San Francisco is a kind of magical cities – a bucket checklist vacation vacation spot within the US, assured to make you’re feeling like you’re stepping right into a film set. Whether or not heading to the curvy Lombard Road or museum hopping between the Palace of Superb Arts and California Academy of Science, there are various 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 a superb spot in Northern California, and we are able to see why you need to go to a lot. So with all this thought of, 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 Greatest Day Journeys from San Francisco
When you have greater than 72 hours in San Francisco, a day journey ought to positively be in your playing cards. The town is ideally located to give you a launchpad to discover the encircling space. You possibly can 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 with regards to day-tripping from San Fran. These are your high 33 selections.
Planning Your Journey To San Francisco Proper Now?
Beneath are a few of the high excursions for Day Journeys from San Francisco. Don’t overlook to plan forward when visiting California!
Prime Day Journeys and Excursions 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 town is an image of coastal residing, with cutesy and ever-so-slightly-tacky present outlets and loads of seafood eating places. Its finest points of interest are the well-known Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Outdated Fisherman’s Wharf, at all times alive with over-the-water actions and cultural occasions.
At only a 2-hour drive every method, it’s a positively possible day journey should you hire a automotive. You’ll be driving by the San Francisco Bay Space and have a choose and mixture of little waterfront cities and cities to select from as stop-off factors. This gorgeous 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.
Ensure to take a look at our submit on the Greatest Issues 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 within 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. Nevertheless, equally, there are over 10 wine-tasting homes inside strolling distance of town heart should you’d favor to take pleasure in some vino. Sonoma is the best mix between historical past and wine and a stupendous spot for a day journey. It’s simply an hour’s drive north of San Fran or a 2.5-hour bus trip should you’d favor to have a drink whereas visiting.
Sonoma isn’t simply an grownup day journey both; town has Sonoma Practice City Railroad, an amusement park with a miniature practice taking company to a mannequin city. You possibly 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 should you keep in San Fran for just a few days. Essentially the most spectacular a part of town is its neighborhood of floating properties 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. Because the icing on the cake, Sausalito additionally has stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Space and its iconic bridge. And should you fancy an journey, you possibly can catch the ferry throughout to go to.
San Francisco guests are probably day-tripping to the Golden Gate Bridge anyway, so Sausalito is the simplest detour. You possibly can simply mix it with day journeys to the bridge and Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space, particularly if you wish to drop in for one thing to eat, as Sausalito has some wonderful 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 within the San Francisco Bay Space. For a lot of, it’s the ‘Brooklyn’ to San Fran’s ‘New York’ attraction. The town throughout the water is San Francisco’s excellent counterpart, providing a stupendous 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 possibly can catch the ferry on to Jack London Sq., a considerable glitzy marina with a stupendous waterfront promenade. In order for you someplace you possibly can go to utilizing public transport on a day journey from San Fran metropolis heart, Oakland is good. No automotive is important.
Distance from San Francisco: 13-minutes by ferry
5. Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a day journey that seems on nearly each itinerary for San Fran. However don’t let its mainstream attract put you off. This infamous jail was as soon as residence 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 nearly at all times deadly. Fortunately, this jail is retired from obligation and is now accessible as a vacationer vacation spot and engaging museum. Simply leap on a daily ferry, and also you’ll be capable of 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 anticipate good views. Tickets are somewhat expensive for the day tour ferry, entrance, and audio tour, totaling round $35+ per particular person. Nevertheless, 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. Whereas in winter, the mountains that again the lake change into extremely wanted for snowboarding and snowboarding. There are such a lot of issues to do in Lake Tahoe, particularly should 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 should you fancy a flutter with playing, it’s some of the 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 Sacramento and Tahoe Nationwide Forest or Eldorado Nationwide Forest. For those who can insure a number of drivers on a rental automotive, it is a possible day journey while you rotate driving time between folks. And should you set off early sufficient, you’ll be capable of 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 tutorial status. So should you fancy visiting some of the prestigious properties of training within the US, it is a excellent day journey from San Francisco metropolis heart. As you’d anticipate, there are various museums in Berkeley, together with the Berkeley Pure Historical past Museum and Lawrence Corridor of Science. Berkeley Artwork Museum can also be effectively price a go to, and there are some stunning parks the place you possibly can choose up a e-book and embrace your inside academia. The town is stuffed with tradition and an underrated day journey from San Fran. Berkeley is for you should you fancy experiencing a few of the tutorial aesthetic but venturing off the crushed path.
