Best Day Trips from San Francisco: 25 Trips You’ll Actually Want to Take (2026)

With so many things to do in the Golden City, it’d be easy to stay within its limits. But not too many miles outside, adventure awaits. Head north over the Golden Gate Bridge, east across the Bay Bridge, or south along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. There are hiking trails through redwood forests and national parks; picturesque coastal towns with dog-friendly beaches, wildlife, and famous surf breaks; historic sites around the state capital; tasting rooms in wine country; and theme parks kids won’t want to leave. 

Whether traveling as part of a multi-generational family, coupled up, in a friend group, or solo, these are some of the best day trips from San Francisco.

Best day trips from San Francisco: Key takeaways

Coastal and Bay Area day trips

• Oakland: Vibrant city known for diverse food scene, waterfront parks, and cultural attractions like Lake Merritt and Jack London Square
• Sausalito: Charming waterfront town with hillside views, art galleries, and scenic bayside dining just across the Golden Gate Bridge
• Tiburon: Quiet, upscale harbor town offering ferry access, waterfront trails, and stunning views of San Francisco and Angel Island
• Berkeley: Lively college town with intellectual energy, gourmet dining, bookstores, and sweeping views from the Berkeley Hills
• Half Moon Bay: Relaxed coastal escape featuring sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, seasonal pumpkin patches, and oceanfront trails

Nature-focused day trips

• Angel Island: Bay Area gem with panoramic views, hiking trails, and rich immigration history accessible by ferry
• Larkspur and Mill Valley: Gateway towns to Marin’s redwoods with charming downtowns, scenic trails, and easy access to Mount Tamalpais
• Filoli Historic House & Garden: Elegant estate showcasing formal gardens, historic architecture, and seasonal blooms in a serene setting
• Muir Woods National Monument and Mount Tamalpais: Iconic redwood forests paired with sweeping coastal and bay views from Marin’s highest peak
• Stinson Beach: Laidback beach town ideal for ocean views, picnics, and post-hike relaxation along Highway 1
• Point Reyes National Seashore: Wild coastal landscapes with dramatic cliffs, wildlife viewing, lighthouse hikes, and quiet beaches
• Mount Diablo State Park: East Bay landmark offering panoramic summit views, wildflower hikes, diverse terrain, and rock climbing opportunities
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Dramatic coastal reserve with scenic trails, turquoise coves, and ocean views

Wine country day trips

• Napa Valley: World-famous wine destination with rolling vineyards, Michelin-star dining, and picturesque towns
• Sonoma: More relaxed wine region blending historic plazas, family-run wineries, and scenic countryside
• Healdsburg: Stylish wine town surrounded by three wine regions, known for tasting rooms, boutique shopping, and top-tier dining
• St. Helena: Classic Napa Valley stop with upscale wineries, charming main streets, and gourmet food experiences
• Calistoga: Northern Napa town famous for hot springs, mud baths, and laidback luxury

Day trips with kids

• Monterey: Family-friendly coastal city with renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and ocean wildlife
• Santa Cruz: Fun-loving beach town featuring historic boardwalk, surf culture, and nearby redwood parks 
• Gilroy Gardens: Whimsical theme park designed for kids with gentle rides, gardens, and shaded paths
• Safari West: Unique wildlife preserve offering guided safaris where families can see giraffes, rhinos, and other animals up close

Dog-friendly day trips

• Carmel-by-the-Sea: Storybook coastal town known for dog-friendly beaches, walkable streets, and charming cottages

Longer day trips worth the drive

• Sacramento: California’s capital city featuring historic Old Sacramento, riverside trails, and a growing food scene
• Yosemite National Park: Bucket-list destination with towering granite cliffs, giant sequoias, waterfalls, and world-class hiking

Coastal and Bay Area day trips from San Francisco

Oakland: 15 minutes by BART or 30 minutes by car

A drive over the Bay Bridge brings you to Oakland, where diverse and cool-to-check-out neighborhoods include Uptown Oakland for shopping (visit homegrown concept store McMullen), hip West Oakland for the Black Liberation Walking Tour, and Old Oakland, whose cobbled streets are lined with Victorian homes, indie shops, informal eateries, and cocktail bars. 

