San Francisco, with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and vibrant culture, is a fantastic destination, however sometimes you just want to get out of the city and go on a weekend adventure. From coastal retreats to charming towns and natural wonders, there’s something for everyone. If you are on the search for the PERFECT weekend getaway from San Francisco, I have got you covered!
Best Weekend Trips Near San Francisco
Coastal Getaways (Under 3 Hours )
MONTEREY/CARMEL BY THE SEA
Distance from SF: 1 hour and 45 minutes, 115 miles
Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea are two charming coastal towns with distinct personalities. Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a more relaxed atmosphere with art galleries, boutique shops, and beautiful beaches. So depending on your mood that day you can choose the best of both worlds.
Related Reads: Dreamy SF to Carmel Road Trip
Things to do in Monterey and Carmel
- Visit an Art Gallery. This town bleeds art. Galleries line the streets, each one bursting with unique finds. I was on a mission to find the perfect piece to commemorate this trip, and I found one
- No trip to Carmel is complete without a visit to Carmel Beach. Soft, white sand and bare feet… and the sound of waves…. Sunset here was legendary, so be sure to pack a picnic basket and claim your spot on the sand for a magical evening
- Take a long beach walk at Asilomar State Beach
- Have a romantic dinner in Carmel. We went to Anton and Michael. It was cozy and charming and fresh seafood caught that day was yummy
- Find a hike in Garrapata State Park that has stunning ocean views and diverse wildlife
- Rent a cruiser bike and bike around Carmel. I find you get to see the most of a place by walking or biking
- If you love sammiches…as much as i do, go to Compagnos on Prescott in Pacific Grove….
- Kayaking with the otters and sea lions at Elkhorn Slough was such an amazing experience!
- Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, see unforgettable ocean vistas.
- If you are a fan of farmers markets like me, and you happen to be in Carmel on a Thursday, go to the Carmel farmers market.
- Eat the best Donuts in Carmel at Dutch Door Donuts
Just a local 2 Cents: On your way back, stop at Harley Farms in Pescadero to hangout with some goats (they have some cool shops there as well where you can buy goat cheese and honey etc), and stop at Arcangeli for some sandwiches with fresh baked artichoke bread
Best Places to Stay in Monterey
SEA RANCH
Distance from SF: 140 miles, 2.5 hours
Sea Ranch is such a special place on the Northern California Coast and a place everyone should visit at least once. It’s a unique community located along Highway 1 in Sonoma County, full of natural beauty and one-of-a-kind architecture.
I love visiting Sea Ranch for its breathtaking ocean cliffs, its laid back beach atmosphere and its stunning architecture. Every time we visit we fall in love again and again. Make sure to add this one to your weekend getaway list from SF.
Things to do in Sea Ranch
- Check out Gualala Point Regional Park to spend the day at the beach
- Stop by Gualala Seafood Shack for lunch ( you wont regret it)
- Explore the rugged coastline and take a long walk along the ocean cliffs on one of these trails. The Coastal Bluff Trail is a great walk along the coast
- Hike through redwood forests at Gualala River Redwood Park
- Finally finish your book on the many secluded beaches (the beaches are not suitable for swimming). We love Stump Beach
- Get some white clam chowder from Spud Point Crab Co
- If you’re in Sea Ranch on a Saturday the farmers market in Gualala has some great local finds
- Have a picnic at Portuguese Beach, a scenic spot with tide pools perfect for exploring during low tide.
- Visit Bowling Ball Beach, a unique beach with perfectly round boulders scattered across the sand.
Just a local 2 Cents: Coastal walks at sunset are amazing, try to stay as north as possible to get a great view.
Places to Stay in Sea Ranch
POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE
Distance from SF: 1 hour and 15 minutes, 39 miles
In under 2 hours, you can get to a pretty spectacular place that is full of endless beauty, marine life, seafood and natural wonders. I was truly blown away the first time I visited Point Reyes and it has been one of my favorite places in Northern California. This relatively undeveloped area is perfect for a quick day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway.
