Explore San Francisco: Bay Area Day Trips and Hidden Attractions

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If you plan a day trip from San Francisco, here are some attractions you can easily reach by car. Whether you’re looking for popular tourist spots or hidden gems, we’ve got you covered. All the destinations we suggest are within a two-hour drive (or less) from the Bay Area, depending on your starting point.

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Sausalito:  Quick Day Trip From San Francisco

The travel time to Sausalito is about 45 minutes from downtown San Francisco. Despite being home to only 7,000 residents, Sausalito has maintained its coastal charm while still being close to downtown San Francisco. The town’s name is in Spanish and means “place of abundance.” This promise of abundance has led many to visit the city for inspiration and relaxation.

Muir Woods National Monument Old-Growth Redwood Forest

Muir Woods National Monument is a beautiful old-growth coastal redwood forest located 17 miles from San Francisco. Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the forest is often shrouded in a coastal marine layer of fog. Muir Woods is a popular day trip destination in San Francisco, so it’s best to visit during the week or arrive early on weekends to avoid the crowds. Visit the Muir Woods Website.

Go Hiking at Mount Tamalpais State Park

The distance to travel is 23 miles from San Francisco, and it will take approximately 1 hour to reach the destination. Situated north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Mount Tam is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts from Northern California, including hikers, bikers, equestrians, and trail runners. The area features deep canyons filled with redwood groves and sunny slopes with springtime wildflowers. Mount Tam Website.

Day Trip Berkeley, California

During a one-day trip, visitors can explore the numerous unique shops along Fourth Street and enjoy a variety of American and ethnic cuisines. They can stroll through a stunning botanical garden or attend an award-winning theater production, symphony performance, or tribal music concert. Visitors can enjoy a steam train ride, an antique Herschell-Spillman Merry-Go-Round, and The Tilden Botanical Gardens at Tilden Regional Park.

Explore 70 miles of  Trails at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. 

If you’re looking for a fun day trip that offers a variety of outdoor activities, you should consider visiting Anthony Chabot Regional Park. This park offers everything from golfing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, kayaking, cycling, and shooting to golfing. In addition, the park provides panoramic views of Oakland and the San Francisco Bay, making it an ideal location for a day trip or an overnight camping adventure—Park website.

Visit Historic China Camp State Park – San Rafael

The distance from San Francisco to China Camp State Park is 23 miles, which will take approximately one hour to travel. This park caters to all nature enthusiasts, including mountain bikers, hikers, kayakers, and casual campers. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the historic China Camp Village. Friends of China Camp celebrates Chinese-American heritage and the park’s natural history every August with Heritage Day. China Camp SP Website.

Stinson Beach – Bolinas Day Trip: Hidden Gems Along Highway 1

The distance between Stinson Beach Park and Golden Gate Bridge is 24 miles, and it takes about an hour to travel there. Stinson Beach Park is a part of the Golden Gate Recreation Area and is easily accessible via California’s Highway 1. During the summer, thousands flock to Stinson Beach to soak up the sun and enjoy a day away from San Francisco.

Filoli Estate & Gardens:  700 Acres of Parkland

Filoli was constructed ten years after the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake, symbolizing hope during the destruction period. Its English Renaissance gardens are one of the best recreated antique English gardens in North America. Fioli offers various events and programs throughout the year, including a Mother’s Day flower show, a yearly Jazz at Fioli concert, special Christmas programs, and once-a-month afternoon teas—admission Reservations.

California’s Great America Northern California’s Largest Theme Park

California’s Great America Theme Park, located in Santa Clara, is the largest amusement park in Northern California. Its thrilling rides are on par with or even better than those of Southern California’s Six Flags. The park is approximately an hour from San Francisco and a little over two hours from Sacramento. South Bay Water Park is only open during the summer season. It is a great place for families to have fun and cool off.

Half Moon Bay, Home of the Mavericks Big Waves

Half Moon Bay is a picturesque area on the California coast, approximately an hour’s drive from San Francisco. It is a sought-after destination for a day trip or weekend getaway, offering visitors a chance to explore art galleries, small restaurants, and shops in its quaint downtown. While visiting, there are plenty of activities to indulge in, ranging from relaxing on the beach to shopping on historic Main Street.

