San Francisco is a type of magical cities – a bucket listing 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 various things to do in San Francisco.
And whereas it doesn’t have a quaint downtown space, as a substitute having super-sized skyscrapers and a continuing 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 of, why would you want to go away, 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
In case you have greater than 72 hours in San Francisco, a day journey ought to positively 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 relating to day-tripping from San Fran. These are your high 33 selections.
Planning Your Journey To San Francisco Proper Now?
Under are a few of the high excursions for Day Journeys from San Francisco. Don’t overlook to plan forward when visiting California!
High Day Journeys and Excursions from San Francisco:
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 reward outlets and loads of seafood eating places. Its greatest sights are the well-known Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Previous Fisherman’s Wharf, all the time alive with over-the-water actions and cultural occasions.
At only a 2-hour drive every method, it’s a positively possible day journey in the event you lease a automotive. You’ll be driving by means of 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 needs a little bit of tacky seafront residing for a day.
Be sure to take a look at our submit 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 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 the town middle in the event you’d want to take pleasure in some vino. Sonoma is the best mix between historical past and wine and an exquisite spot for a day journey. It’s simply an hour’s drive north of San Fran or a 2.5-hour bus journey in the event you’d want to have a drink whereas visiting.
Sonoma isn’t simply an grownup day journey both; the town has Sonoma Prepare City Railroad, an amusement park with a miniature prepare taking visitors to a mannequin city. You may shortly 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 a number of days. Probably the most spectacular a part of the town is its neighborhood of floating houses 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. Because the icing on the cake, Sausalito additionally has stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Space and its iconic bridge. And in the event you fancy an journey, you may catch the ferry throughout to go to.
San Francisco guests are possible day-tripping to the Golden Gate Bridge anyway, so Sausalito is the best detour. You may 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 varied 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 an exquisite 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 may catch the ferry on to Jack London Sq., a considerable glitzy marina with an exquisite waterfront promenade. If you would like someplace you may go to utilizing public transport on a day journey from San Fran metropolis middle, Oakland is right. No automotive 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. However 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 all the time deadly. Fortunately, this jail is retired from responsibility and is now accessible as a vacationer vacation spot and interesting museum. Simply 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 a bit dear for the day tour ferry, entrance, and audio tour, totaling round $35+ per particular person. Nonetheless, the expertise is properly value 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 shocking lake cut 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 grow to be extremely wanted for snowboarding and snowboarding. There are such a lot of things to do in Lake Tahoe, particularly in the event you love outside 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 probably the most accessible locations to cross the Nevada border to succeed in authorized casinos.
Lake Tahoe is 3.5 hours away from San Fran by automotive, slicing by means of Sacramento and Tahoe Nationwide Forest or Eldorado Nationwide Forest. For those who can insure a number of drivers on a rental car, this can be a possible day journey whenever you rotate driving time between individuals. And in the event you set off early sufficient, you’ll be capable to take pleasure in a full day of outside actions.
- Distance from San Francisco: 3.5-hours by automotive
7. Berkeley
Berkeley is a hub of schooling and educational status. So in the event you fancy visiting probably the most prestigious houses of schooling within the US, this can be a excellent day journey from San Francisco metropolis middle. As you’ll count on, there are various museums in Berkeley, together with the Berkeley Pure Historical past Museum and Lawrence Corridor of Science. Berkeley Artwork Museum can be properly value a go to, and there are some stunning parks the place you may choose up a ebook and embrace your internal 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 educational aesthetic but venturing off the overwhelmed path.
Berkeley can be simple to go to from San Fran, taking simply 20 minutes by automotive or 45 minutes by public transport. Simple.
- Distance from San Francisco: 20-minutes by automotive 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 wish to squeeze two states into one journey? And by automotive, Reno is among the closest locations in Nevada, taking simply 3.5 hours to succeed in a technique. In case you have somebody to share the driving with, you may 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 this 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 various to Vegas, so in the event you fancy a day journey of partying (no alcohol included until you choose a delegated river), it’s preferrred. We’ve an entire information devoted to the best things 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 an exquisite not-for-profit day-tripping spot. You’ll be surrounded by forest and scenic river trails, however with the choice for indoor sights as properly. The park has a museum, botanical backyard, wildlife middle, and forest camp. For those who fancy a day journey with every 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 payment and get entry to every thing.
