San Francisco is a type of magical cities – a bucket record 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 an alternative 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 wish to go to a lot. So with all this thought-about, why would you want to depart, even only for a day journey? These 33 best-day journeys from San Francisco will reply that for us.
33 Best Day Trips from San Francisco
If you could have 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 might 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 relating to day-tripping from San Fran. These are your prime 33 decisions.
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Below are a few of the prime excursions for Day Trips from San Francisco. Don’t overlook 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 dwelling, with cutesy and ever-so-slightly-tacky present retailers and loads of seafood eating places. Its finest sights are the well-known Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, at all times alive with over-the-water actions and cultural occasions.
At only a 2-hour drive every manner, it’s a undoubtedly possible day journey if you happen to lease a automobile. 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 dwelling 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 spiritual historical past. However, equally, there are over 10 wine-tasting homes inside strolling distance of the town middle if you happen to’d desire to take pleasure in some vino. Sonoma is the best mix between historical past and wine and a phenomenal spot for a day journey. It is simply an hour’s drive north of San Fran or a 2.5-hour bus journey if you happen to’d desire to have a drink whereas visiting.
Sonoma isn’t simply an grownup day journey both; the town has Sonoma Train Town Railroad, an amusement park with a miniature prepare taking company to a mannequin city. You can rapidly flip this vacation spot right into a family-friendly day journey.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour’s drive or 2.5-hours by public transport
3. Sausalito
Sausalito is a dreamy seaside group and a vibrant spot for a day journey if you happen to keep in San Fran for just a few days. The most spectacular a part of the town is its neighborhood of floating properties and brightly coloured paintings. You go to Sausalito to admire it and simply stroll across the metropolis middle for a day. Its architectural and portray views are spectacular. As the icing on the cake, Sausalito additionally has lovely views of the San Francisco Bay Area and its iconic bridge. And if you happen to fancy an journey, you’ll be able to catch the ferry throughout to go to.
San Francisco guests are seemingly day-tripping to the Golden Gate Bridge anyway, so Sausalito is the simplest 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 numerous 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 phenomenal bridge and a extra stylish vibe. Oakland has avenue 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 phenomenal waterfront promenade. If you need someplace you’ll be able to go to utilizing public transport on a day journey from San Fran metropolis middle, Oakland is right. No automobile 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 inconceivable and virtually at all times deadly. Luckily, this jail is retired from responsibility and is now accessible as a vacationer vacation spot and interesting museum. Just leap on a daily ferry, and also you’ll be capable 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 slightly expensive 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 turn out to be extremely wanted for snowboarding and snowboarding. There are so many issues to do in Lake Tahoe, particularly if you happen to love outside actions. For a day of snowboarding or watersports, Lake Tahoe is a agency favourite of San Fran’s day journey choices. And if you happen to fancy a flutter with playing, it’s one of the crucial accessible locations to cross the Nevada border to succeed in authorized casinos.
Lake Tahoe is 3.5 hours away from San Fran by automobile, slicing 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 automobile, this can be a possible day journey while you rotate driving time between individuals. And if you happen to set off early sufficient, you’ll be capable to take pleasure in a full day of out of doors actions.
Distance from San Francisco: 3.5-hours by automobile
7. Berkeley
Berkeley is a hub of training and educational status. So if you happen to fancy visiting one of the crucial prestigious properties of training in the US, this can be a excellent day journey from San Francisco metropolis middle. 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 lovely 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 if you happen to fancy experiencing a few of the educational aesthetic but venturing off the crushed path.
Berkeley can be straightforward to go to from San Fran, taking simply 20 minutes by automobile or 45 minutes by public transport. Easy.
Distance from San Francisco: 20-minutes by automobile or 45-minutes by public transport
8. Reno
Reno is one other cross-border choice and an excellent probability to enterprise into Nevada whereas staying in San Fran. Who wouldn’t wish to squeeze two states into one journey? And by automobile, Reno is without doubt one of the closest locations in Nevada, taking simply 3.5 hours to succeed in a method. If you could have 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 do you have to truly go to in the primary place? First, it has the nickname ‘the biggest little city in the world,’ which is an appreciative nod to its assortment of sights. These sights embody the Nevada Museum of Art, the National Automobile Museum, and the Fleischmann Planetarium. Reno can be thought-about a extra budget-friendly different to Vegas, so if you happen to fancy a day journey of partying (no alcohol included except you decide a chosen river), it’s very best. We have an entire information devoted to one of the best issues to do in Reno!
