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! Here are the places I recommend I explored on my recent four week road trip, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.

Places to Visit in the Bay Area - North Bay (Marin, Sonoma, Napa)

Spanning Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties, this area offers everything from dramatic ocean views to redwood forests.

1. Napa

For me, this town has some of the most peaceful scenery I’ve seen while visiting Northern California. Napa is set in a broad, sunlit valley lined with vineyards, just an hour north of San Francisco.

We started our morning driving through winding vineyard roads, windows down, the air warm and scented. Our first stop was Downtown Napa with leafy streets, art galleries, and wine bars that invited us to explore.

We stopped for lunch at Bistro Don Giovanni and shared fresh, seasonal dishes that somehow tasted even better paired with a glass of local wine.

I loved browsing the small shops filled with artisan goods, wine accessories, and handmade items, picking out thoughtful little souvenirs to remember the day.

As the sun began to set, the valley took on a golden glow that made everything feel intimate and timeless.

We stayed at 4-star Archer Hotel Napa (from $223/night) for two days.

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.

2. Sonoma

Chris and I both absolutely love Sonoma, and have been many times. Less than 30 minutes from our last stop in downtown Napa, we loved the mission-style plazas that give Sonoma a timeless, picture-perfect vibe.

I started with sampling artisan cheeses at Petaluma Creamery. I also thought their ice cream was the best in the Bay Area!

Next, 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.

We checked into 3-star Inn At Sonoma (from $184/night) for two nights.

What I loved best:

In the afternoon, we hiked among wildflowers in the Sonoma Valley Regional Park, my favorite highlight.

3. Things to Do in Santa Rosa

I thought that this was the most amazing hub for exploring Northern California’s wine country!

In addition, 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 both family-friendly adventures and indulgent wine-country escapes.

First thing we did was grab coffee downtown near Railroad Square, which felt like a hidden and underrated area full of brick buildings, local shops, and cool energy that made the experience exciting.

After that we wandered through the Charles M. Schulz Museum, which is located right in Santa Rosa, and honestly it was one of my favorite and most interesting stops, especially seeing it all in my photos later.

Next we drove a short distance to Spring Lake Regional Park near the eastern side of the city, and this was such an amazing and peaceful nature break that felt almost magical.

Later in the afternoon we headed toward nearby wineries just outside Santa Rosa, since being in the heart of wine country is the absolute best part of visiting this area.

Dinner was back in downtown Santa Rosa, close to Courthouse Square, and the food scene there is vibrant, unique, and honestly one of the most underrated in the Bay Area.

At night we checked into 3-star Calistoga Wine Way Inn for two nights and just walked around, loving how relaxed but still exciting Santa Rosa feels compared to bigger cities.

The next morning we explored Annadel State Park near Santa Rosa, and the trails, views, and fresh air felt like a dream and a spectacular hidden gem.

We loved exploring the California Cheese Trail to discover local creameries, sampling everything from creamy bries to tangy chèvres. Join a Platypus Wine Tour for a fun journey through off-the-beaten-path wineries.

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 that was super tasty.

4. Luther Burbank Home & Gardens

One of my favorite stops in town was this National Historic Landmark, where the tranquil setting and colorful flowers gave us a peaceful break for 90 minutes.

Walking Luther Burbank Home & Gardens 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.

First thing, strolling along Washington Street, we admired the manicured gardens, stone buildings, and art-filled corners.

My favorite food stop was Bistro Jeanty where we shared buttery pastries and expertly made coffee. We wandered through local galleries and boutique shops for a while afterwards.

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.

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. 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 website is one of the best places to visit in the Bay Area. For me, the climb down to the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse offered one of the best views where gray whales migrate just offshore.

What I loved best:

My personal highlight was the Cypress Tree Tunnel that frames the road like a mystery.

7. Sausalito

This 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 started by walking along boutique-lined streets in Sausalito, lingering at cafés with bay views, and exploring the quirky floating neighborhoods that make Sausalito so unique.

Later, 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, and house-made tortillas — it became my go-to for lunch.

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.

Best Day Trips in the Bay Area - Peninsula & South Bay

This area stretches from the coastal cliffs of the Pacific to the heart of Silicon Valley.

8. 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.

First, the drive in itself was part of the experience, cruising along Highway 1 with ocean views everywhere, 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.

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.

9. Mountain View

I loved visiting this place 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...

10. 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.

What I loved best:

My personal highlight was standing under a 300-foot redwood.

Places to Visit in the Bay Area - East Bay

Located east of San Francisco, the East Bay is a region of wide-open landscapes, thriving cities, and diverse experiences.

11. 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.

We started in downtown Livermore, where tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and an easygoing pace immediately set the tone for a relaxed day together. We grabbed coffee and sat outside, people-watching and letting the day unfold naturally.

In the afternoon, we headed into Livermore Valley wine country, where rolling vineyards stretched out under the open sky.

Later, we escaped into nature at a nearby park, where gentle trails and wide views gave us a quiet moment away from everything.

As evening came, we returned downtown for dinner, enjoying a cozy meal and the subtle hum of the town settling into night.

What I loved best:

The mix of vineyards, open space, and sunshine made the whole day feel like a refreshing getaway which I loved.

12. 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.

San Francisco has an overwhelming number of things to do both indoors and outdoors. For me, 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:

For me, San Francisco is one of the absolute best places to visit in the Bay Area.

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.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. What started as a simple travel blog for regular people who love to travel like us evolved into a 30-year life-long endeavor - VacationIdea.com. I live in Texas with my husband and son. More about us.