Thing to Do in Point Reyes
- Grab a decadent pastry and hot coffee at Bovine Bakery
- Hike to Alamere Falls– beauty of a waterfall cascading directly onto the beach
- Visit Point Reyes Lighthouse and hopefully get a chance to see whales out in the vast Pacific Ocean. Its FREE
- Do a bioluminescent kayak night tour in the quiet calm waters of Tomales Bay
- Eat the best Reuben sandwich at Inverness Park Market
- Hike Tomales Point Trail, the views and wildlife are unbeatable. During summer and fall, you can get a chance to hear bugling and rutting Tule Elk
- Simply relax Kehoe Beach – there are hundreds of little tide pools to explore
- Sandwiches and cheeses at the West Marin Culture shop is another idea for a perfect lunch
- Wander through a tunnel of Cypress Trees at the The Cypress Tree Tunnel
- Savor fresh oysters and other delicious seafood at The Marshall Store
Read My full Guide on what to do in Point Reyes Here!
Places to Stay in Point Reyes
MENDOCINO AND FORT BRAGG
Distance from SF: 165 miles, 3 hours
Mendocino and Fort Bragg are two charming coastal towns known for their Victorian architecture, art galleries, and stunning natural beauty. There is something for everyone and it’s great to visit at any time of the year.
Things to do in Mendocino/Fort Bragg
- We really enjoyed the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden. It’s a cool place to go for a walk, and they also have a nursery
- Don’t pass up the chance to try mushroom ice cream at Cowlicks
- Pass through Van Damme State Park, which offers hiking trails, beach access, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean
- Visit Mendocino Headlands State Park, which is home to some of the most breathtaking coastal views in the region
- Eat lunch at The Wharf in Fort Bragg
- Take a relaxing break at Pudding Creek Beach, a picturesque stretch of coastline with driftwood-strewn shores
- Go whale watching with All Aboard Adventures ( December – April)
- Kayak Big River, it’s so much fun, beautiful and you get to see so many birds. We even saw a harbor seal
- Stroll through downtown Fort Bragg and admire the Victorian architecture and shop for unique souvenirs and grab some local coffee
- Enjoy a seafood lunch or dinner at NOYO Harbor
Just a local 2 cents: Google may suggest taking Highway 20. Dont. It’s windy and curvy. Take Highway 128 instead. Highway 128 gets out to the coast more gently, and passes through interesting places (Anderson Valley, a redwood park along the river, etc.) And when you reach the coast on #128, you have a nice, not too exhausting, drive up Highway 1 to get into Mendocino, instead of popping right out of the mountains onto your destination.
Places to Stay in Mendocino
Related Reads: Road Trip Itinerary from San Francisco to Fort Bragg
BODEGA BAY
Distance from SF: 75 miles, 1.5 hours
I cannot say enough good things about Bodega Bay. I have an oyster addiction so that may play a part.We love going to Bodega Bay for a long weekend. It’s just an hour and a half north. Small, sleepy town with gorgeous beaches and stunning views. We go twice a year and always enjoy ourselves.
Things to do in Bodega Bay
- Osmosis Spa in Bodega has to be one of my favorite places on earth. The cedar enzyme bath is divine
- If you love hiking, check out the Sea to Sky Trail
- Hike and explore the Sonoma Coast State park’s trails, offering diverse landscapes from coastal bluffs to redwood forests
- If you like long sandy beaches, Doran Beach is the way to go
- One of my favorite activities I ever did was go horseback riding on the coast
- 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
- In Bodega Bay, I always stop for lunch at Fishetarian Fish Market
- Or get food down at the Bodega Bay Spud Point Area – Clam Chowder, Crab, Oysters, etc.
- Take a calm kayak tour in the waters of Bodega Bay
Local 2 Cents: FYI weekend traffic can be bad, head out early 🙂
Places to stay in Bodega Bay
Mountain Escapes (under 4 hours)
NEVADA CITY
Distance: 100 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes
Nevada City is a historic gold mining town with a charming downtown area. Visit the Nevada City National Historic District, explore the local shops and restaurants, or take a scenic hike in the surrounding forests. The North Star House Museum offers a glimpse into the town’s mining history.
