San Francisco is a type of magical cities – a bucket listing vacation vacation spot in the US, assured to make you’re feeling like you might be 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 a lot 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 go away, 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 gotten greater than 72 hours in San Francisco, a day journey ought to undoubtedly be in your playing cards. The metropolis is ideally located to give 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 on the subject of day-tripping from San Fran. These are your prime 33 selections.
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Below are a few of the prime excursions for Day Trips from San Francisco. Don’t neglect to plan forward when visiting California!
Top Day Trips and Tours from San Francisco:
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 residing, with cutesy and ever-so-slightly-tacky present outlets and loads of seafood eating places. Its greatest sights are the well-known Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Old 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 undoubtedly possible day journey in the event you lease a automotive. You’ll be driving by way of 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 residing for a day.
Make certain to take a look at our put up 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 non secular historical past. However, equally, there are over 10 wine-tasting homes inside strolling distance of town heart in the event you’d favor to take pleasure in some vino. Sonoma is the best mix between historical past and wine and a lovely spot for a day journey. It is simply an hour’s drive north of San Fran or a 2.5-hour bus trip in the event you’d favor 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 practice taking company to a mannequin city. You 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 group and a vibrant spot for a day journey in the event you keep in San Fran for a couple of days. The most spectacular a part of town is its neighborhood of floating houses and brightly coloured art work. 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 stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area and its iconic bridge. And in the event you fancy an journey, you’ll be able to 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 glorious waterfront eateries.
Distance from San Francisco: 30-minutes by ferry
4. Oakland
Sitting tucked in amongst varied neighborhoods in East Bay, Oakland is the most important 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 excellent counterpart, providing a lovely bridge and a extra fashionable 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 lovely waterfront promenade. If you need someplace you’ll be able to go to utilizing public transport on a day journey from San Fran metropolis heart, Oakland is good. 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. But don’t let its mainstream attract put you off. This infamous jail was as soon as house 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 unattainable and virtually all the time deadly. Luckily, this jail is retired from obligation and is now accessible as a vacationer vacation spot and engaging museum. Just soar on a daily ferry, and also you’ll have the ability to 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 somewhat dear for the day tour ferry, entrance, and audio tour, totaling round $35+ per particular person. However, the expertise is effectively price it. Alcatraz Island is infamous and completely well-known in prison historical past.
Distance from San Francisco: 1-hour
6. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a surprising 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. While in winter, the mountains that again the lake change into extremely wanted for snowboarding and snowboarding. There are so many issues to do in Lake Tahoe, particularly in the event you love out of doors 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, chopping by way of Sacramento and Tahoe National Forest or Eldorado National Forest. If you’ll be able to insure a number of drivers on a rental automotive, it is a possible day journey once you rotate driving time between individuals. And in the event you set off early sufficient, you’ll have the ability to take pleasure in a full day of out of doors actions.
Distance from San Francisco: 3.5-hours by automotive
7. Berkeley
Berkeley is a hub of training and educational status. So in the event you fancy visiting one of the crucial prestigious houses of training in the US, it is a excellent day journey from San Francisco metropolis heart. As you’d count on, there are a lot of museums in Berkeley, together with the Berkeley Natural History Museum and Lawrence Hall of Science. Berkeley Art Museum can be effectively price a go to, and there are some stunning parks the place you’ll be able to decide up a e book and embrace your interior academia. The metropolis is filled 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 overwhelmed path.
Berkeley can 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 probability 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 without doubt one of the closest locations in Nevada, taking simply 3.5 hours to achieve a method. If you’ve gotten somebody to share the driving with, you’ll be able to simply rotate driving time and squeeze a visit to Reno into your itinerary.
Enough on that, although; why must you 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 sights. These sights embrace the Nevada Museum of Art, the National Automobile Museum, and the Fleischmann Planetarium. Reno can be thought of a extra budget-friendly different to Vegas, so in the event you fancy a day journey of partying (no alcohol included except you decide a chosen river), it’s supreme. We have a complete information devoted to the most effective 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 lovely not-for-profit day-tripping spot. You’ll be surrounded by forest and scenic river trails, however with the choice for indoor sights as effectively. The park has a museum, botanical backyard, wildlife heart, and forest camp. If you fancy a day journey with every thing in one place, Turtle Bay Exploration Park has all of the comfort of assorted sights 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 price and get entry to every thing.
If you’ve gotten multiple particular person insured in your rental automotive, we’d counsel 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 sights in one journey is effectively price it.
Distance from San Francisco: 3-4 hours relying in your route
10. Big Sur
If you’ve already researched the most effective highway journeys from San Francisco, you’ll know all about Big Sur. This stretch of central Californian shoreline is without doubt one of the most dramatic drives you can also make in the US, with highways cuts into the cliffside overlooking seashore after seashore and skipping between coastal cities. If you’ll be able to hack it, the 4.5-hour drive to the Big Sur Lookout is without doubt 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 essentially the most scenic surroundings in the state.
