You could spend years exploring the wonders of San Francisco without ever leaving the city — but we think that would be a mistake! There are dozens of wineries, redwood forests, and national parks near San Francisco that are worth including on your itinerary.
If you only have a limited amount of time here, then taking one or more day trips from San Francisco can be a great way to see more of what California has to offer within just a few hours’ drive. From the giant redwood trees of Muir Woods, to the wineries of Napa Valley, the best day trips from San Francisco offer something for everyone at any time of year.
Here are the nine best places you can visit in San Francisco in a single day, including what to do and how to get there:
- Yosemite National Park
- Muir Woods Redwoods
- Napa and Sonoma Wine Country
- Monterey and Carmel
- Sausalito
- Angel Island
- North Coast to Point Reyes National Seashore
- Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Cruz
- California Gold Rush Towns
1. Yosemite National Park
Visiting Yosemite National Park as a day trip from San Francisco isn’t ideal: with about four hours of driving time each way, it makes for a long day! But Yosemite is such an iconic destination that it’s worth the effort, even if you can only make it for a single day
While the entire park is an overwhelming 1,200 square miles, the most-visited area is the 9-square-mile Yosemite Valley. This compact area is simply packed with unforgettable views, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. The close proximity between a lot of the park’s must-see sights make this a doable day trip, especially with a knowledgeable guide.
When you take a Yosemite day trip from San Francisco with Extranomical, you can relax and enjoy the ride, and you don’t have to worry about reservations or parking. If driving on your own, stop at the Welcome Center when you arrive to learn about current conditions and any trail and road closures.
If you have the time, we recommend staying in Yosemite overnight so you can enjoy stargazing after dark. This will also give you more time to visit one of Yosemite’s groves of giant sequoia, such as Mariposa Grove.
When you book an overnight tour with Extranomical, you can choose to stay at Yosemite Lodge, or book another accommodation.
Yosemite: Know Before you Go
How far is the drive to Yosemite from San Francisco?
It takes 4-5 hours to drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. The most popular entrance gates are a four-hour drive, but plan on another 45-60 minutes to reach Yosemite Valley and the Welcome Center.
Do I need reservations to enter and drive in Yosemite?
You may need reservations to drive into Yosemite during peak travel seasons, such as Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend. Reservations aren’t required throughout the year, but always check ahead with the National Park Service.
If you take a day trip from San Francisco to Yosemite, your tour operator will handle any necessary reservations.
Can I drive to Yosemite from San Francisco in a day?
Yes, you can drive from San Francisco to Yosemite and back in a single day, but it will be a long day and can take up to 10 hours round-trip. You’ll have enough time to see the highlights like Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and El Capitan, but not Mariposa Grove and Tuolumne Meadows.
Since it’s such a long day and the driver cannot fully enjoy the scenery while driving, we recommend taking a public or private tour that includes a driver and guide for the best experience.
Is a day long enough for Yosemite?
One day in Yosemite National Park is enough time to see the major attractions in Yosemite Valley. If you’re driving from San Francisco to Yosemite, you may need to stay overnight if you want to see Glacier Peak, Tuolumne Meadows, Vernal Falls, and other more remote attractions.
When is the best time to visit Yosemite?
The best time to visit Yosemite is in the spring, when the waterfalls are at their most beautiful. But fall offers incredible colors, and winter in Yosemite allows for snow sports and outstanding photo opportunities. Summer often has the best weather, but it can be hot and crowded.
Fortunately, Yosemite National Park is open 365 days a year, and each season offers unique experiences!
2. Muir Woods Redwoods
Muir Woods National Monument is just a short drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge, making this one of the closest redwood forests to San Francisco. Its proximity to the city means this is a popular park, but we think Muir Woods is still one of the best one day trips from San Francisco, despite the crowds.
The coastal redwood trees in Muir Woods are some of the tallest and oldest living things on the planet, ranging in age from 400 to 800 years old — and the park’s walking trails bring you right up close to these 250-foot-tall giants.
A day trip to Muir Woods should include a visit to Cathedral Grove, where you’ll feel like you’re in a magnificent natural church made of living trees. Also make sure to see Bohemian Grove, which was the original meeting place of an elite society of San Franciscans.
