23 Best Day Trips from San Francisco (By a Local)

Most of the best things to do in Northern California aren’t even in San Francisco — they’re a day trip away. 

I’m a San Francisco local, and I’ve spent my entire life exploring (and falling in love with) Northern California. We have world-famous wine regions, jaw-dropping national parks, and dramatic coastal road trips. You’d be missing out if you didn’t get out of the city at least once.  

In this article, I’ve highlighted my favorite day trips from SF. Nothing is longer than a 3.5-hour drive away, and I’ve also included trips that are accessible by public transportation for travelers without a car. Let’s get going! 

23 Best San Francisco Day Trips

Tomales Bay

A waterfront wonderland dotted with oyster shacks, artsy towns, and hiking trails. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Tomales Bay State Park Website

I go to Tomales Bay when I want fantastic oysters and picturesque scenery. Some of the most famous oysters in the world grow here! You can go oyster tasting at a variety of waterfront restaurants found along Tomales Bay’s eastern shore. 

Oysters aside, Tomales Bay is an incredible place. It’s rarely crowded, providing unmatched serenity. You’ll need a car to get there, but the drive along Highway 1 is beautiful. 

Go for a long walk on quiet beaches, rent a kayak to explore the water, or go hiking along the many trails. Afterward, drive around Tomales Bay and explore the small artsy towns lining the shores — my favorites are Inverness and Point Reyes Station. 

Apple Hill

Follow the apple trail to over 40 local farms offering cider tasting, apple picking, fresh baked goods, and more. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Apple Hill Website

Apple Hill is a quiet, often overlooked area in the Sierra Nevada foothills that packs a huge punch. 

This bucolic region comprises over 40 small farms scattered around the hills. Go cider, wine, and beer tasting in gorgeous settings, or visit an orchard to pick apples. Later, stop at one of the many roadside bakeries to taste pies fresh out of the oven. 

I usually go to Apple Hill in the fall — I love the colorful leaves, pumpkin patches, warm donuts, and hot apple cider. However, there’s something to love here in every season. 

Big Sur

Drive along spectacular cliffs high above the Pacific Ocean at the crown jewel of California’s coastline. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Big Sur Website

Driving Big Sur’s rugged coastline is the best part of any California road trip. This long, scarcely developed coast stretches from Carmel to San Simeon, but the must-visit sights are closer to the northern end. Luckily, that’s only a 3-hour drive from San Francisco. 

Stop at the Bixby Creek Bridge for a picture-perfect view of the California coast. Further on, check out Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for a gorgeous hike to the famous McWay Falls.

You won’t find any major cities. Big Sur is more about the scenic views, stunning hikes, and gorgeous beaches. The tiny town of Big Sur has a few good places to eat — like the restaurant Nepenthe, which overlooks the ocean. 

👉Local Tip: The Big Sur coastline often falls victim to landslides, mudslides, or other natural disasters that block the highway. Be sure to check road conditions before you go. 

Napa Valley

The most famous wine region in California is just an hour’s drive from SF.  

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Napa Valley Website

Napa Valley’s claim to fame is wine tasting. This is the premier wine region in California, and it’s only an hour from San Francisco! 

Napa Valley encompasses the towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga. It takes about 40 minutes to drive the length of the valley, but it’s a gorgeous trip through hundreds of wineries. Go wine tasting, float above the valley in a hot air balloon, or explore the local markets and nightlife of downtown Napa.

Exploring Napa Valley is much easier with a car. I would not recommend going by public transportation, although it is technically possible thanks to the Napa Valley Wine Train. If you want to extend your day trip, see my complete guide to where to stay in Napa Valley.

🚂 Getting There By Public Transit: From San Francisco, take the ferry to Vallejo, then board bus #11 from Vallejo to Napa. You can stay in Napa and explore the vibrant downtown, or board the Napa Valley Wine Train for a classy (and expensive) rail journey through the vineyards. 

Mt. Tamalpais State Park & Muir Woods

Hike to panoramic views over the ocean, or visit a forest of giant redwood trees just 30 minutes from SF. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 35 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Mt. Tam Website & Muir Woods Website 

Muir Woods is located right next to Mt. Tamalpais State Park. These two scenic hotspots make for a perfect combined day trip — from redwood forest scenery to mountain summit vistas. 

In Muir Woods, walk underneath a towering canopy of redwood trees, the tallest trees on Earth. Muir Woods is almost like a mini Redwood National Park. Driving to Muir Woods is easy, but you’ll need a parking reservation ahead of time. 

Muir Woods is the more famous destination, but don’t overlook Mt. Tam. This is one of my favorite parks in the Bay Area, home to some of the best hikes in California.

At Mt. Tam, you’ll find hikes to cascading waterfalls, sweeping ocean vistas, or rolling green hills. You can also drive up to the summit for 360-degree views over San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean. 