Explore Historic Benicia, California

Benicia’s charming and historic town is a comfortable San Francisco day trip. The combination of a vibrant art scene, historical landmarks, and excellent dining choices make this a place that can be enjoyed by one and all. Benicia has a long and fascinating past and has, over the years, played an essential role in California’s history. For a short period in the mid-19th century, the town became California’s capital. City Website.

Sonoma County Wine Tasting & Fine Dining

Sonoma County, situated northwest of San Francisco, is well-known for its vineyards and wineries, which makes it California’s largest wine producer. The history of winemaking in California can be traced back 200 years to Sonoma, where adventurers, good restaurants, and state-of-the-art spas can be found. Although not as well-known or touristy as Napa Valley, Sonoma has a laid-back atmosphere that is just as infectious and offers much more than wine tasting. Sonoma.com

Point Reyes California Sightseeing and Watersports

Point Reyes is 54 miles north of San Francisco, California, on a cape around 30 miles northwest of San Francisco. The surrounding area is part of the Point Reyes National Seashore Reserve. Once hunted nearly to extinction, the northern elephant seal and the Tule Elk thrive there. Point Reyes is popular with water sports enthusiasts. Kayak along the shores of Tomales Bay or explore the submarine world with a scuba dive guide.

Enjoy The View At Mount Diablo State Park

Many visitors to Mount Diablo head straight for the summit to enjoy the public view. There is much more to see and explore how the 11-mile loop leads to the park’s top. Mount Diablo State Park features hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and camping opportunities. Summers are generally hot and dry; winter can be cold and rainy from November through mid-March. Visitors in the winter may occasionally experience snowfall on the mountain peak, so the best time to visit is in the spring. Park Website.

USS Hornet Museum

Travel time 1 hour – 18 miles. A national treasure known as the USS Hornet is in Alameda, California, near Oakland. This floating city allows visitors to experience life as if they were out to sea for months. Tours of the ship are self-guided, the place is massive, and you have three decks to wander around.

Pescadero California

Travel time 1 hour – 47 miles. Long before Pacific Coast Highway meandered its way along California’s coast, the small town of Pescadero served as a stagecoach stop for weary travelers. Pescadero and the surrounding area are abundant with day-trippers’ activities, quaint charm, and hints of old days.

Napa Valley Wine Train

Travel time 1.5 hours—50 miles. The Napa Valley Wine Train travels along Highway 29 on its 3-hour trip. For first-time Napa Valley visitors, the train is an excellent way to start their trip.

Glen Ellen California

Travel Time 1.5  hours – 54 miles. This peaceful Sonoma town offers those who want off the beaten track plenty of opportunities to eat, drink, and de-stress. And you couldn’t ask for a more picturesque place for a San Francisco day trip. Glen Ellen is located in the northeastern corner of Sonoma County. Drive time from the Bay Area is slightly over an hour, depending on traffic.

Winchester Mystery House

Travel time is 1 hour—50 miles. It is a fascinating house owned by the eccentric, wealthy Sarah Winchester. Sarah believed in spiritualism and added strange features to the house because of her odd beliefs and interests. The “Mystery” part implies you might find a “Haunted Mansion.”

Livermore Bay Area Day Trip

Travel time: 1 hour—50 miles. Pack up the car and head to picturesque and peaceful Livermore. Just a short drive southeast of San Francisco, the area is a wine lover’s dream come true. Even non-wine drinkers will have plenty to see and do on this day trip.

Napa Valley Wine Country

Travel time is 1 hour 30 minutes—55 miles. In addition to world-class wines, Napa Valley offers a variety of fun things for visitors to do. It is a great day trip or weekend getaway northeast of San Francisco. Visitors come worldwide to see the beautiful valley, taste the world-famous wines, enjoy fine dining, and get pampered in the spas.

