Do you have a free day in San Francisco, and want to escape the city? Lucky for you, there are plenty of outdoor adventures just a short drive away!
We’re breaking down these San Francisco day trips between north and south destinations, so you can plan accordingly.
We’re also sharing distances and transportation options, so you can make the best decision for you! This list includes day trips from San Francisco without a car, so if that doesn’t have to stop you from all the fun!
Let’s get started!
The Best Day Trips From San Francisco California For Outdoor Lovers
San Francisco Day Trips (North of the city)
1. Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- Distance from city center: 10 miles, 30 minute drive
- Parking? Yes
- Public Transportation? Yes, see here for options
Just north of the city is one of the easiest and most convenient day trips from San Francisco – exploring Golden Gate National Recreation Area!
If you are planning your Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary, the bridge will either be your final farewell to the city, or the first grand entrance into the Golden City.
There are several viewpoints to view the bridge. The most popular ones include Battery Spencer, Fort Point National Historic Site, Baker Beach, and Lands End.
Safety Tip: The Golden Gate Bridge parking lots are one of the most notorious places for car theft. It’s essential that you leave NOTHING in your car (including the trunk). It’s more than likely your window will get broken for anything left, so it’s essential you clean out your car before visiting.
2. Point Reyes National Seashore
- Distance from city center: 40 miles, 1 hour 10 minute drive
- Parking? Yes
- Public Transportation? Yes, by bus ($10, 2 hours 40 minutes)
Point Reyes National Seashore is a 71,000 nature preserve on the California coastline. It boasts thousands of species of wildlife and vegetation, camping, and tons of park programs and events (great for kids!). Here, you’ll discover the stunning Alamere Falls and educational opportunities about the Coast Miwok, who originally inhabited this area of land.
In Point Reyes National Seashore, you can visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse, Chimney Rock, Inverness Shipwreck (a cool photography spot!), and visit the Point Reyes Station or Cowgirl Creamery for lunch.
Follow our guide about Point Reyes National Seashore to have full and fun San Francisco day trips in this area!
3. Stinson Beach
- Distance from city center: 24 miles, 1 hour drive
- Parking? Yes (no main entrance fee, but East Peak, Pantoll and Bootjack parking areas in Mount Tamalpais State Park have parking fees)
- Public Transportation? Yes, by bus ($10, 2 hours 10 minutes)
For fun and easy day trips from San Francisco, visit Stinson Beach in Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Stinson Beach is a friendly stretch of sand perfect for sunbathing close to the city and bouldering on the Stinson Beach Boulders.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip near San Francisco with your kids, are looking to relax at the beach, or hoping to get a quick climb in during the weekend, Stinson Beach is the place to be!
4. Mount Tamalpais State Park
- Distance from city center: 14 miles, 32 minute drive
- Parking? Yes (no main entrance fee, but East Peak, Pantoll and Bootjack parking areas have parking fees)
- Public Transportation? Yes, by bus ($10, 2 hours 20 minutes)
Just north of San Francisco, Mount Tamalpais State Park is a beautiful stretch of land with numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Known for its network of 60 miles of trails, including the Mount Tamalpais Summit Loop (challenging, 13.3 miles with 2,571 feet elevation gain) that gives you gorgeous views of the city across the water, Mount Tamalpais State Park is one of the best places for hiking near San Francisco.
For a full day trip from San Francisco, bring a picnic and stay for sunset at Bolinas Ridge!
5. Muir Woods National Monument
- Distance from city center: 17 miles, 40 minutes
- Parking? Yes, by reservation ($9)
- Public Transportation? Yes, by bus ($10, 2 hours 42 minutes)
For a day trip close to San Francisco, visit the Muir Woods National Monument, where you can explore one of the last remaining old growth coastal redwood forests in Northern California!
While at Muir Woods National Monument, you can expect great hiking and fresh air among this beautiful refuge of redwood trees.
To visit Muir Woods National Monument, you must reserve paid parking in advance, go with a tour guide, or ride the shuttle.
Traveling with seniors? Learn more about accessibility at Muir Woods National Monument here.
6. Yosemite National Park
- Distance from city center: 167 miles, 3 hours 13 minutes
- Parking? Yes
- Public Transportation? Yes, Amtrak train or Greyhound bus to Merced or some of the lodges in Yosemite, then transfer to the YARTS system to get into the park (~$34)
Tucked in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States–Yosemite National Park.
With over 750 miles of trails that span across 1,200 square miles, the popular Yosemite National Park has tons of hiking, biking, climbing, and more outdoor adventures, making it an awesome day trips from San Francisco with kids! (Honestly though, this is better as an overnight or weekend trip. There’s so much to do!)
