When I need a quick break from the Bay, I’ve found that the best escapes are just a drive away. These getaways from San Francisco have given me everything from sunshine-filled wine tastings to misty hikes along rugged cliffs. Whether I’m chasing romance, a bit of adventure, or just some quiet charm, these spots always deliver a weekend that feels miles away—even when they’re not.
Highlights:
- Sip and stay in Napa Valley & Sonoma – I’ve spent lazy afternoons wine tasting and unwinding at beautiful inns.
- Wander Carmel-by-the-Sea – The storybook streets and beach walks make this one of my favorite places to slow down.
- Escape to Lake Tahoe – I’ve hiked, kayaked, and cozied up by the fire in every season here.
- Marvel at Big Sur – The cliffs and redwoods still take my breath away, no matter how many times I go.
- Relax in Healdsburg – With farm-to-table meals and riverside picnics, this town always leaves me refreshed.
Unique Weekend Getaways from San Francisco:
The Mendocino Coast - 2 hours and 45 minutes from San Francisco - Explore rugged cliffs and enjoy breathtaking coastal views.
Monterey & Carmel - 1 hour and 50 minutes - Stroll charming streets and savor fresh seafood by the coast.
Sausalito - 25 minutes from San Francisco - Enjoy waterfront dining and admire scenic bay views.
Weekend Getaways from San Francisco: Yountville - 1 hour - Savor fine wines and explore charming vineyards.
Wilbur Hot Springs - 1 hour 50 minutes -
Chateau du Sureau - 3 hours 30 minutes - Indulge in luxury and savor a romantic, European-inspired escape.
Lake Tahoe - 3 hours and 20 minutes Getaway from San Francisco - Enjoy outdoor adventures and admire stunning alpine scenery.
MacArthur Place in Sonoma, a Romantic Getaway - 1 hour - Relax in luxury and explore nearby vineyards.
Wilbur Hot Springs -
Little River Inn - 3 hours - Enjoy oceanfront charm and savor a romantic coastal retreat.
Driving Distances from San Francisco
| From San Francisco To | Driving Time |
| Mendocino | 2 hours and 45 minutes |
| Elk | 2 hours and 45 minutes |
| Fort Bragg | 2 hours and 45 minutes |
| Monterey | 1 hour and 50 minutes |
| Sausalito | 25 minutes |
| Napa | 1 hour |
| Half Moon Bay | 45 minutes |
| Lake Tahoe | 3 hours and 20 minutes |
| Sonoma | 1 hour |
| Healdsburg | 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| Santa Monica | 5 hours and 20 minutes |
| Carmel Valley | 2 hours |
| Cupertino | 45 minutes |
| Silicon Valley | 45 minutes |
| Santa Barbara | 5 hours |
| Manhattan Beach | 5 hours and 45 minutes |
| Menlo Park | 35 minutes |
| Yosemite National Park | 3 hours and 30 minutes |
| Santa Cruz | 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| Sacramento | 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Idyllwild | 7 hours |
| Palm Springs | 7 hours |
| Palm Desert | 7 hours |
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • The Mendocino Coast - 2 hours and 45 minutes from San Francisco
- • Monterey & Carmel - 1 hour and 50 minutes
- • Sausalito - 25 minutes from San Francisco
- • Weekend Getaways from San Francisco: Yountville - 1 hour
- • Wilbur Hot Springs - 1 hour 50 minutes
- • Chateau du Sureau - 3 hours 30 minutes
- • Lake Tahoe - 3 hours and 20 minutes Getaway from San Francisco
- • MacArthur Place in Sonoma, a Romantic Getaway - 1 hour
- • Wilbur Hot Springs
- • Little River Inn - 3 hours