The greatest issues to do en route are visiting Gamboa Point, Bixby Creek Bridge, and mountaineering the Partington Cove path. Henry Miller Memorial Library is one other good attraction on the way in which, with common readings and stay music on the writer’s previous residence.
Distance from San Francisco: 4.5 hours by automotive
11. Drive the Skyline Boulevard to the Silicon Valley Vista Point
Skyline Boulevard is essentially the most scenic drive from the San Fran metropolis heart. For anybody, somewhat postpone by the size of a highway 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 highway. Attractions alongside the way in which embrace Pulgas Water Temple, Filoli Historic House & Garden, and tons of nature preserves. You’ll be hopping in and out and seeing many various issues. Finishing on the famend Silicon Valley Vista Point, this mini highway journey is a bitesize introduction to the character surrounding San Francisco.
Take benefit of a highway journey expertise in northern California. California is the state of all highway journeys, so it’s thrilling to lease a automotive and work some wheels. This is a prime San Fran day journey if you need an entry-level highway journey expertise.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automotive
12. Sebastopol
Sebastopol is without doubt one of the most unusually named day journeys from San Francisco. Some say its title originated from a bar combat likened to a siege in the Crimean War, however truthfully, 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 latest years. It is a metropolis for vacationers to benefit from the wine tasting in Sonoma Valley and quirky sights like Florence Avenue’s Trash Art and the West Country Museum. Walkable and stuffed with character, it is a superb different 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 most likely wouldn’t even assume to hover over on a map, not to mention set up as one in every of your day journeys. So, what precisely makes this spot so distinctive? Aside from the much-loved Duarte’s Tavern (a neighborhood shiny purple restaurant), the city’s entry to the Sequoia Audubon Trail attracts essentially the most guests. This path is flat and straightforward to handle, even with younger kids, but it surely has unmatched hen 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 stunning 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 without doubt one of 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
Everyone has heard of Santa Cruz. We’ll maintain our fingers up and say that it is best to e book an in a single day keep to get essentially the most out of your go to. But in the event you solely have a day journey, you’ll be able to condense your journey into only a few actions. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the spotlight, and this amusement park has some incredible rides dotted alongside its mile of sandy seashore. For a carefree coastal getaway, Santa Cruz actually hits the spot. Remember to go to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, one of many quirkiest sights close to San Fran.
Just 1.5 hours away from San Fran by automotive, Santa Cruz is a straightforward day journey logistics-wise. While in the event 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. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a spot of actual magnificence with many fabulous sights inside park boundaries. These sights embrace Sea Lion Cove, the place you’ll be able to admire a great deal of sunbathing sea lions from a lovely vantage level. If you desire a nature reserve that provides extra encounter-like experiences, Point Lobos supplies extra than simply nature trails. Other animals you’ll be able to spot are sea otters and seals – Point Lobos is like an moral free-range zoo. Bring binoculars and a digicam and revel 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 pleasant 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 without doubt one of the shortest day journeys from San Francisco. Named ‘the cats’ after the bobcats that when skirted the outskirts of the Bay Area, Los Gatos is a remaining outpost earlier than suburbia reaches the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. It is a nice space to discover on foot, with Vasona Lake County Park, a handful of wineries, and lots of Victorian-era houses and structure. In quick, 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 photographs and seize a espresso at a family-friendly cafe.
Just an hour away from San Fran by automotive, this is without doubt one of the most handy day journeys from town heart. You’ll probably must drive, however organizing with many rental automotive corporations 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 expertise and growth. While it was house to the world’s first radio broadcasting station, it continues to offer cutting-edge tech developments. You may 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 sights, too, although, like Winchester Mystery House. There are so many issues to do in San Jose.
Aside from all its sights, San Jose is only a quick drive from San Fran. You might 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 practice
18. Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Fancy going horseback driving or mountaineering 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 mountaineering and horseback driving trails, and also you’ll be mountaineering or driving by way of fir and redwood forests. Of course, at the present time journey attracts horseback riders and nature lovers. However, seeing redwood timber on a day journey from San Francisco can be supreme. It is the one of many closest redwood websites to San Fran metropolis heart and might 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 incredible time in nature. State parks are the subsequent smartest 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 mountaineering and biking trails and is a agency favourite for out of doors exploration from San Francisco. If you like mountaineering trails, get your mountaineering boots and head off for a full day of pleasure.
Mount Tamalpais State Park is only a 50-minute drive away. It is greatest for individuals 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 mountaineering, mountain biking, or climbing tour. You can e book a guided tour or simply head there your self by renting a automotive.
Where you go to in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is determined by your preferences, as totally different areas have totally different actions and advantages. As a normal rule, permit at the least 4 hours one approach 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. Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National 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 chances are you’ll return simply to see belongings you missed out on the primary time. Point Reyes National Seashore is house to an enormous colony of elephant seals. It is without doubt one of the greatest 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 effectively price an extended journey day, however most likely not a lot in the event you drive. The journey from San Francisco to the principle customer heart is sort of 5 hours by automotive, which is difficult, even by US requirements, the place every thing is much aside.