Berkeley can also be simple to go to from San Fran, taking simply 20 minutes by automotive or 45 minutes by public transport. Straightforward.
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 need to squeeze two states into one journey? And by automotive, Reno is likely one of the closest locations in Nevada, taking simply 3.5 hours to achieve a method. When you have somebody to share the driving with, you possibly can simply rotate driving time and squeeze a visit to Reno into your itinerary.
Sufficient on that, although; why must you truly go to within the first place? First, it has the nickname ‘the most important little metropolis on the planet,’ which is an appreciative nod to its assortment of points of interest. These points of interest embody the Nevada Museum of Artwork, the Nationwide Vehicle Museum, and the Fleischmann Planetarium. Reno can also be thought of a extra budget-friendly different to Vegas, so should you fancy a day journey of partying (no alcohol included except you choose a chosen river), it’s excellent. We’ve an entire information devoted to the perfect 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 stupendous not-for-profit day-tripping spot. You’ll be surrounded by forest and scenic river trails, however with the choice for indoor points of interest as effectively. The park has a museum, botanical backyard, wildlife heart, and forest camp. For those who fancy a day journey with all the things in a single place, Turtle Bay Exploration Park has all of the comfort of assorted points of interest and actions in a single spot. It’s a comparatively prolonged 3-hour and 20-minute drive from San Fran, but the quantity of issues to do within the park justifies the journey. You pay a single entrance price and get entry to all the things.
When you have 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 points of interest in a single journey is effectively price it.
Distance from San Francisco: 3-4 hours relying in your route
10. Massive Sur
For those who’ve already researched the perfect street journeys from San Francisco, you’ll know all about Massive Sur. This stretch of central Californian shoreline is likely one of the most dramatic drives you may make within the US, with highways cuts into the cliffside overlooking seaside after seaside and skipping between coastal cities. For those who can hack it, the 4.5-hour drive to the Massive Sur Lookout is likely 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 chic fringe of the Pfeiffer Massive Sur State Park, you’ll be passing essentially the most scenic surroundings within the state.
The very best issues to do en route are visiting Gamboa Level, Bixby Creek Bridge, and mountain climbing the Partington Cove path. Henry Miller Memorial Library is one other good attraction on the best way, with common readings and stay music on the creator’s previous residence.
Distance from San Francisco: 4.5 hours by automotive
11. Drive the Skyline Boulevard to the Silicon Valley Vista Level
Skyline Boulevard is essentially the most scenic drive from the San Fran metropolis heart. For anybody, somewhat delay by the size of a street journey to Massive Sur, Skyline Boulevard is the best choice and is only a 2-hour spherical journey – a lot simpler than 9 hours straight on the street. Points of interest alongside the best way embody Pulgas Water Temple, Filoli Historic Home & Backyard, and tons of nature preserves. You’ll be hopping out and in and seeing many alternative issues. Ending on the famend Silicon Valley Vista Level, this mini street journey is a bitesize introduction to the character surrounding San Francisco.
Benefit from a street journey expertise in northern California. California is the state of all street journeys, so it’s thrilling to hire a automotive and work some wheels. This can be a high San Fran day journey in order for you an entry-level street journey expertise.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automotive
12. Sebastopol
Sebastopol is likely one of the most unusually named day journeys from San Francisco. Some say its identify originated from a bar battle likened to a siege within the Crimean Conflict, however actually, it’s a little bit of a thriller. One other declare to fame it has internationally is being a movie set location in 13 Causes Why – an enormous Netflix hit in recent times. It’s a metropolis for vacationers to benefit from the wine tasting in Sonoma Valley and quirky points of interest like Florence Avenue’s Trash Artwork and the West Nation Museum. Walkable and stuffed 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. At the present time 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 in all probability wouldn’t even assume to hover over on a map, not to mention set up as one among your day journeys. So, what precisely makes this spot so distinctive? Other than the much-loved Duarte’s Tavern (a neighborhood shiny crimson restaurant), the city’s entry to the Sequoia Audubon Path attracts essentially the most guests. This path is flat and straightforward to handle, even with younger kids, however it has unmatched hen watching and delightful tide swimming pools. There are different close by trails, together with Pescadero Marsh Path and a hike to the Historic Nunziati Trout Ponds. Pescadero is ready in a few of the most stunning but lesser-visited nature preserves and has some basic surroundings.
