Day Trips from San Francisco
San Francisco is surrounded by incredible destinations that make for perfect day trips. You need to travel up and down the cost as well as head inland to really appreciate Northern California’s beauty. Having explored the region on many trips that total to just over 3 months, I’ve found that just a short drive from the city you can discover everything including some of my favorite coastal towns, vineyards, redwood forests and beaches (of course!) as you can read in this updated, fresh guide.
Whether you want romantic getaway ideas or family-friendly adventures, you can be sure that day trips from San Francisco offer something for everyone.
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. Why? I think it's a really nice place where city life and raw coastal wilderness meet in the most beautiful way. Stretching both north and south outwards from the Golden Gate Bridge, this area is known for its unique cliffs, beaches, and historic landmarks too.
I like the super affordable 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 over weekend, I’d suggest booking a room at 4-star Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito. It won the Two Keys Michelin award and on top of that I think its location just below the bridge can't be beat. The 4-star Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa is another great option for a 2-day weekend stay.
A notable hike here is the Batteries to Bluffs Trail which results in amazing ocean views. Don't skip Fort Point and Baker Beach either.
My personal highlight was watching the sun set from Marin Headlands.
2. Sausalito - 35 min from San Francisco
Another great way to visit the area is by taking the Golden Gate Ferry from the Ferry Building downtown (about 30 minutes, $8.75 one way). I can only say that it was already worth the trip before I even arrived. The ride gives you sweeping views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the city too. From the dock, it’s just a short walk to the heart of Sausalito’s cafés, boutiques, and art galleries.
3. Half Moon Bay - 50 min from San Francisco
About 50 minutes south of San Francisco, I discovered Half Moon Bay. I thought it was one of the most spectacular coastal escapes in the Bay Area. The drive along the famous Highway 1 alone was worth the day trip.
I love how much there is to see when you get out there. 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. In autumn, there are the pumpkin patches, and the fun-for-kids annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. Locals told me mornings are calmest here.
My personal highlight was sitting by the fire pits at Sam’s Chowder House after sunset.
4. Aptos - 1 hour 30 minutes from San Francisco
Aptos is one of my favorite hidden gems along the Central Coast. You get both sides of the coin here: redwood forests on one side and wide, open Pacific on the other. 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. You can also take the train to San Jose and rent a car from there. Either way, I always see the journey as part of the adventure. For an overnight stay, 3-star Seacliff Inn offers comfy rooms, a pool, and is close to the beach which I love.
You can start your day at Seacliff State Beach. You can see S.S. Palo Alto just offshore. From there, it’s easy to head along the sand to Rio del Mar or hike into the forest trails at The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, depending on your mood. Do you want open skies and blue ocean views or shaded creek-side trails with ferns? Your pick...
5. Point Reyes National Seashore - 1 hour 25 min from San Francisco
6. Capitola
Capitola is one of my favorite small towns on the California coast and I think it's one of the best day trips from San Francisco. Why? It's so bright and colorful, the perfect spot for a coastal getaway. It’s just south of Santa Cruz and Chris and I both loved how unique it was, like for a moment you forget that you're not looking at colorful houses in the Caribbean.
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. You'll want to start at Esplanade, a stretch of cafés, shops, and restaurants that look out over the beach. If you’re staying the weekend, the 3-star Capitola Hotel is a lovely spot right by the sand where many rooms have balconies, perfect for a morning coffee with a view.
In the evenings, locals and visitors alike 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.
7. Carmel-by-the-Sea - two hours south of San Francisco
The moment you arrive in Carmel, the world slows ... you are surrounded with cottages covered in ivy and hand-painted shop signs. For a weekend stay, 3-star La Playa Carmel is my go-to: a historic hotel with ocean views and gardens. The 3-star Carmel Mission Inn is another great choice for a romantic stay.
Once here, take it slow, whether it's a day trip or you are spending a few night here. There are art galleries and tasting rooms (of course!) but the real draw here is the white sandy Carmel Beach
A short drive south leads to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve which I'm sure you've seen in pictures. It's one of the most unbelievably beautiful stretches of the Northern California coastline. We chose the 60 minute Granite Point Trail. It's 1.3 miles, begins near the Whalers Cabin, and it opens up to an incredible view!
Another worthy trail is the 0.6 Mile ADA-compliant Sand Hill Trail. You get stunning ocean views and hear and see California sea lions barking from the offshore rocks!
8. Pacific Grove
A great spot to visit just a 15-minute drive along the coast from Carmel is Pacific Grove.
The town feels like a step back in time, complete with old homes painted in cheerful colors. For an overnight stay, the Seven Gables Inn is a dream. Since it's set above the rocky shoreline, you get incredible views all around.
You can walk or bike the scenic Ocean View Boulevard, stopping at Lovers Point Park (look out for sea otters!), or explore the trails through Asilomar State Beach. We admired the dunes and tide pools that feel so untouched here. In winter, thousands of monarch butterflies gather at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, turning the trees into living clouds of orange and gold.
9. 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.
While 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 feel.
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.
10. 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. 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) which was convenient and affordable. It drops you right at the park entrance. 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.
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. Want more Northern California? Check out my next article.
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.