Take a dive into the city’s trending cannabis scene with a self-guided tour of its dispensaries, look out for street art murals, stroll around the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, or take the kids to the Chabot Space & Science Center. Also, foodies, check out ttrendy ACRE Kitchen and Bar in the Rockridge neighborhood. 

How to get to Oakland from San Francisco

Without traffic, it takes just under 20 minutes to get from San Francisco to Oakland by car via I-80, but you rarely luck out with no traffic, especially during rush hours. Instead, plan for 30–40 minutes. You’ll also need to pay a one-way Bay Bridge toll fee online via FasTrak after returning to San Francisco. Riding BART takes about 40 minutes from Montgomery Station (Yellow and Red lines) to 12th St/Oakland. 

Sausalito: 30 minutes by car or ferry

The seaside community and artsy enclave of Sausalito is an easy day-trip destination from San Francisco, reached by a short drive or ferry ride across the bay (or bike ride for the adventurous). A perceptibly slower pace here than the hustle of the city lends itself perfectly to a stroll along the waterside promenade, also known as Bridgeway. 

Start with pastries and coffee at local go-to Sausalito Bakery & Cafe, then pay a visit to the 100-strong artist collective ICB. The town is perhaps most famous for its vibrant community of floating homes, best viewed on a walking tour (admiring the houseboats from a respectable distance is appreciated). Head to Hanson Gallery and Tasting Room to sample small-batch, locally made vodka, or make it a late lunch at Copita Tequileria y Comida. Come dinnertime, for sustainable seafood and stellar views, go to Fish, or for fancy French bistro classics try Le Garage. For exquisite Japanese dishes and melt-in-your-mouth sushi, try to snag a table at Sushi Ran, whose stellar menu offerings and Zen-like atmosphere earned it a Michelin Bib Gourmand Award.

How to get to Sausalito from San Francisco

Sausalito is located 10 miles by car or a short ferry ride from San Francisco. The Golden Gate Sausalito Ferry and Blue & Gold Fleet operate multiple daily crossings, which take 30 minutes. You can also bring bikes on the ferry, but during the summer, you’ll need to reserve spots online ahead of time.

Tiburon: 35 minutes by ferry or car

Tucked along the Tiburon Peninsula in Marin County, Tiburon is a polished waterfront town known for its postcard-perfect views of San Francisco, Angel Island, and the Bay Bridge. The small downtown hugs the shoreline and is ideal for a leisurely wander, with boutiques, ice cream shops, and waterfront restaurants lining Main Street. The flat, scenic Tiburon Rail Trail is perfect for an easy walk or bike ride, while ferry access makes the town feel simultaneously connected yet removed from the city. Sam’s Anchor Cafe is a local institution for its outdoor seating and bay panoramas. Overall, Tiburon’s calm pace and polished charm make it an ideal low-effort, high-reward day trip.

How to get to Tiburon from San Francisco

Tiburon is located about 16 miles north of San Francisco. By car, the drive takes around 35–45 minutes via US-101 and CA-131, depending on traffic. Alternatively, ferries from the San Francisco Ferry Building take approximately 35 minutes and arrive directly at Tiburon’s downtown waterfront.

Berkeley: 40 minutes by BART

Widely regarded as one of the best college towns in the US, Berkeley is home to the prestigious UC Berkeley—a hot spot for arts, culture, and politics. With acclaimed restaurants, cool coffee shops, museums, and green spaces, it’s easy to see why spending a day here is so attractive. While the city undoubtedly skews toward a younger college-aged crowd, its cozy size and extremely walkable (or bike-friendly) downtown make it great for families as well. 

Admire the colorful street art murals along Telegraph Avenue (where ‘60s counterculture landed in Berkeley), visit the Botanic Garden inside Tilden Park, catch a show at the historic Greek Theater, go sake tasting at the Takara Sake Museum, or head to Cesar Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina for fantastic bay views. 

Berkeley is considered the birthplace of California farm-to-table cuisine, and a standout way to experience the city is through an edible excursion. Led by award-winning local food writers and chefs, a series of weekly food and drink walking tours take a fun and informative dive into the city’s foodways, food culture, and history.

