Places to Visit in the Bay Area
Searching for the best places to visit in the Bay Area? Well, you are in the right place! I discovered bustling city streets filled with history and art, quiet parks and trails perfect for a peaceful escape, and waterfront views that took my breath away. Here are the places I recommend, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Half Moon Bay
I think that this is one of the best places to visit in the Bay Area. Why? Just a 40-minute drive south of San Francisco along the iconic Highway 1, the "Pumpkin Capital" is the kind of laid-back, family-friendly seaside town that I found to be both cozy and adventurous.
The drive itself was part of the experience, cruising along Highway 1 with ocean views everywhere, and it felt like one of the best road trips near the Bay Area.
Chris and I stayed at 5-star The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay for two nights on my birthday high up on the cliffs, a AAA Four Diamond award winner.
First thing we did was stop at the coastal bluffs near Pillar Point, an absolute gem that felt underrated.
We walked along the coastal trail, feeling the cool breeze, and it was such a joyful and relaxing experience that instantly made this feel like a romantic but also family friendly spot.
Next we headed into downtown Half Moon Bay, which is near Main Street, and it felt vibrant, charming, and full of unique little shops that were honestly my favorite.
We grabbed coffee and pastries at a local café, which was affordable and delicious, and it felt like the best way to slow down and enjoy the morning.
After that we spent time at Half Moon Bay State Beach, one of the most amazing beaches near San Mateo, where the sand felt endless and the views were magic.
Watching the waves crash was an exciting but peaceful moment, and it reminded me why this area is such an underrated coastal getaway.
Later we explored nearby farms and pumpkin patches, which was a brilliant idea and made the whole day feel wholesome and fun.
In the fall, expect giant pumpkins, harvest markets, and the famous Pumpkin Festival around Columbus Day drawing visitors from around the world.
As the sun started to set, we found a quiet overlook near the harbor, and it was easily one of the coolest and most unforgettable experiences of the trip.
We ended the night with seafood near Princeton-by-the-Sea, close to the marina, and it honestly felt like the absolute best way to wrap up a perfect weekend.
What I loved best:
In winter, spotting migrating gray whales is my favorite highlight.
In addition, exploring the tide pools at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve was amazingly fun with my son.
2. Sonoma
Chris and I both absolutely love Sonoma, and have been many times. This is one of my favorite places to visit for wine country romance. We loved the vineyards, valleys, and charming mission-style plazas that give Sonoma a timeless, picture-perfect vibe.
Just over an hour’s drive north of San Francisco, it’s the laid-back, family-friendly counterpart to Napa, with a slower pace and a strong farm-to-table culture. I stayed at 3-star Inn At Sonoma for two nights and filled my days with wine tasting and walking through olive groves. Afternoons meant exploring art galleries, sun-dappled tasting rooms, and hiking among wildflowers in the Sonoma Valley Regional Park.
My favorite highlight was sampling artisan cheeses at local creameries like Petaluma Creamery. I also thought their ice cream was the best in the Bay Area.
If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, check out Sonoma Body Flows which leads yoga, wellness, nature and travel retreats locally and other destinations.
What I loved best:
My favorite highlight was sampling artisan cheeses at local creameries like Petaluma Creamery. I also thought their ice cream was the best in the Bay Area.
3. Things to Do in Santa Rosa
I thought that this was the most amazing hub for exploring Northern California’s wine country! We loved walking through the lively downtown filled with murals, breweries, and eclectic shops and going for drives through vineyards and redwood groves.
I think that Santa Rosa is one of the best places to visit in the Bay Area. Why? Just an hour north of San Francisco, Santa Rosa makes the perfect base for family-friendly adventures and indulgent wine-country escapes. I checked 3-star Calistoga Wine Way Inn for two nights and spent my days mixing play with palate-pleasing treats like exploring the California Cheese Trail to discover local creameries, sampling everything from creamy bries to tangy chèvres, joining a Platypus Wine Tour for a fun journey through off-the-beaten-path wineries, and remember how much fun my son had the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County when he was younger.
What I loved best:
My favorite highlight was walking through Santa Rosa's unique downtown for two hours and stopping to eat lunch on the patio at Café Frida Gallery. I had a hot dog covered in cheese was super tasty.
4. Luther Burbank Home & Gardens
My favorite stop in town was this National Historic Landmark, where the tranquil setting and colorful flowers gave us a peaceful break for 90 minutes.