Slightly to the west of Muir Woods is Mount Tamalpais State Park, which has 60 miles of moderately strenuous hiking trails under the cover of pristine oak and redwood forest. You can visit Mt. Tamalpais on a day trip of its own, or combine it with a trip to Muir Woods to see both at once.
On a clear day, hikers can see San Francisco and the Marin County Hills from the 2,500-foot Mt. Tamalpais peak. The park is also the site of the Mountain Theater (Cushing Memorial Theater), an open-air amphitheater which hosts a spring play that’s been performed since 1913.
If you continue north up the Shoreline Highway, you’ll come to Stinson Beach, a magically chill place with white sand and picturesque views of the Pacific coastline. Nearby Bolinas features the 40-foot-high Alamere Falls, which is accessible via a 13.2-mile hike (round-trip). If that’s too much, the quirky Bolinas Museum hosts local art and photography.
Muir Woods Redwood Forest and Sausalito Morning Tour
This is the only Muir Woods tour with guided audio narration inside the park. Walk under the world’s tallest trees, then enjoy charming Sausalito.
Morning Guided San Francisco Sightseeing Tour
Most complete and entertaining San Francisco city tour available. Stops to explore Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Land’s End, and Twin Peaks.
Muir Woods: Know Before You Go
How far is Muir Woods from San Francisco?
Muir Woods is very close to San Francisco, less than 20 miles from most downtown hotels. The roads are narrow and windy as you get close to the park, so plan on an hour of travel time if you travel by car. There are several ways to get to Muir Woods, including a shuttle, and the proximity makes it perfect for a day trip from San Francisco.
What is the top thing to do in Muir Woods?
The top thing to do in Muir Woods is to hike along the Redwood Creek Trail and admire the trees! You can choose from several easy hiking loops, with stops in Cathedral and Bohemian Groves to see the coastal redwoods.
What is the closest hiking or walking trail in Muir Woods?
The closest hiking trails start right at the entrance to Muir Woods National Monument. Most visitors walk the clearly-marked trail to bridge 3 or 4 and return to the visitor’s center near the park entrance. You can pick up a trail map at the entry gate.
3. Napa and Sonoma Wine Country
For wine lovers all over the world, San Francisco wine country is a bucket list destination — especially Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Each can be explored on its own in a day trip from San Francisco, or you can combine them into one whirlwind day of fabulous wine and views.
Napa Valley
Napa County was one of the first counties incorporated into California when it became a state. At the time, it was mostly used for farming grains and fruits until the first commercial vineyard was established in 1858.
Today, there are more than 400 wineries in Napa Valley alone, contributing to its world-class reputation. When choosing between Napa vs. Sonoma, know that Napa is the more luxurious of the two wine regions, and your wallet will feel it. Splurge on a wine tasting or two and soak in the pristine views.
Be sure to visit Castello di Amorosa, a replica medieval winery with tours of their authentically-built castle. Other Napa highlights include riding the Napa Valley wine train, soaring above the scenery in a hot air balloon, and melting into the Calistoga hot springs. It is hard to go wrong in Napa.
Sonoma Valley
On the other side of the Mayacamas Mountain Range, Sonoma Valley has a different type of soil and a more relaxed vibe. Where Napa feels upscale and glamorous, Sonoma is more casual and rustic, and offers wine tasting day trips from San Francisco at a more affordable price.
Sonoma is also home to many charming small towns. Wander around artsy Sebastopol, slow down in charming Guerneville, and go back in time in the historic Healdsburg Plaza. Sonoma is known for its excellent farm-to-table restaurants, so make sure you try one or two.
If you have a bit more time to spend in Sonoma, head to Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, or pop over to the ocean for stunning shoreline vistas. Sonoma offers endless opportunities to enjoy the simplicity of the outdoors.
Napa and Sonoma Wine Country: Know Before you Go
How far is wine country from San Francisco?
Wine country is just over an hour from San Francisco by car. The southern end of Napa Valley is 48 miles from downtown San Francisco via the Bay Bridge. Sonoma is a similar distance when taking the Golden Gate Bridge through Marin County.
Can you do both Napa and Sonoma in a day?
