Take a stroll aroundLake Merritt, visit one of the three regional parks (Tilden, ReinhardtRedwoods [yes, Oakland has its own redwood forest! It is a little longer than some hikes weve classed as easy, but it is totally paved, making it a great walk with stunning views of the Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and all of San Francisco throughout. Moderate: For a moderate hike that will surely get your blood pumping, I recommend theRodeo Beach to Hill 88 Trail. Mendocino is 3,800 square miles of redwood forests, beaches, and hiking trails, plus wineries, breweries, and amazing restaurants, making it a . The town also has an excellent farmers market on Saturdays. Although scenic year-round, Guernevilles location alongside the Russian River makes it an especially popular weekend destination in the summer, when you can float, kayak, or canoe in the water. Bay Area brewery day trip: Concord's Side Gate beer garden and more Equidistant from San Francisco and Los Angeles, the coastal town of Cambria is further than most of the other weekend getaways on this list, but it offers a blissfully relaxing break for those who brave the extra miles. If you want to make the trip, McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is quite a sight, but it is rather far. Sarah believed in spiritualism and added strange features to the house because of her odd beliefs and interests. 8 Bay Area Weekend Getaways Perfect for Families - Families Love Travel There are the North Bays oyster farms and vineyards, the (sometimes) snowy Sierras to the east, the quiet of Tomales Bay. For a more over-the-top experience,Castello di Amorosais right there and is a literal castle, so theres also that! A few of my favorite Berkeley restaurants includePlatanofor Salvadoran food (if youve never had a pupusa, that needs to change! If you only have one day to visit, it's a good idea to take an organized excursion. By Laila Weir - Published on June 25, 2021. It also happens to be home to many dairy and oyster farms, as well as scenic parks and natural vistas. was a symbol of hope amid the ruin at the time of its building. 9 Best Day Trips from San Francisco | U.S. News Travel (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) We start our day at the Headlands Center for the Arts at historic . Drive Time from Downtown San Francisco:1 hour. Riders in the area should anticipate delays of up to 10 minutes. Drive Time from Downtown San Francisco:4 hours. There are also a number of amazing restaurants right along Sonoma Square, including my personal favoritethe girl & the fig. Drive Time from Downtown San Francisco:2 hour 45 minutes. You can also go biking on theCoastside Trail,horseback riding on the beach, or spend some time on the Main Street of downtown HMB, which has all sorts of great restaurants and coffee shops. But most people come to Guerneville for the chance to lazy-float the Russian River. Pack up the car and head out to picturesque and peaceful Livermore. Travel time 1.5 hours 55 miles. 13 Things to Do in Point Reyes: Complete Travel Guide + Tips. San Francisco. Visitors to Sausalito can take houseboat tours, which are one of the main attractions or check out the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's Bay Model. I have full posts on the best things to do in Point Reyes as well best Point Reyes hikes if you are looking for more information on this classic San Francisco day trip. Travel Time 1.5 hours 72 miles. However, Ive made a few exceptions where I can find excellent guided tours, as I find that I am able to handle a long-distance day trip as long as someone else is managing the driving. Mendocino. For first-time Napa Valley visitors, the train is an excellent way to start your trip. Easiest place to park for day trip 3:19 pm. Santa Cruz is not only famous for its surfing and artist community, with more than 2,000 artists calling it home. Three nights in San Francisco 3:44 pm. The combination of a vibrant art scene, historical landmarks, and excellent dining choices make this a place that can be enjoyed by one and all. Benicia has a long and fascinating past and has, over the years, played an essential role in Californias history. The Mystery part implies you might find a Haunted Mansion.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 1. 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Best Things to do in Big Sur Day Trip - Dotted Globe 1. 