How to get to Berkeley from San Francisco

Berkeley is a 20-minute BART ride from San Francisco’s Embarcadero. 

Half Moon Bay: 45 minutes by car

With its small-town charm and coastal views, Half Moon Bay is a wonderful place to spend time in the great outdoors. Take your pick from an impressive 14 dog-friendly beaches, with Poplar Beach and Blufftop Coastal Park firm favorites among local dog owners. If sandy paws don’t appeal, the Blufftop Trail, which connects to the Half Moon Coastal Trail, is an alternative. 

Afterward, stop by Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, which has been consistently named Best Dog Friendly Restaurant in the SF Bay Area by Bay Woof's Beast of the Bay Awards. Art galleries, local farms, whale-watching tours, and live music entice travelers, while the fabled surf break Mavericks draw surfers from around the world to ride giant waves each winter. 

How to get to Half Moon Bay from San Francisco

Half Moon Bay is located about 30 miles south of San Francisco and typically takes 40–50 minutes to reach by car. The most scenic route is along Highway 1, which hugs the coastline and offers ocean views, while Highway 280 is often faster during peak traffic hours. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is the easiest way to visit.

Nature-focused day trips from San Francisco

Angel Island: 30 minutes by ferry

For a one-stop-shop day trip destination, look no further than Angel Island. It combines stunning views of the Bay Area, easy-going hiking trails, and history, as it’s been a cattle ranch, military base, quarantine station, and prisoner-of-war detention center over the years. Busy with day-trippers during tourist season, many travelers make the visitor’s center and Immigration Station their first port of call. Often referred to as “Ellis Island of the West,” over half a million Asian immigrants seeking US citizenship passed through here between 1910 and 1940. Guided and self-guided tours of the landmark site are available. 

As the island is covered by live oak woods and hilly grasslands, some of the best ways to explore its 740 acres is on foot or by mountain bike, which are available to rent a short walk from the ferry landing in Ayala Cove. There are two main hiking trails: a five-mile loop around the island or a combination of the Northridge and Sunset trails, with a short ascent of Mount Livermore, which rewards with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco skyline. 

If you plan to spend the entire day on the island, plan ahead by picking up provisions from one of the many gourmet food merchants inside the Ferry Building before setting off from the city. Or, make a pitstop at the Angel Island Cafe and Cantina, which has a variety of snacks and drinks on offer at the ferry terminal on the island. 

How to get to Angel Island from San Francisco

Hop on a Golden Gate Ferry from San Francisco. The ride takes about 30 minutes. 

Larkspur and Mill Valley: 35–45 minutes by car or ferry

You can get to Mill Valley by car, but the Larkspur Ferry offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Angel Island, and Mount Tamalpais during its bay crossing. The ferry delivers you to the heart of Marin County, within walking distance of the SMART train (for onward connections to Petaluma and Santa Rosa) and Marin Country Mart, where you’ll find boutiques and organic eateries. 

Mill Valley has a charming and walkable downtown tucked below Mount Tamalpais. It’s also surrounded by nature trails. A great family-friendly hike is the Cascade Falls Trail, a moderately challenging 0.5-mile out-and-back route along Cascade Creek to a waterfall surrounded by towering redwoods. If you’re arriving by ferry, you can take the Number 17 bus to the Lumber Yard for some retail therapy at Makers Market (think handcrafted everything) and a glass of wine at Watershed. 

Seasoned cyclists can give the 40-mile hilltop ride to the Mount Tam summit a go, while leisure-focused cyclists may want to opt for the bike-friendly Mill Valley/Sausalito Multiuse Pathway, which connects the two towns.

How to get to Larkspur and Mill Valley from San Francisco

Mill Valley is about 14 miles from San Francisco by car (30–35 minutes depending on traffic), but it’s also accessible by ferry via Larkspur, which takes about 45 minutes. From the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Lucky Drive Bus Pad where you can catch the 17 bus to the Lumberyard in Downtown Mill Valley, with the entire trip taking about 55 minutes.