Things to do in Nevada City
- Go on a walking tree tour. Nevada City is filled with beautiful trees
- Take a hike in South Yuba River State Park
- Go Horseback Riding at Vaquera Ranch in Grass Valley
- Definitely try Three Forks for their Sunday morning croissant selection
- Check out the cool Victorian houses in downtown Nevada City. Some of them used to belong to the bigwigs of the town back in the day
- Go white water rafting in Yuba or American River
- If you gardens, check out Crystal Hermitage, the botanical garden is known for its colorful tulips
- Support local businesses by going to the Nevada City Farmers Market which takes place every Saturday, April through December
- Visit the nearby, Grass Valley, a Gold Rush town with charm, historical significance, and artsy vibes
- Go glamping!
Places to Stay in Nevada City
SOLVANG
Distance from SF: 150 miles, 4.5 hours
Who knew Danish charm existed in California? Solvang, nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, is a total gem. It’s a Dutch themed city near Southern cali with windmills, bakeries, and quaint shops
Things to do in Solvang
- Savor the authentic flavors of Denmark at local bakeries like, Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery, The Danish Maid, Mortensen’s Danish Bakery
- Grab some swedish candy at The Swedish Candy Factory
- Go on a guided horseback trail ride and see the beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley on horseback
- explore this historic Spanish mission, which dates back to the 18th century
- Prepare for a line at Solvang Restaurant and get ready to try some delicious delicacies known as the Abelskiver
- Take a short drive to nearby Old West towns like Buellton and Los Olivos to experience the Wild West atmosphere.
Related Reads: Ultimate Guide on the Best Things to do in Solvang
GUERNEVILLE
Distance from SF: 75 miles, 2 hours
Guerneville is a charming little town located in Sonoma County. The people are great. It’s a small town, and has always been welcoming. I think it’s an underrated little town that not many people know of. It makes a perfect place for an anniversary weekend getaway or a mini family outing.
Things to do in Guerneville
- Hike one of the many pretty trails in Armstrong Woods
- Grab coffee and pastries at Baked on the River and hang out in their outdoor garden
- River Inn Grill in Guerneville is the best breakfast everrrr
- For a chill afternoon, stroll down retro Main Street and check out the cute little shops and restaurants. There’s a dimestore with old-school candy and toys, and a shop full of cool antiques and stuff for your home
- Drive out to Goat Rock Beach to watch sunset or later at night for stargazing. The parking lots have very low light pollution so you can see the Milky Way on a clear night while listening to the waves crash. It’s…. Epic. It’s also free
- Take a scenic joyride on Coleman Valley Road filled with rolling pastures, horses, and the coast. Its magical
- Have a spa day at Boon Spa
- Kayak, paddleboard or canoe on Johnson’s Beach, it’s a fun way to relax on the Russian River
- Include a stop at Wildflour Bakery for the best scones you’ll ever have
Places to stay in Guerneville
LAKE TAHOE
Distance from SF: 190 miles, 3 hours 30 minutes
Just a three-hour drive from San Francisco, Lake Tahoe is one of those places to be visited time and again because you will never run out of options for activities. It’s beautiful all year round and is such a lovely little getaway from SF.
Things to do in Lake Tahoe
- Relax on the beaches of Lake Tahoe, my favorites: Kings Beach, Crystal Bay, Zephyr Cove and Sand Harbor
- Kayak/ Paddleboard to a picturesque island in Emerald Bay State Park
- Bike along scenic trails with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Take a scenic boat tour on the lake, marveling at the majestic scenery from a different perspective
- Hang glide over Lake Tahoe
- Go hiking – Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake Trail (2 miles),Cascade Falls Trail (1.3 miles), and the Vkingsholm Trail (1.7 miles)
Places to Stay in Lake Tahoe
Pro Tip: Pack your swimsuits! Even in the fall, the lake water can be refreshingly cool, perfect for a dip on a warm day. Oh and also pack your patience!