When visiting Yosemite National Park for a day, go with a plan to do one or two things that really pique your interest, then plan another trip to come back for a longer stay to get the full Yosemite experience!
You might also like: The Ultimate 1-Week Northern California Road Trip
7. Angel Island State Park
- Distance from city center: 30-minute ferry ride from Pier 41
- Parking? No
- Public Transportation? Yes, by Golden Gate Ferry or Tiburon Ferry
Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Pier 41, Angel Island State Park is a unique getaway for hiking, biking, and camping (generic amenities).
Being the largest island in the San Francisco Bay Area and with 13 miles of trails, Angel Island State Park is a fun place to explore and get close-to-nature vibes while near the big city.
Angel Island State Park opens at 8AM and closes at sunset, making it a great place for a full day trip from San Francisco.
8. Sausalito
- Distance from city center: 11 miles, 27 minute drive or 30 minute ferry ride
- Parking? Yes, street parking
- Public Transportation? Yes, by bus ($8, 42 minutes) or ferry
Sausalito is a fun day trip from San Francisco that is just a 30-minute ferry ride from San Francisco’s ferry building (Pier 41) or 27 minute drive from the city’s Mission District.
From the ferry to Sausalito, you’ll get epic views of the San Francisco Bay and maybe catch sight of a curious seal or sea lion!
While in Sausalito, be sure to wander the marina for bay area views (and a good seafood meal!) and walk around the historic downtown, where there are tons of shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Read More: 15 delicious restaurants to try in Orange County, California
9. Berkeley
- Distance from city center: 14 miles, 22 minute drive
- Parking? Yes, street parking
- Public Transportation? Yes, by bus ($4.60, 42 minutes)
Just across the Bay, Berkeley is a lively part of greater San Francisco that’s perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
In Berkeley, you can visit the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA), explore the University of California’s campus and botanical gardens, hike the Strawberry Canyon Fire Trail (moderate, 7.4 miles), walk around Berkeley Hills, and peruse cute shops along Telegraph Avenue–all while enjoying the classic academic architecture of the area!
10. Napa Valley
- Distance from city center: 59 miles, 1 hour 10 minute drive
- Parking? Yes
- Public Transportation? Yes, by bus ($12.10, 2 hours 26 minutes)
With over 400 wineries and tons of Michelin-Star Restaurants, Napa Valley is a hub for wine tasting and excellent west-coast cuisine, making it the perfect San Francisco day trip for couples and friends!
Want to take a guided wine tour of the area? Check out the Napa Valley Wine Train–a 36-mile tour of Napa Valley, its world famous wineries, and onboard California cuisine!
Discover another favorite wine region: How to spend 3 days in the Willamette Valley in Oregon
11. Sonoma Valley
- Distance from city center: 45 miles, 1 hour and 7 minute drive
- Parking? Yes, street parking
- Public Transportation? No
If you want the Napa Valley vibes but not the expense, check out Sonoma Valley–a more affordable version of the popular Napa Valley to the west.
While in Sonoma Valley, you can explore the cute, historic downtown of Sonoma, walk around the Sonoma Botanical Garden, visit the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, and eat at any of the popular restaurants and cafés in the area.
While Napa Valley may have the most wineries in the area, the region around Sonoma Valley is considered the birthplace of California’s wine industry!
12. Alcatraz Island
- Distance from city center: 25-minute ferry ride
- Parking? No
- Public Transportation? Yes, by ferry
Whether you love Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azcaban (which was directly inspired by Alcatraz and the Hebrew word for hell, “Abbadon”) or are from the San Francisco area and have always felt intrigued by the remote prison for the worst felons, now is your time to visit Alcatraz Island!
Visiting Alcatraz Island is one of the best one day trips from San Francisco because of its fun ferry ride to the island and unique tour to learn the history of the spooky prison that will make you want to learn more.
Tickets for the ferry ride to Alcatraz and tour of the prison start at $27.55 per person.
Day Trips From San Francisco (south of the city)
13. San Jose
- Distance from city center: 48 miles, 53 minute drive
- Parking? Yes, street parking
- Public Transportation? Yes, by bus ($10.90, 1 hour 30 minutes)
For a family-friendly day trip from San Francisco, drive south to San Jose and explore the greater Silicon Valley!
Home to Facebook, Netflix, Ebay, Adobe and tons more tech companies, Silicon Valley and San Jose are known for their expanding tech industry, which you can learn about at the Tech Museum of Innovation.
