San Francisco is a type of magical cities – a bucket record vacation vacation spot within the US, assured to make you’re feeling like you’re stepping right into a film set. Whether or not heading to the curvy Lombard Road or museum hopping between the Palace of Superb 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 an alternative having super-sized skyscrapers and a relentless buzz, San Fran is an thrilling place to go to. San Fran is a superb spot in Northern California, and we are able to see why you wish 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
You probably have greater than 72 hours in San Francisco, a day journey ought to undoubtedly be in your playing cards. Town is ideally located to offer you a launchpad to discover the encircling 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 terms of day-tripping from San Fran. These are your prime 33 selections.
Planning Your Journey To San Francisco Proper Now?
Beneath are a few of the prime excursions for Day Journeys from San Francisco. Don’t neglect to plan forward when visiting California!
Prime 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 finest points of interest 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 means, it’s a undoubtedly possible day journey for those who hire a automobile. You’ll be driving via the San Francisco Bay Space and have a choose and mixture of little waterfront cities and cities to select from as stop-off factors. This 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 for those who’d choose to get pleasure from some vino. Sonoma is the best mix between historical past and wine and a wonderful spot for a day journey. It’s simply an hour’s drive north of San Fran or a 2.5-hour bus experience for those who’d choose 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 friends to a mannequin city. You may 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 for those who 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 lovely views of the San Francisco Bay Space and its iconic bridge. And for those who 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 simplest 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 glorious 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’ attraction. Town throughout the water is San Francisco’s excellent counterpart, providing a wonderful bridge and a extra fashionable vibe. Oakland has avenue 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 a wonderful 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 automobile is important.
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 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 not possible and nearly at all times deadly. Fortunately, this jail is retired from responsibility and is now accessible as a vacationer vacation spot and engaging museum. Simply leap on an everyday 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 of expensive for the day tour ferry, entrance, and audio tour, totaling round $35+ per individual. 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 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 for those who 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 for those who 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 automobile, reducing via Sacramento and Tahoe Nationwide Forest or Eldorado Nationwide Forest. If you happen to can insure a number of drivers on a rental automobile, this can be a possible day journey while you rotate driving time between individuals. And for those who set off early sufficient, you’ll be capable to get pleasure from a full day of out of doors actions.
Distance from San Francisco: 3.5-hours by automobile
7. Berkeley
Berkeley is a hub of training and educational status. So for those who fancy visiting probably the most prestigious houses of training within the US, this can be a excellent day journey from San Francisco metropolis middle. As you’ll count on, there are numerous museums in Berkeley, together with the Berkeley Pure Historical past Museum and Lawrence Corridor of Science. Berkeley Artwork Museum can also be effectively price a go to, and there are some lovely parks the place you may choose up a guide and embrace your internal academia. Town is stuffed with tradition and an underrated day journey from San Fran. Berkeley is for you for those who fancy experiencing a few of the educational aesthetic but venturing off the overwhelmed path.
Berkeley can also be simple to go to from San Fran, taking simply 20 minutes by automobile or 45 minutes by public transport. Simple.
Distance from San Francisco: 20-minutes by automobile or 45-minutes by public transport
8. Reno
Reno is one other cross-border possibility and a superb probability to enterprise into Nevada whereas staying in San Fran. Who wouldn’t wish to squeeze two states into one journey? And by automobile, Reno is without doubt one of the closest locations in Nevada, taking simply 3.5 hours to succeed in a technique. You probably 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 truly go to within the first place? First, it has the nickname ‘the most important little metropolis on the earth,’ 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 also be thought of a extra budget-friendly various to Vegas, so for those who fancy a day journey of partying (no alcohol included except you choose a delegated river), it’s supreme. Now we have an entire information devoted to the most effective issues to do in Reno!
Distance from San Francisco: 3.5 hours by automobile one-way
9. Turtle Bay Exploration Park
The 300-acre Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a wonderful 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. If you happen to fancy a day journey with all the pieces 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 all the pieces.
You probably have multiple individual insured in your rental automobile, we’d recommend driving to Turtle Bay Exploration Park through Sacramento. Sacramento makes a superb 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. Large Sur
If you happen to’ve already researched the most effective street journeys from San Francisco, you’ll know all about Large Sur. This stretch of central Californian shoreline is without doubt one of the most dramatic drives you may make within the US, with highways cuts into the cliffside overlooking seaside after seaside and skipping between coastal cities. If you happen to can hack it, the 4.5-hour drive to the Large Sur Lookout is without doubt one of the hottest day journey locations. You’ll be a 9-hour spherical journey, however the dramatic views will make all of it worthwhile. Skirting the chic fringe of the Pfeiffer Large Sur State Park, you’ll be passing probably 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 automobile
11. Drive the Skyline Boulevard to the Silicon Valley Vista Level
Skyline Boulevard is probably the most scenic drive from the San Fran metropolis middle. For anybody, a bit of delay by the size of a street journey to Large Sur, Skyline Boulevard is the most suitable choice and is only a 2-hour spherical journey – a lot simpler than 9 hours straight on the street. Sights alongside the best way embody Pulgas Water Temple, Filoli Historic Home & Backyard, and tons of nature preserves. You’ll be hopping out and in and seeing many various issues. Ending on the famend Silicon Valley Vista Level, this mini street journey is a bitesize introduction to the character surrounding San Francisco.