Yes, you can see both Napa and Sonoma wine country on the same day. Since there are only a few roads connecting the two areas, make the most of your time by including just one crossing in your itinerary.
Without a plan, a one-day trip can feel a bit rushed, especially when you have to worry about your own transportation. Leave the planning to us and enjoy one of our wine country day trips from San Francisco.
How far apart are Napa and Sonoma?
Napa and Sonoma are about 15 miles apart, or around 30 minutes by car. The two valleys run north-south with the Mayacamas Mountains in between them.
Plan on 30 minutes to cross from one to the other on weekdays, and a little extra time on weekends.
4. Monterey and Carmel
Famous for its rich sea life, Monterey once housed an industry dedicated to sardine fishing and canning. The large warehouses, bars, and bordellos that once made the district known as Cannery Row have now been replaced by high-end waterfront dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. It has everything you need for a perfect day trip from San Francisco.
Don’t miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium — one of the world’s most famous — with over 35,000 sea creatures from over 550 species. You can spend hours learning about otters, sharks, jellies, and other fascinating animals. Visit the entrancing kelp forest with its 28-foot tall viewing window, or the touch pools, which bring you up close and personal with rays, sea stars, and even sharks.
For an easy walk with ocean views, try a portion of the Monterey Coastal Trail. This paved, multi-use trail has fantastic views all along, with opportunities to see seals, otters, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
From there, take the 17-mile Drive from Monterey to Carmel. This meandering coastal road is lined with cypress trees and Monterey pines. The most famous of them is the Lone Cypress, a 250-year-old tree sitting alone on a rock facing down on the Pacific Ocean, making for a perfect photo op.
Once you arrive in Carmel-by-the-Sea, relax and enjoy this European-inspired artistic community. Wander the white sand beach and then grab a bite to eat and a glass of wine at one of its fabulous restaurants. Admire the cottage-like buildings as you make your way from courtyard to courtyard through hidden passages, popping into galleries full of handmade local art.
If you’re visiting the Carmel area from January to April, consider a side trip a bit further south to Garrapata Beach to find the calla lilies. The valley here explodes in white lilies this time of year, and it is truly a magical sight.
Monterey & Carmel: Know Before you Go
How far is Monterey from San Francisco?
Monterey is 116 miles from San Francisco, or around 2.5 hours when you take the scenic route along Highway 1.
Do you have to pay for the 17-mile drive?
Yes, it costs $11.75 per vehicle to enter the 17-Mile Drive in Pacific Grove. The gate fee is reimbursed with a purchase of at least $35 at most Pebble Beach Resort restaurants. The fee is usually included in the price of public tours and private charters.
Is it worth visiting Carmel-By-The-Sea?
Carmel-by-the-Sea is worth a visit for its charming atmosphere and artsy vibe. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time in Carmel itself, the beautiful 17-mile drive from Monterey makes it worth the day trip from San Francisco.
5. Sausalito
The closest day trip from San Francisco is a trip over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. Even though it’s only a 20-minute drive from the city, the quaint town of Sausalito feels like a world away.
Sausalito offers a mix of dining, shopping, and beach strolling, while the secluded cove of Rodeo Beach is one of the best beaches on the entire bay. With just a few hours in Sausalito, you can visit the Marine Mammal Center, Bay Area Discovery Museum, and San Francisco Bay Model, which teaches visitors about the tidal waters of the Bay.
Along Sausalito’s main shopping thoroughfare, you’ll find a wide array of great tasting rooms, sweet shops, and restaurants. Above all, be sure to leave room for Lappert’s Ice Cream, a family-owned cafe serving up flavors of ice cream that will transport you to the tropics.
For an even more laid-back beach town close by, venture over to Tiburon. This small town offers unique shopping, local restaurants, and great views. Take a selfie at Lyfort Tower, shop for souvenirs out of converted houseboats on Ark Row, and then take the convenient ferry to Angel Island.
Sausalito: Know Before you Go
How far is Sausalito from San Francisco?
Sausalito is only 10 miles from downtown San Francisco, or a 20-minute drive, making it ideal for a day trip from San Francisco. It sits on the West side of the Bay, just on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge.
How to get from San Francisco to Sausalito?