🚌 Getting There By Public Transit: Take the ferry from San Francisco to Larkspur, then board the Muir Woods Shuttle which will drop you at the Muir Woods entrance. The shuttle only runs on weekends and holidays from April through October, along with select weekdays during the summer season. Advance reservations are required. 

Stinson Beach

Warm weather, scenic hills, miles of sand, and a charming beach town make this the best beach near San Francisco. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Stinson Beach Website

SF locals flock to Stinson Beach when we want to go swimming. It’s the best beach in the Bay Area, with a mile of sand to stretch out on, volleyball courts, and water that’s just warm enough to take a dip. Plus, when it’s warm in San Francisco, it’s usually warmer at Stinson. 

But the beach isn’t Stinson’s only claim to fame. Stinson has a very cute town just steps from the beach. Artsy boutiques, casual old-timey diners, and surf shops line the small main street. There are some great seafood restaurants, usually with locally-caught grub. 

⛴ Getting There By Public Transit: Take the ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito. From Sausalito, hop on Marin Transit bus #61, which will drop you off right at Stinson Beach. The bus ride takes about an hour. 

Yosemite National Park

Drive 3.5 hours to see one of the most famous national parks in the United States. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Yosemite Website

Yosemite National Park is the #1 must-visit place in California. It’s easy to get to San Francisco, but you need a car. 

The most popular part of the park is Yosemite Valley. The valley is home to multiple gorgeous waterfalls, iconic granite rock faces like El Capitan and Half Dome, and biking paths through beautiful meadows. It’s also the starting point for many of Yosemite’s best hikes, like Vernal and Nevada Falls. 

Because Yosemite is high up in the mountains, snow is quite common here in the winter. Summer is the best time to visit — but it’s also the busiest, and reservations are required to enter the park. 

Berkeley

This college town in the East Bay is famous for its prestigious university, hiking trails, gourmet food, and vibrant political history. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Berkeley Website

Berkeley is a college town with so many things to do. I may be biased because it’s my alma mater, but it’s genuinely one of my favorite cities in the world. 

Walk around UC Berkeley’s campus to take in the gorgeous Neoclassical architecture. Or, explore the record stores, thrift shops, and cheap eats on Telegraph Ave, the main student hangout. 

For a fancier vibe, dine out in the “Gourmet Ghetto” area of North Berkeley, where restaurants like Chez Panisse put California cuisine on the map. 

Drive or hike up the hills behind campus for stunning views over the Bay, with the SF skyline and Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. The Berkeley hills are also home to the Greek Theater, one of the best concert venues in the Bay Area. 

🚝 Getting There By Public Transit: Take BART’s red line from San Francisco to Downtown Berkeley. It’s only a 25-minute ride. 

Point Reyes

Explore miles of uncrowded beaches, drive through rolling green hills, hike to an old lighthouse, and taste farm-fresh goods in this expansive National Seashore. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Pt. Reyes Website

The Point Reyes seashore is my go-to day trip from SF. Drakes Beach was one of my favorite spots as a kid, and my friends and I made annual trips to hike to the Point Reyes Lighthouse. 

Drive through the small town of Point Reyes Station, and pick up some local cheeses and fruits from the farmstands on the way. Next, head over to the seashore to explore the beaches, the Point Reyes Lighthouse, and the Cypress Tree Tunnel. 

Some beaches require a long hike, but Drakes Beach and Point Reyes Beach South are both accessible by car. 

You can also visit Point Reyes on a visit to nearby Tomales Bay. But honestly, there’s so much to do in both areas that I like to allow a full day for each. Plus, Point Reyes is home to some of the best campsites near San Francisco, so it’s a great place to spend a night!

Alamere Falls

Hike to a waterfall that flows right onto the beach. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Alamere Falls Website

Alamere Falls is a huge waterfall that literally flows right onto the beach and into the ocean. It’s no walk in the park — getting to Alamere Falls requires a 13-mile round-trip hike. However, I promise it’s worth it. 

Start at the Palomarin Trailhead, then it’s a 6.5-mile hike to the Falls. It’s relatively flat, with beautiful wildflowers and ocean scenery. At the end, you’re greeted by the waterfall and a large beach for swimming or picnicking. 

Alamere Falls is located in Point Reyes National Seashore, so I know what you’re thinking. Why is this a separate day trip from Point Reyes? Well, it takes nearly a full day just to get out to the falls and back. Plus, the trailhead is far from all the other main sights in Point Reyes. 

Santa Cruz & Capitola

Iconic coastal towns famous for surfing, great beaches, and an amusement park on the beach.