Benefit from a street journey expertise in northern California. California is the state of all street journeys, so it’s thrilling to hire a automobile and work some wheels. This can be a prime San Fran day journey if you need an entry-level street journey expertise.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile
12. Sebastopol
Sebastopol is without doubt 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 Warfare, 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 – an enormous 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. 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 automobile or 2.5 hours by public transport.
13. Pescadero
This tiny city south of San Fran is someplace you most likely wouldn’t even assume to hover over on a map, not to mention set up as certainly one of your day journeys. So, what precisely makes this spot so distinctive? Other than the much-loved Duarte’s Tavern (a neighborhood brilliant pink restaurant), the city’s entry to the Sequoia Audubon Path attracts probably the most guests. This path is flat and simple to handle, even with younger youngsters, but it surely has unmatched chook 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 lovely but lesser-visited nature preserves and has some traditional surroundings.
It’s a easy drive an hour south of the town to get there. This is without doubt one of the shortest day journeys from San Fran, and whilst you’ll want a automobile, reserving a rental for a day is simple.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile
14. Santa Cruz
Everybody has heard of Santa Cruz. We’ll maintain our palms up and say that you must guide an in a single day keep to get probably the most out of your go to. However for those who solely have a day journey, you may condense your journey into just some actions. The Santa Cruz Seaside 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 automobile, Santa Cruz is a simple day journey logistics-wise. Whereas for those who do must take public transport, it’s nonetheless possible as only a 2.5-hour journey.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours by automobile or 2.5 hours by public transport
15. Level Lobos State Pure Reserve
Level Lobos State Pure Reserve is a spot of actual magnificence with many fabulous 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 wonderful vantage level. If you need a nature reserve that gives extra encounter-like experiences, Level Lobos gives 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 digital camera 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 gratifying day journey possibility, particularly for those who love animals and having wild encounters.
Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours and 20 minutes by automobile
16. Los Gatos
Los Gatos is without doubt 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 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 unbelievable hybrid of stylish and purely healthful. Los Gatos is that spot if you wish to take aesthetic pictures and seize a espresso at a family-friendly cafe.
Simply an hour away from San Fran by automobile, this is without doubt one of the most handy day journeys from the town middle. You’ll seemingly should drive, however organizing with many rental automobile firms continues to be manageable.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile
17. San Jose
San Jose is cool, and there’s no level denying it. Town is named 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. 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. In fact, you’ll wish 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.
Other than all its points of interest, San Jose is only a quick drive from San Fran. You might be within the metropolis middle in half-hour for those who drive – which is good day journey journey time on this information.
Distance from San Francisco: half-hour by automobile 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 big redwood timber? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Area Protect is an unbelievable 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 via fir and redwood forests. In fact, this present day journey attracts horseback riders and nature lovers. Nevertheless, seeing redwood timber on a day journey from San Francisco can also be supreme. It’s the one of many closest redwood websites to San Fran metropolis middle and might be reached in simply 1 hour by automobile – dreamy.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile
19. Mount Tamalpais State Park
Mount Tamalpais State Park proves that you just don’t want nationwide parks to have a incredible 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 mountain climbing and biking trails and is a agency favourite for out of doors exploration from San Francisco. If you happen to 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 automobile 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 unlimited 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 guide a guided tour or simply head there your self by renting a automobile.
The place you go to within the Sierra Nevada Mountains will depend on your preferences, as totally different areas have totally different actions and advantages. As a basic rule, enable a minimum of 4 hours one approach to drive to the mountain vary’s hottest locations. And guide an organized tour to keep away from spending hours driving.
Distance from San Francisco: 4 hours by automobile
21. Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore
Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is certainly not a measly-sized protect. The park is a whopping 71,000 acres in dimension and is only a 2-hour drive from San Francisco. It’s good it’s so shut as a result of you might 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 without doubt one of the finest wildlife recognizing websites close to San Francisco.
Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automobile
22. Yosemite Nationwide Park
You’ll undoubtedly already know Yosemite Nationwide Park. Yosemite is effectively price an extended journey day, however most likely not a lot for those who drive. The journey from San Francisco to the principle customer middle is sort of 5 hours by automobile, which is difficult, even by US requirements, the place all the pieces is much aside.
There’s a simple means round that, although: to guide 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 might name you loopy, however we are saying the world belongs to the courageous.
Distance from San Francisco: 5 hours by automobile
23. Steep Ravine Path
For these with a way of journey and wanting a mountain climbing path so various it appears like an impediment course, Steep Ravine Path in Mount Tamalpais State Park is the best way ahead. You’ll traverse all the pieces from picket bridges to rough-cut ladders and previous windy waterfall-side paths. And the entire time, you’ll have beautiful old-growth redwoods to maintain you content material with atmospheric backdrops. This 1.5-mile path is a wonderful approach to spend an hour or two.