Filoli Historic House & Garden: 40 minutes by car

The historic former home of gold mine heir William Bowers Bourn has stood in Woodside for over a century. Designed by architect Willis Polk, the home—formerly known as Filoli Historic House & Garden—was completed in 1917 and spans 16 acres, consisting of walled, Georgian-style terraced gardens, hiking trails, and a historic house museum. 

There’s also a retail shop and a handful of places to eat, including Quail Cafe that serves lunch fare, sweet treats, and refreshments. A fun option, though, is the Filoli Blooming Tea for Two, which includes a selection of mini sandwiches, teas, and mini desserts. 

How to get to Filoli from San Francisco

You can get to Filoli Historic House & Garden from San Francisco via the 101 and 280 freeways in about 35–40 minutes. 

Muir Woods National Monument and Mount Tamalpais: 45–60 minutes by car

Drive north from San Francisco, and you’ll arrive at Muir Woods National Monument after navigating the steep and hilly Muir Woods Road. Surrounded by Mount Tamalpais State Park, Muir Woods is home to the only old-growth coastal redwood forest in the Bay Area and one of the last on the planet. (The average age of coastal redwoods here—the tallest tree species in the world—is between 600 to 800 years old, with the oldest believed to be around 1,200 years old, though this is still considered “young” when they can live to 2,200 years.) 

Get your bearings, trail maps, and other supplies at the visitor's center before making a loop around Cathedral Grove to see the oldest and tallest trees. Then follow a 3-mile section of the Redwood Creek Trail to Muir Beach with a lunch stop at seaside pub The Pelican Inn. For T-shirts and souvenirs, visit Muir Woods Cafe and Trading Company before heading back to the city or making the 9.5-mile drive along the Panoramic Highway for superb views and photo ops from the top of Mount Tamalpais. At 2,571 feet high, the mountain features over 100 miles of trails, including the 10.5-mile Muir Woods to Mount Tamalpais Trail, which takes 5–6 hours to complete and is one of the highest points in the Bay Area. 

How to get to Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais from San Francisco

Muir Woods is about 45 minutes from San Francisco by car. To get there without one, use the Muir Woods Shuttle from the Larkspur Ferry Terminal. Reservations for the shuttle and parking are both advised. It’s a 29-minute drive to the Mount Tamalpais summit along the Panoramic Highway from Muir Woods. 

Stinson Beach: 50 minutes by car

Set at the base of Mount Tamalpais along Highway 1, Stinson Beach is a classic Northern California beach town where rugged coastal beauty meets a relaxed, surf-town vibe. Its wide, sandy beach is ideal for long walks, picnics, and watching the waves roll in, while the surrounding hills offer access to some of Marin County’s best hiking trails. The town itself is small and unfussy, with a handful of cafés, surf shops, and local institutions.

After a morning on the beach, grab lunch at Parkside or enjoy casual fare at the Stinson Beach Market. Outdoor enthusiasts can tackle the Dipsea Trail or Matt Davis Trail for sweeping coastal views, while those seeking a slower pace may prefer simply soaking up the scenery. It’s a favorite escape for locals looking to unplug without straying too far from the city.

How to get to Stinson Beach from San Francisco

Stinson Beach is about 20 miles northwest of San Francisco and takes roughly 50–60 minutes to reach by car via US-101 and the Panoramic Highway or Shoreline Highway. The drive is winding but scenic. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is the most practical way to visit.

Point Reyes National Seashore: 60–90 minutes by car

Located north of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore features epic protected shorelines, whale watching, and hiking trails. Locals love hiking the eight-mile Arch Rock via Bear Valley Loop, but the scenic nine-mile coastal blufftop Tomales Point Trail rewards with elk sightings and wildflowers from May through August. 

Noteworthy places to eat in Port Reyes Station include Station House Cafe and Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company (sign up for a tasting class or farm brunch). The Cypress Tree Tunnel and Port Reyes Lighthouse are both classic photo ops around the peninsula. Oyster-lovers should plan a visit to Hog Island Oyster Farm on Tomales Bay, a 20-minute drive north of Port Reyes Station along Hwy 1.

How to get to Point Reyes from San Francisco

With no city buses running this route, you will need a car to reach Point Reyes National Seashore from San Francisco. Located 38 miles from the city via Hwys 101 and 1, it should take just under 1.5 hours to get there from downtown, depending on the time of day.  

