San Francisco is a type of magical cities – a bucket listing 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 High-quality Arts and California Academy of Science, there are numerous issues 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 a superb spot in Northern California, and we will see why you need to go to a lot. So with all this thought-about, 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 Finest Day Journeys from San Francisco
When you’ve got greater than 72 hours in San Francisco, a day journey ought to undoubtedly be in your playing cards. The town is ideally located to offer you a launchpad to discover the encompassing space. You could possibly 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 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 frequent? Monterey is a coastal metropolis south of San Fran. Monterey is an ideal day journey from San Francisco, providing a extra compact really feel than its bigger neighbor. The town is an image of coastal residing, with cutesy and ever-so-slightly-tacky present outlets and loads of seafood eating places. Its greatest sights are the well-known Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Previous 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 should you lease a automotive. You’ll be driving by way 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 beautiful 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 certain that to take a look at our publish 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 heart should you’d desire to get pleasure from some vino. Sonoma is the best mix between historical past and wine and a lovely spot for a day journey. It’s simply an hour’s drive north of San Fran or a 2.5-hour bus experience should you’d desire to have a drink whereas visiting.
Sonoma isn’t simply an grownup day journey both; town has Sonoma Prepare City Railroad, an amusement park with a miniature prepare taking friends to a mannequin city. You’ll be able to 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 seashore neighborhood and a vibrant spot for a day journey should you keep in San Fran for a couple of days. Essentially the most spectacular a part of town is its neighborhood of floating properties and brightly coloured paintings. You go to Sausalito to admire it and simply stroll across the metropolis heart for a day. Its architectural and portray views are spectacular. Because the icing on the cake, Sausalito additionally has lovely views of the San Francisco Bay Space and its iconic bridge. And should you fancy an journey, you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to simply mix it with day journeys to the bridge and Golden Gate Nationwide Recreation Space, particularly if you wish to drop in for one thing to eat, as Sausalito has some wonderful waterfront eateries.
- Distance from San Francisco: 30-minutes by ferry
4. Oakland
Sitting tucked in amongst numerous neighborhoods in East Bay, Oakland is the most important East Bay metropolis within the San Francisco Bay Space. For a lot of, it’s the ‘Brooklyn’ to San Fran’s ‘New York’ enchantment. The town throughout the water is San Francisco’s good counterpart, providing a lovely 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’ll be able to catch the ferry on to Jack London Sq., a considerable glitzy marina with a lovely waterfront promenade. If you need someplace you’ll be able to go to utilizing public transport on a day journey from San Fran metropolis heart, 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 nearly 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 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 nearly at all times deadly. Fortunately, this jail is retired from responsibility and is now accessible as a vacationer vacation spot and interesting museum. Simply leap on an everyday ferry, and also you’ll have the ability 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 anticipate sensible views. Tickets are somewhat dear for the day tour ferry, entrance, and audio tour, totaling round $35+ per individual. Nonetheless, the expertise is nicely value 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 shocking lake cut up in half by the Nevada and California border. As the most important alpine lake in North America, it’s a raging hotspot for watersports from spring to fall. Whereas in winter, the mountains that again the lake grow 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 vital 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 way of Sacramento and Tahoe Nationwide Forest or Eldorado Nationwide Forest. For those who can insure a number of drivers on a rental automotive, it is a possible day journey whenever you rotate driving time between folks. And should you set off early sufficient, you’ll have the ability to 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 tutorial status. So should you fancy visiting one of the vital prestigious properties of training within the US, it is a good day journey from San Francisco metropolis heart. As you’ll anticipate, there are numerous museums in Berkeley, together with the Berkeley Pure Historical past Museum and Lawrence Corridor of Science. Berkeley Artwork Museum can be nicely value a go to, and there are some lovely parks the place you’ll be able to choose up a e-book and embrace your inside academia. The town is stuffed with tradition and an underrated day journey from San Fran. Berkeley is for you should you fancy experiencing a number of the tutorial aesthetic but venturing off the crushed 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 possibility 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 succeed in a technique. When you’ve got somebody to share the driving with, you’ll be able to 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 embrace the Nevada Museum of Artwork, the Nationwide Vehicle Museum, and the Fleischmann Planetarium. Reno can be thought-about a extra budget-friendly different to Vegas, so should you fancy a day journey of partying (no alcohol included except you choose a delegated river), it’s splendid. We’ve 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 lovely not-for-profit day-tripping spot. You’ll be surrounded by forest and scenic river trails, however with the choice for indoor sights as nicely. The park has a museum, botanical backyard, wildlife heart, and forest camp. For those who fancy a day journey with the whole lot 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 the whole lot.
When you’ve got a couple of individual insured in your rental automotive, we’d recommend driving to Turtle Bay Exploration Park by way of Sacramento. Sacramento makes a superb stopover level. This drive is a bit longer at 4 hours, however combining two sights in a single journey is nicely value it.