In case you have a couple of particular person insured in your rental automotive, we’d counsel driving to Turtle Bay Exploration Park by way of 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 properly value it.
- Distance from San Francisco: 3-4 hours relying in your route
10. Huge Sur
For those who’ve already researched the best road trips from San Francisco, you’ll know all about Huge 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. For those who can hack it, the 4.5-hour drive to the Huge 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 Huge 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 reside music on the creator’s outdated 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 middle. For anybody, a bit postpone by the size of a highway journey to Huge Sur, Skyline Boulevard is the best choice and is only a 2-hour spherical journey – a lot simpler than 9 hours straight on the highway. 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 various issues. Ending on the famend Silicon Valley Vista Level, this mini highway journey is a bitesize introduction to the character surrounding San Francisco.
Benefit from a highway journey expertise in northern California. California is the state of all highway journeys, so it’s thrilling to lease a automotive and work some wheels. It is a high San Fran day journey in order for you an entry-level highway journey expertise.
- Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automotive
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 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 sights like Florence Avenue’s Trash Artwork and the West Nation Museum. Walkable and filled with character, it is a wonderful various to extra mainstream Sonoma.
Sebastopol is an hour and quarter-hour drive from San Fran or 2.5 hours by public transport. This present day 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 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? Except for the much-loved Duarte’s Tavern (a neighborhood shiny pink 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 youngsters, however it has unequalled 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 the town to get there. This is among the shortest day journeys from San Fran, and whilst 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 ebook 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 may condense your journey into only a few actions. The Santa Cruz Seashore Boardwalk is the spotlight, and this amusement park has some unbelievable rides dotted alongside its mile of sandy seaside. For a carefree coastal getaway, Santa Cruz actually hits the spot. Keep 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 automotive, Santa Cruz is a simple 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 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 sights inside park boundaries. These sights embody Sea Lion Cove, the place you may admire a great deal of sunbathing sea lions from an exquisite vantage level. If you would like a nature reserve that gives extra encounter-like experiences, Level Lobos supplies extra than simply nature trails. Different animals you may 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. It is a possible and satisfying day journey choice, particularly in the event you love animals and having wild encounters.
- Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours and 20 minutes by automotive
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 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 houses 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 photographs and seize a espresso at a family-friendly cafe.
Simply an hour away from San Fran by automotive, this is among the most handy day journeys from the town middle. You’ll possible should drive, however organizing with many rental automotive firms remains 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. Town is called a hub of know-how and improvement. Whereas it was house to the world’s first radio broadcasting station, it continues to supply 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 wish to go to Silicon Valley. The historic downtown space has different sights, too, although, like Winchester Thriller Home. There are such a lot of things to do in San Jose.
Except for all its sights, San Jose is only a brief drive from San Fran. You might 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 automotive or an hour by prepare
18. Bear Creek Redwoods Open Area Protect
Fancy going horseback using or mountain climbing throughout a 1,400-acre reserve with large redwood timber? 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 means of fir and redwood forests. In fact, this present day journey attracts horseback riders and nature lovers. Nonetheless, seeing redwood timber on a day journey from San Francisco can be preferrred. It’s the one of many closest redwood websites to San Fran metropolis middle and might 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 just don’t want nationwide parks to have a unbelievable time in nature. State parks are the following 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 outside 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 probably the most ‘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 mountain climbing, mountain biking, or climbing tour. You may ebook a guided tour or simply head there your self by renting a automotive.
The place you go to within the Sierra Nevada Mountains is determined by your preferences, as completely different areas have completely different actions and advantages. As a basic rule, enable at the very least 4 hours one solution to drive to the mountain vary’s hottest locations. And ebook 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 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. Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is house 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 automotive
22. Yosemite Nationwide Park
You’ll positively already know Yosemite Nationwide Park. Yosemite is properly value an extended journey day, however most likely not a lot in the event you drive. The journey from San Francisco to the principle customer middle is sort of 5 hours by automotive, which is difficult, even by US requirements, the place every thing is way aside.