Mount Diablo State Park: 75 minutes by car

Mount Diablo State Park, located in the Tri-Valley area, has some major draws, including geological landmarks like Shell Ridge (named for the marine fossils left behind when ocean waters that once covered it receded), Eocene-era rock deposits dating back 33–55 million years, and rare plants, including year-round blooming wildflowers. You can see the entire Bay Area from the observation deck on a clear day. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and good shoes if you plan to hike or horseback ride. 

The park is also popular with cyclists and experienced climbers who come independently. There is a mix of traditional, top rope, and sport routes. Almost all areas have a simple way to set up a top rope, though you should plan to bring long slings (20-feet-plus) for many of the anchors. One of the most sought-after routes in the area is Amazing Face (5.9+), a 90-foot sport climb with a slab face where lines often form on weekends.

How to get to Mount Diablo from San Francisco

Mount Diablo State Park is located 40 miles east of San Francisco, about an hour and 15 minute drive from downtown without traffic. Maps and other information are available at the visitor’s center, which is located at the summit. Note there is a per vehicle fee to enter the park. 

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: 2.5 hours by car

Often described as one of the most beautiful coastal parks in California, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a must-see for nature lovers willing to make the longer drive. Located just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the reserve features dramatic granite cliffs, turquoise coves, and a network of well-maintained trails with constant ocean views. Sea lions, harbor seals, and migrating whales are frequently spotted offshore.

Popular trails include the Bluff Trail, Cypress Grove Trail, and China Cove, each offering slightly different perspectives of the rugged coastline. Due to its popularity, parking inside the reserve is limited and often fills early, but even a few hours here delivers unforgettable scenery. It’s an ideal pairing with a visit to Carmel or Big Sur.

How to get to Point Lobos from San Francisco

Point Lobos is approximately 120 miles south of San Francisco and takes around 2.5 hours to reach by car via US-101 or CA-1. Highway 1 provides a more scenic approach along the coast, while US-101 is typically faster. Due to limited parking, arriving early or parking outside the reserve and walking in is recommended.

Best wine country day trips from San Francisco

Napa Valley: 60–90 minutes by car

California’s most famous wine-growing region is just over an hour north of the city. Exploring some of the tasting rooms, shops, and restaurants in downtown Napa makes for a wonderful day trip. If you’re driving, the most scenic route to Napa is from the east through Carneros Valley. There are also several options for organized tours. The full-day Napa Valley Wine Train Legacy Experience is a fun way to soak in the sites with lunch and tastings at two wineries. 

However, wine doesn’t have to be the main event here. Other can’t-miss activities include a hot air balloon ride, bike ride, the RAD Napa Art Walk, and dining at a Michelin-rated restaurant, one of which is Kenzo Napa, a traditional upscale kaiseki spot.

How to get to Napa Valley from San Francisco

Napa Valley is approximately 50 miles north of San Francisco, with driving times ranging from 60–90 minutes depending on traffic and your final destination within the valley. The most common route is via US-101 or I-80, with Highway 29 and Silverado Trail serving as the main north–south arteries once you arrive. Guided wine tours and shuttles are also available for those who prefer not to drive.

Sonoma: 60–90 minutes by car

The land of legendary Pinot Noirs is an easy one-hour drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, though another option is to take the Larkspur Ferry from the San Francisco Ferry Building and ride the SMART train to Sonoma County. In addition to a food, wine, and history walking tour, you could also take a dedicated cannabis tour, as the plant is having a moment of its own in the valley. You could easily spend an afternoon strolling the shops, galleries, and tasting rooms in downtown Sonoma. Additionally, Jack London Park—with its museum and 26 miles of hiking trails—is equally as popular with literature fans as it is with lovers of the outdoors. 

How to get to Sonoma from San Francisco

Sonoma is about 45 miles north of San Francisco and takes roughly 60–75 minutes to reach by car via US-101 and CA-121. An alternative option is to take the Larkspur Ferry across the bay and connect to the SMART train into Sonoma County, though travel times are longer. 

