33 Finest Day Journeys From San Francisco in 2023

San Francisco is a type of magical cities – a bucket record vacation vacation spot within the US, assured to make you’re feeling like you might be stepping right into a film set. Whether or not heading to the curvy Lombard Road or museum hopping between the Palace of High quality 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 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 Finest Day Journeys from San Francisco

If in case you have greater than 72 hours in San Francisco, a day journey ought to undoubtedly be in your playing cards. Town is ideally located to give you a launchpad to discover the encompassing space. You 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 in terms of day-tripping from San Fran. These are your prime 33 selections.

1. Monterey

What do sardines and John Steinbeck have in widespread? 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. Town is an image of coastal residing, with cutesy and ever-so-slightly-tacky present outlets and loads of seafood eating places. Its greatest sights are the well-known Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Outdated Fisherman’s Wharf, at all times alive with over-the-water actions and cultural occasions.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 approach, it’s a undoubtedly possible day journey in the event you lease a automobile. You’ll be driving via 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.

Make sure that to take a look at our put up on the Finest 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 non secular historical past. Nonetheless, equally, there are over 10 wine-tasting homes inside strolling distance of town middle in the event you’d want to take pleasure in some vino. Sonoma is the perfect mix between historical past and wine and a phenomenal spot for a day journey. It’s simply an hour’s drive north of San Fran or a 2.5-hour bus experience in the event you’d want 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 visitors 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 in the event you keep in San Fran for just a few days. Probably the most spectacular a part of town is its neighborhood of floating houses and brightly coloured art work. You go to Sausalito to admire it and simply stroll across the metropolis middle for a day. Its architectural and portray views are spectacular. Because the icing on the cake, Sausalito additionally has lovely views of the San Francisco Bay Space and its iconic bridge. And in the event you fancy an journey, you possibly can catch the ferry throughout to go to.

San Francisco guests are doubtless 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 biggest East Bay metropolis within the San Francisco Bay Space. For a lot of, it’s the ‘Brooklyn’ to San Fran’s ‘New York’ enchantment. Town throughout the water is San Francisco’s excellent counterpart, providing a phenomenal bridge and a extra stylish 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 phenomenal waterfront promenade. If you need someplace you possibly can go to utilizing public transport on a day journey from San Fran metropolis middle, Oakland is right. No automobile is important.

• 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. However don’t let its mainstream attract put you off. This infamous jail was as soon as dwelling 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 unattainable and virtually at all times deadly. Fortunately, this jail is retired from obligation and is now accessible as a vacationer vacation spot and engaging museum. Simply soar on an everyday 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 dear for the day tour ferry, entrance, and audio tour, totaling round $35+ per individual. Nonetheless, the expertise is effectively price it. Alcatraz Island is infamous and completely well-known in legal historical past.

• Distance from San Francisco: 1-hour

6. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a shocking lake break up in half by the Nevada and California border. As the biggest 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 turn out to be extremely wanted for snowboarding and snowboarding. There are such a lot of issues to do in Lake Tahoe, particularly in the event 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 in the event you fancy a flutter with playing, it’s one of the vital accessible locations to cross the Nevada border to achieve authorized casinos.

Lake Tahoe is 3.5 hours away from San Fran by automobile, reducing via Sacramento and Tahoe Nationwide Forest or Eldorado Nationwide Forest. If you happen to can insure a number of drivers on a rental automobile, this can be a possible day journey whenever you rotate driving time between folks. And in the event you set off early sufficient, you’ll be capable of take pleasure in a full day of outside actions.

• Distance from San Francisco: 3.5-hours by automobile

7. Berkeley

Berkeley is a hub of training and tutorial status. So in the event you fancy visiting one of the vital prestigious houses of training within the US, this can be a excellent day journey from San Francisco metropolis middle. As you’d anticipate, there are a lot of museums in Berkeley, together with the Berkeley Pure Historical past Museum and Lawrence Corridor of Science. Berkeley Artwork Museum can be effectively price a go to, and there are some lovely parks the place you possibly can choose up a guide and embrace your interior academia. Town is filled with tradition and an underrated day journey from San Fran. Berkeley is for you in the event you fancy experiencing a few of the tutorial 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. Straightforward.

