San Francisco is a world-renowned travel destination, not only for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and world-class attractions, but also because it’s location is a fantastic jumping off point for visiting some of California’s most beautiful destinations.
Pin For Later!
Incase you don’t already know, San Francisco is super close to several bucket list worthy destinations in the USA. Places like Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley, and Big Sur are all within a few hours drive away.
So while there are so many things to see and do in San Francisco, enough to fill up at least two or three days worth of sightseeing, my advice is to add a few extra days to your itinerary here so that you can take full advantage of your visit to this very special part of California.
Here are the best day trips from San Francisco offering everything from exciting outdoor adventures to a chill day at the beach. You’re about to discover fascinating historic towns, quaint seaside villages, idyllic vineyards, and lesser-known national parks, all within a two hours drive.
Buckle up, it’s time to explore beyond the Bay Area!
If you are looking for day trip ideas from San Francisco, these destinations are an easy two hours drive away!
1. Sausalito
Sausalito is a picturesque seaside community situated on the northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge. This cute little town is one of the easiest day trips from San Francisco you can take — since it is only four miles (6km) away!
Renown for its colorful homes, quirky collection of shops, and outstanding restaurants, it is the perfect place to head to if you’re looking for a laid-back day out.
The scenic waterfront town offers opportunities to walk alongside beautiful San Francisco Bay and take in beathtaking views of San Francisco’s skyline.
Sausalito’s most popular attraction with tourists is its large community of houseboats. There are over 500 colorful houseboats that are docked close to the downtown area, and they are quite a sight to see. Richardson Bay is the best place to admire the striking collection of brightly-painted floating homes.
Although you could drive to Sausalito, a more fun way to get there is to take the ferry to Sausalito from San Francisco. Tickets are only $15 and you’ll enjoy stunning views of San Francisco Bay on the trip over.
Another fun way to reach Sausalito is to rent a bicycle at Fisherman’s Wharf and ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. You can also do this on a group led bicycle tour.
But if you’re on a budget, save money and walk to Sausalito! It’s a fun and extremely scenic walk. And one of the most economical day trips you can take from San Francisco!
2. Muir Woods National Monument
Walk among towering trees at Muir Woods National Monument, a 550-acre park filled with old growth coastal redwoods. Redwood trees are the tallest trees in the world, and can reach heights of almost 400 feet!
If you’ve never seen redwood or sequoia trees before, they are a must see!! They only grow along the coast of Northern California and Oregon so if it’s your first time visiting the west coast, don’t miss the chance to see these giants that are over a thousand years old.
There are three short hiking trails inside Muir Woods. The trails here are mostly along paved paths and boardwalks so hikers of all levels can enjoy the trails here.
Located just outside of San Francisco in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, this is the perfect day trip destination if you need a quick nature escape.
If you’re visiting San Francisco from out of town and dont want to rent a car, you can take this shuttle bus to Muir Woods National Monument.
3. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the quintessential California beach town. The real Surf City, USA. It’s where surfing was first introduced to North America when three young princes from Hawaii were seen riding waves here while on vacation in 1885.
Yes, surf culture thrives here. You can brush up on your surf history at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum which is housed inside a lighthouse that overlooks legendary surf spot Steamer Lane. Inside you’ll find historic photos, early wetsuits designed by local legend Jack O’neill, and vintage surfboards made from redwood trees.
While Santa Cruz is a renowned surfing destination, you don’t have to be a surfer to take advantage of the great beaches found here. Head to Cowell Beach and find a good spot in the sand to roll out a towel. Relax and take in the Northern California beach vibes.
Can’t miss here is Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, home to California’s oldest amusement park. It’s a place the kids will love! At the amusement park you can ride the iconic Giant Dipper (the fifth oldest rollercoaster in the USA) and a carousel that dates back to 1911.
There is actually a ton of stuff to do in Santa Cruz, from all kinds of watersports to fishing off the wharf, shopping, and exploring nearby redwood groves, you’ll surely be tempted to turn your day trip into an overnight one or even a weekend getaway.
4. San Juan Bautista
If you are looking for a more laidback day trip destination, a quiet place to escape the city chaos, San Juan Bautista in Central California is a world away from San Francisco.
In San Juan Bautista you can step back in time to 19th century California where time has seemed to have stood still. The quaint village is filled with historic authenticity including original adobes dating back two centuries.
The downtown area is so authentic in fact that it has been registered as a nationally historic district. Along the main street through town you’ll see buildings that look like they are straight out of the old west!
There are a variety of vintage and antique stores here if you’re looking for something unique to take back home. Old Adobe Antiques is one such shop filled with antiques and folk art. Even if you don’t feel like shopping, this antique store is worth taking a peek inside since it is housed in a historic building that is over 200 years old!
San Juan Bautista is home to Mission San Juan Bautista, one of the oldest Spanish missions found along the California mission trail. Founded in 1797, it is the fifteenth of the Spanish missions established in the state, and one of the few that has never fallen into ruin; a surprising fact since it sits adjacent to the San Andreas Fault Line.
Across from the mission is a grassy plaza surrounded by stables, two adobe mansions, and a hotel. If you’re here on the first Saturday of the month you’ll see docents dressed in period costumes that will give you a taste of what life was like during California’s early settlement.
When you’re ready to leave the downtown district, take a short drive to explore the bucolic rolling hills and fertile fields that surround San Juan Bautista.
5. Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park protects spectacular rock formations that are the remnants of a 23 million year old volcano. The towering rocks that seem to bulge out of the earth here are an incredible sight.
While the unusual pinnacle rocks are a top attraction, the park’s Talus caves are the most popular feature here. There are two caves; Balconies Cave and Bear Gulch Cave. And the best part is that you can hike through both of them!
These caves were formed during the last ice age and are home to thirteen different species of bats including the endangered Townsend’s big-eared bat.
Another awesome must-do hike here is the High Peaks Trail. It’s an extraordinary trail that will take you up to the top of the pinnacle rocks. On this hike you’ll encounter a steep and narrow section where you’ll have to hang onto metal rails while climbing up stairs that have been carved into the rocks. This is a really fun hike and not as strenuous as it sounds.
Located 128 miles south of San Francisco in the Salinas Valley, Pinnacles National Park is a fun day trip, and also a very scenic drive through wine country in Central California.