• Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Half Moon Bay ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© jerdad/stock.adobe.com

2. Sonoma County ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© Courtesy of Timothy - Fotolia.com

3. Santa Rosa

© Courtesy of trekandphoto - Fotolia.com

4. Sausalito

© Courtesy of jon_chica - Fotolia.com

5. Yountville

© Courtesy of LilahPhoto - Fotolia.com

6. Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of lucky-photo - Fotolia.com

7. Walnut Creek

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Walnut Creek/Facebook

8. Calistoga

© Courtesy of PhotoElite - Fotolia.com

9. Golden Gate National Recreational Area

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Alexander - Fotolia.com

10. Berkeley

© Courtesy of Uladzik Kryhin - Fotolia.com

11. Healdsburg

© Courtesy of Bjorn Bakstad - Fotolia.com

12. Mill Valley

© City of Mill Valley

13. Mountain View

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Lynn Yeh - Fotolia.com

14. Napa

© Courtesy of wollertz - Fotolia.com

15. Oakland

© Courtesy of lynn k watson - Fotolia.com

16. Pacifica

© Courtesy of Oxana - Fotolia.com

17. Petaluma

© Courtesy of dschreiber29 - Fotolia.com

18. Point Reyes National Seashore

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of pikappa51 - Fotolia.com

19. San Francisco

© Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com

20. San Jose

© Courtesy of mtaira - Fotolia.com

21. Santa Clara

© Courtesy of dragan1956 - Fotolia.com

22. Silicon Valley

© Courtesy of staclu - Fotolia.com

23. St. Helena for Couples

© St. Helena, CA

24. Tiburon

© Courtesy of Crin - Fotolia.com

25. Vallejo

© Courtesy of steheap - Fotolia.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

The San Francisco Bay Area spans nine counties near the San Francisco, Suisin, and San Pablo estuaries and is home to millions of residents throughout major cities such as San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. It is known for iconic sights such as the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge, great restaurants, and beaches, including the 181-acre Half Moon Bay State Beach park.

Map:


Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.