• Distance from San Francisco: 20-minutes by automobile or 45-minutes by public transport

8. Reno

Reno is one other cross-border choice and a superb likelihood to enterprise into Nevada whereas staying in San Fran. Who wouldn’t need to squeeze two states into one journey? And by automobile, Reno is among the closest locations in Nevada, taking simply 3.5 hours to achieve a technique. If in case 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 do you have to really go to within the first place? First, it has the nickname ‘the largest little metropolis on the planet,’ which is an appreciative nod to its assortment of sights. These sights embody the Nevada Museum of Artwork, the Nationwide Car Museum, and the Fleischmann Planetarium. Reno can be thought of a extra budget-friendly different to Vegas, so in the event you fancy a day journey of partying (no alcohol included except you choose a chosen river), it’s splendid. We’ve got 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 happen to fancy a day journey with every little thing in a single place, Turtle Bay Exploration Park has all of the comfort of assorted sights 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 every little thing.

If in case you have a couple of individual insured in your rental automobile, 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 sights in a single journey is effectively price it.

• Distance from San Francisco: 3-4 hours relying in your route

10. Massive Sur

If you happen to’ve already researched one of the best street journeys from San Francisco, you’ll know all about Massive Sur. This stretch of central Californian shoreline is among the most dramatic drives you can also make within the US, with highways cuts into the cliffside overlooking seaside after seaside and skipping between coastal cities. If you happen to can hack it, the 4.5-hour drive to the Massive Sur Lookout is among 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 elegant fringe of the Pfeiffer Massive Sur State Park, you’ll be passing essentially the most scenic surroundings within the state.

One of the best issues to do en route are visiting Gamboa Level, Bixby Creek Bridge, and mountaineering 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 writer’s previous residence.

• Distance from San Francisco: 4.5 hours by automobile

11. Drive the Skyline Boulevard to the Silicon Valley Vista Level

Skyline Boulevard is essentially the most scenic drive from the San Fran metropolis middle. For anybody, somewhat postpone by the size of a street journey to Massive 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. Sights 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 various 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 lease a automobile and work some wheels. This can be a prime San Fran day journey if you would like an entry-level street journey expertise.

• Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile

12. Sebastopol

Sebastopol is among the most unusually named day journeys from San Francisco. Some say its identify originated from a bar combat likened to a siege within the Crimean Conflict, however truthfully, 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 – a large Netflix hit lately. It’s a metropolis for vacationers to benefit from the wine tasting in Sonoma Valley and quirky sights 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. Today 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 most likely wouldn’t even suppose to hover over on a map, not to mention arrange as considered one of your day journeys. So, what precisely makes this spot so distinctive? Other than the much-loved Duarte’s Tavern (a neighborhood vibrant purple 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, nevertheless it has unmatched chicken watching and exquisite 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 about in a few of the most lovely but lesser-visited nature preserves and has some traditional surroundings.

It’s a easy drive an hour south of town to get there. This is among the shortest day journeys from San Fran, and whilst you’ll want a automobile, reserving a rental for a day is straightforward.

• Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile

14. Santa Cruz

Everybody has heard of Santa Cruz. We’ll maintain our arms up and say that it is best to guide an in a single day keep to get essentially the most out of your go to. However in the event you solely have a day journey, you possibly can condense your journey into only a few actions. The Santa Cruz Seashore 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 sights close to San Fran.

Simply 1.5 hours away from San Fran by automobile, Santa Cruz is a straightforward day journey logistics-wise. Whereas in the event you do have to 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. Level Lobos State Pure Reserve

Level Lobos State Pure Reserve is a spot of actual magnificence with many fabulous sights inside park boundaries. These sights embody Sea Lion Cove, the place you possibly can admire a great deal of sunbathing sea lions from a phenomenal vantage level. If you need a nature reserve that gives extra encounter-like experiences, Level Lobos offers 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 day trip 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 pleasurable day journey choice, particularly in the event you love animals and having wild encounters.

• Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours and 20 minutes by automobile

16. Los Gatos

Los Gatos is among the shortest day journeys from San Francisco. Named ‘the cats’ after the bobcats that when skirted the outskirts of the Bay Space, Los Gatos is a last outpost earlier than suburbia reaches the Sierra Azul Open House Protect. It’s a nice space to discover on foot, with Vasona Lake County Park, a handful of wineries, and plenty of Victorian-era houses and structure. In brief, 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 automobile, this is among the most handy day journeys from town middle. You’ll doubtless need to drive, however organizing with many rental automobile firms continues 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. Town is called a hub of know-how and improvement. Whereas it was dwelling to the world’s first radio broadcasting station, it continues to offer cutting-edge tech developments. You can too 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 sights, too, although, like Winchester Thriller Home. There are such a lot of issues to do in San Jose.

Other than all its sights, San Jose is only a brief drive from San Fran. You could be within the metropolis middle in half-hour in the event you drive – which is good day journey journey time on this information.

• Distance from San Francisco: half-hour by automobile or an hour by practice

18. Bear Creek Redwoods Open House Protect

Fancy going horseback driving or mountaineering throughout a 1,400-acre reserve with large redwood bushes? Bear Creek Redwoods Open House Protect is an unimaginable day journey from San Fran. There are 6 miles of mountaineering and horseback driving trails, and also you’ll be mountaineering or driving via fir and redwood forests. In fact, this present day journey attracts horseback riders and nature lovers. Nonetheless, seeing redwood bushes on a day journey from San Francisco can be splendid. It’s the one of many closest redwood websites to San Fran metropolis middle and could 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 simply don’t want nationwide parks to have a implausible time in nature. State parks are the following neatest thing, and generally, even higher. When visiting San Francisco, Mount Tamalpais State Park has attractive redwood groves and a 2,571-foot mountain with panoramic views. Mount Tamalpais State Park has mountaineering and biking trails and is a agency favourite for out of doors exploration from San Francisco. If you happen to love mountaineering trails, get your mountaineering 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 automobile or 1 hour 40 minutes by public transport

20. Sierra Nevada Mountains

The Sierra Nevada Mountains are one of the vital ‘wow’ day journeys from San Francisco. The mountain vary extends over 250 miles and stretches to Los Angeles, the place you’ll discover the 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 mountaineering, mountain biking, or climbing tour. You possibly can guide a guided tour or simply head there your self by renting a automobile.

The place you go to within the Sierra Nevada Mountains depends upon your preferences, as completely different areas have completely different actions and advantages. As a basic rule, enable at the least 4 hours one approach to drive to the mountain vary’s hottest locations. And guide an organized tour to keep away from spending hours driving.

• Distance from San Francisco: 4 hours by automobile

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 dimension and is only a 2-hour drive from San Francisco. It’s good it’s so shut as a result of you could return simply to see stuff you missed out on the primary time. Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is dwelling to an enormous colony of elephant seals. It is among the greatest wildlife recognizing websites close to San Francisco.

• Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automobile

22. Yosemite Nationwide Park

You’ll undoubtedly already know Yosemite Nationwide Park. Yosemite is effectively price a protracted journey day, however most likely not a lot in the event you drive. The journey from San Francisco to the primary customer middle is sort of 5 hours by automobile, which is difficult, even by US requirements, the place every little thing is much aside.

There’s a straightforward approach round that, although: to guide 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 automobile

23. Steep Ravine Path

For these with a way of journey and wanting a mountaineering path so diversified it looks like an impediment course, Steep Ravine Path in Mount Tamalpais State Park is the best way 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 approach to spend an hour or two.

• Distance from San Francisco: 55 minutes by automobile or 2.5 hours by public transport

24. Stinson Seashore

Stinson Seashore is gorgeous, one of many greatest 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 Seashore is essentially 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 possibly 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 among the prime day journeys from San Francisco. It’s coated in mountaineering and biking trails, with only one important street looping the island’s circumference. Touchdown on the important ferry touchdown, lease 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 when you’re finished, and cease at seashores and the Fort McDowell ruins alongside your approach.

• 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 greatest 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. Probably the most well-known cottages are the Hansel and Gretel Cottages on Torres Road. Nonetheless, you can spend hours happening a seek for the prettiest. And whenever 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 try our information on one of the best actions for correct inspiration. Regardless of being 2 hours from San Fran by automobile, Carmel by the Sea is among the greatest day journeys for a seaside day with a fairytale twist.

• Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automobile

27. Pure Bridges State Seashore

Pure Bridges State Seashore is a phenomenal spot for a novelty seaside day with, you guessed it, pure bridges produced from its rock formations. At low tide, you possibly can rise up shut to those formations. However Pure Bridges State Seashore can 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 produce a digicam to doc your encounters.

Pure Bridges State Seashore is a enjoyable day journey with a little bit of a wildlife-watching twist; even David Attenborough could be happy with you for this present day 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 big forest well-known for its large redwoods. Who doesn’t love redwoods? And at this park, you possibly can spot them of their a whole bunch. Cease by the customer middle for some further info and steering on one of the best routes and sights. There are some great mountaineering trails, with some routes even appropriate for strollers.

At simply 45 minutes away from San Fran by automobile, 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 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 scorching air balloon experience overhead. Napa Valley is effectively price a go to, and you may guide 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 choice.

What’s the distinction between Sonoma and Napa? Napa Valley is a bit more unique and so pricier. It’s the luxe choice. And at about 1.5 hours away from San Francisco by automobile, not far in terms of day journeys.

• Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours

30. Fortress Rock State Park

Fortress Rock State Park is among the greatest day journeys from San Francisco if you would like a 5,242-acre park of mountaineering 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 try one of many important mountaineering 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 approach to escape town middle.

• Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours by automobile

31. Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge may be one of the vital standard issues to do within the metropolis. In reality, photographing Golden Gate Bridge is what most individuals prioritize when visiting. The enduring Artwork Deco suspension bridge is a attribute vibrant purple shade and spans 4,200 ft. To make a day journey out of it, you possibly can stroll, cycle, or drive throughout – ideally do all three. Strolling is greatest in the event you can stroll for 20 minutes in generally windy situations. It is among the greatest mountaineering trails in and round San Francisco, and in case you are fortunate, you possibly can usually see whales from the bridge.

Attending to the Golden Gate Bridge takes simply 50 minutes from San Fran metropolis middle by public transport or 20 minutes by automobile. Nonetheless, we’ve added it on as a day journey since you ought to enable at the least half-hour to stroll throughout the bridge whereas taking images and one other 20 minutes to go as much as one of many viewpoints. If you happen to 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 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 seems unassuming however is dwelling to a few of the most lovely seashores within the area. Its string of sandy seashores is linked by the California Coastal trailhead. This beautiful hike spans 1,200 miles however could be accomplished in a manageable snippet. If you happen to go to Half Moon Bay and fancy a coastal stroll, strive the California Coastal trailhead by Manhattan Seashore to Pillar Level Seashore. This 2.5-hour hike is rather more appropriate for a day journey and can showcase one of the best of town’s seashores.

Attending to Half Moon Bay is a straightforward 45 minutes by automobile. You simply head south alongside the Cabrillo Freeway, 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 last addition to this information and simply top-of-the-line day journeys from San Francisco. The mountain vary stretches from the city areas south of San Jose – like Los Gatos – and down in direction of Monterey Bay. The Santa Cruz Mountains will likely be dreamy in the event you like serene pure environments. The vary has a heavy scattering of lovely redwood bushes, solely briefly damaged up by cleared land for wineries or the odd mountaineering 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 middle of San Fran, so a straightforward drive in the event you 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 within the nice outdoor for a while.

• Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour and 40 minutes by automobile

Finest Day Journeys from San Francisco: FAQs

How fabulous do these 33-day journey concepts look? Your choices are excitingly limitless in case you have just a few days or extra in San Fran. You can be admiring redwoods, visiting island prisons, or driving horseback via rolling hills earlier than wine tasting. Earlier than you select any of these unimaginable actions, although, try these prime FAQs.

What’s a day journey from San Francisco?

There are over 30 standard 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 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. Nonetheless, we’d advocate staying in a single day as there may be a lot to do.

The place can I journey for someday?

There are greater than 30 locations close to San Francisco that you can 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 completely different sights. Nonetheless, as you possibly can see, it’s price branching out with day journeys. You 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 can even swap issues up solely with a go to to a unique metropolis, like San Jose. Anybody visiting San Francisco ought to severely take into account 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 lodges and scenic neighborhoods. San Fran is our bread and butter, so try our current 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.