- Location: In downtown Santa Rosa, California, near the intersection of Santa Rosa Avenue and Sonoma Avenue, just south of Courthouse Square
- Location Map
Walking those grounds felt like stepping back into California’s horticultural history, a real standout.
5. Yountville
This is one of the most charming small towns I’ve explored in Northern California, and it easily ranks as one of the best low-key luxury getaways in wine country. Just an hour north of San Francisco, this tiny town completely won me over while we stayed at 4-star Hotel Yountville for two nights.
Strolling along Washington Street, we admired the manicured gardens, stone buildings, and art-filled corners that made the town feel both elegant and relaxed, inviting us to slow down and enjoy every moment together.
My favorite stop was a cozy bakery café where we shared buttery pastries and expertly made coffee—an indulgent yet unpretentious way to start the day.
We wandered through local galleries and boutique shops, laughing as we discovered handcrafted goods and little details that felt thoughtful and personal rather than flashy.
A short walk led us to nearby walking paths lined with vineyards and mountain views, giving us a peaceful chance to wander side by side in the warm California air.
In the afternoon, we lingered at a small tasting room just off the main street, sharing a flight of local wines and a light bite while talking about future adventures.
I loved that Yountville felt refined without being overwhelming—quiet, welcoming, and effortlessly beautiful, like a secret slice of Napa made just for us.
We also stopped by local specialty shops and markets, picking up gourmet treats and picnic-worthy snacks that made the experience feel intimate and indulgent.
Dinner was at farm-to-table Bistro Jeanty, and was delicious!
What I loved best:
My favorite stops included Napa Valley Museum for an hour, Gallery 1870, Yountville Farmers' Market for 30 minutes and Lincoln Theater.
6. Big Basin Redwoods State Park
I thought this state park was a dreamy destination this month, with groves of towering redwoods, canyons, and trails. I adored its picture-perfect, almost spiritual vibe. In addition, it has the honor of being California’s oldest state park (established in 1902).
We started the day early, grabbing coffee and driving through winding roads, and honestly that drive alone felt magical and set the tone for an exciting weekend getaway.
When we arrived, the towering redwoods were the absolute best first impression, massive, ancient, and kind of unreal, like something you only see in photos but better.
First thing we did was hike along the iconic 0.9-mile Redwood Loop Trail past 1,000-year-old giants, following Berry Creek Falls Trail to cascading waterfalls, spotting banana slugs and salamanders along shaded creeks, and breathing in the earthy scent of ancient forests.
Locals told me that in summer, the park becomes a haven for campers and stargazers, while winter brings a moody beauty with fog weaving between the redwood trunks and quiet, uncrowded trails.
The forest felt cool and quiet, and we kept stopping to look up, which was my favorite thing because the light filtering through the trees was spectacular.
Next we went deeper into the park and did a longer hike, and it felt like a brilliant idea because every turn revealed something unique and interesting.
There were fallen trees you could walk through, small creeks, and these peaceful spots that felt very romantic and also great for a family adventure.
We stopped for snacks halfway, sitting on a log, laughing, and talking about how underrated this park still feels compared to other California spots.
Later we explored some side trails, which felt like the coolest part since it was less crowded and had that hidden, secret forest vibe.
The air smelled amazing, the silence was joyful, and the whole thing felt like a reset, which made it one of the best outdoor experiences we’ve had.
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was standing under a 300-foot redwood.
7. Sausalito
Sausalito is one of my favorite places to visit near San Francisco because it feels like an instant escape with its calm waterfront views, a relaxed, Mediterranean-like atmosphere.
I spent my days wandering boutique-lined streets in Sausalito, lingering at cafés with bay views, and exploring the quirky floating neighborhoods that make Sausalito so unique. A ferry ride back across the bay added a touch of old-school romance, complete with sea breeze and skyline panoramas that completely won me over.
When I got hungry, I made my way to Copita, the lively Mexican eatery on Bridgeway that stole my heart with bright interiors, agave-spirit cocktails, and house-made tortillas, fresh ceviche, and roasted cauliflower tacos — it became my go-to for lunch and lingering dinners.
What I loved best:
Locals told me that summer brings bustling outdoor patios and boat-filled harbors, while winter offers a quieter charm ...fog rolling in over the water and cozy evenings at waterfront restaurants.
8. Mountain View
I loved visiting Mountain View because it’s the kind of place where I can start my morning with a good coffee, spend the afternoon outdoors, and end the day with great food!
