Places to Visit in the Bay Area

Location:

Half Moon Bay, CA

Highlights:

If you’re craving coastal charm just south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay delivers scenic beauty with an artistic soul. From sandy strolls to surf legends and art workshops, it’s a coastal escape that’s full of heart.

We Recommend This For:

Beachgoers, art lovers, surfers, history buffs, and weekenders from the Bay Area.

What we Love:

Golden beaches, legendary waves at Mavericks, local art classes, and charming historical gems.

• Discover the artistic and historic charm of this beachside town south of San Francisco.
• Create with the Colony of Coastside Artists, offering public art classes and creative workshops for all ages and skill levels.
• Explore preserved historic landmarks like the William Adam Simmons House and Mills Dairy Barn in Burleigh-Murray Ranch State Park.
• Unwind at Half Moon Bay State Beach, a 4-mile stretch of coastal beauty that includes Roosevelt, Dunes, Venice, and Francis Beach.
• Witness the thrilling Mavericks surf spot at Pillar Point, where waves can tower over 50 feet during peak surf season.

Location:

Sonoma County, CA

Highlights:

Craving wine country magic with a side of history and natural beauty? Sonoma County brings together world-class vineyards, charming towns, and over 50 parks in one unforgettable destination.

We Recommend This For:

Wine lovers, outdoor adventurers, culture seekers, and fans of California history.

What we Love:

Over 400 wineries, lush vineyards, Spanish missions, art museums, and literary landmarks like Jack London’s estate.

• Discover the northernmost part of the Bay Area in Sonoma County, including hubs like Santa Rosa.
• Tour your way through 13 AVAs and more than 425 wineries offering tastings, scenic views, and vineyard tours across the Sonoma region.
• Visit inspiring museums like the Pacific Coast Air Museum, Sonoma County Museum, and Sonoma Valley Museum of Art.
• Step back in time at the historic Mission San Francisco Solano, part of California’s colonial legacy.
• Explore over 50 parks with options for hiking, scenic overlooks, and nature-filled escapes.
• Honor literary legend Jack London at the Jack London State Historic Park, his former estate and final resting place.

Location:

Santa Rosa, CA

Highlights:

Looking for a perfect blend of wine, craft beer, history, and redwoods? Santa Rosa is your all-in-one Wine Country hub—laid-back, artsy, and surrounded by natural beauty.

We Recommend This For:

Wine lovers, beer enthusiasts, Peanuts fans, nature seekers, and weekend escape artists.

What we Love:

Craft breweries galore, historic downtown vibes, Peanuts nostalgia, and nearby redwood forests and parks.

• Start your Wine Country adventure in Santa Rosa, the largest city in Sonoma County and a gateway to both Sonoma and Napa Valley.
• Raise a glass in one of America’s top beer destinations—dubbed the “Microbrew Capital of the United States.”
• Visit the beloved Charles M. Schulz Museum and the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, where culture and creativity shine.
• Wander through historic Railroad Square, filled with charming boutiques, eateries, nightlife, and preserved architecture.
• Escape outdoors to Annadel State Park or Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve for hiking, biking, and nature immersion.

Location:

Sausalito, CA

Highlights:

Want Golden Gate Bridge views, waterfront seafood, and coastal charm just minutes from San Francisco? Sausalito is a dreamy bayfront escape with rich history, scenic parks, and a quaint, artsy downtown.

We Recommend This For:

Day-trippers from San Francisco, seafood lovers, art enthusiasts, and fans of picturesque coastal towns.

What we Love:

Historic shipbuilding roots, ferry-accessible marinas, seafood on the water, and a relaxing small-town vibe just across the bridge.

• Visit Sausalito, located just four miles north of San Francisco at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Explore its storied past—from a WWII shipbuilding hub to a beloved artist colony and visitor favorite.
• Shop & dine in the charming historic downtown, filled with boutiques and waterfront seafood restaurants.
• Unwind in peaceful green spaces like Vina del Mar Plaza, Dunphy Park, and Schoonmaker Beach.
• Enjoy a day on the water with a municipal fishing pier, boat ramp, and marina—easily accessed by scenic ferry rides from San Francisco.

Romantic Places to Visit in the Bay Area:

Location:

Yountville, CA

Highlights:

If you’re dreaming of Michelin-starred dining paired with world-class wine tastings, Yountville is Napa Valley’s crown jewel. It’s a walkable village where every bite, sip, and step is designed to impress.

We Recommend This For:

Foodies, wine enthusiasts, art lovers, couples, and luxury travelers.

What we Love:

Michelin-star restaurants, top-tier wineries, walkable charm, and a curated art experience that makes every street feel like a gallery.

• Visit Yountville, a culinary and wine destination tucked into the heart of Napa County in the northern San Francisco Bay Area.
• Tour iconic wineries like Domaine Chandon, Silver Trident Winery, and Jessup Cellars within the prestigious Yountville AVA.
• Dine at celebrated establishments including the Michelin-starred French Laundry and Bouchon Bistro.
• Stroll the Yountville Art Walk, featuring 34 sculptures seamlessly woven into the landscape.
• Explore cultural stops like the Napa Valley Museum, catch a show at the Lincoln Theatre, or bike along the scenic Vine Trail.