You can drive to Sausalito if you have a car. If you don’t want to worry about parking, rideshares like Uber and Lyft can get you there quickly and relatively cheaply. Public transportation to Sausalito is also a great option. Hop on a ferry at the SF Ferry Terminal or catch bus 130 toward San Rafael.
6. Angel Island
While technically even closer to San Francisco than Sausalito, a visit to Angel Island requires a boat ride, so it feels like more of an adventure. This jewel in the Bay is filled with history, nature, and spectacular views of the City.
Angel Island’s role in San Francisco history is long and varied. It’s been a base for Spanish explorers, a storehouse for hunters, a Civil War military post, an immigrant processing area, and more. Today, the immigration station and two buildings within the old military barracks are still accessible for guided tours.
Visitors to Angel Island should head over to the Angel Island Café and order The Way Down South: a specialty sandwich made with Snake River pork and secret sauce. For the perfect after-meal stroll, walk part or all of the road encircling the island for beautiful Bay and City views.
Angel Island: Know Before you Go
How far is Angel Island from San Francisco?
Angel Island is only a mile or two from the San Francisco waterfront, but it sits in the middle of the bay. To get to Angel Island, just hop on a ferry from San Francisco Ferry Terminal or Tiburon.
How long is the walk around Angel Island?
The paved Perimeter Road around Angel Island is 5.5 miles long, so casual walkers can complete it in about 3 hours. There are hiking trails leading to the summit of Mt. Livermore, which adds 2-3 miles to the hike and a couple of hours to the day.
How long is the ferry ride from San Francisco to Angel Island?
The ferry from San Francisco Ferry Terminal on Pier 1 to Angel Island departs four times per day and takes about 30 minutes. Be sure to leave enough time to purchase your round trip ticket and get onboard well before departure.
7. North Coast to Point Reyes National Seashore
Scenic Point Reyes National Seashore is the only federally-protected span of coastline in California. President Kennedy set the area aside for conservation after pressure from the Sierra Club. Thanks to those efforts, visitors can enjoy 100 square miles of untouched northern California coast on a one day trip from San Francisco.
From Sea Lion Overlook, you might spot spawning Coho salmon, elephant seals, or even migrating gray whales. Descend the 300 wooden steps to the base of the Point Reyes Lighthouse for surreal views through the blanket of fog that often shrouds the area.
Drop into the small town of Point Reyes Station. It offers one of the region’s most charming main streets, with buildings still retaining the same names as they did in the town’s early days. You will find The Old Creamery Building, the Livery Stable, and the Hay Barn, for example. The town also offers the region’s best lodging options if you decide to stay the night.
The rocky peninsula creates a wind break for the powerful Pacific currents, making the waters of Tomales Bay among the calmest in the state. Tomales Bay is a great spot for kayaking and paddle boarding, and is also home to the Hog Island Oyster Company. The hatchery raises all five edible oyster varieties in the Northern Hemisphere, and is responsible for some of the best dining experiences in the Bay Area.
Point Reyes: Know Before you Go
How far is Point Reyes from San Francisco?
The Bear Valley Visitor Center at Point Reyes National Seashore is around a 60 to 90-minute drive from downtown San Francisco. From there, it’s another 45 minutes to the Point Reyes Lighthouse and Sea Lion overlook. The road to the seashore is often closed during wetland repairs or sea lion pup season, so check with the park service for current conditions.
What is the best time of year to see whales at Point Reyes?
The best time of year to see whales at Point Reyes is during their southward migration from September to October, or when the whales return north from February to April.
Where can I hike near Point Reyes?
There are many beautiful coastal trails and wetland hikes to enjoy in Point Reyes National Seashore. Our favorite is the Laguna trail which runs all the way to Santa Maria Beach. On your way to the lighthouse, be sure to take some photographs at the Tunnel of Trees.
8. Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Cruz
The Pacific Coast Highway south of San Francisco is dotted with gems that could be their own day trip from San Francisco — or a delightful pause on a road trip to Santa Cruz. The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California Route 1, connects every major city in California as it hugs the Pacific Coast. With its breathtaking views, it’s the journey, and not the destination, that makes it famous.