San Jose Day Trip

Travel time 1.5 hours—55 miles. San Jose is California’s third-largest city and home to high-tech computer firms. These firms sit alongside farms, ranches, and open spaces between the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding hillsides. San Jose is an old, culturally diverse city with historic buildings, brilliant museums, and many excellent restaurants.

Jelly Belly Factory Fairfield, CA

Travel Time 1.5 hours – 58 miles. Jelly Belly Factory uses state-of-the-art equipment and even has robots to help with production. After the tour, you will get a free sample of this popular candy. Two things are inevitable when you visit Jelly Belly: one, you will have fun, and two, you will buy some delicious candy to take home.

Santa Rosa California

Travel time 1.5 hours – 55 miles. Santa Rosa is the perfect destination for farm-fresh food, handcrafted beer, wine, and artisan. Just 55 miles north of San Francisco, the city hosts several farmer’s markets, a thriving music scene, various museums, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Tomales Bay Marin County

Travel time 1.5 hours – 56 miles. One of the Tomales Bay area’s main attractions is the Tomales Bay State Park, which is over 2000 acres large. It is one of the few state parks split by a bay; the larger side is on the west side of Tomales Bay, and the smaller portion is on the east side. When ready to rest from Tomales Bay State Park, you can travel to the Tomales Bay Oyster Company for an oyster picnic.

Sonoma Coast State Park

Travel time 1.5 miles—68 miles. California has created an expansive and exquisite park along the stunning Sonoma coastline. The Sonoma Coast Park offers various activities dedicated to preserving this unique environment.

Bodega Bay California

Travel time 2 hours – 70 miles. With its seemingly endless miles of pristine beaches to explore, fresh seafood, and beautiful coastal scenery, Bodega Bay is less than a 70-mile drive north of San Francisco on Highway 101, yet it feels a world away. The little town of Bodega Bay has three art galleries, one antique store, five gift stores, two kite stores, a surf shop, and two grocery stores to stock on provisions for your return trip.

Guerneville Russian River Valley

Travel time 2 hours – 74 miles. Decades ago, the town was built on the back of the timber industry. Now, much of the majestic, ancient redwoods are protected. As the Lumberjacks left, the hippies headed to Guerneville and then members of the LGBT community. While the town may have a reputation for being especially popular with the LGBT community, there is plenty for everyone to see and do.

Calistoga Weekend Getaway

Famous for its hot springs, mineral pools, mud baths, and massages, Calistoga is the best place for spas in Napa. The Wappo Indians, the area’s original inhabitants, recognized the healing properties of the local waters.

Safari West Wildlife Tours

Guests visiting Safari West African Wildlife Tours can take a three-hour tour guided by an experienced professional. During the tour, guests climb aboard a Safari truck and explore the bumpy roads of the preserve. This adventure allows visitors to experience an African safari without the risk of encountering wild animals.

Natural Bridges State Beach

Located in breathtaking Santa Cruz, California, this 65-acre state park is named after the naturally formed mudstone bridges that run along the Pacific Ocean. Wave erosion created these bridges, which carved three arches on the beach after a combination of silt, clay, and diatoms solidified into a stone mixture.

Santa Cruz, California: Ride The Giant Dipper

Santa Cruz is popular for its stunning natural surroundings, sunny beaches, and redwood forests. In addition to being a hub for surfers, the city is also home to a vibrant artist community with over 2,000 artists. One of the must-visit attractions is the historic Boardwalk, which houses the Giant Dipper, one of the oldest roller coasters in the United States.

Moss Landing Day Trip: Guided Kayak Tours

Moss Landing is located between these two places, and it’s a popular destination among day-trippers who love kayaking in the Slough. Several guided kayak tours explore this area. If you’re in Moss Landing, you must visit Phil’s Fish Market and Eatery to relish some fresh seafood before you leave town.

Carmel Valley Wine Tasting

The travel time from San Francisco to Carmel Valley is approximately two hours, covering 120 miles. Located on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel Valley is a popular wine destination in California and is less crowded than Napa Valley. To reach this wine-tasting heaven, take a trip down the coast to Carmel-by-the-Sea, then turn left onto Carmel Valley Road.

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How To Have A Safe Visit to Downtown San Francisco

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