Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by snaphappytravel
Listing my favorite and what I reckon are the best day trips from San Francisco!
San Francisco is one of my favorite cities to visit in the U.S. But, as one of the most-visited destinations in the country, it can get very busy! Even though I love spending time in San Francisco, I was born there after all – sometimes it feels too ‘hustle and bustle’ for me. So, if, like me, you’re keen to escape bustling San Francisco for a day, then boy, I have you covered.
In this blog, I list 11 of the best day trips from San Francisco. I’ve included some super-close towns like the lovely surf haven of Half Moon Bay, just a 40-minute drive from the city. And the coastal town of Tiburon, which is just a 30-minute drive away. But I’ve also included some farther-flung, must-visit places like Yosemite National Park and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Two of my favorite places to visit in all of California.
So, let’s explore 11 of the not-to-be-missed day trips from San Francisco. There’s something for everyone on this list!
Where to Visit Close to San Francisco?
The best day trips close to San Francisco include Sausalito (a 20-minute drive away) – which is a laidback town with a Mediterranean feel that’s most famous for its houseboats and scenic views. Mill Valley and Muir Woods are also close to downtown at around a 30-minute drive each way. Mill Valley is like something from a storybook, and Muir Woods is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state – it’s home to giant redwood trees.
11 BEST Day Trips from San Francisco
1. Yosemite National Park
At a 3 hour and 15 minute drive from downtown San Francisco, Yosemite National Park is one of the longest day trips from San Francisco. But as it’s one of the most popular places to visit from San Francisco, I just had to include it on this list. I recommend coming here if you have 5 days in San Francisco – as it will be a very long day and you’ll be tired from all the hiking the day after.
Taking up over 1,169 square miles, this stunning national park and world heritage site is best known for its looming granite cliffs, gushing waterfalls, and giant sequoia groves. Over 95% of the park is designated wilderness. And it’s home to over 1,000 different plant species and hundreds of animal species, including the black bear, bobcat, Sierra Nevada red fox, and mule deer.
As you can guess, in such a naturally stunning park one of the most popular things to do here is to go hiking! Would you believe there are over 750 miles of hiking trails to explore? Some of my favorites are the Bridalveil Fall Trail, which, at just 500 meters long, is one of the easiest and most family-friendly hikes in the park. And the Cathedral Lakes Trail, which is 7.5 miles long and rated as intermediate. The alpine scenery along this particular trail is wow-worthy.
Best tours of Yosemite
Yosemite is also one of the best places in the world to go rock climbing. So, if you’re into that sort of thing, then your best option is to book a tour with a local professional rock climber. This 2-3-hour-long tour will have you tackling the 3,000-foot face of El Capitan. One of the most challenging climbs in California. The tour costs $300 USD per person and is a private tour.
While you’re here, I also strongly recommend checking out one of the park’s giant sequoia groves. My favorite is Tuolomne Grove, but Mariposa Grove is the most popular.
If you don’t fancy driving to Yosemite National Park, then the easy nature of a guided tour from San Francisco to Yosemite will be right up your street. This small group tour to Yosemite is really well-rated, with over 500 excellent reviews. It’s 15 hours long, which is a long day, but boy, is it worth it! You’ll get to visit Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and El Capitan. As well as have some free time to explore some of the park by foot or by bike.
Pick-up from select San Fran hotels is included as is a knowledgable guide and the entrance fee to the park. It costs from $209 USD per person.
Where to stay in Yosemite National Park
We stayed at Tenaya at Yosemite, a lovely 4-star resort that’s located just over 3 km from Yosemite. The property boasts two swimming pools, a full-service spa, a gym and, 3 restaurants. While the rooms are bright and spacious. This is a pet-friendly accommodation and rooms average around $385 USD per night.
2. Sausalito
Sausalito is often described as a laid-back town with an almost Mediterranean vibe. It’s small at just over 2.2 square miles and has a population of just over 7,000 people. I’m sure this gorgeous town tops the wish list of ‘places to live if I won the lotto’ for a lot of people.
Easily accessible by ferry from Pier 41 in downtown San Francisco, many tourists bring bikes on the ferry. Which is the perfect way to explore this gorgeous town. And handily enough, you can rent bikes from Fisherman’s Wharf before you hop on the ferry.
Even if you only have one day to spend in San Francisco, I recommend trying to squeeze in a visit to lovely Sausalito!
Best things to do in Sausalito
Imagine a different way of life at the Houseboats (there are over 500 of them) that occupy the waters at the Northern end of the town. Rent a kayak or go on a boat tour to see the best of Sausalito from the water. This interactive cruise is popular because it gives you the chance to take the wheel and sail. It passes under the Golden Gate Bridge and past Alcatraz, too. It departs from Sausalito and costs from $149 USD per person.