12+ Absolutely Best Road Trips from San Francisco If you dont want that much of a workout, its an easy drive, or you could also takethe ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito. Glamp in a classic Airstream or safari tent at Autocamp Russian River. To ensure safe conditions for workers service will be reduced from two to one track all day on the following dates: *July 23 *July 30 *August 6. Monterey is of course best-known for its phenomenalMontereyBay Aquarium, which has a primary regional focus on the Monterey Bay area as well as general ocean sustainability. However, for people visiting San Francisco from another part of the world, who feel they simply must see some of Californias most majestic sites the giant sequoias of Yosemite, the coastal redwoods and rugged coastline of Big Sur I understand that theyre willing to go a little further on a day trip. Travel Time 1.5 hours 44 miles. Drive Time from Downtown San Francisco:20-30 minutes. Travel time 1.5 hours 55 miles. With a population of a million people, San Jose is actually the largest city in the Bay Area and the third-largest city in the state! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The areas original inhabitants, the Wappo Indians, recognized the local waters healing properties. Combined, these two trails compose a 1.3-mile hike with about 300 feet of elevation gain to the top of Mt. Bay Area day trips: Summertime on the San Francisco Bay - Hoodline Help Plan a 5 -7 days trip to San Francisco & Yosemite 4:41 pm. However, its the prettiest hike in the park. Rudyard Kipling, once said, "San Francisco has only one drawback: 'tis hard to leave." In order to enjoy a romantic weekend, sandy beaches, outdoorsy activities you don't have to go far from the city's Bay Area. Seaside Towns of Carmel and Monterey 17-Mile Drive 15 15. That said, if its your first time in the area, go ahead and base yourself in the small town of Mendocinobeaten path or not, its proximity to trails, beaches, restaurants, and small locally run shops make it a must on any California getaway list. Each of the spacious 83 rooms features comfortable beds, plush robes, and westward-facing balconies with unobstructed views of the marsh and ocean. While I would typically list out some hikes I recommend, since Im suggesting you go on a guided tour, I would recommend following their itinerary. Although its close enough to San Francisco for a day trip, the newly renovated rooms at the Lodge at Bodega Bay are reason enough for locals, out-of-towners, and north-bound road-trippers to turn their visit into a full-fledged weekend getaway. On a day trip from the Bay Area, you can be strolling along a beautiful boardwalk with views of the Pacific Ocean, hiking amongst sequoias and wildflowers in the Sierras, or wine tasting at one of the many world-class wineries just a stones throw from the City. The town of Pescadero itself is located two miles inland from the coast, but it does havePescadero State Beachright on the coast as well asBean Hollow State Beachand thePigeon Point Lighthouseall within a quick and easy drive from town. 2. This area, just north of the Point Reyes National Seashore, refers to the 15-mile stretch of watery inlet separating Point Reyes Peninsula from mainland Marin County. Whether thats Burmese, Cambodian, Ethiopian, Mexican, or any of the dozens of other cuisines that are right at home in Oakland, youre sure to fill your stomach well after a hike in Reinhardt. By VacationIdea Staff on June 17, 2023 - Updated . Its hard to see all of Sonoma wine county in a single weekendits larger and more spread out than neighboring Napa Valley. Spot sea otters as you bike or e-bike along the scenic coastline, picnic on beautiful Asilomar State Beach, and explore the artist's colony of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Drive Time from Downtown San Francisco:50-60 minutes. 15 Best San Francisco Bay Area Day Trips | Here We Wander For classic Guerneville, you cant go wrong renting a house by the river or booking a romantic retreat at the adults-only Boon Hotel + Spa, an intimate, LGBTQ-friendly boutique hotel with a pool, spa, and breakfast delivered to your room each morning. A few of my favorite restaurants in Sausalito includeSushi Ran, which has the best sushi in the Bay Area,Le Garagefor fantastic French food in a convivial seafront setting, andFish. Distance: 9 miles / 25 minutes . Required fields are marked *. And this week, we're exploring the heart . Travel time 1 hour 30 miles. Book the best day trips from Virginia Beach, VA directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Virginia Beach is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. This day trip destination is so close that you can actually walk to the Marin Headlands area when you walk across the Golden Gate Bridge! Accommodation in Big Sur ranges from basic campsites, like those at Pfeiffer State Park, to five-star luxury. Californias Great America Theme Park in Santa Clara is Northern Californias biggest amusement park. Then look no further. How to get to the East Bay: The best way to reach the East Bay is by BART, the local mass transit system. Park at the lot near the top of Mt. It's an easy little California road trip with a lot of diversity. Once hunted nearly to extinction, the Northern Elephant Seal and the Tule Elk thrive there. Tickets for the ferry cost $15 