25 Day Trips from San Francisco (& What to Do There!)
San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the world, but some of Northern California’s best experiences happen just outside The City.
As a travel blogger living in the bay area, I absolutely love sharing all the best things to do in San Francisco, but there’s something about hopping in the car, rolling the windows down, and setting off on one of the many beautiful day trips from San Francisco that makes even an ordinary day feel like a mini vacation. One minute you’re weaving through cable cars and fog, and the next you’re sipping wine in Napa, walking along the beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea, or eating fresh oysters on the coast!
Here are my favorite one-day escapes, all within a two(ish) hour drive from SF.
Coastal Town & Ocean Escapes
1. Bodega Bay
A coastal fishing town made famous by Hitchcock, where fog, chowder, and ocean views set the pace.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours
What to Do: Start your morning with a beach walk at Salmon Creek, then hike the scenic Bodega Head Trail for epic coastal views, grab a sweet treat at Patrick’s Salt Water Taffy and finish with a bit of wine tasting at Sonoma Coast Vineyards.
Where to Eat: Grab a casual but unforgettable seafood lunch at Fishetarian Fish Market, enjoy some pastries at The Birds Cafe, and settle in for a classic dinner at Casino Bar & Grill or at Drakes Sonoma Coast.
Turn it into an Overnight: The Lodge at Bodega Bay is a longtime favorite for its views (it was also rated #1 in the world by Conde Nast readers!), while Bodega Harbor Inn offers a charming, quieter stay.
For a more detailed plan, check out my Perfect Day Trip Itinerary to Bodega Bay, California.
2. Carmel-by-the-Sea
A storybook seaside village filled with cottages, art galleries, and white-sand beaches.
Distance from San Francisco: 2.25 hours
What to Do: It’s almost enough to just wander through the fairytale-style downtown, but you’ll also want to relax at Carmel Beach, and explore the historic Carmel Mission.
✨ Recommended Tours: The Carmel-by-the-Sea Electric Bike Tour will have you hitting up all the major landmarks and the Carmel Guided Walking Tour will show you the very best of this whimsical village.
Where to Eat: Grab brunch at the local favorite Stationaery, try the European country cuisine at La Bicyclette, and a menu inspired by cherished family recipes at Nora’s.
Turn it into an Overnight: Book the Candle Light Inn that is just short walk from Carmel Beach, or The Quail that’s a few miles away, but luxurious.
4. Sausalito
Mediterranean-feeling and postcard-perfect, just across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Distance from San Francisco: 30 minutes
What to Do: Shop & stroll along the waterfront promenade, explore the cutest floating homes, Visit the Bay Model Visitor Center and head up to Hawk Hill for iconic bridge views.
Where to Eat: Fish. is a casual seafood favorite with great patio seating, Le Garage serves classic French dishes with water views, and Fred’s Coffee Shop is perfect for breakfast.
Turn it into an Overnight: Inn Above Tide is all about the views, while The Gables Inn offers a charming alternative.
For the best day, follow my Sausalito Day Trip Itinerary that includes what to see, eat and do!
6. Pescadero
A tiny farming town famous for artichokes, goats, and legendary pie.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours
What to Do: Visit Harley Farms for the cutest goat tour, walk along Pescadero State Beach, and don’t miss a stop by the historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse.
Where to Eat: It’s a tiny place so the choices are limited, but Duarte’s Tavern is a classic for American country cooking and Arcangeli Grocery is known for its famous garlic herb & artichoke bread—you can’t leave Pescadero without grabbing a loaf.
Turn it into an Overnight: Pescadero Creek Inn offers a cozy escape, while nearby Seal Cove Inn is a lovely backup option.
7. Stinson Beach
A relaxed beach town perfect for sun, sand, and scenic coastal hikes.
Distance from San Francisco: 45 minutes
What to Do: The main thing to do in Stinson Beach is to spend time on the beach, but you could also hike the Dipsea Trail (warning: some parts are pretty intense!), and explore the nearby Mount Tamalpais trails.
Where to Eat: Parkside Snack Bar is great for casual bites, Breakers Café is a go-to for brunch, and Sand Dollar Restaurant offers dinner with a view.