Or you can take it easy and browse through the many boutique stores that line Main Street. But my favorite thing to do is watch the boats go by in Gabrielson Park with a coffee in hand.
Seafood is a must-have when eating out in Sausalito – one of the best seafood restaurants in town is Scoma’s of Sausalito at 588 Bridgeway. Meanwhile, non-seafood fans should head to Napa Valley Burger Company or Taste of Rome. For coffee, my favorite spot is Firehouse Coffee & Tea on Johnson Street.
Did you know – Sausalito is where Otis Redding wrote: “Sittin’ on a Dock in the Bay”?
3. Mill Valley/ Muir Woods
Mill Valley is a charming little town built at the base of Mount Tamalpais. As one of the cutest towns near San Francisco, it’s just over a 30-minute drive from downtown San Francisco and has a very European feel to it. This sweet little town certainly captured my imagination! It has the best restaurant selection in Marin County, with some of my favorites including – Piazza D’Angelo on Miller Ave and Bungalow 44 on East Blithedale Ave.
Some great annual events in Mill Valley and well worth checking out include – the Mill Valley Film Festival, Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting, the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, and Winterfest.
Just minutes away is the very popular Muir Woods National Monument, which attracts thousands of tourists daily. A visit to Muir Woods offers the opportunity to see giant redwood trees – one of the few areas to see these trees in the Bay Area. There’s a range of hiking trails at Muir Woods, all varying in difficulty and length.
It is worth noting that reservations are required for all vehicles and tourists to the Woods. You can catch Route 66 Shuttle from Sausalito, Marin City, or Mill Valley if you don’t fancy driving here. Entrance to Muir Woods can work out pretty costly; current rates are as follows:
- $8.50 per vehicle
- $3.25 per person for a space on the Route 66 shuttle
- $15.00 per person entrance fee to gain entry to Muir Woods
Best tours of Muir Woods
You may also choose to indulge in a seaplane tour from Mill Valley, which takes you over the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown San Francisco.
If you love the stress-free nature of a guided tour (i.e., you don’t want to worry about getting there and back). And this 4.5-hour tour to Sausalito and Muir Woods is a great choice if you’re looking for a well-rated guided tour to Muir Woods. Not only does it tick off two of the best places outside of San Fran, But, it’s a small group tour (making for a more personalized experience!) Plus, it includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, so you don’t need to worry about anything. It costs $79 USD per person, but the entrance fee to Muir Woods National Monument ($15 USD) is extra and must be paid on the day!
Getting to Mill Valley from San Francisco –
Catch the Line 70 bus from the Civic Center; hop off at Marin City Hub and hop on Line 17 to Mill Valley Depot.
4. Napa
You’re probably familiar with Napa as “wine country,” but did you know there’s so much more to do here than wine tasting? Sure, there are 400 wineries in and surrounding Napa, and the region is famed for its Cabernet Sauvignon.
One of my favorite wineries in Napa and a must-visit for fellow wine lovers is the historic and quaint Buena Vista Winery. If wine’s not your thing, but beer is, why not visit Napa Valley Brewing Company on Lincoln Avenue?
The town of Napa itself is bustling (the busiest months are September and October). Some must-dos when in Napa include Oxbow Public Market for great local arts and crafts and yummy food and a stroll along the Napa Riverfront. Be sure to pop into one of the romantic bars and restaurants that line it.
Some other fun activities here include taking a hot-air balloon ride, biking through the mountain trails, or taking a winery tour. There are even a couple of golf courses in the surrounding area.
Best tours of Napa
If you’d prefer to visit the wineries on a guided tour (no need to worry about transport then) – this 6.5-hour aboard the Napa Valley Wine Tour is certain to be a memorable experience! It takes place on an open-air cable car (how cool!) and visits 3 local wineries. Your knowledgeable local guide will provide entertaining commentary along the way, and you’ll stop for lunch at Ottimo Napa Valley, which is included in the price! Pick-up and drop-off to Oxbow Market are included in the price, too. The tour costs from $125 USD per person and, as you can imagine, tends to sell out quickly!
Getting to Napa –
It’s just over an hour North of San Francisco, and of course, the best way to get here is to self-drive so you can admire the scenery en route. We always use Discover Cars when we want to rent a car because you can search by ‘cheapest car rental rates’ and ‘most popular car rental deals’ – it’s so easy to use!
Where to stay in Napa
The Napa Valley Marriott is reasonably priced and has a large outdoor pool, fire pit and luxurious rooms. For a real splurge, the Auberge du Soleil is one of the best hotels in California!
5. Sonoma
Sonoma is just over an hour’s drive from San Francisco and is a small but welcoming town. It has a population of over 11,000 and is famed for its wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, and gorgeous scenery.
