Day Trips from San Francisco
San Francisco is surrounded by incredible destinations that make for perfect day trips, each offering a unique glimpse into Northern California’s beauty and culture. Having explored the region, I’ve found that just a short drive from the city you can discover everything from charming coastal towns and world-class wine country to redwood forests and scenic seaside escapes.
I discovered breathtaking coastal drives, peaceful trails beneath towering redwoods, and small towns filled with art, food, and history. From romantic getaways to family-friendly adventures and outdoor explorations, day trips from San Francisco offer something for everyone. Here are the ones I recommend from my four weeks of travels, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Golden Gate National Recreation Area - 35 min from San Francisco
Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of my favorite escapes in the Bay Area, a place where city life and raw coastal wilderness meet in the most beautiful way. Stretching north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s filled with breathtaking cliffs, hidden beaches, and historic landmarks that make every visit feel different.
I caught the Muni bus from downtown San Francisco to the bridge plaza (about 25 minutes, $2.50 one way). From there, it’s easy to walk straight into the park’s network of trails. If you’re staying the weekend, I’d suggest booking a room at 4-star Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito — it’s a peaceful base tucked just below the bridge, with views that glow at sunset.
You can hike the Batteries to Bluffs Trail for sweeping ocean views, explore Fort Point and Baker Beach, or wander through the wind-sculpted cypress trees near Lands End.
My personal highlight was watching the sun set from Marin Headlands.
2. Sausalito - 35 min from San Francisco
Whenever I cross the Golden Gate Bridge, I love making my way to Sausalito because it feels like stepping into a charming Mediterranean village, yet it’s just minutes from San Francisco. I thought that it was one of my favorite day trips from San Francisco. Why? The waterfront views of the city skyline are simply spectacular and make every visit unforgettable.
I took the Golden Gate Ferry from the Ferry Building downtown (about 30 minutes, $8.75 one way), and it was already worth the trip before I even arrived. The ride gives you sweeping views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the city skyline fading behind you. From the dock, it’s just a short walk to the heart of Sausalito’s cafés, boutiques, and art galleries.
Check prices and availability at 4-star Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa, a great place two spend two days for a relaxing weekend getaway.
3. Muir Woods National Monument - 45 min from San Francisco
I found Muir Woods National Monument to be one of the most awe-inspiring places I’ve ever visited and a brilliant idea for a day trip from San Francisco. The moment I stepped onto the trails, I felt surrounded by spectacular beauty that made me slow down and simply breathe it all in.
I caught the Marin Transit Shuttle from Sausalito Ferry Terminal (about 25 minutes, $3 one way). It drops you right at the park entrance which is super convenient. Reservations are required for parking or shuttle rides, so plan ahead, but it’s worth every bit of effort once you’re surrounded by those towering giants.
My personal highlight was pausing by Cathedral Grove, looking up at trees that have been standing here for over a thousand years.
4. Half Moon Bay - 50 min from San Francisco
About 50 minutes south of San Francisco, I discovered Half Moon Bay to be one of the most spectacular coastal escapes in the Bay Area. The drive along Highway 1 alone was worth the trip, with sweeping ocean views and rolling hills guiding me into town.
You can walk the Coastal Trail that runs alongside the bluffs, explore the tide pools at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, or head to Mavericks Beach to watch surfers tackle waves taller than houses. In autumn, the pumpkin patches turn the hills orange, and the annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival fills the town with music, food, and laughter. Locals told me mornings are calmest when fog lingers over the dunes and pelicans glide low over the surf.
My personal highlight was sitting by the fire pits at Sam’s Chowder House after sunset.
5. Aptos - 1 hour 30 minutes from San Francisco
Aptos is one of my favorite hidden gems along the Central Coast — a quiet beach town tucked between redwood forests and the wide, open Pacific. It’s part of Santa Cruz County, but it has a slower, more local feel that makes it perfect for a weekend getaway or a calm coastal day trip.
I drove down from San Francisco in about an hour and a half, following Highway 1 past artichoke fields and ocean overlooks. You can also take the train to San Jose and rent a car from there — either way, the journey feels like part of the adventure. For an overnight stay, 3-star Seacliff Inn offers comfy rooms and a pool surrounded by palm trees, just minutes from the beach.