Distance from San Francisco: 3.5 hours by automobile one-way
9. Turtle Bay Exploration Park
The 300-acre Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a phenomenal 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 middle, and forest camp. If you fancy a day journey with every little 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 payment and get entry to every little thing.
If you could have a couple of particular person insured in your rental automobile, 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 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 one of the best street 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 seaside after seaside 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 a 9-hour spherical journey, however the dramatic views will make all of it worthwhile. Skirting the chic fringe of the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, you’ll be passing probably the most scenic surroundings in the state.
The finest issues to do en route are visiting Gamboa Point, Bixby Creek Bridge, and climbing the Partington Cove path. Henry Miller Memorial Library is one other good attraction on the way in which, with common readings and reside music on the writer’s previous residence.
Distance from San Francisco: 4.5 hours by automobile
11. Drive the Skyline Boulevard to the Silicon Valley Vista Point
Skyline Boulevard is probably the most scenic drive from the San Fran metropolis middle. For anybody, slightly postpone by the size of a street journey to Big Sur, Skyline Boulevard is the most suitable choice and is only a 2-hour spherical journey – a lot simpler than 9 hours straight on the street. Attractions alongside the way in which embody 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 street journey is a bitesize introduction to the character surrounding San Francisco.
Take benefit of a street journey expertise in northern California. California is the state of all street journeys, so it’s thrilling to lease a automobile and work some wheels. This is a prime San Fran day journey if you’d like an entry-level street journey expertise.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile
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 struggle 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 – a large 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 filled with character, it is a wonderful 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 well squeezed right into a half or full-day expertise
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour and quarter-hour by automobile or 2.5 hours by public transport.
13. Pescadero
This tiny city south of San Fran is someplace you in all probability wouldn’t even suppose to hover over on a map, not to mention set up as certainly one of your day journeys. So, what precisely makes this spot so distinctive? Aside from the much-loved Duarte’s Tavern (a neighborhood brilliant pink restaurant), the city’s entry to the Sequoia Audubon Trail attracts probably the most guests. This path is flat and straightforward to handle, even with younger youngsters, nevertheless it has unmatched chicken 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 ready in a few of the most lovely but lesser-visited nature preserves and has some basic surroundings.
It’s a easy drive an hour south of the town to get there. This is without doubt one of the shortest day journeys from San Fran, and whilst you’ll want a automobile, reserving a rental for a day is simple.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile
14. Santa Cruz
Everyone has heard of Santa Cruz. We’ll maintain our palms 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. But if you happen to 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 seaside. For a carefree coastal getaway, Santa Cruz actually hits the spot. Remember to go to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, one of many quirkiest sights close to San Fran.
Just 1.5 hours away from San Fran by automobile, Santa Cruz is a straightforward day journey logistics-wise. While if you happen to do must take public transport, it’s nonetheless possible as only a 2.5-hour journey.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours by automobile 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 embody Sea Lion Cove, the place you’ll be able to admire a great deal of sunbathing sea lions from a phenomenal vantage level. If you desire a nature reserve that gives extra encounter-like experiences, Point Lobos offers 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 luxuriate in a full time out amongst wildlife.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is only a 2-hour and 20-minute drive from San Fran. This is a possible and satisfying day journey choice, particularly if you happen to love animals and having wild encounters.
Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours and 20 minutes by automobile
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 closing outpost earlier than suburbia reaches the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. It is a pleasing space to discover on foot, with Vasona Lake County Park, a handful of wineries, and lots of Victorian-era properties and structure. In brief, 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.
Just an hour away from San Fran by automobile, this is without doubt one of the most handy day journeys from the town middle. You’ll seemingly must drive, however organizing with many rental automobile firms remains to be manageable.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile
17. San Jose
San Jose is cool, and there’s no level denying it. The metropolis is called a hub of know-how and improvement. While it was house to the world’s first radio broadcasting station, it continues to offer cutting-edge tech developments. You may also go to the primary broadcasting station, and Mount Hamilton has the world’s third-largest optical refracting telescope on show. Of course, you’ll wish to go to Silicon Valley. The historic downtown space has different 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 brief drive from San Fran. You will be in the town middle in half-hour if you happen to drive – which is good day journey journey time in this information.