In the center of town is Sonoma Plaza, which is filled with 19th-century adobe buildings, including Mission San Francisco Solano and the Sonoma Barrack (which was once used by the Mexican military). Now, the plaza is home to over 100 stores, dozens of restaurants, as well as wine-tasting rooms.
Of course, no visit to Sonoma is complete without some wine tasting; some of the best wineries in Sonoma include Benziger Family Winery, Jacuzzi Family Winery, Gundlach Bundschu, and Jordan Winery.
We loved exploring Sonoma Coast State Park is 17 miles long and is home to a number of photogenic sandy beaches. However, these beaches are not recommended for swimming as the water is quite rough. Also worth a visit is the Jack London State Historical Park, also known as ‘Beauty Ranch’, which features 20 miles of trails and a museum about the author of “The Call of the Wild.”
Another fun thing to do is ziplining through redwood trees at Sonoma Canopy Tours, go horse-riding through the hills and go kayaking in Bodega Bay.
Where to stay in Sonoma
We loved our stay at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, this 5-star hotel is a splurge but, well worth it. It boastsan outdoor pool, spa, gym, and there’s an 18-hole golf course nearby. There are 4 on-site restaurants. As you’d expect the room are luxurious and stylish. Rooms here costs around $415 USD per night.
6. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is under a 1.5-hour drive from San Francisco. It is a great option for families visiting San Francisco because it’s famous for its long wharf that stretches into Monterey Bay and its boardwalk, which is home to vintage rides like the Giant Dipper roller coaster (the longest of its kind in the United States). It has been attracting tourists for decades, and although the wharf and boardwalk area is filled with out-of-towners on the daily, downtown Santa Cruz is bohemian, quirky, and filled with great one-of-a-kind stores.
Did you know – Santa Cruz Boardwalk is often referred to as the ‘Coney Island of the West’.
Some of the must-do things in Santa Cruz include:
- Seymour Marine Discovery Center for an interactive look at the sea life in the area
- Buy an ice-cream at The Penny Ice Creamery on Cedar Street or 41st Ave
- Buy unique gifts at The Homeless Garden Project in downtown Santa Cruz
- Grab a famous burger at Surfrider Cafe on Front Street
Seacliff State Beach is one of the best beaches in the area and is 5 miles South of Santa Cruz. This beach is home to the huge SS Palo Alto ship lying in its waters.
Where to stay in Santa Cruz
A reasonably priced and fantastically rated option in Santa Cruz is the Best Western Inn which offers a fitness center, free parking and comfortable rooms. Expect to pay from $110 USD per night here.
7. Petaluma
Transport yourself back to the 1950s in this historic little town. Petaluma is a 35 minutes drive from Napa and 50 minutes from San Francisco.
In town, stroll past the historical buildings and Victorian mansions along the Petaluma River. It’s a popular foodie destination with many excellent farm-to-table style restaurants, including Hank’s and Central Market, both on Petaluma Blvd. Popular beer Lagunitas is brewed here, and the Lagunitas brewery is open for tours daily.
Pop into Petaluma Historical Library and Museum to learn about the town’s history or the Petaluma Arts Center located in an old train warehouse. As for shopping, you can’t go wrong with a browse through Petaluma Collective. Here more than 20 stalls display unique arts, crafts, and more. You can even get on the water with a unique Marsh Kayak Tour, which takes you along the Petaluma River and into the marshlands, where you can spot many different types of birds.
Did you know – the movie Pleasantville starring Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire was filmed in Petaluma?
8. Carmel by the Sea
A 2-hour drive from downtown, Carmel-by-the-sea is a bit further than most of the others on the list, so I advise spending the night if you can. It’s an ideal place to get away to if you have 3 days to spend in San Francisco (or longer). Thankfully, there’s lots to do here to make it worth your while. Carmel is old-world charming.
Fairytale cottages are scattered throughout the town center, making it feel like something from the pages of a children’s storybook. It is filled with narrow, hard-to-find passageways and cute courtyards, and Carmel doesn’t use street numbers, so you will likely get happily lost here.
Clothing boutiques, art galleries, quirky stores, and sweet little restaurants line the streets. Ocean Avenue is the best street for shopping, and one of the most popular stores here is Cottage of Sweets, which sells British sweets.
Just a 10-minute walk from the center of town, Carmel Beach is magnificent. White sand with a secluded feel, which is unusual for a beach so close to a town. It’s not advisable to swim here due to the strong currents, but a long walk is sure to sustain you. One of the best beaches in the area is China Beach at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a 10-minute drive from town. Dramatic scenery, calm waters, and the chance to spot sea lions and otters make this a very popular attraction in the area.
The San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, founded in 1771, is stunning, ornate, and well worth spending a few hours. Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant outside of town is an idyllic countryside luxury hotel, owned by Clint Eastwood. It’s a great place to stay the night or reserve a table for dinner.
