San Francisco remains one of the East Bay’s popular destinations for tourists and natives alike. The city has a lot to see and do. The bay area has urban hiking trails, beautiful white sand beaches, diverse cultures, and Michelin-starred restaurants. More adventures await if you venture a few hours outside the city. Just a short drive away you can find small towns with redwood forests, fresh seafood, and vineyards with all the wine you can drink. Here are the five top picks for day trips and the best short getaways from the San Francisco Bay Area. Add these to your bucket list whether you’re a visitor or a local.
- A day out in Wine Country, St. Helena
Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, and Solano are commonly considered to be part of “Wine Country.” Many of Napa Valley’s best wineries can be found in and around the picturesque town of St. Helena. St. Helena is great for those whose idea of a relaxing vacation includes wine tasting, fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, visiting art galleries, and maybe even taking a hot air balloon ride. Some of the most interesting places to go in St. Helena are Alila Napa Valley, Brasswood Bar + Kitchen+ The Charter Oak, St. Helena Cyclery, Hall Wines St. Helena, and Wyndown Hotel
- Cruise along the Big Sur
The Big Sur coastline serves as an iconic setting for a road trip from San Francisco. The breathtaking road leads drivers from the captivating Pacific Coast Highway’s rugged mountains and picture-perfect beaches. The only real challenge is fitting everything into one day since this is one of the longer trips on this list. But splendid views of Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls will make it worth it. If you need to stretch your legs, consider stopping at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and taking a short hike through the park’s impressive redwood forest.
- By the Russian River Valley, Guerneville
Guerneville is a party-and-artist camp. This charming town is tucked into the Russian River valley’s bend. The town has historically been known for its logging community and wine tasting. When in Guerneville, flex your taste buds because there will be wine! You’re in the heart of one of Sonoma’s best wine regions. Main Street and its buildings will transport you to the Wild West, but don’t be fooled by the old stone walls. Many of them have been lovingly remade.
Some of the best sites to visit in Guerneville: are Armstrong Redwood State Natural Reserve, El Barrio, Brot, AutoCamp Russian River, and Burke’s Canoe trip,
- A Little Touristy, Santa Cruz,
Santa Cruz, a tourist hotspot, is one of the best day trip destinations in San Francisco for a cool coastal vibe. To the south of the golden city, Santa Cruz is located on the beautiful Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz is a popular entertainment getaway. The most interesting and enjoyable spots in Santa Cruz can be found close to the beach. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic amusement park with a wide variety of games and rides, and the Santa Cruz Wharf is a popular place to eat, shop, and party. Natural Bridges State Beach, with its interesting coastal features, is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. The Monarch Grove Trail, located near the beach, takes visitors through a forest full of orange and black monarch butterflies.
- Monterey and Carmel by the sea
The city of Monterey and the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea make a great day trip on the San Francisco coast. The two places south of San Francisco offer great views of the ocean and a lot of history. When you stop in Monterey, you can see historic places like Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf or check out the marine life at Monterey Bay Aquarium. Carmel-by-the-Sea, on the other hand, is a completely different story. This quaint little town has a surprisingly European vibe thanks to the charming, historic buildings that now house art galleries and quaint shops. Carmel Beach, a beautiful stretch of white sand, is the focus of attention on the village’s picturesque waterfront.
FAQ’s
What should I do with a day off in San Francisco?
The City of San Francisco has it all from hike trails to quaint sandy beaches. But if you are feeling a little more adventurous take a day trip away from the city. There are many places to explore like Napa Valley, Santa Cruz, and Big Sur, a stone’s throw away from the city.
Where can I go on a road trip to San Francisco?
Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Napa Valley, Half Moon Bay, and Yosemite National park are a few of the best destinations for a day trip from San Francisco.