Healdsburg: 90 minutes by car

Located in the heart of Sonoma County, Healdsburg is one of Northern California’s most stylish wine towns, surrounded by vineyards from three renowned wine regions: Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, and Alexander Valley. Its compact downtown centers around a leafy plaza, where tasting rooms, art galleries, and upscale boutiques sit alongside destination-worthy restaurants.

Wine tasting is a major draw, but Healdsburg also shines as a food destination, with farm-driven cuisine and Michelin-recognized dining. Outdoor lovers can kayak or paddleboard along the Russian River, while cyclists will find endless scenic backroads winding through vineyards. 

How to get to Healdsburg from San Francisco

Healdsburg is approximately 70 miles north of San Francisco and takes about 90 minutes to reach by car via US-101, depending on traffic. While public transit options exist through a combination of ferry and SMART train to Sonoma County, driving is the most efficient and flexible way to explore the surrounding wineries and countryside.

St. Helena: 90 minutes by car

St. Helena has a walkable main street dotted with tasting rooms, galleries, and boutiques selling just about everything, including locally made chocolate and olive oil. Landmark wineries include Charles Krug and Clif Family Winery, while HALL Wines has an impressive modern art collection (look for the steel bunny sculpture at the entrance). Stop by Model Bakery for one of its legendary English muffins and The Charter Oak for a late lunch. 

Literary fans will appreciate the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, which offers a unique chance to view an extensive collection of the author’s personal belongings, including a cheese box that inspired a plot point in Treasure Island.

How to get to St. Helena from San Francisco

St. Helena is located around 65 miles north of San Francisco and typically takes about 90 minutes to reach by car, depending on traffic. The most direct route is via US-101 or I-80, followed by Highway 29 through Napa Valley. Once in town, St. Helena’s compact downtown is easily walkable.

Calistoga: 90 minutes by car

Located at the “top of the valley,” laidback Calistoga’s focus isn’t just on wine—it’s on wellness too, thanks to its hot springs and mineral pools. A mud bath and spa soak at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, in operation since 1952, is a therapeutic “when-in-wine-country” experience. Another fun and offbeat tourist attraction where mineral waters are the star is the Old Faithful Geyser of California. One of only three designated as “faithful” on account of its regular eruptions, the natural wonder in Calistoga has a handful of additional attractions, including gardens, a geology museum, an animal farm, and bocce courts. 

The shops and tasting rooms along Calistoga’s petite yet picturesque main street are worth a wander, too. Try LOLA for its popular Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Just outside of town, Bennett Lane, which bills itself as the “friendliest tasting room in Napa,” is home to some of the best Cabernets and red blends.

How to get to Calistoga from San Francisco

Calistoga sits at the northern end of Napa Valley, roughly 75 miles from San Francisco. Expect a driving time of about 90 minutes via US-101 or I-80, continuing north along Highway 29. Public transportation options are limited, so a car is the most practical way to explore Calistoga and its surrounding hot springs and wineries.

Day trips from San Francisco with kids

Monterey: 2–2.5 hours by car

Well known for its rugged scenery and wild marine life, the coastal city of Monterey is perhaps most famous for its aquarium, which is home to African penguins, sharks, and native sea otters. A day trip to Monterey is doable, but expect to spend around three hours in the car each way. The whole family can explore Cannery Row on a segway tour or get on the water with a paddleboard or kayak (also a good way to spot sea otters in the wild). For more wildlife encounters, there is the Monterey Zoo, as well as giant elephant seals along the famous 17-Mile Drive from Pebble Beach. 

How to get to Monterey from San Francisco

Monterey is located about 120 miles south of San Francisco and takes approximately 2–2.5 hours to reach by car. Highway 101 is generally the fastest route, while Highway 1 offers a more scenic coastal drive if traffic and time allow. Once there, Monterey’s main attractions are clustered around Cannery Row and the waterfront.

Santa Cruz: 75–90 minutes by car

With its laidback surf culture and retro seaside energy, Santa Cruz is a fun-filled coastal destination that blends beach-town charm with outdoor adventure. The iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the city’s centerpiece, offering classic rides, arcade games, and oceanfront views that appeal to kids and adults alike. Beyond the boardwalk, the town is known for its surf breaks, redwood groves, and lively downtown.