It’s a easy drive an hour south of town to get there. This is likely 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
Everybody has heard of Santa Cruz. We’ll maintain our palms up and say that it’s best to e-book an in a single day keep to get essentially the most out of your go to. However should you solely have a day journey, you possibly can condense your journey into just some actions. The Santa Cruz Seaside Boardwalk is the spotlight, and this amusement park has some implausible rides dotted alongside its mile of sandy seaside. For a carefree coastal getaway, Santa Cruz actually hits the spot. Bear in mind to go to the Santa Cruz Browsing Museum, one of many quirkiest points of interest close to San Fran.
Simply 1.5 hours away from San Fran by automotive, Santa Cruz is a straightforward day journey logistics-wise. Whereas should 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. Level Lobos State Pure Reserve
Level Lobos State Pure Reserve is a spot of actual magnificence with many fabulous points of interest inside park boundaries. These points of interest embody Sea Lion Cove, the place you possibly can admire a great deal of sunbathing sea lions from a stupendous vantage level. In order for you a nature reserve that gives extra encounter-like experiences, Level Lobos gives extra than simply nature trails. Different animals you possibly can spot are sea otters and seals – Level Lobos is like an moral free-range zoo. Deliver binoculars and a digicam and revel in a full time out amongst wildlife.
Level Lobos State Pure Reserve is only a 2-hour and 20-minute drive from San Fran. This can be a possible and satisfying day journey possibility, particularly should you love animals and having wild encounters.
Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours and 20 minutes by automotive
16. Los Gatos
Los Gatos is likely one of the shortest day journeys from San Francisco. Named ‘the cats’ after the bobcats that after skirted the outskirts of the Bay Space, Los Gatos is a closing outpost earlier than suburbia reaches the Sierra Azul Open Area Protect. It’s a nice space to discover on foot, with Vasona Lake County Park, a handful of wineries, and plenty of Victorian-era properties and structure. Briefly, Los Gatos is a lesser-visited day journey for vacationers and an unimaginable hybrid of classy and purely healthful. Los Gatos is that spot if you wish to take aesthetic images and seize a espresso at a family-friendly cafe.
Simply an hour away from San Fran by automotive, this is likely one of the most handy day journeys from town heart. You’ll probably should drive, however organizing with many rental automotive corporations continues 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 town is named a hub of know-how and improvement. Whereas it was residence to the world’s first radio broadcasting station, it continues to offer cutting-edge tech developments. You too can go to the primary broadcasting station, and Mount Hamilton has the world’s third-largest optical refracting telescope on show. In fact, you’ll need to go to Silicon Valley. The historic downtown space has different points of interest, too, although, like Winchester Thriller Home. There are such a lot of issues to do in San Jose.
Other than all its points of interest, San Jose is only a quick drive from San Fran. You could be within the metropolis heart in half-hour should you drive – which is good day journey journey time on this information.
Distance from San Francisco: half-hour by automotive or an hour by practice
18. Bear Creek Redwoods Open Area Protect
Fancy going horseback using or mountain climbing throughout a 1,400-acre reserve with large redwood bushes? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Area Protect is an unimaginable day journey from San Fran. There are 6 miles of mountain climbing and horseback using trails, and also you’ll be mountain climbing or using by fir and redwood forests. In fact, at the present time journey attracts horseback riders and nature lovers. Nevertheless, seeing redwood bushes on a day journey from San Francisco can also be excellent. It’s the one of many closest redwood websites to San Fran metropolis heart and could 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 implausible time in nature. State parks are the subsequent neatest 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 mountain climbing and biking trails and is a agency favourite for out of doors exploration from San Francisco. For those who love mountain climbing trails, get your mountain climbing boots and head off for a full day of pleasure.