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 20 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Santa Cruz Website & Capitola Website 

Santa Cruz and Capitola are my personal favorite beach towns close to San Francisco — I love them so much that I even lived in the area for a bit after college. 

Santa Cruz is a great California surf spot with excellent live music and the ever-popular Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Downtown Santa Cruz has a grungier feel — think microbreweries, street musicians, and tons of thrift stores. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, but the most popular are Natural Bridges, Lighthouse Field, and Cowell. 

Capitola is a bit more upscale, with quaint boutiques, waterfront restaurants, and a picture-perfect view of colorful cottages right on the beach. Capitola Beach is great for families. The waves aren’t too big, and there’s a small river where kids can splash around. 

Be sure to bookmark my list of favorite hotels & places to stay in Santa Cruz and Capitola!

Guerneville

This riverfront town hidden in the forest has excellent beer and wine tasting. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Guerneville Website

Guerneville is a perfect hidden gem, known mainly to locals and the occasional tourist. 

It has stunning redwood trees, esteemed breweries and wineries, and boutique restaurants on the shores of the Russian River. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the best places to stay in Sonoma County.

In Guerneville, the most popular thing to do is float, swim, or kayak down the slow-moving Russian River. Downtown Guerneville sits right on the river, with laid-back brewpubs looking over the water and a small beach. Wine and dine at the restaurants here, or take a drive around the gorgeous vineyards on the outskirts of town. 

Lake Tahoe

North America’s largest alpine lake is a paradise for outdoor mountain activities. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Lake Tahoe Website

Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular destinations in Northern California. This huge alpine lake is surrounded by the gorgeous Sierra Nevada mountains with picturesque mountain towns dotting the lake’s shores. Visit for boating, swimming, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and more! 

There are things to do in Tahoe during every season. Snow sports take over in winter and spring, and summer is all about water sports on the lake. Colorful autumn leaves make for perfect hiking scenery. 

Tahoe is typically divided into four “shores.” South Lake Tahoe has the most tourist amenities, like public beaches, gear rental for adventure sports, and nightlife. 

The West and North shores have more small towns, hiking and biking trails, and parks. The East Shore is in Nevada, so there’s some good nightlife at the casinos. 

Monterey, Pacific Grove, & Carmel-by-the-Sea

These three adjacent towns on the Monterey Peninsula have stunning beaches, famous marine life, picturesque architecture, and iconic histories. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours 20 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Monterey Website, Pacific Grove Website, & Carmel-by-the-Sea Website 

The Monterey Peninsula is a great weekend getaway from SF — there’s just so much to do. But it’s possible to hit a lot of the big attractions in just one day! Monterey is the largest town on the peninsula, and it’s home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

The aquarium is the best way to see Monterey’s famous marine life while still on dry land. It’s located along Cannery Row, the historic home of the sardine fishing industry and namesake of a John Steinbeck novel. Now, Cannery Row is a great place to wine, dine, and shop. 

Downtown Carmel looks straight out of a fairytale — stone cottages line the streets, with art galleries, wine shops, and boutique cafes hidden inside. Golf at Pebble Beach, a golf course right on ocean bluffs – it’s one of the coolest things to do in California. Or, visit Carmel Beach to lounge on the white sand. 

Pacific Grove has a lot of Carmel’s charm with half the crowds. It’s mostly residential, but there are some great hiking trails and beaches. 

Pinnacles National Park

This is the closest national park to San Francisco and a great place to spot wildlife. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Pinnacles Website

Pinnacles National Park is often overlooked, but it’s a fantastic option for a crowd-free California National Park experience. 

The magnificent rocks in Pinnacles were formed by an ancient volcanic field millions of years ago. Explore cool caves, hike to the top of rock formations, or look to the skies for rare birds. Pinnacles is one of the best spots in California to spot the elusive California condor, the largest bird in North America. 

Columbia, Jamestown, & Angels Camp

This trio of Gold Country towns in the Sierra Nevada foothills is the best place to learn about Gold Rush history. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Columbia Website & Angels Camp Website 

Columbia, Jamestown, and Angels Camp are all former Gold Rush boomtowns located less than 20 minutes away from each other. The natural scenery is gorgeous, with sprawling hills, lakes, and barely any people. 

In each town, you’ll find old-timey streets, brick buildings, and wooden wagons. There are numerous historic sites with information about the Gold Rush — the main event that brought pioneers to California. 

Delve deeper into history at Columbia State Historic Park. Here, you can take a stagecoach ride or try your hand at panning for gold. 

Sausalito

Waterfront restaurants, artsy stores, and local boutiques are only a ferry ride away from San Francisco. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Sausalito Website

Take the ferry across the Bay to Sausalito, a small town on the water. The ferry is a gorgeous ride that takes you right past Alcatraz Island, one of the best things to do in San Francisco. 

