As a Bay Area local I have discovered that there is an endless amount of day trip adventures you can take all within close range. It is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, charming towns, and outdoor adventures. With its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, stunning coastal drives, and vibrant cities, the list is endless. This guide will delve into some of the best day trips you can take from San Francisco, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking scenery.
Point Reyes National Seashore
- Driving Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) for mild weather and fewer crowds
Point Reyes is what I call the Yellowstone of the bay area. It has got beautiful landscapes and lots of wildlife viewing opportunities. The drive in and around point Reyes is really great, especially if you take Highway 1.
Before you enter Point Reyes you can also drive into point reyes station to get some food and browse the cute shops they have with local art, food, and information
Things to Do:
- Don’t miss the hike to the iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse for panoramic ocean views
- Keep an eye out for elephant seals, gray whales, and a variety of bird species. The Drakes Estero is a prime spot for birdwatching.
- Relax on the sandy shores of beaches like Chimney Rock Beach or explore the unique tide pools at the mouth of the Drakes Estero.
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the charming restaurants, browse through local shops
Unique Places to See:
- See Tule Elk in their natural habitat at Tule Elk Preserve:
- A picturesque drive through a tunnel of towering cypress trees at The Cypress Tree Tunnel
- See Alamere Falls, stunning waterfall that cascades directly onto the beach (accessible via a challenging hike)
Making a Day Out of It:
Start your day with a hike to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, followed by a picnic lunch overlooking the ocean.
Spend the afternoon exploring the tide pools or visiting the Tule Elk Preserve.
End your day with a delicious seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants in Point Reyes Station.
Related Reads: Exceptional Day Trip from SF to Point Reyes: Hike Redwoods, See Whales, Devour Cheese
Santa Cruz
- Driving Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) for warm weather and lively atmosphere.
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 a incredible day trip
Things to Do:
- Explore the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a classic California amusement park with rides, games, and arcades.
- Enjoy fresh seafood, browse through shops, and take a boat tour at the Santa Cruz Wharf
- Explore Wilder Ranch State Park, the park’s farm. Sample locally-produced honey, cheese, and other treats at the park’s kiosk
- For cravings that will satisfy, go to Arcangeli Grocery for artichoke bread or Duarte’s for artichoke soup and ollaliberry pie
Unique Places to See:
- Natural Bridges State Beach is one of my favorite beaches to look at and ponder. Explore the tide pools teeming with marine life or marvel at the natural arch bridge carved by the waves
- If you want to see more Redwoods, visit Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Hike among towering redwood trees, some over 1,000 years old, and breathe in the fresh forest air
Making a Day Out of It:
Spend the morning enjoying the rides and attractions at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Grab a delicious fish and chips lunch on the wharf. In the afternoon, explore the natural beauty of Natural Bridges State Beach or visit the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.
Related Reads: A Day Trip from SF to Santa Cruz you Need to Take
Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Driving Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque village with a romantic atmosphere. Known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and stunning coastline. Anytime I get a chance I am always down to go to Carmel. It has got a little bit of everything.
Things to Do:
- Walk downtown Carmel. Carmel is famous for its secret courtyards, tucked away like little surprises. We wandered the streets, peeking through archways and down alleyways, hoping to stumble upon these hidden gems.
- Explore this historic Spanish mission and its beautiful gardens.
- If you enjoy scenic drives the 17-Mile Drive has stunning vistas, many opportunities to spot wildlife (bring binoculars!) and possibly the most photographed tree in the world the Lone Cypress Tree. (Entrance fee applies)
- Dinner in Carmel was special. We went to Anton and Michael. It was cozy and charming and fresh seafood caught that day was yummy
- Rent a cruiser bike and bike around Carmel. Pedal past charming cottages, peek into hidden courtyards and breathe in the fresh ocean air.
- My favorite activity was just beach bumming on Carmel Beach, their sand is soft, white and beautiful. Before you go grab a pasty from Carmel Bakery and thank me later.
Unique Places to See:
- Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Hike through towering cypress trees, secret beaches and see unforgettable ocean vistas. You can snorkel here if you’d like!
- Hike through coastal bluffs and enjoy panoramic stunning ocean views at Garrapata State Park
Making a Day Out of It:
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through Carmel Village, followed by a delicious brunch at The Little Swiss Cafe
Spend the afternoon exploring the 17-Mile Drive and enjoying the beautiful coastline.
End your day with a romantic dinner at a Carmel restaurant.
Related Reads: Your Dreamy SF to Carmel Road Trip
Elkhorn Slough
- Driving Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-October) for optimal wildlife viewing.
Elkhorn Slough is a unique estuary ecosystem teeming with wildlife. It is super underrated and not well known (shh let’s keep it a secret) and is one of the places you can just zen out and hear nothing and be nothing. This protected area offers opportunities for birdwatching, kayaking, and exploring the natural beauty of the Central Coast.
Things to Do:
- Explore the slough and observe wildlife up close by kayaking and paddleboarding. The mom otters swim by my boat and you can hear them cooing. It’s so cool. They are so so cute. You can easily bring your own kayak and launch on your own.
- Spot a variety of bird species, including herons, egrets, and shorebirds.
- Hike the Elkhorn Slough Reserve trails and enjoy scenic views of the slough and surrounding wetlands
Unique Places to See:
- Its cool if you kayak at night in the slough, or are even at the shoreline at night because there are bioluminescent critters there so when you splash the water it lights up like fireflies / twinkling stars
Making a Day Out of It:
Start your day with a kayaking or paddle boarding tour through the slough.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated areas.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve Visitor Center and hiking the reserve trails.
Sonoma Coast State Park
- Driving Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-October) for pleasant weather.
The coast is always worth seeing, especially when inland temps are high. And the Sonoma coast is quite pretty and diverse with its wide range of landscapes from dramatic cliffs to sandy beaches, and lush forests.
Things to Do:
- Hike and explore the park’s trails, offering diverse landscapes from coastal bluffs to redwood forests.
- Relax on the sandy beaches
- One of my favorite activities I ever did was go horseback riding on the coast.
Unique Places to See:
- Hike to the lighthouse for panoramic ocean views at Bodega Head State Park
- Watch for migrating gray whales during the winter months Salmon Creek Beach
Making a Day Out of It:
Start your day with a hike in Sonoma Coast State Park, followed by a picnic lunch with ocean views.
In the afternoon, walk around downtown Sonoma and enjoy the charming atmosphere of Sonoma County.