Mount Tamalpais State Park is only a 50-minute drive away. It’s best for many 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 some of the ‘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 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 mountain climbing, mountain biking, or climbing tour. You possibly can e-book a guided tour or simply head there your self by renting a automotive.
The place you go to within the Sierra Nevada Mountains will depend on your preferences, as totally different areas have totally different actions and advantages. As a basic rule, enable no less than 4 hours one method 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. Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore
Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is on no account 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. Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is residence to an enormous colony of elephant seals. It is likely one of the finest wildlife recognizing websites close to San Francisco.
Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automotive
22. Yosemite Nationwide Park
You’ll positively already know Yosemite Nationwide Park. Yosemite is effectively price a protracted journey day, however in all probability not a lot should you drive. The journey from San Francisco to the primary customer heart is almost 5 hours by automotive, which is difficult, even by US requirements, the place all the things is much aside.
There’s a straightforward method round that, although: to e-book a guided tour. This fashion, you’ll take pleasure in all of the highlights like Glacier Level, 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 Path
For these with a way of journey and wanting a mountain climbing path so diverse it seems like an impediment course, Steep Ravine Path in Mount Tamalpais State Park is the best way ahead. You’ll traverse all the things from picket bridges to rough-cut ladders and previous windy waterfall-side paths. And the entire time, you’ll have gorgeous old-growth redwoods to maintain you content material with atmospheric backdrops. This 1.5-mile path is a stupendous method to spend an hour or two.
Distance from San Francisco: 55 minutes by automotive or 2.5 hours by public transport
24. Stinson Seaside
Stinson Seaside 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 outlets, together with a surf and kayak rental retailer. Concerning seaside days, Stinson Seaside is essentially the most spacious possibility and a extremely handy selection – simply an hour away by automotive. Its waves get fairly uneven, so it’s positively extra of a surfer spot than a swimming spot, however it’s excellent for surfers or seaside bums.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automotive or 2 hours by public transport
25. Angel Island State Park
You possibly can’t beat a go to to Angel Island State Park for the perfect views of the San Francisco skyline. This ferry-accessible island is likely one of the high day journeys from San Francisco. It’s lined in mountain climbing and biking trails, with only one important street looping the island’s circumference. Touchdown on the important ferry touchdown, hire a motorbike, and also you’ll be capable of discover in half a day. Deal with your self to a snack on the Angel Island Cafe if you end up completed, and cease at seashores and the Fort McDowell ruins alongside your method.
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 identified for fairytale cottages and underwater experiences. Regardless of 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. Essentially the most well-known cottages are the Hansel and Gretel Cottages on Torres Road. Nevertheless, you might spend hours happening a seek for the prettiest. And while you aren’t doing that, there’s the white sand seaside and native outlets to take pleasure in.
There are a lot of extra issues to do in Carmel by the Sea, so take a look at our information on the perfect actions for correct inspiration. Regardless of being 2 hours from San Fran by automotive, Carmel by the Sea is likely one of the finest day journeys for a seaside day with a fairytale twist.
Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automotive
27. Pure Bridges State Seaside
Pure Bridges State Seaside is a stupendous spot for a novelty seaside day with, you guessed it, pure bridges created from its rock formations. At low tide, you possibly can stand up shut to those formations. However Pure Bridges State Seaside can also be a implausible day journey for wildlife watching – with possibilities of recognizing whales, starfish, butterflies, numerous sea birds, and cute little seals. Positively plan to go rock pooling (one more reason to go to at low tide) and convey a digicam to doc your encounters.
Pure Bridges State Seaside is a enjoyable day journey with a little bit of a wildlife-watching twist; even David Attenborough can 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 Nationwide Monument
Muir Woods Nationwide Monument is a large forest well-known for its large redwoods. Who doesn’t love redwoods? And at this park, you possibly can spot them of their lots of. Cease by the customer heart for some further data and steering on the perfect routes and sights. There are some great mountain climbing trails, with some routes even appropriate for strollers.