Nature lovers can explore nearby Natural Bridges State Beach, famous for monarch butterflies in season, or head inland to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park for easy forest hikes. The food scene is casual and eclectic, ranging from taco joints to seafood shacks and local breweries. 

How to get to Santa Cruz from San Francisco

Santa Cruz is located about 75 miles south of San Francisco and typically takes 75–90 minutes to reach by car via US-101 or CA-1, depending on traffic and route choice. Highway 1 offers a more scenic coastal drive, while US-101 is generally faster. Public transportation options are limited, making driving the most convenient choice.

Gilroy Gardens: 90 minutes by car

Geared toward families with young children, this horticultural-themed amusement park in San Jose offers multiple rides at varying thrill levels. Standouts include giant-swing Banana Split as one of the most adrenaline-pumping and the Rainbow Garden float and duck paddle boats the mellowest. There are also educational programs, including one dedicated to monarch butterflies, as well as private cabanas in the Water Oasis play area. 

How to get to Gilroy Gardens from San Francisco

Gilroy Gardens is about 85 miles south of San Francisco and takes roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours to reach by car via US-101. Traffic can be heavier on weekends and during summer months. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is the easiest way to reach the park.

Safari West: 2 hours by car

Safari West promotes conservation and environmental education. Book a private safari or behind-the-scenes tour to get an up-close view of flamingos, fennec foxes, giraffes, and zebras among other animals at this 400-acre wildlife preserve in Sonoma County. Advanced tour bookings are recommended and can be made online. Reservations are also required to dine at the onsite Savannah Cafe.

How to get to Safari West from San Francisco

Safari West is located approximately 75 miles north of San Francisco, near Santa Rosa in Sonoma County. The drive takes about 1.5–2 hours via US-101, depending on traffic. As the preserve is set in a rural area, a car is required to reach the entrance.

Dog-friendly day trips from San Francisco

Carmel-by-the-Sea: 2.5 hours by car

Rated the most dog-friendly town in America, Carmel-by-the-Sea rolls out the red carpet for canine visitors at many of its beaches, trails, restaurants, and tourist attractions. A two-hour drive from San Francisco, the artists' enclave has a walkable downtown where Cottage of Sweets provides doggy treats among its candies. There’s also a dedicated “Fountain of Woof” water station in Carmel Plaza. 

Dogs can be off-leash but under voice control at Mission Trails Park and Carmel Beach (where biodegradable bags and thoughtful “mud mitts,” which keep paws clean, are available) and on-leash along the Scenic Path walkway that runs along the bluff from 8th Avenue to Martin Way.

How to get to Carmel-by-the-Sea from San Francisco

Carmel-by-the-Sea is about 120 miles south of San Francisco and takes roughly 2.5 hours to reach by car. Highway 101 is the fastest route, while Highway 1 offers a slower but scenic coastal drive. Parking is available throughout town, and Carmel’s compact village center is easy to explore on foot once you arrive.

Longer day trips worth the drive

Sacramento: 60–90 minutes by car or train

Take the Amtrak from San Francisco to California’s state capital, Sacramento. You’ll disembark at Sacramento Valley Station, within walking distance of downtown and the trendy entertainment and lifestyle district, Doco Commons. With a stellar food scene—the city earned a reputation as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital—there is no shortage of great places to eat and drink in “Sactown.” Options run the gamut of price points and cuisine styles: There’s California-inspired modern comfort food at Q1227 Restaurant (famous former patrons include Bill Clinton and Cedric the Entertainer); Jewish deli favorites; globally-inspired dishes; and a Michelin-star multi-course tasting menu at The Kitchen Restaurant. 

On the cultural side, you’ll be spoiled for choice with fine arts, ballet, and musical theater performances, as well as historical sites and museums like the State Capitol. You can also cycle 32 miles of paved bike trails along the American River Parkway. 

How to get to Sacramento from San Francisco

You can reach Sacramento by car in about two hours via I-80, but Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor is another option. Traveling from San Francisco takes around 2.5 hours one-way. From Montgomery Station near downtown San Francisco, take the Red Line to Richmond in the East Bay (11 stops, 36 minutes) and transfer to Richmond-BART operated by Capitol Corridor (5 stops, 1 hour 39 minutes).

