10 Best Day Trips from San Francisco

Are you planning to visit San Francisco and looking for different things to do? Well, I’m glad you’re here because there are so many incredible places to explore that are right outside of San Francisco. What’s even better is that these places range from a 20-minute drive to 4 hours max. The only challenging part is deciding where to go. Here’s a guide on my top picks of the best day trips from San Francisco with family and kids.

Sausalito

Sausalito is one of my absolute favorite places to visit for a quick getaway that’s literally 20 minutes (11 miles) from San Francisco.

It’s a gorgeous seaside town with a Mediterranean vibe to it. Not to mention you get to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge on your way there. With stunning views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, nothing beats having lunch here on a nice sunny day. Not to mention, it’s the perfect weekend getaway to feel like you’re in a different country.

Distance: 20 minutes (11 miles) from San Francisco
Fun Tip: Take a ferry from San Francisco
Tips: Combine this with a visit to the Bay Area Discovery Museum (10 mins away) or Muir Woods for one of the best day trips from San Francisco

Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods is located 40 minutes (16 miles) north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County.

What makes this place special are the magnificent towering redwood trees that seem almost out of a fairytale. Some of these trees are close to 1,000 years old and over 250 feet. Redwood trees can only be found along the Pacific coastline between Monterey and South Oregon so it could be a perfect opportunity to check them out when visiting San Francisco.

It’s a quick and easy way to feel completely immersed in nature and their boardwalk allows it to be very stroller friendly.

Also, don’t forget to visit the Visitor Centre to take part in the Junior Ranger Program. Complete the activities as they go around and receive a badge at the end.

Distance: 40 minutes (16 miles) from San Francisco 
Tip: Reservations are now required to park or ride the shuttle to the forest 
Fees: Parking is $9.00 (standard vehicle), Park Entrance is $15 (16+) & Free (15 and under)

Point Reyes

Point Reyes is a national park located north of San Francisco in Marin County. Famous for the Cypress Tree Tunnel, the iconic lighthouse, and the Point Reyes shipwreck, this is a wonderful escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes (60 miles) 
Tips: Visit all 3 places in one day, making this one of my favorite day trips from San Francisco.

Napa and Sonoma

Despite what most would think, the world-famous wine country has family-friendly wineries, play spots, dining, and lodging to make for a great family vacation. Visit Costello di Amororsa, a medieval Italian castle winery, or ride a train at Train Town. There’s even a wildlife preserve called Safari West where you can go on an African Safari and even stay overnight.

Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes (60 miles) 
Tips: Grab lunch at the Oxbow Public Market where they have food options for everyone.

Pacifica

Pacifica is literally right outside San Francisco and is one of my favorite places to go to the beach. It’s a cute surf town with so many beautiful beaches to choose from. They have the world’s most beautiful Taco Bell and a really cool playground called Frontierland Park.

Distance: 20 minutes (15 miles) 
Tips: Walk along Devil’s Slide, a trail that was formerly a part of Highway 1. Also, a great place for whale watching from January to May. 

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is located south of San Francisco on California’s central coast. It’s a popular surf town known for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an amusement park with nostalgic arcade games, rides, and food. 

Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes (73 miles) from San Francisco 
Other things to do: Roaring Camp Railroads, The Mystery Spot

Carmel By-the-Sea

Carmel is located 2 hours (122 miles) south of San Francisco on the beloved Central California Coast. It’s a charming beach town on the Monterey Peninsula with a Mediterranean vibe. The town of Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its storybook cottages that look like they came out of a fairy tale. It’s definitely one of my favorite weekend getaways.

Distance: 2 hours (122 miles) from San Francisco 
Tip: Cruise over to Monterey (30 minutes away) 
Other things to do: 17-Mile Drive that stretches from Carmel to Monterey

Monterey

Just 2 hours (115 miles) south of San Francisco is Monterey with its world-class aquarium, fresh seafood, fascinating history, and culture making this a coastal paradise. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and adjacent Cannery Row are very popular, especially during the summer so plan early. 

Distance: 2 hours (115 miles) from San Francisco 
Fun Tip: Don’t miss the Dennis Menace Playground (7-minute drive) 
Other things to do: Visit Carmel, do the 17 Mile Drive, or Big Sur Coastal Drive

Big Sur

Big Sur is a 90-mile coastal drive along Highway 1 in California. It starts from Carmel-by-the-Sea and ends at San Simeon and is considered one of the most scenic and famous drives in America. Stop by the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, which was featured in Big Little Lies, or get a glimpse of the stunning McWay Falls, a waterfall that flows from McWay Creek directly into the ocean. There’s so much to see, eat, and experience on this gorgeous coastal drive.

Distance: 2 hours 30 minutes (150 miles) from San Francisco 
Places to see: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is located on the California-Nevada border, 200 miles northeast of San Francisco. It is known for its crystal blue water, beautiful beaches, and world-class recreational activities for both summer and winter. Not exactly for a day trip, but I’ve known avid skiers who do fit this into their weekends.

Distance: 4 hours (200 miles) from San Francisco

Are you looking for things to do around San Francisco? Or maybe you’ve been to some of these places! Comment below and let me know what your favorite day trips from San Francisco are!