San Francisco is a type of magical cities – a bucket record vacation vacation spot within the US, assured to make you are feeling like you might be stepping right into a film set. Whether or not heading to the curvy Lombard Avenue or museum hopping between the Palace of Fantastic 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 continuing 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
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 would 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 the case of day-tripping from San Fran. These are your prime 33 selections.
Planning Your Journey To San Francisco Proper Now?
Beneath are a number of the prime 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 retailers and loads of seafood eating places. Its greatest points of interest are the well-known Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Outdated Fisherman’s Wharf, all the time alive with over-the-water actions and cultural occasions.
At only a 2-hour drive every manner, it’s a undoubtedly possible day journey should you lease a automotive. You’ll be driving via the San Francisco Bay Space and have a decide and mixture of little waterfront cities and cities to select from as stop-off factors. This beautiful 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.
Be sure that to take a look at our put up 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 non secular historical past. Nevertheless, equally, there are over 10 wine-tasting homes inside strolling distance of the town middle should you’d want to get pleasure from some vino. Sonoma is the perfect mix between historical past and wine and a good looking 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 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 practice taking friends 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. Probably the most spectacular a part of the 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 should you fancy an journey, you may catch the ferry throughout to go to.
San Francisco guests are seemingly day-tripping to the Golden Gate Bridge anyway, so Sausalito is the best 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 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’ attraction. Town throughout the water is San Francisco’s excellent counterpart, providing a good looking 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 good looking waterfront promenade. If you need someplace you may go to utilizing public transport on a day journey from San Fran metropolis middle, 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 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 number 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 all the time deadly. Fortunately, this jail is retired from responsibility and is now accessible as a vacationer vacation spot and engaging museum. Simply bounce 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 a bit of 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 felony historical past.
- Distance from San Francisco: 1-hour
6. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a surprising 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 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 one of the crucial accessible locations to cross the Nevada border to achieve authorized casinos.
Lake Tahoe is 3.5 hours away from San Fran by automotive, chopping via Sacramento and Tahoe Nationwide Forest or Eldorado Nationwide Forest. When you can insure a number of drivers on a rental automotive, it is a possible day journey if you rotate driving time between folks. And should you set off early sufficient, you’ll be capable of get pleasure from 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 educational status. So should you fancy visiting one of the crucial prestigious houses of training within the US, it is a excellent day journey from San Francisco metropolis middle. As you’ll 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 may decide up a e book and embrace your inside academia. Town is filled with tradition and an underrated day journey from San Fran. Berkeley is for you should you fancy experiencing a number 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. Straightforward.
- Distance from San Francisco: 20-minutes by automotive or 45-minutes by public transport
8. Reno
Reno is one other cross-border choice and an excellent 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 technique. If 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 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 Car Museum, and the Fleischmann Planetarium. Reno can be thought of a extra budget-friendly various to Vegas, so should you fancy a day journey of partying (no alcohol included until you decide a delegated river), it’s best. We’ve got an entire information devoted to the greatest 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 good looking 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 middle, and forest camp. When you fancy a day journey with every part in a single place, Turtle Bay Exploration Park has all of the comfort of various 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 payment and get entry to every part.
If in case you have a couple of 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
When you’ve already researched the perfect highway 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 can also make within the US, with highways cuts into the cliffside overlooking seaside after seaside and skipping between coastal cities. When you 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 elegant fringe of the Pfeiffer Massive Sur State Park, you’ll be passing essentially the most scenic surroundings within the state.
The perfect issues to do en route are visiting Gamboa Level, Bixby Creek Bridge, and 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 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 middle. For anybody, a bit of delay by the size of a highway 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 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.
Reap the benefits of 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 prime San Fran day journey if you’d like an entry-level highway 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 combat likened to a siege within the Crimean Battle, 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 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 filled with character, it is a superb various 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 well 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 manage as one in all your day journeys. So, what precisely makes this spot so distinctive? Apart from the much-loved Duarte’s Tavern (an area 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 youngsters, but it surely has unmatched fowl 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 number of the most lovely 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 likely one of the shortest day journeys from San Fran, and whilst you’ll want a automotive, reserving a rental for a day is straightforward.
- Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automotive
14. Santa Cruz
Everybody has heard of Santa Cruz. We’ll maintain our fingers 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 may condense your journey into just some actions. The Santa Cruz Seashore Boardwalk is the spotlight, and this amusement park has some incredible 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 points of interest close to San Fran.
Simply 1.5 hours away from San Fran by automotive, Santa Cruz is a simple 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 may admire a great deal of sunbathing sea lions from a good looking vantage level. If you need 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. Convey binoculars and a digicam and luxuriate 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 pleasing day journey choice, 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 when skirted the outskirts of the Bay Space, Los Gatos is a ultimate 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. 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 the town middle. You’ll seemingly must drive, however organizing with many rental automotive firms 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. Town is called a hub of expertise and growth. Whereas it was house to the world’s first radio broadcasting station, it continues to supply cutting-edge tech developments. It’s also possible to go to the primary broadcasting station, and Mount Hamilton has the world’s third-largest optical refracting telescope on show. After all, 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.
