Best Day Trips in Northern California (Near San Francisco)
Ready to unplug from the daily routine and take a day trip from the city? Well, you are in the right place! I've been visiting Northern California's stunning coastlines, towering redwoods, rolling vineyards, and great cities for over 30 years. I've already written about this region extensively in my Best Places to Visit in Northern California article but the purpose of this (shorter!) post is to share my absolute favorite day trips I found on my last two-week visit for busy readers near San Francisco!
All these places are so easy to get to and super affordable (if you want them to be) so there's no reason to delay. All but last are just 20-minutes-to-1-hour from San Francisco and I hope you'll love them too.
1. Oakland - 20 minutes from San Francisco
Oakland was one of my favorite places for a quick Northern California day trip when we were based in San Francisco for four weeks. First off, I loved that the drive was just 20 minutes east (with great public transportation when I wasn't in the mood for driving!).
My first stop was the Morcom Rose Garden, a spectacular, romantic oasis filled with thousands of roses in bloom. In the spring, I could spend hours just wandering down the vibrant pathways that completely won me over.
After the garden, I like to head over to Temescal Alley and stop by Esqueleto, a cool little shop and gallery showcasing unique jewelry, art, and unusual treasures that feel like the best kind of discoveries.
When it comes to food, Grand Lake Kitchen is my absolute favorite spot for brunch, with its lively vibe. The plates are as beautiful as they are delicious here (and it's also pet friendly!).
After brunch, I loved stopping by Johansson Projects. I think it’s one of the most interesting contemporary art galleries in Oakland, and the exhibits are so creative and inspiring that they make me see the city in new ways.
For me, Oakland’s the coolest, most underrated places to visit in the Bay Area... it's romantic, family-friendly, and always filled with exciting, unique moments worth capturing in photos.
2. San Jose - 1 hour south from San Francisco
As a history buff, I thought that San Jose was one of the best day trips from San Francisco because it's the oldest civilian settlement in California (founded in 1777!).
My first (and best) stop was History San Jose where the vintage buildings and exhibits make me feel like I’ve stepped back in time...it’s both unusual and fascinating (you can see 30+ original and reproduction homes). If you love history like me, I recommend a half-day trip here so that you have time to walk around and ride the trolley. It's usually open on weekends.
For food, I’m a big fan of Communal Bar and Restaurant, which has such a lively, modern vibe and serves some of the most exceptional dishes I’ve had in the city.
In the afternoon, one of the most spectacular spots was the Municipal Rose Garden. Try to visit in the spring like we did.
We ended up turning our day trip into a weekend getaway and checked into 3-star AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Downtown (from $484/night).
Next morning after breakfast I was in the mood for shopping so we checked out the Makers Market which offers unique handcrafted goods that make perfect keepsakes or gifts.
After we had a family-friendly adventure at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo , an affordable and exciting spot for kids.
The Heritage Rose Garden is another hidden treasure and was the perfect way to end this trip. Its unusual collection of roses is one of the largest in the world!
3. Palo Alto - 1 hour from San Francisco
Ready for a history-rich, intellectually charged escape? Palo Alto is a real standout! This incredible city that grew up around Stanford University (founded in 1885!).
In town, first thing, I browsed unique shops along University Avenue. We had delicious lunch at Joanie’s Café, a standout, where I ordered a buttery toast and a golden egg that melted into the cheese!
After lunch, we enjoyed Gamble Garden, then wandered through the quiet halls of the Cantor Arts Center. If you decide to spend the night, check out the 3-star Cardinal Hotel, a restored 1924 landmark.
4. Pacifica - 20 minutes south from San Francisco
I thought that Pacifica was one of the best beach day trips from Northern California. Why? First off, the cliffs and beaches here are absolutely spectacular, with panoramic ocean views that always feel like a dream. Moreover, it's basically in San Francisco's back yard, just 20 minutes south.
One of the best spots and where we went first is Mori Point, where the trails lead to some of the coolest viewpoints on the Northern Coast of California.
After, I loved stopping by Pacifica State Beach, which is not only beautiful but also one of the most exciting surf spots in the Bay Area. It’s awesome to relax and just watch locals catching waves here.
In the afternoon, the 1.3 mile Devil’s Slide Trail was another highlight because the views are simply exceptional. The trail itself is super easy to visit because it's actually paved with separate lanes for hikers and bikers, pet waste stations, drinking fountains and restrooms.
We spent the night at the Pacifica Beach Hotel, perched on Highway 1 with views of the ocean.
5. Truckee - 3 hours from San Francisco
Slightly further out than the rest, this mountain town is one of my favorite day trips in NorCal when I want a mix of outdoor adventure, great food, and a little bit of alpine atmosphere. Yes, the drive takes a while from San Francisco, but honestly I don't mind it because the views are so stunning!
I timed my trip for Truckee Thursdays, when downtown fills with music, local artisans, and open-air food stalls in the summer. Chris, our son and I enjoyed our cozy base at 3-star Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe for two days. First thing in the morning, we strolled along the riverwalk, followed by a picnic in Donner Memorial State Park. We ended the day with a wood-fired pizza under string lights.
What I loved best:
For me, Truckee is one of the best day trips in Northern California.
Our family highlight was our afternoon at the KidZone Museum, where creativity comes alive through hands-on exhibits!
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, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
