Living in the Bay Area is like living in a candy store for nature lovers. With its stunning coastline, rolling hills, and vibrant cities, there’s always a new adventure waiting just around the corner. When you only have one day to explore and get out of the house (because adulting is like that some days) that’s where day trips come in. In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite day trip destinations from the Bay Area. These spots offer a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, all within a short drive from the bay area.
Fun Day Trips from the Bay Area
Pescadero
Pescadero is a tiny town, with a big charm and even better artichokes. We have missed it a couple times, regretfully, but it is totally worth a stop. It’s got awesome beaches, yummy farm-to-table food, and a super laid-back vibe and is a super fun day trip idea from the bay area.
🚗 By car: 60 minutes from San Francisco
Things to do in Pescadero
- Stop at Arcangeli Grocery Co. for their life changing Artichoke bread, artisan cheeses and coffee. see pic above
- Stop at Swanton berry farm for treats from this season’s fruit (tarts, cider, bread puddings, etc)
- Make a stop at Pigeon Point Lighthouse, a picturesque lighthouse perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Climb the stairs to the top for stunning panoramic views. Admission and parking are free but an entrance fee applies to go inside
- Have a beach picnic at Pescadero State Beach
- Make a stop at Pigeon Point Lighthouse, a picturesque lighthouse perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Climb the stairs to the top for stunning panoramic views. Admission and parking are free but an entrance fee applies to go inside
- Don’t forget the olallieberry pie from Duarte’s Tavern (pronounced DOO-art’s locally, not doo-AR-tay’s)
- Take a hike – Here’s a few: Ano Nuevo and Goat Hill Loop (3.7 miles), Atkinson Bluff Trail (3.7 miles)
- Harley Farms in Pescadero is just the sweetest little place. Pet goats, and sample local cheese .The honey lavender log from Harley Farms is AMAZING
Stinson Beach and Bolinas
Another bay area day trip is Stinson Beach and Bolinas. Tucked away between the city of San Francisco and the serene, natural beauty of Marin County are my favorite little coastal towns, Stinson Beach and Bolinas.
🚗 By car: 60 minutes from San Francisco
Things to do in Stinson Beach
- Stop at Stinson Beach. While the water is always cold, it is a popular spot for surfers and people who love to watch surfers (me!) Don’t forget to bring your binoculars
- Indulge in some fresh seafood or pop into the hillside Coast Cafe for a chunky sandwich at lunch or something more substantial from their dinner menu
- Make a stop on Olema Bolinas Road and take in the views
- Hike to 4o foot Alamere Falls or Cataract Falls
- Explore the charming streets of the bohemian town of Bolinas and visit the local shops
- Get some souvenirs at Stinson Beach Market
Filoli Gardens
Filoli Gardens is a historic estate located in Woodside, about 20 miles south of San Francisco. This stunning property features formal gardens, a grand mansion, and beautiful countryside views. Its an easy day trip around the bay area that is perfect for families.
🚗 By car: 30 minutes from San Francisco
Things to do in Filoli Gardens
- Explore the meticulously landscaped gardens, including the Italian Garden, the Sunken Garden, and the Magnolia Garden
- Tour the historic mansion and learn about the family that once lived there.
- Take a leisurely stroll through the estate’s beautiful countryside
- Pack a picnic lunch and find a spot in the Sunken Garden or the Four Seasons Room to relax and enjoy the scenery
- Hike the Estate Trail or venture further into the natural lands for a dose of fresh air and exercise
- Take a bunch of photos!
- Before heading home, browse the gift shop ( probably the prettiest one you will see) which is filled with unique items inspired by the gardens and the estate’s history
Related Reads: Day Trip to Filoli Historic Gardens
Mount Diablo
Mount Diablo is one of the coolest mountain peaks on the planet. (Within reason.) The drive up to Mt. Diablo used to be my father’s standard drive for all out of town guests that came to visit! Go up before lunch then pick a nice restaurant afterwards.
I would also recommend making the most of it by bringing a picnic lunch. They have tables all around the summit, but there’s also a lot of different pull-over spots if you want something more nature-y but less impressive views. It takes about 45 minutes to drive to the summit.
Fun Fact: You can see more from the top of Mount Diablo than you can from any other point on earth except for Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. It’s not that tall, but everything around it is relatively flat and small.
🚗 By car: 1 hour 15 minutes from San Francisco
Things to do in Mt.Diablo
- Bring your binoculars and watch the paragliders. If you can get a clear day it can be amazing. You can see Half Dome, Sierras, Mt. Shasta and the Farallones
- The Summit Drive is also full of various viewpoints with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, so makes as many stops and enjoy
- If you have more time, extend your visit to Mount Diablo State Park by camping at Juniper campground. It’s a great places to stargazing
Tiburon
Tiburon is like a little vacation spot, just a short drive from the city, and it’s not as crowded as Sausalito. This town offers beautiful waterfront views, upscale shops, and a variety of restaurants.