Apart from all its points of interest, San Jose is only a brief drive from San Fran. You could be within the metropolis middle 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 House Protect
Fancy going horseback driving or climbing throughout a 1,400-acre reserve with big redwood bushes? Bear Creek Redwoods Open House Protect is an unimaginable day journey from San Fran. There are 6 miles of climbing and horseback driving trails, and also you’ll be climbing or driving via fir and redwood forests. After all, this present day journey attracts horseback riders and nature lovers. Nevertheless, seeing redwood bushes on a day journey from San Francisco can be best. It’s the one of many closest redwood websites to San Fran metropolis middle 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 incredible time in nature. State parks are the subsequent neatest thing, and typically, 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 climbing and biking trails and is a agency favourite for out of doors exploration from San Francisco. When you love climbing trails, get your 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 one of the crucial ‘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 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 is determined by your preferences, as completely different areas have completely different actions and advantages. As a normal rule, enable a minimum of 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 not at all 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 chances are you’ll return simply to see stuff you missed out on the primary time. Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is house to an enormous colony of elephant seals. It is likely one of the greatest wildlife recognizing websites close to San Francisco.
- Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automotive
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 should you drive. The journey from San Francisco to the primary customer middle is almost 5 hours by automotive, which is difficult, even by US requirements, the place every part is much aside.
There’s a simple manner round that, although: to e book a guided tour. This fashion, you’ll get pleasure from all of the highlights like Glacier Level, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome with out pushing your self an excessive amount of whereas driving. Some might 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 climbing path so different it looks like an impediment course, Steep Ravine Path in Mount Tamalpais State Park is the best way ahead. You’ll traverse every part from wood 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 good looking method 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 greatest seashores in California for pure magnificence. The seaside snakes alongside a dramatic peninsula, backed by a same-name down with candy native retailers, together with a surf and kayak rental retailer. Concerning 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 undoubtedly extra of a surfer spot than a swimming spot, but it surely’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 prime day journeys from San Francisco. It’s coated in climbing and biking trails, with only one primary highway looping the island’s circumference. Touchdown on the primary 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 executed, and cease at seashores and the Fort McDowell ruins alongside your manner.
- 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 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 Avenue. Nevertheless, you can spend hours happening a seek for the prettiest. And if you aren’t doing that, there’s the white sand seaside and native retailers to get pleasure from.
There are numerous 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 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 a good looking spot for a novelty seaside day with, you guessed it, pure bridges produced from its rock formations. At low tide, you may rise up shut to those formations. However Pure Bridges State Seashore can be a incredible 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 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 big redwoods. Who doesn’t love redwoods? And at this park, you may spot them of their a whole bunch. Cease by the customer middle for some further info and steering on the perfect routes and sights. There are some great 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 scorching air balloon trip overhead. Napa Valley is effectively price a go to, and you’ll e book 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 in the case of day journeys.
- Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours
30. Fortress Rock State Park
Fortress Rock State Park is likely one of the greatest day journeys from San Francisco if you’d like a 5,242-acre park of climbing trails, dramatic sandstone climbing alternatives, and loads of forests – together with redwood bushes. The park is simply exterior the ever-so-popular Los Gatos and is a simple drive from San Fran. You possibly can take a look at one of many primary climbing routes or attempt some climbing if you’re skilled sufficient and have the gear. For a enjoyable problem, it’s a scenic place and a method to escape the town middle.
- Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours by automotive
31. Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge could be one of the crucial fashionable issues to do within the metropolis. In actual fact, photographing Golden Gate Bridge is what most individuals prioritize when visiting. The enduring Artwork Deco suspension bridge is a attribute vibrant purple coloration 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 should you can stroll for 20 minutes in typically windy circumstances. It is likely one of the greatest climbing trails in and round San Francisco, and if you’re 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. Nevertheless, we’ve added it on as a day journey since you ought to enable a minimum of half-hour to stroll throughout the bridge whereas taking images and one other 20 minutes to go as much as one of many viewpoints. When you 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 house to a number of the most lovely seashores within the area. Its string of sandy seashores is related by the California Coastal trailhead. This gorgeous hike spans 1,200 miles however could be accomplished in a manageable snippet. When you 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 far more appropriate for a day journey and can showcase the perfect 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 lovely head.
- Distance from San Francisco: 45 minutes by automotive
33. Santa Cruz Mountains
The Santa Cruz Mountains are our ultimate 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 the direction of Monterey Bay. The Santa Cruz Mountains can be dreamy should 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 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 the town middle of San Fran, so a simple drive should you lease a automotive. 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 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 in case you have just a few days or extra in San Fran. You would 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, take a look at these prime FAQs.
What’s a day journey from San Francisco?
There are over 30 fashionable 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 would 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 sooner or later?
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 good for sightseeing and exploring completely different points of interest. Nevertheless, as you may see, it’s price branching out with day journeys. You would head to a nature protect (maintain your eyes out for native animals just like the San Francisco garter snake) or head to an amusement park overlooking a sandy seaside. You would even change issues up fully with a go to to a distinct metropolis, like San Jose. Anybody visiting San Francisco ought to critically think about 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 current sources to bag the correct place for you. Lodging and neighborhood are two massively influential elements that may actually form your journey, so bear in mind to analysis them too, not simply day journeys to your itinerary.