- Distance from San Francisco: 3-4 hours relying in your route
10. Massive Sur
For those who’ve already researched the most effective 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 may make within the US, with highways cuts into the cliffside overlooking seashore after seashore and skipping between coastal cities. For those who can hack it, the 4.5-hour drive to the Massive Sur Lookout is likely one of the hottest day journey locations. You’ll be taking a look at a 9-hour spherical journey, however the dramatic views will make all of it worthwhile. Skirting the chic fringe of the Pfeiffer Massive Sur State Park, you’ll be passing probably the most scenic surroundings within the state.
One of the best 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 sensible attraction on the way in which, with common readings and stay music on the writer’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 probably the most scenic drive from the San Fran metropolis heart. For anybody, somewhat postpone by the size of a highway 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 highway. Points of interest alongside the way in which embrace 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. This can be a prime San Fran day journey if you need 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 title originated from a bar struggle 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 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. This present day 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 in all probability wouldn’t even suppose to hover over on a map, not to mention manage as considered one of your day journeys. So, what precisely makes this spot so distinctive? Except for the much-loved Duarte’s Tavern (an area vibrant purple restaurant), the city’s entry to the Sequoia Audubon Path attracts probably the most guests. This path is flat and straightforward to handle, even with younger youngsters, nevertheless it has unequalled chook 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 traditional surroundings.
It’s a easy drive an hour south of town to get there. This is likely one of the shortest day journeys from San Fran, and when you’ll want a automotive, reserving a rental for a day is 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 probably the most out of your go to. However should you solely have a day journey, you’ll be able to condense your journey into only a few actions. The Santa Cruz Seaside Boardwalk is the spotlight, and this amusement park has some unbelievable rides dotted alongside its mile of sandy seashore. 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 should 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 embrace Sea Lion Cove, the place you’ll be able to admire a great deal of sunbathing sea lions from a lovely 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’ll be able to spot are sea otters and seals – Level Lobos is like an moral free-range zoo. Carry 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 fulfilling day journey possibility, particularly should you love animals and having wild encounters.
- Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours and 20 minutes by automotive
16. Los Gatos
Los Gatos is likely one of the shortest day journeys from San Francisco. Named ‘the cats’ after the bobcats that after skirted the outskirts of the Bay Space, Los Gatos is a 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 properties and structure. Briefly, Los Gatos is a lesser-visited day journey for vacationers and an unbelievable hybrid of stylish 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 likely one of the most handy day journeys from town heart. You’ll seemingly need to 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. The town is called a hub of expertise and improvement. Whereas it was dwelling to the world’s first radio broadcasting station, it continues to offer cutting-edge tech developments. You may also 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 sights, too, although, like Winchester Thriller Home. There are such a lot of issues to do in San Jose.
Except for all its sights, San Jose is only a brief drive from San Fran. You could be within the metropolis heart in half-hour should you drive – which is sensible 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 House Protect
Fancy going horseback driving or climbing throughout a 1,400-acre reserve with large redwood timber? Bear Creek Redwoods Open House Protect is an unbelievable day journey from San Fran. There are 6 miles of climbing and horseback driving trails, and also you’ll be climbing or driving by way of fir and redwood forests. After all, today journey attracts horseback riders and nature lovers. Nonetheless, seeing redwood timber on a day journey from San Francisco can be splendid. It’s the one of many closest redwood websites to San Fran metropolis heart and could be reached in simply 1 hour by automotive – dreamy.
- Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automotive
19. Mount Tamalpais State Park
Mount Tamalpais State Park proves that you simply don’t want nationwide parks to have a unbelievable time in nature. State parks are the following smartest 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 climbing and biking trails and is a agency favourite for out of doors exploration from San Francisco. For those who 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 individuals 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 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 very best mountains. The mountains are well-known as an unlimited space with loads of sub-sections, together with nationwide parks like Yosemite. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are the place to move on a day journey from San Francisco for an final climbing, mountain biking, or climbing tour. You’ll be able to 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 dependent upon your preferences, as completely different areas have completely different actions and advantages. As a normal rule, enable at the least 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 in no way 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 chances are you’ll 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 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 nicely value an extended journey day, however in all probability not a lot should you drive. The journey from San Francisco to the primary customer heart is almost 5 hours by automotive, which is difficult, even by US requirements, the place the whole lot is much aside.
There’s a simple approach round that, although: to e-book a guided tour. This manner, 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 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 climbing path so various it looks like an impediment course, Steep Ravine Path in Mount Tamalpais State Park is the way in which ahead. You’ll traverse the whole lot 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 lovely method to spend an hour or two.
- Distance from San Francisco: 55 minutes by automotive or 2.5 hours by public transport
24. Stinson Seaside
Stinson Seaside is gorgeous, one of many greatest seashores in California for pure magnificence. The seashore 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 seashore days, Stinson Seaside is probably the most spacious possibility 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, nevertheless it’s good for surfers or seashore bums.
- Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automotive or 2 hours by public transport
25. Angel Island State Park
You’ll be able to’t beat a go to to Angel Island State Park for the most effective views of the San Francisco skyline. This ferry-accessible island is likely one of the prime day journeys from San Francisco. It’s lined in climbing and biking trails, with only one predominant highway looping the island’s circumference. Touchdown on the predominant ferry touchdown, lease a motorcycle, and also you’ll have the ability to discover in half a day. Deal with your self to a snack on the Angel Island Cafe when you’re achieved, 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. Essentially the most well-known cottages are the Hansel and Gretel Cottages on Torres Avenue. Nonetheless, you may spend hours happening a seek for the prettiest. And whenever you aren’t doing that, there’s the white sand seashore and native outlets to get pleasure from.
There are lots of extra issues to do in Carmel by the Sea, so take a look at our information on the most effective 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 seashore day with a fairytale twist.
- Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automotive
27. Pure Bridges State Seaside
Pure Bridges State Seaside is a lovely spot for a novelty seashore day with, you guessed it, pure bridges constituted of its rock formations. At low tide, you’ll be able to stand up shut to those formations. However Pure Bridges State Seaside can be a unbelievable day journey for wildlife watching – with probabilities of recognizing whales, starfish, butterflies, numerous sea birds, and cute little seals. Positively plan to go rock pooling (one more reason to go to at low tide) and convey a digicam to doc your encounters.
Pure Bridges State Seaside is a enjoyable day journey with a little bit of a wildlife-watching twist; even David Attenborough could be pleased with you for today 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’ll be able to spot them of their a whole lot. Cease by the customer heart for some additional info and steerage on the most effective routes and sights. There are some fantastic 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 often spot a sizzling air balloon experience overhead. Napa Valley is nicely value a go to, and you’ll e-book organized wine excursions to take advantage of the expertise. The very last thing you want is a DUI, so play your playing cards proper and take the switch possibility.
What’s the distinction between Sonoma and Napa? Napa Valley is a bit more unique and so pricier. It’s the luxe possibility. And at about 1.5 hours away from San Francisco by automotive, not far relating to 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 need a 5,242-acre park of climbing trails, dramatic sandstone climbing alternatives, and loads of forests – together with redwood timber. The park is simply exterior the ever-so-popular Los Gatos and is a simple drive from San Fran. You’ll be able to take a look at one of many predominant 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 town heart.
- Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours by automotive
31. Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge could be one of the vital well-liked issues to do within the metropolis. In reality, photographing Golden Gate Bridge is what most individuals prioritize when visiting. The long-lasting Artwork Deco suspension bridge is a attribute vibrant purple colour and spans 4,200 ft. To make a day journey out of it, you’ll be able to stroll, cycle, or drive throughout – ideally do all three. Strolling is greatest should you can stroll for 20 minutes in generally windy situations. It is likely one of the greatest climbing trails in and round San Francisco, and if you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to typically see whales from the bridge.
Attending to the Golden Gate Bridge takes simply 50 minutes from San Fran metropolis heart by public transport or 20 minutes by automotive. 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 photographs and one other 20 minutes to move as much as one of many viewpoints. For those who resolve to stroll again, you’ll quickly spend over half a day on this attraction. And that’s with out exploring Marin Headlands.
- Distance from San Francisco: 20 minutes by automotive or 50 minutes by public transport
32. Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is one other agency favourite for unbelievable day journeys from San Francisco. The small metropolis appears to be like unassuming however is dwelling 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. For those who go to Half Moon Bay and fancy a coastal stroll, attempt the California Coastal trailhead by Manhattan Seaside to Pillar Level Seaside. This 2.5-hour hike is way more appropriate for a day journey and can showcase the most effective of 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 probably the greatest 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 can be dreamy should 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 climbing path. You’ll be able to discover on foot or by mountain bike; the selection is yours.
The mountains are 1 hour and 40 minutes away from town heart of San Fran, so a simple drive should 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 open air for a while.
- Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour and 40 minutes by automotive
Finest Day Journeys from San Francisco: FAQs
How fabulous do these 33-day journey concepts look? Your choices are excitingly countless in case you have a couple of days or extra in San Fran. You could possibly be admiring redwoods, visiting island prisons, or driving horseback by way of rolling hills earlier than wine tasting. Earlier than you select any of these unbelievable actions, although, take a look at these prime FAQs.
What’s a day journey from San Francisco?
There are over 30 well-liked day journeys from San Francisco, together with Napa Valley, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Muir Woods Nationwide Monument.
What different locations to go to close to San Francisco?
You could possibly 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 at some point?
There are greater than 30 locations close to San Francisco that you may 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’ll be able to see, it’s value branching out with day journeys. You could possibly 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 seashore. You could possibly even swap issues up fully with a go to to a distinct 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 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 take a look at our present sources to bag the precise place for you. Lodging and neighborhood are two massively influential components that may actually form your journey, so keep in mind to analysis them too, not simply day journeys to your itinerary.