There’s a straightforward approach round that, although: to e book a guided tour. This approach, 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 mountaineering path so diverse it looks like an impediment course, Steep Ravine Trail in Mount Tamalpais State Park is the way in which ahead. You’ll traverse every thing from picket bridges to rough-cut ladders and previous windy waterfall-side paths. And the entire time, you’ll have beautiful old-growth redwoods to maintain you content material with atmospheric backdrops. This 1.5-mile path is a lovely approach 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 greatest 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. Regarding seashore days, Stinson Beach is essentially the most spacious possibility and a extremely handy alternative – simply an hour away by automotive. Its waves get fairly uneven, so it’s undoubtedly extra of a surfer spot than a swimming spot, but it surely’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 can’t beat a go to to Angel Island State Park for the most effective views of the San Francisco skyline. This ferry-accessible island is without doubt one of the prime day journeys from San Francisco. It is roofed in mountaineering and biking trails, with only one important highway looping the island’s circumference. Landing on the important ferry touchdown, lease a motorcycle, and also you’ll have the ability to discover in half a day. Treat your self to a snack on the Angel Island Cafe when you’re finished, 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 greatest recognized 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 can spend hours occurring a seek for the prettiest. And once you aren’t doing that, there’s the white sand seashore and native outlets to take pleasure in.
There are many extra issues to do in Carmel by the Sea, so try our information on the most effective actions for correct inspiration. Despite being 2 hours from San Fran by automotive, Carmel by the Sea is without doubt one of the greatest day journeys for a seashore day with a fairytale twist.
Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automotive
27. Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach is a lovely spot for a novelty seashore day with, you guessed it, pure bridges made out of its rock formations. At low tide, you’ll be able to rise up shut to those formations. But Natural Bridges State Beach can be a incredible day journey for wildlife watching – with possibilities of recognizing whales, starfish, butterflies, varied sea birds, and cute little seals. Definitely plan to go rock pooling (one more reason to go to at low tide) and convey 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 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 National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument is a large forest well-known for its big redwoods. Who doesn’t love redwoods? And at this park, you’ll be able to spot them in their lots of. Stop by the customer heart for some additional info and steerage on the most effective routes and sights. There are some great mountaineering trails, with some routes even appropriate for strollers.
At simply 45 minutes away from San Fran by automotive, Muir Woods National 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 trip overhead. Napa Valley is effectively price a go to, and you may e book organized wine excursions to profit from the expertise. The very last thing 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 on the subject of day journeys.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours
30. Castle Rock State Park
Castle Rock State Park is without doubt one of the greatest day journeys from San Francisco if you need a 5,242-acre park of mountaineering trails, dramatic sandstone climbing alternatives, and loads of forests – together with redwood timber. The park is simply exterior the ever-so-popular Los Gatos and is a straightforward drive from San Fran. You can try one of many important mountaineering routes or attempt some climbing if you’re skilled sufficient and have the gear. For a enjoyable problem, it’s a scenic place and a approach 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 fashionable issues to do in town. In reality, photographing Golden Gate Bridge is what most individuals prioritize when visiting. The iconic Art Deco suspension bridge is a attribute shiny purple shade and spans 4,200 toes. To make a day journey out of it, you’ll be able to stroll, cycle, or drive throughout – ideally do all three. Walking is greatest in the event you can stroll for 20 minutes in generally windy circumstances. It is without doubt one of the greatest mountaineering trails in and round San Francisco, and if you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to 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 permit at the least half-hour to stroll throughout the bridge whereas taking photographs and one other 20 minutes to go 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 house to a few of the most stunning seashores in the area. Its string of sandy seashores is linked by the California Coastal trailhead. This beautiful hike spans 1,200 miles however might 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 rather more appropriate for a day journey and can showcase the most effective of town’s seashores.
Getting to Half Moon Bay is a straightforward 45 minutes by automotive. You simply head south alongside the Cabrillo Highway, and voila, Half Moon Bay rears its stunning 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 the direction of Monterey Bay. The Santa Cruz Mountains can 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 mountaineering 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 straightforward drive in the event you lease a automotive. Plus, the route takes you previous fashionable Los Gatos and the scenic coastal cities alongside San Francisco Bay. The Santa Cruz Mountains have been a particular winner in the good outside 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’ve got a couple of days or extra in San Fran. You may very well be admiring redwoods, visiting island prisons, or driving horseback by way of rolling hills earlier than wine tasting. Before you select any of these unbelievable actions, although, try these prime FAQs.
What is a day journey from San Francisco?
There are over 30 fashionable 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 in the future?
There are greater than 30 locations close to San Francisco that you can journey to for a day, together with Angel Island, San Jose, and Mount Tamalpais State Park.
To Conclude
San Fran is good for sightseeing and exploring totally different sights. However, as you’ll be able to see, it’s price branching out with day journeys. You may 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 may even swap issues up completely with a go to to a unique metropolis, like San Jose. Anyone visiting San Francisco ought to critically take into account 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 inns and scenic neighborhoods. San Fran is our bread and butter, so try our present sources to bag the fitting 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 in your itinerary.