🚗 By car: 40 mins from San Francisco
Things to do in Tiburon
- Eat fresh seafood at Sam’s Anchor Cafe
- Take a ferry to Angel Island and explore this historic island park.
- Kayak in the Bay
- Rent a bike from Demo Sport and ride a segment of the Paradise Drive Loop (download a map from marinbike.org)
- Visit Shoreline Park which has stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a great place to relax, take a walk, or have a picnic
- Take a sailing trip on the San Francisco Bay
- Stop by Lappert’s for some ice cream
- Stop at Luna Blu, a waterfront Italian restaurant serving English afternoon tea and scones
Related Reads: A Day in Angel Island State Park
Pulgas Water Temple
We have lived in the Bay Area of California for quite some time and we never knew about the Pulgas Water Temple in Redwood City . To describe it in words would be: classic Roman / Greek temple lined with marble columns that sits center in a natural verdant setting with expansive lawns, trees and rolling hills, and a reflective pond…. It’s incredible. This would be a super fun bay area day trip idea.
🚗 By car: 30 minutes from San Francisco
Things to do at Pulgas Water Temple
- Pack a delicious spread and enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst the beauty of the surroundings. We had a breakfast picnic ( we packed snacks and cream cheese bagel sandwiches in advance)
- Take a hike on the Crystal Springs Trail or the Pulgas Water Shed Exploration Trail. Both take you straight to the temple, where you won’t have to worry about parking and time constraints.
- Just simply lay out and admire the temple: and reflecting pond for a couple of hours.
- Have lunch & BOBA (I am a self proclaimed boba addict) at a nearby restaurant in Redwood City. We went to La Fonda for delicious Mexican and Brew Coffee for the BOBA. All this eating was done post hike so we were in for a treat.
Related Reads: Bay Area Day Trip to Pulgas Water Temple
Mt. Tamalpais
Nestled in Marin County, north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais (affectionately called “Mt. Tam” by locals) has a peak elevation of 2,571 feet. Drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, and you’ll find this amazing park with beautiful views, lots of green grass, and cool forests. There are lots of hills and trails for hiking too. If you are in the mood for hiking and scenery mt. tam is a perfect day trip from the bay area.
🚗 By car: 1 hour from San Francisco
Things to do in Mt.Tamalpais
- Combine a hike with a delicious breakfast post hike on top of the mountain. Throughout the summer months (May to October), West Point Inn hosts special pancake breakfast events.
- The most popular and most highly rated hike on Mt Tamalpais in the 7 mile range is the Dipsea – Steep Ravine – Matt Davis Loop, from Stinson Beach.
- No Mount Tam escape is complete without the Gardner Fire Lookout. Perched on the East Peak, this historic tower offers breathtaking panoramas of the entire bay area. Built in the 1930s, it’s still an active fire lookout during fire season.
- Take a leisurely drive along the Panoramic Highway, which winds its way through the park, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. It’s very windy, but there are many points to stop and rest.
Related Reads: Day Trip to Mt. Tam
Santa Cruz
A day trip to Santa Cruz has it all. It’s a beautiful drive down highway 1 and you can stop off along the way at many beaches, or in places like Pescadero; go to Harley Farms for some goat cheese (and see some adorable goats!) Santa Cruz is a classic California beach town and would make for an incredible day trip from the bay area.
🚗 By car: 1.5 hours from San Francisco
Things to Do in Santa Cruz
- On the way to Santa Cruz, visit the Prettiest Taco Bell you’ll ever eat at. Yes, it’s a Taco Bell, but it’s the coolest one you’ll ever visit. But it’s right on the beach and you sit on the windy deck and watch surfers.
- Get a post lunch coffee from Cat and Cloud and if you are still hungry get their burritos. Solid, heart-clogging, breakfast burritos, just as God intended.
- Rent bikes and ride around the city, stopping for coffee and other treats
- Defy gravity (or at least your sense of balance) at the Mystery Spot. This tilted cabin and surrounding grounds will have you questioning your perception as you walk uphill that seems like walking downhill
- Explore Wilder Ranch State Park, the park’s farm. Sample locally-produced honey, cheese, and other treats at the park’s kiosk
- Visit Natural Bridges State Beach is one of my favorite beaches
- If you want to see more Redwoods, visit Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- No road trip to Santa Cruz is complete without a sweet ending, and The Penny Ice Creamery is the perfect pit stop. Their flavors are anything but boring – think burnt cinnamon with strawberry pink peppercorn, or classics with a twist like chocolate raspberry