You can start your day at Seacliff State Beach, where the old concrete ship S.S. Palo Alto rests just offshore. From there, it’s easy to wander along the sand to Rio del Mar or hike into the forest trails at The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, where ferns and redwoods line the creeks in soft, green light.
6. Point Reyes National Seashore - 1 hour 25 min from San Francisco
I drove up from the city early in the morning, following the winding road through Olema Valley and into the park. You can walk down to the famous Point Reyes Lighthouse, where the wind practically sings around you, or hike the Bear Valley Trail through forests and meadows to the ocean. Don’t miss Drakes Beach for its towering white cliffs or Chimney Rock during the spring, when the wildflowers burst into color. My personal highlight was standing at the end of the trail above Alamere Falls.
7. Capitola
Capitola is one of my favorite small towns on the California coast — bright, colorful, and full of charm. It’s just south of Santa Cruz, but it feels like its own little world, with pastel cottages lining the shore and the sound of waves echoing through narrow streets.
I drove in from Aptos, just a quick ten-minute trip along the coast, and parked near Capitola Village, where everything is within walking distance. The heart of town unfolds around the Esplanade — a stretch of cafés, surf shops, and restaurants that look out over the beach. If you’re staying the weekend, the Capitola Hotel is a lovely spot right by the sand, with balconies that catch the morning light.
You can spend the day wandering the colorful Venetian Court, watching surfers from the wharf. In the evenings, locals gather at Paradise Beach Grille for dinner with ocean views.
My personal highlight was sitting on the seawall at dusk. Capitola has a way of making everything feel easy — like summer never really ends here.
8. Stinson Beach - 45 minutes north of San Francisco
Only about 45 minutes north of San Francisco, I found Stinson Beach to be one of the most spectacular spots for a coastal escape. The drive over Mount Tamalpais was winding but beautiful, and when the road opened to reveal the wide stretch of sand, I knew I had arrived somewhere special.
Walking along the shoreline, I couldn’t get over the endless views of the Pacific. The sand seemed to stretch forever, and I found a hidden corner where I could just sit quietly and watch the tide roll in.
We also explored the small town of Stinson, where local cafés and shops added a cool, laid-back charm to the visit. Grabbing a coffee and wandering around was one of my favorite parts of the trip.
For something more active, we hiked up the Dipsea Trail, which offered spectacular views of the beach from above. Standing there, with the ocean stretching endlessly, felt like pure magic.
My personal highlight was watching the sunset from the dunes.
9. Carmel-by-the-Sea - two hours south of San Francisco
The moment you arrive in Carmel, the world slows — no streetlights, no house numbers, just cottages covered in ivy and shop signs hand-painted with care. For a weekend stay, La Playa Carmel is my go-to: a historic hotel with ocean views, gardens, and that perfect mix of charm and calm. The 3-star Carmel Mission Inn is a good choice for a romantic stay.
You can spend the day wandering through the village’s cobblestone courtyards, exploring art galleries and tasting rooms, or walking the white sands of Carmel Beach, where the waves crash just below the bluffs. A short drive south leads to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a place so wild and cinematic it feels like stepping into a nature film.
10. Pacific Grove
I arrived from Carmel, just a 15-minute drive along the coast, with the windows down and the sound of the surf rolling in beside me. The town feels like a step back in time — calm streets lined with old homes painted in cheerful colors and a rhythm that invites you to slow down. For an overnight stay, the Seven Gables Inn is a dream, perched right above the rocky shoreline with waves crashing just below your window.
You can walk or bike the scenic Ocean View Boulevard, stopping at Lovers Point Park to watch the sea otters floating in the kelp beds, or wander the trails through Asilomar State Beach, where the dunes and tide pools feel untouched and wild. In winter, thousands of monarch butterflies gather at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, turning the trees into living clouds of orange and gold.
Conclusion
Looking back on all these day trips from San Francisco, I realize how much joy they’ve brought me. From the redwoods of Muir Woods to the colorful cottages of Capitola, each destination was its own little world, close enough for a quick escape yet spectacular enough to feel far away.
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.