The first stop heading south from San Francisco is the coastal town of Half Moon Bay. Its bluffs provide vistas of the beautiful white beaches down below. If you visit in the fall, you’ll find Half Moon Bay offers specialty activities like u-pick sunflower fields and pumpkin patches.
On its southward trek, Highway 1 also passes some of the redwood forests closest to San Francisco, including Big Basin and Henry Cowell State Parks. Both are within a 75-mile day trip from San Francisco and provide enough trails for all-day hiking.
A great way to see these trees is on the Roaring Camp Railroad. The narrated train tours leave from the town of Roaring Camp, the site of the first sawmill west of the Mississippi River and a living history museum today.
In Santa Cruz, we recommend stopping at The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. You’ll find an amusement park with forty rides, including two that are listed as National Historic Landmarks: The Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the Looff Carousel.
Another must-see near Santa Cruz is Natural Bridges Beach, named for the natural arch carved into a giant stone right on the beach. This state beach also has great tide pools, an assortment of shore birds like pelicans and cormorants, and a monarch butterfly migration reserve.
Santa Cruz: Know Before you Go
How far is Santa Cruz from San Francisco?
Santa Cruz is around 75 miles from downtown San Francisco. It takes around 1.5 hours by the fastest route, or around 2-2.5 hours along scenic Highway 1. We recommend taking your time on the drive and stopping to admire the views along the way.
Should I go to Santa Cruz or Monterey?
Tours to Santa Cruz and Monterey offer similar experiences: stunning coastal scenery, beautiful state parks, great restaurants, and kid-friendly activities. For first-timers, we think Monterey is more of a can’t-miss experience. If you have the time, we recommend you visit both.
How much are tickets to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk?
There’s no charge to enter the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Individual rides are priced between $3 and $5 per ticket. If you plan on spending the whole day, the wristband for unlimited rides is a great deal.
9. California Gold Rush Towns
The 1849 California Gold Rush changed Northern California forever. To learn more about this period, history buffs should consider a drive east to the gold rush towns in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
A day trip from San Francisco to gold country should start with Marshall Gold Discovery State Park in Coloma, east of Sacramento. Visitors can pan for gold, visit a re-creation of Sutter’s Mill, and hike at the foot of the Sierra Nevada range. Many gold rush boomtowns in this area are full of historic charm and authenticity, but two in particular – Groveland and Columbia – make for the best day trips from San Francisco to gold country.
Groveland Gold Rush Town
Groveland boasts a historical main street straight out of a Wild West show. Groveland is home to the oldest continuously-operating saloon in California, The Iron Door (c. 1853). Located just 25 miles west of the Yosemite Valley, Groveland acts as the gateway to Yosemite, with Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum playing an integral part in preserving the region’s oral history, including local Native American lore.
Columbia Gold Rush Town
A bit northwest of Groveland sits Columbia, CA. Columbia was once known as the “Gem of the Southern Mines” for the $150 million of gold that was mined here over a sixty-year period. Other towns in the region became deserted once the resources tapped out, but Columbia was saved from its fate by the historic preservation movement.
With historically-attired actors, gold panning, and the chance to ride in a period stagecoach, Columbia is considered one of the best living history museums. Tag along on one of their free walking tours, and then search for an artisan souvenir to remember your trip to this time-traveling town.
California Gold Rush Towns: Know Before you Go
How far are gold rush towns from San Francisco?
The gold rush towns are around 3 hours from San Francisco by car. Groveland and Columbia are nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range to the east of San Francisco. The drive to either will take just under 3 hours, and the drive between Groveland and Columbia is 45 minutes.
Are the California Gold Rush Towns open year-round?
Both Groveland and Columbia are open year-round. Some activities, like town tours, will be more frequently available in the popular summer months or on weekends. The low season in Groveland offers snowshoeing in the High Sierras followed by a warming drink at the Iron Door.
Enjoy Your One Day Trip from San Francisco!
We hope this list of the best day trips from the San Francisco Bay Area has been helpful! We know there’s a lot to choose from, and we haven’t included iconic places like Berkeley, Big Sur, and Silicon Valley.
The possibilities are endless, so why not take one of these day trips from San Francisco without the transportation and planning hassle? Let our expert local guides show you the very best of Muir Woods and Sausalito, Monterey and Carmel, or Yosemite!
