15 Incredible Day Trips Just Outside San Francisco
Northern California is full of amazing places, many of which are located right outside San Francisco. Embrace your adventurous side and check out some of the best day trips from the Bay Area.
From tech-savvy Silicon Valley to surf central Santa Cruz, there are plenty of things to do and places to visit just outside San Francisco. If you find yourself with a spare day or two, here’s where to go.
Lands End
Hiking Trail
You don’t need to stray far from downtown for a wild, wave-lashed coastline and invigorating hikes. Residents love pounding the bracing trails around Lands End. Start at the Sutro Baths, a 19th-century former ocean pool, and take the Lands End Trail for stirring lookout points and cypress groves. Detour to the Lands End Labyrinth, a piece of public art perched above the foaming surf, and press east along the trail. From here, continue to Baker Beach for some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge or dip south to Richmond for delicious restaurants and Russian delis, such as New World Market – a trove of pickles, candy and Eastern European wine.
Treasure Island
Park, Market
Sausalito
Hiking Trail, Ruins
Oakland
Natural Feature, Historical Landmark
Berkeley
Park, Historical Landmark, Natural Feature, University
Silicon Valley
Museum, Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark
San Franciscans have mixed feelings about Silicon Valley, the hub of technological innovation south of the city. The tech industry here brought a cultural change to the city, and with it, sky-rocketing rent. The Silicon Valley phenomenon is laid bare at the comprehensive and surprisingly gripping Computer History Museum in Mountain View. Step inside to marvel at gigantic old processors and state-of-the-art self-driving cars. Nearby, take a guilty selfie at the colorful Google Android lawn statues. Though the neighboring town of Palo Alto doesn’t have the character of downtown San Francisco, there’s a reasonable restaurant scene – try Burma Ruby (and ask for it spicy).
Mount Diablo State Park
Park
Half Moon Bay
Natural Feature
Stinson Beach
Natural Feature
Sonoma
Natural Feature
San Franciscans tend to give expensive Napa Valley a wide berth in favor of the fabulous wine tastings of Sonoma County, which also has restful spa getaways and boutique galleries to explore. While the 2019 wildfires had a devastating impact on Sonoma, you shouldn’t stay away – sensitive tourism is crucial to help the community get back on its feet. With shaded outdoor tables and a history dating to the 19th century, Buena Vista Winery is an excellent choice, while family-run Portalupi Winery has Italian flair and outstanding zinfandel. Some wineries permit picnics; otherwise, you can grab French bistro dishes at the Girl & The Fig, followed by local produce prepared in Italian style at Glen Ellen Star.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Natural Feature, Park
Santa Cruz
Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark
Bodega Bay
Natural Feature, Historical Landmark
Monterey
Natural Feature, Historical Landmark
Napa Valley
Natural Feature, Winery
This article is an updated version of a story created by Susan Blick.