Location:

Santa Cruz County, CA

Highlights:

Need an epic escape into towering redwoods and quiet forest trails? Big Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park—and one of the best places to reconnect with nature beneath ancient giants.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, nature lovers, wildlife watchers, history buffs, and anyone craving a redwood forest retreat.

What we Love:

Massive old-growth redwoods, over 80 miles of hiking trails, rich wildlife, and a deep sense of peace that only a centuries-old forest can provide.

• Visit Big Basin Redwoods State Park, nestled in Santa Cruz County, covering 18,000 acres of the Waddell Creek watershed.
• Explore California’s oldest state park, established in 1902 and designated a California Historical Landmark.
• Wander among the state’s largest continuous stand of ancient coastal redwoods—over 10,000 acres of preserved and recovering forest.
• Hike more than 81 miles of trails, connecting to Castle Rock State Park, Waddell Beach, and the Theodore J. Hoover Natural Preserve. Trail map here.
• Spot native wildlife including deer, bobcats, Steller’s jays, herons, and egrets as you explore this biodiverse haven.

Location:

Walnut Creek, CA

Highlights:

Need a stylish and scenic getaway just over an hour from San Francisco? Walnut Creek blends urban energy, lush gardens, and small-town charm in the East Bay’s sunny foothills.

We Recommend This For:

Shoppers, art lovers, day-trippers from the Bay Area, and anyone who enjoys a walkable downtown with nature nearby.

What we Love:

Mount Diablo views, high-end shops, peaceful gardens, and a cultural scene that punches way above its size.

• Explore an urban oasis in the East Bay, surrounded by nature and tucked beneath scenic Mount Diablo.
• Experience the lively, walkable downtown district—home to over 650 businesses offering shops, cafés, and events.
• Indulge in gourmet dining, sidewalk cafés, upscale stores, and year-round festivals.
• Discover standout attractions like the Ruth Bancroft Garden, Lesher Center for the Arts, Gardens at Heather Farm, and the Shadelands Ranch Museum.
• Plan an easy day trip—it’s just 1 hour and 16 minutes from San Francisco by car.

Family-friendly Places to Visit in the Bay Area:

Location:

Calistoga, CA

Highlights:

If your perfect getaway includes hot springs, spa days, and wine with a view—Calistoga checks every box. This charming Napa Valley town mixes natural wonders with historic character and luxury wellness.

We Recommend This For:

Spa-goers, wine enthusiasts, history lovers, couples, and anyone seeking a relaxing retreat in Wine Country.

What we Love:

Volcanic ash mud baths, a medieval-style castle winery, and the reliably erupting Old Faithful Geyser of California.

• Visit Calistoga, nestled in northern Napa Valley and famous for its natural hot springs, discovered centuries ago by Indigenous peoples and Spanish explorers.
• Unwind at luxury spas known for their signature volcanic ash mud baths—a Calistoga specialty.
• Witness the Old Faithful Geyser of California, which erupts predictably from a 19th-century well casing.
• Tour nearby wineries like the impressive Castello di Amorosa, styled like a medieval castle and ideal for tastings and photo ops.
• Explore history at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, where an 1846 water-powered mill tells stories of California’s agricultural roots.

Location:

San Francisco Bay Area, CA

Highlights:

Looking for the ultimate Bay Area adventure with beaches, redwoods, and historic icons? The Golden Gate National Recreation Area stretches across 82,000 acres of stunning coastal scenery, rich history, and iconic landmarks.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, campers, history buffs, nature photographers, and anyone wanting a wild escape within city limits.

What we Love:

Massive coastal parks, Alcatraz, towering redwoods, historic military sites, and epic Bay views—all minutes from downtown San Francisco.

• Explore the vast Golden Gate National Recreation Area, one of the world’s largest urban parks, covering over 82,000 acres across the Bay Area.
• Join the 15+ million annual visitors who come for natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and urban proximity.
• Discover park sites across Marin, San Mateo, and San Francisco Counties—including beaches, forests, and coastal trails.
• Visit top attractions like Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods National Monument, and the historic Presidio of San Francisco.
• Camp under the stars with year-round and seasonal camping at designated sites throughout the park system.

Location:

Berkeley, CA

Highlights:

Want a destination that blends activism, arts, and intellectual energy? Berkeley is a vibrant Bay Area gem with a storied history, world-class university, and endless cultural flavor.

We Recommend This For:

Academics, artists, progressive thinkers, families, and culture lovers of all ages.

What we Love:

Historic movements, iconic university vibes, indie music under the stars, and a liberal spirit that never fades.

• Explore Berkeley, a major East Bay city along San Francisco Bay known for its progressive legacy and intellectual roots.
• Visit top academic institutions including the University of California, Berkeley and the Graduate Theological Union.
• Immerse yourself in culture at the Berkeley Art Museum, Pacific Film Archive, Berkeley Repertory Theater, and Hearst Greek Theatre.
• Bring the kids to the Habitot Children’s Discovery Museum for hands-on learning and fun.
• Hike or picnic in scenic Tilden Park, a peaceful green haven in the hills.
• Wander down Telegraph Avenue for eclectic shops, indie cafés, and nonstop energy near campus.