Where to stay in Carmel
L’Auberge Carmel is an exclusive Relais Chateau property that is ideal for a romantic getaway or Carmel Inn if you want to save some money.
9. Half Moon Bay
Just over 40 minutes from San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is known for its wild and rugged beaches and is very popular with surfers. Even though it’s the closest town on this list to San Francisco, it seems much farther away because once you turn off the motorway, the town of Half Moon Bay is only accessible by a two-lane country road. Because of its location, this area is often blanketed in the thick fog the Bay Area is known for, but it makes for some pretty epic photos.
The history-rich Half Moon Bay is filled with cute B&B’s, cozy hotels as well as many Cafes and Restaurants. Pasta Moon is very popular with locals and has been open for over 30 years. But, for dinner with a view, it’s best to head down to the harbor. Also highly recommended is the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, which has live music and a fantastic vantage point next to the sea
Walk part of the California Coastal Trail, a stunning 5-mile walking track that starts at Seymour Bridge in Half Moon Bay and ends at Pillar Point Harbor. For golfers, there are two world-class golf courses in town. Pigeon Point Lighthouse and Purisima Creek Trail are also worth doing whilst in town.
10. Monterey
Just under a 2-hour drive from San Francisco is Monterey. Aka, the backdrop to the acclaimed TV series Big Little Lies starring Nicole Kidman. If you’re after great beaches, Monterey is the place for you. With a whopping 99 miles of coastline to enjoy. FYI, some of the prettiest beaches here include Lover’s Point and Gibson’s Beach.
You can spy the region’s best beaches on the Monterey Coastal Trail. Which is lengthy at 14 miles long but you can always just do a section of it. This relatively easy trail begins at Monterey State Beach and ends in Pacific Grove.
The waters surrounding Monterey are teeming with marine life, especially whales and the best way to see these magnificent creatures up-close is on a whale-watching tour. This half-day whale watching tour is one of the best-rated tours in Monterey. It offers the opportunity to see humpback, gray, and blue whales as well as dolphins and sea lions. It costs from $80 USD per person and is 3.5 hours long.
In the town of Monterey itself be sure to check out Cannery Row which is filled with cool restaurants and Cafes. In fact, it’s the place to come if you plan to dine out in Monterey. We love Fish Hopper and Louis Linguini’s.
You can rent a motorbike from Monterey to explore the beautiful coastline along the Pacific Coast Highway. Such a cool thing to do!
Where to stay in Monterey
We stayed at Intercontinental The Clement Monterey and really rate it. It’s a 4-star hotel right on the waterfront in bustling Cannery Row. It’s elegantly decorated and offers an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, gym, and more. Rooms here start from $320 USD per night.
11. Tiburon
Have I saved the best for last? The gorgeous small town of Tiburon is just a 30-minute drive from San Francisco. Making it one of the best day trips from San Francisco.
The views from Tiburon over the bay and of the city’s skyline are truly breathtaking. It’s home to the elite and super-rich. Take a drive and spot some seriously stunning and huge homes! Ark Row is the hub of this little coastal town and is where you will find most of the restaurants, boutique stores, and cafes. Some of my favorite restaurants in Tiburon include Tiburon Tavern on Tiburon Blvd and Lolas Taqueria at Ark Row shopping center.
For the best views take a stroll along Paradise Drive for epic views of the city skyline, Angel Island, and of course the Golden Gate Bridge. Go slightly further afield into Shoreline Park to see Elephant Rock – a pier with stunning views that is very popular for fishing. Or copy the ‘social media darlings’ and hike up to the swing at Hippie Tree and snap that all-important shot.
I love my coffee, and one of the best spots for coffee is Cafe Accri on Main Street.
Getting to Tiburon from San Francisco –
Grab the Blue and Gold ferry from Pier 41 or the Ferry Building for one of the most gorgeous ferry rides in the world. Bus options to Tiburon can be found here. But the easiest way to get to Tiburon is with a rental car. We always use Discover Cars when we want to rent a car because you can search by ‘cheapest car rental rates’ and ‘most popular car rental deals’. It’s so easy to use!
Thanks for Reading!
Whew, thanks for reading the whole blog post – there sure was a lot of information to take in. As I said, I was born in San Francisco and so I may be biased but I reckon it’s the best city in the country to go on a day trip – there’s so many beautiful towns close to downtown!
3 thoughts on “The Best Day Trips from San Francisco”
What a great list! I’ve done a couple of these – loved Sausalito! San Fran is just so well positioned!
Sooooo many great options! I have to admit, although I like the food in big cities, i’d MUCH rather be in the countryside hiking, so all of these look amaaaazing, especially Yosemite and Muir woods. They both look heavenly.
I’ve been to Santa Cruz and Monterey, but haven’t been to the other places on your list yet. I’m adding them to my travel list!