Distance from San Francisco: half-hour by automobile or an hour by prepare
18. Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Fancy going horseback driving or climbing throughout a 1,400-acre reserve with big redwood bushes? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is an unimaginable day journey from San Fran. There are 6 miles of climbing and horseback driving trails, and also you’ll be climbing or driving by way of fir and redwood forests. Of course, today journey attracts horseback riders and nature lovers. However, seeing redwood bushes on a day journey from San Francisco can be very best. It is the one of many closest redwood websites to San Fran metropolis middle and will be reached in simply 1 hour by automobile – dreamy.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile
19. Mount Tamalpais State Park
Mount Tamalpais State Park proves that you just don’t want nationwide parks to have a incredible time in nature. State parks are the subsequent 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 climbing and biking trails and is a agency favourite for outside exploration from San Francisco. If you’re keen on climbing trails, get your climbing boots and head off for a full day of pleasure.
Mount Tamalpais State Park is only a 50-minute drive away. It is finest for 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 automobile 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 very best mountains. The mountains are well-known as an unlimited space with loads of sub-sections, together with nationwide parks like Yosemite. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are the place to move on a day journey from San Francisco for an final climbing, mountain biking, or climbing tour. You can e-book a guided tour or simply head there your self by renting a automobile.
Where you go to in the Sierra Nevada Mountains relies on your preferences, as totally different areas have totally different actions and advantages. As a common rule, permit at the least 4 hours one option 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 automobile
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 measurement and is only a 2-hour drive from San Francisco. It’s good it’s so shut as a result of you might return simply to see belongings you missed out on the primary time. Point Reyes National Seashore is house to an enormous colony of elephant seals. It is without doubt one of the finest wildlife recognizing websites close to San Francisco.
Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automobile
22. Yosemite National Park
You will certainly already know Yosemite National Park. Yosemite is effectively price an extended journey day, however in all probability not a lot if you happen to drive. The journey from San Francisco to the principle customer middle is sort of 5 hours by automobile, which is difficult, even by US requirements, the place every little thing is way aside.
There’s a straightforward manner round that, although: to e-book a guided tour. This manner, you’ll take pleasure in all of the highlights like Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome with out pushing your self an excessive amount of whereas driving. Some could name you loopy, however we are saying the world belongs to the courageous.
Distance from San Francisco: 5 hours by automobile
23. Steep Ravine Trail
For these with a way of journey and wanting a climbing path so different it looks like an impediment course, Steep Ravine Trail in Mount Tamalpais State Park is the way in which ahead. You’ll traverse every little 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 phenomenal option to spend an hour or two.
Distance from San Francisco: 55 minutes by automobile or 2.5 hours by public transport
24. Stinson Beach
Stinson Beach is gorgeous, one of many finest seashores in California for pure magnificence. The seaside snakes alongside a dramatic peninsula, backed by a same-name down with candy native retailers, together with a surf and kayak rental retailer. Regarding seaside days, Stinson Beach is probably the most spacious choice and a extremely handy selection – simply an hour away by automobile. Its waves get fairly uneven, so it’s undoubtedly extra of a surfer spot than a swimming spot, nevertheless it’s excellent for surfers or seaside bums.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile or 2 hours by public transport
25. Angel Island State Park
You can’t beat a go to to Angel Island State Park for one of the best 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 climbing and biking trails, with only one important street looping the island’s circumference. Landing on the important ferry touchdown, lease a motorbike, and also you’ll be capable to discover in half a day. Treat your self to a snack on the Angel Island Cafe if you find yourself finished, and cease at seashores and the Fort McDowell ruins alongside your manner.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour and 20 minutes by public transport (together with a 45-minute ferry)
26. Carmel by the Sea
Carmel by the Sea is finest recognized for fairytale cottages and underwater experiences. Despite its metropolis standing, it has a seaside city vibe, and the cottages sprinkled all through the 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 would spend hours happening a seek for the prettiest. And while you aren’t doing that, there’s the white sand seaside and native retailers to take pleasure in.
There are many extra issues to do in Carmel by the Sea, so take a look at our information on one of the best actions for correct inspiration. Despite being 2 hours from San Fran by automobile, Carmel by the Sea is without doubt one of the finest day journeys for a seaside day with a fairytale twist.
Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automobile
27. Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach is a phenomenal spot for a novelty seaside day with, you guessed it, pure bridges created from 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 probabilities of recognizing whales, starfish, butterflies, numerous sea birds, and cute little seals. Definitely plan to go rock pooling (one more reason to go to at low tide) and produce a digicam to doc your encounters.
Natural Bridges State Beach is a enjoyable day journey with a little bit of a wildlife-watching twist; even David Attenborough can be happy with you for today journey from San Francisco.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours from San Francisco
28. Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument is a big forest well-known for its big redwoods. Who doesn’t love redwoods? And at this park, you’ll be able to spot them in their lots of. Stop by the customer middle for some further info and steerage on one of the best routes and sights. There are some fantastic climbing trails, with some routes even appropriate for strollers.