Distance from San Francisco: 55 minutes by automobile or 2.5 hours by public transport
24. Stinson Seaside
Stinson Seaside is gorgeous, one of many finest seashores in California for pure magnificence. The seaside snakes alongside a dramatic peninsula, backed by a same-name down with candy native outlets, together with a surf and kayak rental retailer. Relating to seaside days, Stinson Seaside is probably the most spacious possibility and a extremely handy selection – simply an hour away by automobile. Its waves get fairly uneven, so it’s undoubtedly extra of a surfer spot than a swimming spot, but it surely’s excellent for surfers or seaside bums.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour by automobile or 2 hours by public transport
25. Angel Island State Park
You may’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 without doubt one of the prime day journeys from San Francisco. It’s lined in mountain climbing and biking trails, with only one foremost street looping the island’s circumference. Touchdown on the foremost ferry touchdown, hire 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 end up performed, and cease at seashores and the Fort McDowell ruins alongside your means.
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 finest 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 Road. Nevertheless, you possibly can spend hours occurring a seek for the prettiest. And while you aren’t doing that, there’s the white sand seaside and native outlets 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 most effective actions for correct inspiration. Regardless of being 2 hours from San Fran by automobile, Carmel by the Sea is without doubt one of the finest day journeys for a seaside day with a fairytale twist.
Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours by automobile
27. Pure Bridges State Seaside
Pure Bridges State Seaside is a wonderful spot for a novelty seaside day with, you guessed it, pure bridges constituted of its rock formations. At low tide, you may rise up shut to those formations. However Pure Bridges State Seaside can also be a incredible day journey for wildlife watching – with possibilities of recognizing whales, starfish, butterflies, numerous sea birds, and cute little seals. Undoubtedly plan to go rock pooling (one more reason to go to at low tide) and convey a digital camera 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 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 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 lot. Cease by the customer middle for some further data and steering on the most effective 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 automobile, Muir Woods Nationwide Monument is a simple day journey to arrange. You’ll even drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, which is completely dream-worthy.
Distance from San Francisco: 45 minutes by automobile or 2 hours by public transport
29. Napa Valley
Napa Valley is adjoining to Sonoma Valley and a rival for wineries. The rolling hills are well-known for winery excursions on horseback, and you’ll often spot a scorching air balloon experience overhead. Napa Valley is effectively price a go to, and you’ll guide 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 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 automobile, not far in terms of day journeys.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours
30. Citadel Rock State Park
Citadel Rock State Park is without doubt one of the finest day journeys from San Francisco if you need 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 exterior the ever-so-popular Los Gatos and is a simple drive from San Fran. You may take a look at one of many foremost 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 approach to escape the town middle.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours by automobile
31. Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge could be probably the most in style issues to do within the metropolis. In reality, photographing Golden Gate Bridge is what most individuals prioritize when visiting. The enduring Artwork Deco suspension bridge is a attribute brilliant pink colour 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 finest for those who can stroll for 20 minutes in generally windy situations. It is without doubt one of the finest mountain climbing trails in and round San Francisco, and in case you are fortunate, you may typically see whales from the bridge.
Attending to the Golden Gate Bridge takes simply 50 minutes from San Fran metropolis middle by public transport or 20 minutes by automobile. 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 pictures and one other 20 minutes to go as much as one of many viewpoints. If you happen to resolve to stroll again, you’ll quickly spend over half a day on this attraction. And that’s with out exploring Marin Headlands.
Distance from San Francisco: 20 minutes by automobile or 50 minutes by public transport
32. Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is one other agency favourite for unbelievable day journeys from San Francisco. The small metropolis appears unassuming however is dwelling to a few of the most lovely seashores within the area. Its string of sandy seashores is linked by the California Coastal trailhead. This beautiful hike spans 1,200 miles however might be accomplished in a manageable snippet. If you happen to 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 rather more appropriate for a day journey and can showcase the most effective of the town’s seashores.
Attending to Half Moon Bay is a simple 45 minutes by automobile. You simply head south alongside the Cabrillo Freeway, and voila, Half Moon Bay rears its lovely head.
Distance from San Francisco: 45 minutes by automobile
33. Santa Cruz Mountains
The Santa Cruz Mountains are our 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 shall be dreamy for those who 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 for those who hire a automobile. 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 outdoor for a while.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour and 40 minutes by automobile
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 a number of days or extra in San Fran. You would be admiring redwoods, visiting island prisons, or using horseback via 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 in style 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 suggest staying in a single day as there’s 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 possibly 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 totally 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 swap issues up solely with a go to to a unique 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.
Relating to the place to remain in San Francisco, you’ll be thrilled with the variety of boutique motels and scenic neighborhoods. San Fran is our bread and butter, so take a look at our current assets to bag the fitting place for you. Lodging and neighborhood are two massively influential components that may actually form your journey, so bear in mind to analysis them too, not simply day journeys on your itinerary.