Just 40 minutes south of San Francisco in the heart of Silicon Valley, this city is best known as the headquarters of Google and other pioneering tech companies, yet it also offers a surprisingly laid-back, community-friendly vibe. I stayed at 5-star Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto for one night.
I enjoyed the lively downtown stretch filled with international eateries, sidewalk cafés, and indie shops, and filled my days with a mix of city and nature, including relaxing at Shoreline Lake, and catching live performances at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts.
What I loved best:
My highlight was an afternoon walking along the Stevens Creek Trail...
9. Napa
Set in a broad, sunlit valley lined with vineyards, this town has some of the most peaceful scenery I’ve seen in Northern California.
Just an hour north of San Francisco, I love how it blends small-town appeal with a sophisticated edge. I stayed at 4-star Archer Hotel Napa for two days and filled my days with vineyard adventures like visiting family-run wineries, wandering through the Oxbow Public Market to sample artisan cheeses and chocolates, and biking down country roads lined with lavender and grapevines.
What I loved best:
Fine dining at farm-to-table Scala Osteria & Bar was my personal highlight. In addition, strolling along the Napa River at sunset for 45 minutes with my husband was unforgettable.
10. Oakland
I loved visiting this Bay Area city because it offers the perfect mix of nature, food, and urban charm. I was charmed by how it feels both global and grounded, with a creative spirit that runs through its food, art, and music. I stayed at 4-star Graduate by Hilton Berkeley for two nights and filled my days with walking along the waterfront, exploring the street art of Uptown, browsing indie shops and cafés in Temescal Alley, and hiking through redwood groves at Redwood Regional Park. Evenings meant catching live jazz, and tasting everything from Michelin-starred plates to late-night tacos.
What I loved best:
My highlight was scenic views along Lake Merritt.
11. Pacifica, CA
I though that this beautiful beach town was one of the best places to visit in the Bay Area when I moved. I love that I can hike along headlands with panoramic ocean views, grab something warm from a local café, and end the day watching surfers catch waves at Linda Mar.
Just 20 minutes south of San Francisco along Highway 1, this city truly feels like a secret getaway where city life melts into surf culture and seaside adventure. I stayed at 3-star Pacifica Lighthouse, Trademark for two nights and filled my days with coastal thrills, hiking the Devil’s Slide Trail for dramatic ocean panoramas, surfing at Linda Mar Beach, and sampling fish tacos with a sunset view at the local surf shacks.
What I loved best:
Spotting wildflowers and migrating whales along the Mori Point headlands.
12. Petaluma, CA
Set among rolling hills and dairy country, I think this city has some of the most authentic, pastoral scenery I’ve seen in Northern California.
Just 40 miles north of San Francisco at the gateway to Sonoma County, Petaluma feels like a mix of history and hipness.
- Location: In Sonoma County in Northern California, along the Petaluma River, north of Novato and south of Santa Rosa
- Location Map
My highlight was the Sonoma-Marin Cheese Trail where I samples bries, tangy chèvres, and blues.
13. Point Reyes National Seashore
I adored this place of dreamy coastal wilderness with cliffs, green hills, wild beaches, and a lighthouse perched dramatically on the edge.
I think that Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the best places to visit in the Bay Area. Why? Just an hour north of San Francisco, this protected stretch of coastline feels worlds away. A climb down to the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse offered sweeping views where gray whales migrate just offshore.
- Location: On the Point Reyes Peninsula in coastal Marin County, California, west of Inverness and northwest of San Francisco
- Location Map
- Point Reyes National Seashore website
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was the Cypress Tree Tunnel that frames the road like a mystery.
14. San Jose
Set at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range, I found more natural variety here than I expected and it quickly became one of my favorite Bay Area getaways.
This city anchors Silicon Valley yet still feels approachable and laid-back. I stayed downtown near Plaza de César Chávez and filled my days with a blend of culture and exploration — wandering the San Pedro Square Market for craft bites and live music, diving into the quirky mystery of the Winchester Mystery House, admiring modern and contemporary works at the San José Museum of Art, and strolling through the tranquil Japanese Friendship Garden.
What I loved best:
For a taste of innovation, I ventured to the Tech Interactive science center with my son, where interactive exhibits made me feel like a kid again which was a highlight.