There’s a simple method round that, although: to book a guided tour. This manner, you’ll enjoy all 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 assorted it appears like an impediment course, Steep Ravine Path in Mount Tamalpais State Park is the best way ahead. You’ll traverse every thing 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 an exquisite solution to spend an hour or two.
- Distance from San Francisco: 55 minutes by automotive or 2.5 hours by public transport
24. Stinson Seashore
Stinson Seashore is gorgeous, one of many best beaches 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. Relating to seaside days, Stinson Seashore is essentially the most spacious choice and a extremely handy alternative – 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 may’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 high day journeys from San Francisco. It’s coated in mountain climbing and biking trails, with only one principal highway looping the island’s circumference. Touchdown on the principal ferry touchdown, lease a motorcycle, and also you’ll be capable to discover in half a day. Deal with your self to a snack on the Angel Island Cafe if you find yourself carried out, 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 greatest recognized for fairytale cottages and underwater experiences. Regardless of 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. Probably the most well-known cottages are the Hansel and Gretel Cottages on Torres Road. Nonetheless, you would spend hours occurring 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 lots of extra things to do in Carmel by the Sea, so take a look at our information on one of the best actions for correct inspiration. Regardless of being 2 hours from San Fran by automotive, 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 automotive
27. Pure Bridges State Seashore
Pure Bridges State Seashore is an exquisite spot for a novelty seaside day with, you guessed it, pure bridges constructed from its rock formations. At low tide, you may rise up shut to those formations. However Pure Bridges State Seashore can be a unbelievable day journey for wildlife watching – with probabilities of recognizing whales, starfish, butterflies, varied sea birds, and cute little seals. Positively plan to go rock pooling (another excuse to go to at low tide) and convey 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 can 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 large forest well-known for its large redwoods. Who doesn’t love redwoods? And at this park, you may spot them of their lots of. Cease by the customer middle for some further info and steerage on one of the best 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 simple day journey to prepare. 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 journey overhead. Napa Valley is properly value a go to, and you’ll ebook organized wine excursions to benefit from 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 automotive, not far relating to day journeys.
- Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours
30. Fort Rock State Park
Fort Rock State Park is among the greatest 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 timber. The park is simply outdoors the ever-so-popular Los Gatos and is a simple drive from San Fran. You may take a look at one of many principal mountain 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 solution to escape the town middle.
- Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours by automotive
31. Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge may be probably the most common issues to do within the metropolis. In truth, photographing Golden Gate Bridge is what most individuals prioritize when visiting. The enduring Artwork Deco suspension bridge is a attribute shiny pink shade and spans 4,200 ft. To make a day journey out of it, you may stroll, cycle, or drive throughout – ideally do all three. Strolling is greatest in the event you can stroll for 20 minutes in typically windy situations. It is among the greatest hiking trails in and around San Francisco, and in case you are fortunate, you may 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 automotive. Nonetheless, we’ve added it on as a day journey since you ought to enable at the very least half-hour to stroll throughout the bridge whereas taking photographs and one other 20 minutes to go as much as one of many viewpoints. For those who 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 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 unassuming however is house 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 might be accomplished in a manageable snippet. For those who go to Half Moon Bay and fancy a coastal stroll, attempt the California Coastal trailhead by Manhattan Seashore to Pillar Level Seashore. 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.
Attending to Half Moon Bay is a simple 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 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 probably be dreamy in the event you like serene pure environments. The vary has a heavy scattering of lovely redwood timber, solely briefly damaged up by cleared land for wineries or the odd mountain climbing path. You may 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 simple drive in the event you lease 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 outside 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 limitless if in case you have a number of days or extra in San Fran. You can be admiring redwoods, visiting island prisons, or using horseback by means of 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 common 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’s a lot to do.
The place can I journey for sooner or later?
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 completely different sights. Nonetheless, as you may see, it’s value 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 change issues up solely with a go to to a special metropolis, like San Jose. Anybody visiting San Francisco ought to critically take into account taking a day journey – particularly in the event that they keep within the metropolis for greater than 72 hours.
Relating to where to stay in San Francisco, you’ll be thrilled with the variety of boutique hotels and scenic neighborhoods. San Fran is our bread and butter, so take a look at our present sources to bag the proper place for you. Lodging 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 to your itinerary.