Turn it into an Overnight: Surf Lodge is my top pick, while you may also find some cute cottages on VRBO.
9. Tiburon
Quietly elegant, with skyline views that feel almost unreal at sunset.
Distance from San Francisco: 30 minutes
What to Do: Walk the Old Rail Trail (it will take you right into downtown!), take the ferry to Angel Island, see a movie at the cool Cinelounge and explore Main Street shops.
Where to Eat: Malibu Farm is perfect for a trendy brunch, Sam’s Anchor Cafe is well known amongst the locals for patio views and my favorite is Troya for the best Mediterranean dinner (get the salmon skewer!).
Turn it into an Overnight: Waters Edge Hotel offers waterfront views, while The Lodge at Tiburon is a reliable favorite.
For my full itinerary, read how to spend the perfect day trip to Tiburon.
Wine Country Towns
18. Yountville
Chic, compact, and packed with world-class food and wine experiences.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.25 hours
What to Do: Wine taste at Priest Ranch (do the bacon pairing!), stroll the Yountville Art Walk, and enjoy a leisurely bike ride through town.
Where to Eat: Bouchon Bakery is a must for pastries, the French Bouchon Bistro is right next door and iconic, Ad Hoc is always a treat, and Bottega has delicious Italian with a stunning atmosphere.
Turn it into an Overnight: Bardessono is a luxury favorite, while Hotel Yountville offers classic comfort. Or stay where I stayed, at the cozy Napa Valley Lodge.
For a complete day trip itinerary, see my wine lover’s 12-hour Itinerary for Yountville.
Charming Small Towns & Historic Destinations
19. Bolinas
Famously elusive and fiercely local, this beach town marches to its own drum.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour
What to Do: Walk Bolinas Beach, visit the local Bolinas Museum and Art Gallery, and explore nearby Point Reyes Lighthouse (check the weather first, it gets foggy out there).
Where to Eat: Coast Café is a hidden gem with local and seasonal food, and BoVida is great for casual bites.
Turn it into an Overnight: Sandpiper Lodging nearby offers a relaxed coastal stay, while Point Reyes options are close by.
22. Occidental
A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town famous for Italian food and redwoods.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours
What to Do: Zipline through redwoods, take an easy hike at the Grove of Old Trees, and relax at Osmosis Spa who is known for their cedar bath.
Where to Eat: Union Hotel is a classic for American cuisine, Howard Station Café is great choice for breakfast, and Altamont General Store is perfect for lunch (try on eo ftheir healthy bowls!).
Turn it into an Overnight: Inn at Occidental is charming, while Union Hotel offers a historic stay.
23. Mill Valley
Woodsy and sophisticated, with trailheads that start just beyond the coffee shops.
Distance from San Francisco: 30 minutes
What to Do: Walk among the redwoods in Muir Woods, shop & stroll downtown, and visit the Mill Valley Lumber Yard that’s filled with cool shops and places to eat.
Where to Eat: Flour Craft Bakery is a breakfast favorite (and is 100% gluten-free!), Hook Fish Co. is casual and has delicious tacos, and Playa offers an upscale Mexican dinner.
Turn it into an Overnight: Acqua Hotel offers water views, while Mill Valley Inn is cozy and central.
For a more detailed plan, see my Mill Valley day trip itinerary.
24. Petaluma
A historic riverfront town with a seriously good food scene.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour
What to Do: Stop by Mcevoy Ranch for a wine tasting (or some olive oil), hike Helen Putnam Park, walk the historic downtown (stop by Acorn and Flourish—two of my favorites!, browse antique shops, and enjoy the riverfront).
Where to Eat: Street Social is a tiny place, but offers creative dishes, Sugo Trattoria is known for its bruschetta trio, and Stockhome delivers yummy Swedish flavors—their falafels are my favorite.
Turn it into an Overnight: Hotel Petaluma is historic and right in the downtown, while Metro Hotel is quirky and fun.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
Flying International?
Get Cell Data Before You Arrive: I recommend using airalo for international travel. Also, book an airport transfer in advance (I use Kiwi Taxi). Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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