At simply 45 minutes away from San Fran by automotive, Muir Woods Nationwide 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’ll normally spot a sizzling air balloon trip overhead. Napa Valley is effectively price a go to, and you’ll e-book organized wine excursions to take advantage of the expertise. The very last thing you want is a DUI, so play your playing cards proper and take the switch possibility.
What’s the distinction between Sonoma and Napa? Napa Valley is a bit more unique and so pricier. It’s the luxe possibility. And at about 1.5 hours away from San Francisco by automotive, not far with regards to day journeys.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours
30. Citadel Rock State Park
Citadel Rock State Park is likely one of the finest day journeys from San Francisco in order for you a 5,242-acre park of mountain climbing trails, dramatic sandstone climbing alternatives, and loads of forests – together with redwood bushes. The park is simply outdoors the ever-so-popular Los Gatos and is a straightforward drive from San Fran. You possibly can take a look at one of many important mountain climbing routes or strive some climbing in case you are skilled sufficient and have the gear. For a enjoyable problem, it’s a scenic place and a method to escape town heart.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours by automotive
31. Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is perhaps some of the well-liked issues to do within the metropolis. In truth, photographing Golden Gate Bridge is what most individuals prioritize when visiting. The long-lasting Artwork Deco suspension bridge is a attribute shiny crimson coloration and spans 4,200 toes. To make a day journey out of it, you possibly can stroll, cycle, or drive throughout – ideally do all three. Strolling is finest should you can stroll for 20 minutes in typically windy situations. It is likely one of the finest mountain climbing trails in and round San Francisco, and in case you are fortunate, you possibly can typically see whales from the bridge.
Attending to the Golden Gate Bridge takes simply 50 minutes from San Fran metropolis heart by public transport or 20 minutes by automotive. Nevertheless, we’ve added it on as a day journey since you ought to enable no less than half-hour to stroll throughout the bridge whereas taking images and one other 20 minutes to go as much as one of many viewpoints. For those who 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 unimaginable day journeys from San Francisco. The small metropolis seems to be unassuming however is residence to a few of the most stunning seashores within the area. Its string of sandy seashores is linked by the California Coastal trailhead. This gorgeous hike spans 1,200 miles however could be accomplished in a manageable snippet. For those who go to Half Moon Bay and fancy a coastal stroll, strive the California Coastal trailhead by Manhattan Seaside to Pillar Level Seaside. This 2.5-hour hike is way more appropriate for a day journey and can showcase the perfect of town’s seashores.
Attending to Half Moon Bay is a straightforward 45 minutes by automotive. You simply head south alongside the Cabrillo Freeway, 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 closing addition to this information and simply among the best 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 likely be dreamy should you 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 mountain climbing path. You possibly 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 should you hire 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 within the nice open air for a while.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour and 40 minutes by automotive
Greatest Day Journeys 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 possibly can be admiring redwoods, visiting island prisons, or using horseback by rolling hills earlier than wine tasting. Earlier than you select any of these unimaginable actions, although, take a look at these high FAQs.
What’s a day journey from San Francisco?
There are over 30 well-liked day journeys from San Francisco, together with Napa Valley, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Muir Woods Nationwide Monument.
What different locations to go to close to San Francisco?
You possibly can go to Carmel by the Sea, Napa Valley, Yosemite Nationwide Park, Angel Island, or Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore.
Are you able to do a day journey to Lake Tahoe from San Francisco?
Sure, Lake Tahoe is a possible day journey from San Francisco. Nevertheless, we’d advocate staying in a single day as there’s a lot to do.
The place can I journey for someday?
There are greater than 30 locations close to San Francisco that you might 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 points of interest. Nevertheless, as you possibly can see, it’s price branching out with day journeys. You possibly can 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 possibly can even swap issues up fully with a go to to a unique metropolis, like San Jose. Anybody visiting San Francisco ought to severely contemplate taking a day journey – particularly in the event that they keep within the metropolis for greater than 72 hours.
Concerning 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 take a look at our present assets to bag the appropriate place for you. Lodging and neighborhood are two massively influential components that may actually form your journey, so bear in mind to analysis them too, not simply day journeys in your itinerary.