Another popular attraction in San Jose is visiting Santana Row, a bustling community in the city that has tons of shops and restaurants, and year-round events, markets, and festivals.
14. Shark Fin Cove
- Distance from city center: 67 miles, 1 hour 20 minute drive
- Parking? Yes
- Public Transportation? Yes, by bus (4 hours)
Located in Davenport, California, Shark Fin Cove (also known as Shark Tooth Beach) is a popular day trip from San Francisco that offers visitors and photographers with hiking and beautiful oceanside views of sea stacks. It’s also an epic stop if you’re planning a California Coast road trip!
During low tide, it’s fun to go into a sea cave that’s found at the south side of the beach. Just watch for incoming waves!
Be aware that there are no trash cans at this beach (Leave No Trace!) and there’s a moderately steep trail down to the beach that is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly.
15. Half Moon Bay
- Distance from city center: 30 miles, 39 minute drive
- Parking? Yes
- Public Transportation? Yes, by bus ($8.25, 1 hour 44 minutes)
Just 30 miles south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is an easily accessible day trip from the city that is perfect for relaxing and surfing.
At Half Moon Bay, you’ll find a sleepy farm town with seasonal vegetables to pick (check out Andreotti Family Farms Pumpkin Patch or Ouroboros Aquaponics Farm!), nature walks along the shoreline, and epic surfing at Mavericks Beach or Mirada Surf Beach.
16. Santa Cruz
- Distance from city center: 73 miles, 1 hour 20 minute drive
- Parking? Yes
- Public Transportation? Yes, by bus (2 hours 36 minutes)
Vibrant and dreamy, Santa Cruz is known for its stunning sunset views along the many beaches of Monterey Bay, sailing, surfing, and beach boardwalks.
During your day trip to Santa Cruz, check out the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park. It’s the most poplar attraction in the town!
Other things to do including visiting the Lighthouse Field State Beach, UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden, and bringing the kids to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center!
17. Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey
- Distance from city center: 122 miles, 2 hour drive
- Parking? Yes, street parking
- Public Transportation? Yes, by bus and Monterey Airbus (3 hours 30 minutes)
For a full day trip from San Francisco, visit Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey. These are both cute, small coastal towns with a European village vibe!
One of the best activities in both of these California cities is visiting all of the numerous art galleries and shops, because it’s accessible for families, individuals, and seniors alike.
Other popular activities in the area include visiting Cannery Row. This is where John Steinbeck’s novel, Cannery Row, was inspired! Finally, don’t forget to explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium!
18. Bixby Creek Bridge
- Distance from city center: 136 miles, 2 hour 30 minute drive
- Parking? Yes
- Public Transportation? No (unless touring Big Sur)
Just beyond Carme-by-the-Sea and Monterey, Bixby Creek Bridge is a stunning concrete canyon crossing above Big Sur. It stands 280 feet above the shore!
You can drive across the bridge and also see it from the Bixby Bridge Vista Point. The visa point will give you incredible views of the bridge and ocean beyond.
This is a wonderful day trip from San Francisco that can also be a stop along a greater Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
19. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Distance from city center: 125 miles, 2 hours 6 minute drive
- Parking? Yes (day-use fee is $10 per vehicle)
- Public Transportation? Yes, Amtrak train
After touring Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for a unique coastal experience in the coves and forests of Central California.
In Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, you’ll enjoy plenty of hiking along scenic cliffs, see a huge population of marine life–including the noteworthy sea lions, and have lots of photography opportunities of landscape and wildlife.
For self-guided or guided San Francisco day tours, visit Whaler’s Cove in Point Lobos State Park for scuba diving, tide pooling, kayaking and paddle boarding adventures ($10 fee per vessel)!
20. Big Sur
- Distance from city center: 146 miles, 2 hours 42 minutes
- Parking? Yes, scenic pullouts along the way!
- Public Transportation? Yes, with tour
Big Sur is the farthest distance of the San Francisco day trips on our list (2.5 hours away from the city). But it’s absolutely still worth visiting!
For a complete San Francisco to Big Sur day trip, start in San Francisco and make your way through Monterey and Carmel-By-The-Sea to Big Sur on Highway 1 and US-101.
There are tons of scenic views and pullouts everywhere along the way. You must visit Mcway Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, and get lunch at the Post Ranch Inn during your adventure along this iconic drive.
You can travel along Big Sur from San Francisco with A Friend in Town Tours. Here, you will experience 11 hours of scenic vistas and stops at epic coastal destinations!
What are some of your favorite day trips from San Francisco? Did we miss any of your favorite spots? Let us know in the comments below!
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