San Francisco has plenty of amazing things to see and do, but there’s even more to see within a couple of hours of the Bay Area. From coastal views to wine and food, the region has something for everyone.
I’ve lived in San Francisco for almost 20 years, and while I love the city, the ease of unique getaways is one of my favorite things about living there. Escape with my favorite fun day trips that showcase the best of Northern California and the Pacific Coast.
Sausalito
Sausalito, California, and the San Francisco Bay at sunset with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background
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Sausalito is my favorite day trip from San Francisco, and it also happens to be the easiest one to do, especially if you don’t have a car. Its location just across the Golden Gate Bridge provides views of the city in the distance without any city chaos.
The relaxing waterside town has plenty of shops, restaurants, and art galleries, along with beautiful views of the bay.
Sausalito makes for a nice day out, whether you’ve rented a bicycle & rode across the bridge or taken the ferry over from Fisherman’s Wharf. You can even do both & take the bike back on the boat).
Nearby Muir Woods National Monument, with its towering redwoods, is an excellent addition to a Sausalito day trip itinerary.
Wine Country
Napa & Sonoma Wine Country
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Northern California is home to one of the world’s most notable wine regions. Napa & Sonoma have some of the best wine & food in the world.
A weekend getaway to Napa or Sonoma is a great way to visit, but if you’re limited on time, the area is so close to San Francisco that it’s possible to visit Wine Country in just one day since they are only an hour or two away.
While you could rent a car and drive to Napa or Sonoma yourself, another option is to take an organized tour, that way someone else handles the driving and you can enjoy the wine.
The city of Napa is the main hub of Napa Valley. Its downtown is packed with restaurants, bars, & hotels.
Another fun option for day trips is the Napa Valley Wine Train which runs from Napa to St. Helena & back.
Other Napa Valley towns each have their own charm. For example, Yountville has notable restaurants, including the famous French Laundry, along with the Napa Valley Museum.
Yountville, California
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For a more laid-back trip, visit St. Helena. The small Napa Valley town is lined with art galleries, shops, restaurants, and of course, wineries. One of my favorite San Francisco spots, Gott’s Roadside, is a small local burger chain that got its start in St. Helena.
Those who are into wellness and relaxation will enjoy Calistoga, which is famous for its hot springs. The area’s mineral-rich waters have attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Hikers can take in the beautiful views at Robert Lewis Stevenson State Park. Calistoga is also quieter than other parts of Napa, since it’s located at the northern end of Napa Valley.
Sonoma County is also dotted with wineries. The highlights of Sonoma are more spread out, so the landscapes are more diverse, and you’re more likely to find places that aren’t as busy. The inland areas have similar vineyard vibes, while the coastal roads have some of the most dramatic views in the United States.
Additionally, those who prefer beer over wine will enjoy Sonoma. Santa Rosa is also home to some of the world’s best craft breweries, including Russian River Brewing Company. It also is home to a museum dedicated to Peanuts creator and former resident Charles Schulz.
I personally prefer Sonoma over Napa since it has a more relaxed atmosphere and a more diverse range of activities, though both valleys make for excellent day trips from San Francisco.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
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Beachside Santa Cruz has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax or have an adventure.
Outdoor lovers will enjoy hiking coastal trails, or for the even more adventurous, surfing the massive Pacific Ocean waves.
Shops and restaurants line the Santa Cruz Wharf, while the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, with its rides and food, is sure to entertain the entire family.
Pacifica and Half Moon Bay are other nearby stops along the coast that are also worthy of a visit.
Monterey
Wildlife in Monterey Bay
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Monterey is my favorite place in Northern California to see wildlife. The famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is filled with family-friendly exhibits where you can see aquatic life up close and learn all about them.
Whale-watching and nature cruises are an even better way to see the animals that live in Monterey Bay in their natural habitat. These cruises are experiences you’ll never forget, especially during migration seasons when whales come into the bay to feed on anchovies.
Back on land, Fisherman’s Wharf & the rest of downtown Monterey has plenty of shops & restaurants, including the famed Cannery Row made famous by writer John Steinbeck. This industry once thrived on the same seafood that migrating animals still feed on today.
Just down the coast toward Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea is another day trip destination with a relaxed village vibe and coastal drives, including the famous 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach.
These are just a few of the wonderful day trips you can take from the Bay Area. Click here to see even more of my San Francisco day trip recommendations.
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