15. Livermore - 50 minutes from San Francisco
This city, just about an hour east of San Francisco, is one of my favorite Bay Area day trips. Every time I visit, I’m struck by how this city blends wine country charm with a relaxed small-town atmosphere.
We started with a wine tasting, and I loved how joyful it felt to sip local vintages surrounded by rolling vineyards. With more than 50 wineries, Livermore offers plenty of hidden gems, and each one feels welcoming and down-to-earth compared to some of the bigger wine regions.
Downtown Livermore added a cool contrast, with historic architecture, outdoor cafés, and boutique shops that made strolling around both fun and relaxing. I thought it was unusual how the area manages to feel lively without being overwhelming, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon there.
We also explored some of the nearby trails, and standing among the hills reminded me of just how unique this part of the Bay Area is.
What I loved best:
The mix of vineyards, open space, and sunshine made the whole day feel like a refreshing getaway which I loved.
16. San Francisco
Even if you’re not typically drawn to West Coast cities, I still highly recommend making the trip because of how culturally, historically, and geographically important San Francisco is to the United States. From the Gold Rush to the tech boom, the city has played a major role in shaping modern America—and the scenery alone makes it unforgettable. We absolutely love San Francisco and my family was based here for four weeks.
Much like New York and DC, San Francisco has an overwhelming number of things to do both indoors and outdoors. You could easily spend days exploring neighborhoods, museums, viewpoints, and nearby natural attractions. While we have a full list of the best things to do in San Francisco to help narrow it down, it’s truly a destination that works year-round, with something for every type of traveler.
The biggest challenge with a day trip is deciding what to prioritize. Personally, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf top my list. Seeing the Golden Gate up close never gets old, and Alcatraz is one of the most fascinating historic sites in the country. Just note that Alcatraz tickets sell out quickly, so if that’s a must-do, you’ll want to book well in advance.
While it’s possible to drive into San Francisco, I don’t really recommend it—especially if you’re short on time. Traffic can be intense, parking is expensive and limited, and navigating the steep streets can be stressful. If you do drive, plan to leave very early and budget extra time just in case. Parking alone can easily cost $50–$75 USD for the day.
A popular alternative is flying in early and out late, but once you factor in airport transfers and security time, it can eat into your day quickly. Trains aren’t as convenient here as they are on the East Coast, so you’ll still rely heavily on public transportation or rideshares to get around, which limits how much you can realistically see.
That’s why, for a one or two-day visit, I think the easiest and most efficient option is an guided tour with local guides. You avoid the stress of transportation, hit the city’s major highlights, and benefit from a knowledgeable guide who adds context you’d otherwise miss.
What I loved best:
One of my favorite stops was Dynamo Donuts in the Mission, a local institution that completely lives up to the hype! Their handmade donuts are the perfect mix of playful and gourmet — I had the maple bacon one (heavenly!) and a spicy chocolate that was surprisingly addictive.
17. Tiburon
We planned a weekend getaway to this small hidden gem tucked along the Marin County waterfront just north of San Francisco, and honestly it felt like a dream from the start.
First thing we did was drive over the Golden Gate Bridge which is always magic, and arriving in Tiburon felt calm, romantic, and kind of underrated compared to the busy city nearby.
We parked near downtown Tiburon and started walking along Main Street, which was one of the best experiences because everything felt vibrant, local, and unusually peaceful.
Our first stop was coffee by the water, and sitting there watching sailboats glide across the bay was an absolute best way to slow down and enjoy the moment.
After that we walked the waterfront path, which is a spectacular and relaxing stroll with views of San Francisco skyline and Angel Island.
We took the ferry to Angel Island next, which was a brilliant idea and one of my favorite parts of the day, since it’s right there and feels like a whole new world.
Back in Tiburon, lunch was seafood by the bay, and it was one of the most joyful and exciting meals with fresh flavors and a cool breeze.
Later we explored small shops and galleries, which felt unique and interesting, definitely a hidden spot for art lovers.
As the sun started setting, we ended the day by the water again, and the golden light over the bay was pure magic and totally unforgettable.
What I loved best:
Catching the ferry to Angel Island for hiking and history was my personal highlight.
I think that Tiburon is one of the best places to visit in the Bay Area. Why? Because just across the Golden Gate from San Francisco, Tiburon feels like a serene seaside village with a dash of old California charm.
My favorite highlights were strolling along Main Street with its boutiques and cafés, exploring the town’s small museums, and watching pelicans skim the water.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
