attracts horseback riders and nature lovers. Nevertheless, seeing redwood timber on a day journey from San Francisco can also be perfect. It’s 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 just don’t want nationwide parks to have a unbelievable time in nature. State parks are the following smartest thing, and typically, 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. In the event you love 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’s best 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 go on a day journey from San Francisco for an final mountain climbing, mountain biking, or climbing tour. You possibly can e-book a guided tour or simply head there your self by renting a automotive.

The place you go to within the Sierra Nevada Mountains is determined by your preferences, as completely different areas have completely different actions and advantages. As a normal rule, permit at the very least 4 hours one technique to drive to the mountain vary’s hottest locations. And e-book an organized tour to keep away from spending hours driving.

Distance from San Francisco: 4 hours by automotive

21. Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore

Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is under no circumstances a measly-sized protect. The park is a whopping 71,000 acres in dimension and is only a 2-hour drive from San Francisco. It’s good it’s so shut as a result of you could return simply to see belongings you missed out on the primary time. Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is residence to an enormous colony of elephant seals. It is among the finest wildlife recognizing websites close to San Francisco.

Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automotive

22. Yosemite Nationwide Park

You’ll positively already know Yosemite Nationwide Park. Yosemite is effectively price an extended journey day, however most likely not a lot in case you drive. The journey from San Francisco to the primary customer heart is sort of 5 hours by automotive, which is difficult, even by US requirements, the place every little thing is way aside.

There’s a straightforward approach round that, although: to e-book a guided tour. This manner, you’ll get pleasure from all of the highlights like Glacier Level, 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 Path

For these with a way of journey and wanting a mountain climbing path so various it looks like an impediment course, Steep Ravine Path in Mount Tamalpais State Park is the best way ahead. You’ll traverse every little thing from wood 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 wonderful technique to spend an hour or two.

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

24. Stinson Seashore

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

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

25. Angel Island State Park

You possibly 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 among the high day journeys from San Francisco. It’s coated in mountain climbing and biking trails, with only one major highway looping the island’s circumference. Touchdown on the major ferry touchdown, hire a motorcycle, and also you’ll be capable of discover in half a day. Deal with your self to a snack on the Angel Island Cafe if you find yourself achieved, and cease at seashores and the Fort McDowell ruins alongside your approach.

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. Regardless of 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. Essentially the most well-known cottages are the Hansel and Gretel Cottages on Torres Avenue. Nevertheless, you possibly can spend hours happening a seek for the prettiest. And if you aren’t doing that, there’s the white sand seashore and native outlets to get pleasure from.

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

Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automotive

27. Pure Bridges State Seashore

Pure Bridges State Seashore is a wonderful spot for a novelty seashore day with, you guessed it, pure bridges comprised of its rock formations. At low tide, you may rise up shut to those formations. However Pure Bridges State Seashore can also be a unbelievable day journey for wildlife watching – with probabilities of recognizing whales, starfish, butterflies, numerous sea birds, and cute little seals. Undoubtedly plan to go rock pooling (one more reason to go to at low tide) and convey a digicam to doc your encounters.

Pure Bridges State Seashore is a enjoyable day journey with a little bit of a wildlife-watching twist; even David Attenborough could be pleased with you for at the present time journey from San Francisco.

Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours from San Francisco

28. Muir Woods Nationwide Monument

Muir Woods Nationwide Monument is a big forest well-known for its large redwoods. Who doesn’t love redwoods? And at this park, you may spot them of their lots of. Cease by the customer heart for some additional data and steering 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 Nationwide Monument is a straightforward 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 scorching air balloon experience overhead. Napa Valley is effectively price a go to, and you may e-book organized wine excursions to take advantage of the expertise. The very last thing you want is a DUI, so play your playing cards proper and take the switch choice.

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

Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours

30. Fort Rock State Park

Fort Rock State Park is among the finest day journeys from San Francisco if you would like 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 straightforward drive from San Fran. You possibly can take a look at one of many major mountain climbing routes or strive some climbing in case you are skilled sufficient and have the gear. For a enjoyable problem, it’s a scenic place and a technique to escape town heart.

Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours by automotive

31. Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is likely to be one of the crucial in style issues to do within the metropolis. The truth is, photographing Golden Gate Bridge is what most individuals prioritize when visiting. The enduring Artwork Deco suspension bridge is a attribute vibrant pink colour and spans 4,200 toes. To make a day journey out of it, you may stroll, cycle, or drive throughout – ideally do all three. Strolling is finest in case you can stroll for 20 minutes in typically windy situations. It is among the finest mountain climbing trails in and round San Francisco, and in case you are fortunate, you may typically see whales from the bridge.

Attending to the Golden Gate Bridge takes simply 50 minutes from San Fran metropolis heart by public transport or 20 minutes by automotive. Nevertheless, we’ve added it on as a day journey since you ought to permit at the very least half-hour to stroll throughout the bridge whereas taking pictures and one other 20 minutes to go as much as one of many viewpoints. In the event 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 unimaginable day journeys from San Francisco. The small metropolis seems to be unassuming however is residence to a number of the most lovely seashores within the area. Its string of sandy seashores is related by the California Coastal trailhead. This gorgeous hike spans 1,200 miles however could be accomplished in a manageable snippet. In the event you go to Half Moon Bay and fancy a coastal stroll, strive the California Coastal trailhead by Manhattan Seashore to Pillar Level Seashore. This 2.5-hour hike is rather more appropriate for a day journey and can showcase the perfect of town’s seashores.

Attending to Half Moon Bay is a straightforward 45 minutes by automotive. You simply head south alongside the Cabrillo Freeway, 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 remaining addition to this information and simply probably the greatest 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 probably be dreamy in case 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 possibly 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 straightforward drive in case 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 within the nice open air for a while.

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

Greatest Day Journeys from San Francisco: FAQs

How fabulous do these 33-day journey concepts look? Your choices are excitingly infinite you probably have a couple of days or extra in San Fran. You possibly can be admiring redwoods, visiting island prisons, or using horseback by means of rolling hills earlier than wine tasting. Earlier than you select any of these unimaginable actions, although, take a look at these high FAQs.

What’s a day journey from San Francisco?

There are over 30 in style day journeys from San Francisco, together with Napa Valley, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Muir Woods Nationwide Monument.

What different locations to go to close to San Francisco?

You possibly can go to Carmel by the Sea, Napa Valley, Yosemite Nationwide Park, Angel Island, or Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore.

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

Sure, Lake Tahoe is a possible day journey from San Francisco. Nevertheless, we’d advocate staying in a single day as there may be a lot to do.

The place 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 completely different points of interest. Nevertheless, as you may see, it’s price branching out with day journeys. You possibly can head to a nature protect (maintain your eyes out for native animals just like the San Francisco garter snake) or head to an amusement park overlooking a sandy seashore. You possibly can even change issues up solely with a go to to a special metropolis, like San Jose. Anybody visiting San Francisco ought to significantly think about taking a day journey – particularly in the event that they keep within the metropolis for greater than 72 hours.

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