Yosemite National Park: 3.5 hours by car

Reaching the upper limits of a day-trip destination, Yosemite National Park is a good 3.5-hour drive from Downtown San Francisco but doable in a day if you’re prepared to leave early and return to the city after dark. Summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, rafting, climbing, and horseback riding, but another way to explore the park is on the two-hour Valley Floor guided bus and tram tour that includes stops at key sights: Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, Tunnel View, and Bridalveil Falls. Ranger and nature programs provide an informative dive into the park’s history and wildlife. You can also stargaze with the Yosemite After Dark Program (if you don’t mind getting back to the city super late). 

From sit-down lunches to grab-and-go items, options for food in the valley are plentiful, but the Ahwahnee Dining Room inside the Ahwahnee Hotel is a must for special occasions. Finely-appointed guest rooms at the National Historic Landmark are often booked out a year in advance, but the Ahwahnee Bar takes walk-ins, is a lovely spot for a late lunch or happy hour, and provides a chance to marvel at the magnificent log-beamed ceilings and massive stone hearths inside the public spaces of this historic hotel.

How to get to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco

Yosemite National Park is reachable from San Francisco by car in about 3.5 hours. Coming from San Francisco, you’ll likely arrive at the west entrance via Hwy 120. 

How to choose the best day trip from San Francisco

With so many excellent destinations within a few hours of the city, choosing the right day trip from San Francisco comes down to how much time you have, how you like to travel, and whether or not you’ll have a car. Use the breakdown below to narrow your options and plan a trip that fits your schedule and interests.

By travel time

If you’re short on time or want to avoid a long drive, nearby destinations like Oakland, Sausalito, Tiburon, Berkeley, and Half Moon Bay are ideal. These spots are all reachable within 30–45 minutes and work well for half-day outings or spontaneous escapes.

For a full-day adventure without an early start, destinations 60–90 minutes away—such as Point Reyes National Seashore, Napa, Sonoma, Santa Cruz, and Mount Diablo—offer a deeper change of scenery while remaining manageable in a single day.

Longer drives of 2–3.5 hours, including Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Healdsburg, Safari West, and Yosemite National Park, are best suited for early departures and longer days but reward travelers with some of California’s most memorable landscapes and experiences.

By travel style

Nature lovers will gravitate toward destinations like Muir Woods, Mount Tamalpais, Point Reyes, Stinson Beach, Point Lobos, and Yosemite, where hiking trails, coastal views, and wildlife take center stage.

Food and wine enthusiasts should look north to any of the wine country destinations, or stay closer to the city with dining-forward destinations like Oakland and Berkeley.

For family-friendly outings, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Gilroy Gardens, Safari West, and Angel Island combine outdoor space with engaging attractions for kids of all ages.

Travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic escape without heavy planning may prefer waterfront towns such as Sausalito, Tiburon, Carmel-by-the-Sea, or Half Moon Bay, where strolling, dining, and views are the main draw.

Without a car vs. by car

If you don't have a car, ferry- and transit-accessible destinations like Oakland, Berkeley, Sausalito, Tiburon, Angel Island, Larkspur, and Mill Valley are your best options. These places offer walkable centers and strong public transportation connections, making them easy to explore independently.

With a car, your options expand significantly. Coastal drives to Half Moon Bay, Stinson Beach, Santa Cruz, Carmel, and Point Lobos become straightforward, while wine country destinations and more remote nature areas—such as Napa Valley, Sonoma, Point Reyes, Safari West, and Yosemite—are far easier and more flexible to reach by road.

If you’re unsure where to start, consider how much time you want to spend driving versus exploring, and build your day trip around the experience you want, not just the distance.

*The original article, written by Keri Bridgwater, has been modified to include additional valuable tips and recommendations for travelers.

Other San Francisco guides

• The Travel Guide to San Francisco
• Where To Stay in San Francisco
• Free Things To Do in San Francisco
• San Francisco Itinerary: 2, 3, and 4 Days
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Guide