Sausalito’s main downtown area is pretty small, but it’s cute to walk around. It has a certain Mediterranean charm to it, bolstered by the small community of houseboats in the Sausalito marina. 

You can also drive to Sausalito, which involves a gorgeous drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Plus, taking a car means you can drive into the nearby Marin headlands for some easy hiking with epic city and ocean views. 

⛴ Getting There By Public Transit: Take the ferry from San Francisco’s ferry building. The ferry goes straight to Sausalito and takes about 30 minutes. 

Sonoma

This famous wine region in the North Bay rivals Napa… only it’s less expensive and less touristy. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Sonoma Website

Sonoma’s wine country is slightly less expensive and less famous than Napa’s, but it’s just as good. You’ll want a car to explore Sonoma County’s many vineyards, but there are also tons of tasting rooms downtown.

Besides indulging in the area’s food and drink, there are a ton of things to do in Sonoma. Visit the old Sonoma Mission, hike in the surrounding hills, or go to HopMonk for live music. When I was a kid, my favorite spot in Sonoma was TrainTown — a quirky miniature railroad that transports passengers to a mini town with a petting zoo. 

Point Arena

This artsy beach town is the perfect destination on a Highway 1 road trip north.  

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Point Arena Website

Heading to Point Arena on a day trip is the perfect way to see the Northern California coastline. Highway 1 passes through tons of the best Northern California coastal towns and follows the beach the entire time. 

Once you arrive at Point Arena, you’re greeted by a small main street with colorful murals, quaint cafes, and friendly locals. It’s pretty quiet and not very touristy — the perfect place to enjoy the peace and quiet of the stunning Mendocino coast. 

Visit Manchester State Park to enjoy a huge beach that rarely ever has visitors. Be sure to hike out to the old Point Arena Lighthouse for the best views over the ocean. 

Nevada City

This former Gold Rush town is surrounded by natural swimming holes and is a hotspot for music and the arts. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours 45 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Nevada City Website

Nevada City is one of my favorite small towns in California. It’s nestled into the Sierra Nevada foothills, and it’s one of the best-kept secrets of Northern California. 

Nevada City retains an authentic old-time charm. It’s the kind of place where “shop” is spelled like “shoppe” and people actually know their neighbors. There are historic Gold Rush landmarks, antique stores, and even a few microbreweries. It’s also a great town for live music and the arts.

If the small downtown of Nevada City is cool, the natural scenery is even better. Explore some of the many hiking trails through the forest, or head to the Yuba River for a dip on a hot day. 

Sacramento

Visit California’s capital for interesting museums, government buildings, and an up-and-coming downtown. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Sacramento Website

Sacramento may be eclipsed by the much bigger cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles, but it’s still the state capital. The grandiose Capitol Building is a must-see. Old Sacramento has a ton of Wild West and Gold Rush history like the California State Railroad Museum. 

Visit the confluence of the Sacramento and American rivers if you’re a watershed geography nerd like me, or head to downtown Sacramento if you actually have a social life. It’s small but super walkable, with a good smattering of live music bars, breweries, and restaurants. 

🚄 Getting There By Public Transit: Take an Amtrak Connection bus from San Francisco to the Emeryville Amtrak station — about 30 minutes. Then, hop on an Amtrak train direct from Emeryville to Sacramento. The train takes just under 2 hours. Advance bookings are recommended. 

Half Moon Bay

Enjoy coastal biking paths, a quaint downtown, and farm-fresh treats in this small town on the San Francisco peninsula. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Half Moon Bay Website

Half Moon Bay is super close to San Francisco, but you’ll need a car to get here. It’s only a short drive down the coast. 

Half Moon Bay has a ton of local farms that offer fresh produce year-round, plus pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the fall. Downtown is just a few main streets, but the shops and restaurants here are fantastic. Most of the food is locally sourced from the surrounding farms. 

Be sure to visit the string of sandy beaches north of downtown Half Moon Bay. Walk or bike along paved paths on the bluff with gorgeous ocean views. The beach might be a bit cold for swimming, but there’s great kayaking up at Pillar Point Harbor.

Bodega Bay

Drive up the coast to a tiny fishing town with timeless character and excellent seafood. 

🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Bodega Bay Website

Bodega is equal parts town and nature. Explore some of the many beaches, but beware — the water is usually pretty cold. Hike the Bodega Head trail for panoramic views over the ocean, and stop by Spud Point Crab Company for lunch. 

The town of Bodega Bay is very small and not very walkable — it’s mostly a scattering of buildings along Highway 1 — but there are some great local wineries, art galleries, and a candy store with over 30 varieties of saltwater taffy. 

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I hope you enjoy these San Francisco day trips – happy exploring! If you have more time in your California travels, check out Jericha’s guide to the best day trips from Los Angeles.