At simply 45 minutes away from San Fran by automobile, 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 automobile or 2 hours by public transport
29. Napa Valley
Napa Valley is adjoining to Sonoma Valley and a rival for wineries. The rolling hills are well-known for winery excursions on horseback, and you may normally spot a sizzling air balloon journey overhead. Napa Valley is effectively price a go to, and you may e-book organized wine excursions to benefit from the expertise. The final thing you want is a DUI, so play your playing cards proper and take the switch choice.
What is the distinction between Sonoma and Napa? Napa Valley is a bit more unique and so pricier. It is the luxe choice. And at about 1.5 hours away from San Francisco by automobile, not far relating to day journeys.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours
30. Castle Rock State Park
Castle Rock State Park is without doubt one of the finest day journeys from San Francisco if you’d like a 5,242-acre park of climbing trails, dramatic sandstone climbing alternatives, and loads of forests – together with redwood bushes. The park is simply exterior the ever-so-popular Los Gatos and is a straightforward drive from San Fran. You can take a look at one of many important climbing routes or attempt some climbing in case you are skilled sufficient and have the gear. For a enjoyable problem, it’s a scenic place and a option to escape the town middle.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours by automobile
31. Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge may be one of the crucial widespread issues to do in the town. In reality, photographing Golden Gate Bridge is what most individuals prioritize when visiting. The iconic Art Deco suspension bridge is a attribute brilliant pink shade and spans 4,200 ft. To make a day journey out of it, you’ll be able to stroll, cycle, or drive throughout – ideally do all three. Walking is finest if you happen to can stroll for 20 minutes in typically windy circumstances. It is without doubt one of the finest climbing trails in and round San Francisco, and in case you are 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 middle by public transport or 20 minutes by automobile. 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 pictures and one other 20 minutes to move as much as one of many viewpoints. If you determine 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 automobile 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 appears to be like unassuming however is house to a few of the most lovely seashores in the area. Its string of sandy seashores is related by the California Coastal trailhead. This beautiful hike spans 1,200 miles however will be accomplished in a manageable snippet. If you go to Half Moon Bay and fancy a coastal stroll, attempt the California Coastal trailhead by Manhattan Beach to Pillar Point Beach. This 2.5-hour hike is way more appropriate for a day journey and can showcase one of the best of the town’s seashores.
Getting to Half Moon Bay is a straightforward 45 minutes by automobile. You simply head south alongside the Cabrillo Highway, and voila, Half Moon Bay rears its lovely head.
Distance from San Francisco: 45 minutes by automobile
33. Santa Cruz Mountains
The Santa Cruz Mountains are our closing addition to this information and simply the most effective 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 will probably be dreamy if you happen to like serene pure environments. The vary has a heavy scattering of gorgeous redwood bushes, solely briefly damaged up by cleared land for wineries or the odd climbing path. You can discover on foot or by mountain bike; the selection is yours.
The mountains are 1 hour and 40 minutes away from the town middle of San Fran, so a straightforward drive if you happen to lease a automobile. Plus, the route takes you previous stylish Los Gatos and the scenic coastal cities alongside San Francisco Bay. The Santa Cruz Mountains have been a particular winner in the nice open air for a while.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour and 40 minutes by automobile
Best Day Trips from San Francisco: FAQs
How fabulous do these 33-day journey concepts look? Your choices are excitingly countless when you’ve got just a few 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 unimaginable actions, although, take a look at these prime FAQs.
What is a day journey from San Francisco?
There are over 30 widespread 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 might 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 suggest staying in a single day as there may be a lot to do.
Where can I journey for someday?
There are greater than 30 locations close to San Francisco that you would journey to for a day, together with Angel Island, San Jose, and Mount Tamalpais State Park.
To Conclude
San Fran is right for sightseeing and exploring totally different sights. However, as you’ll be able to see, it’s price branching out with day journeys. You might head to a nature protect (hold your eyes out for native animals just like the San Francisco garter snake) or head to an amusement park overlooking a sandy seaside. You might even swap issues up solely with a go to to a special metropolis, like San Jose. Anyone visiting San Francisco ought to critically think about taking a day journey – particularly in the event that they keep in the town for greater than 72 hours.
Regarding 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 sources to bag the best place for you. Accommodation 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 on your itinerary.