return, but that includes the state park entrance fee. Visitors receive a, Keeler, California, was once a bustling town with a train station, a 300-foot pier, public swimming pool, and several hotels. But if you plan to stay longer, you wont be boredtheres enough winery hopping and hiking among the redwoods to fill an entire weekend. Medium: TheStream, Mill, and French Trail Loopis a great hike in Oaklands redwoods that is perfect if you want something a little more intense but not too serious. Come sundown, enjoy a glass of wine and bite to eat at one of several locally owned eateries, like seaside Sea Chest Oyster Bar or Madelines, which sits along the just-lively-enough Main Street. Fares start from $4.20 each way from San Francisco to Oakland or Berkeley and trains run at least every 15 minutes during the day. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Plan your weekend around winetasting at the areas vineyards, like western-style Cowgirl Winery or Joyce, which specializes in wine from sustainability-minded vineyards. For a truly luxurious retreat, book one of the tree houses at the Montage Healdsburg, a 258-acre property that officially opened its doors in 2020, making it the first major resort property in the Healdsburg area. Travel time 1 hour 39 miles. Forest? Driving Time: 31 minutes. The Park has over 70 miles of trails suitable for hikers of all skill levels. San Francisco is an amazing city in its own right, but one of the best parts of living here is that you can be at a world-class vineyard, on a beach, or up a mountain within a short drive. There is only about 300 feet of elevation gain on this hike, so its not a total walk in the park but its not that hard either. She has spent time living in New York, Prague, and Sofia, but has returned to live in the East Bay. No wonder there are so many great day trips from San Francisco to choose from! Take a break in Davis 2. I also love the wineries alongWestside Roadwhich has a high proportion of some of Sonoma Countys best wines:Gracianna Winery, J Rochioli Vineyards,andFlowersare some favorites. Other things to do in Sausalito include walking the many marinas and checking out the funkyhouseboats, checking out the famousSea Lion Sculptureon the waterfront, and if you have a rare sunny day, sunning yourself onSwedes Beach. Sandy Point State Park is the closest beach to the Washington, DC area. There are a number of great sandybeaches to choose from, includingMavericks, where you can watch big-wave surfers (just dont go in yourself the currents here are really dangerous! Allison Green is a travel blogger, writer, and podcasterwho grew up in the Bay Area of California. On July 12, Krispy Kreme announced it will celebrate its 86 years of serving impossibly airy and crisp circles of joy by offering a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for just 86 cents with the . Whether youre looking for a peaceful retreat or a change of scene, consider one of these 11 easy weekend getaways from the San Francisco Bay Area. Fun San Francisco Road Trip Ideas for a Weekend Adventure, Silver City Ghost Town Lake Isabella Day Trip, Keeler Ghost Town Owens Valley California, California Living Museum Bakersfield Day Trip, Unusual Things to Do in Southern California. The charming city of Half Moon Bay is a wonderful San Francisco day trip. Dont miss grabbing an ice cream atNimble & Finnsin the converted bank building, or sitting down for a feast atboon. But the views amidst the redwoods are so spectacular, youll barely even notice the gradual climb! On a day trip from the Bay Area, you can be strolling along a beautiful boardwalk with views of the Pacific Ocean, hiking amongst sequoias and wildflowers in the Sierras, or wine tasting at one of the many world-class wineries just a stone's throw from the City. 12 Best Day Trips From Virginia Beach, Virginia - Updated | Trip101 Food & Drink Recipe Search Things you can't miss: Coastal redwoods, hiking trails. It ends near San Simeon. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. With its seemingly endless miles of pristine beaches to explore, fresh seafood, and beautiful coastal scenery, Bodega Bay is less than a 70-mile drive north of San Francisco on Highway 101, yet it feels a world away. 1. ),Surfers Beach(where you can find smaller waves) and my personal favorite,Manhattan Beach. San Francisco is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Famous across the state for its hot springs, mineral pools, mud baths, and massage packages, Calistoga is Napas #1 spot for spas. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Set between the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the California/Nevada border; this, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a garden, a zoo, and an outstanding work of architectural engineering. Stinson Beach is a popular destination forboulderingand climbing as well as relaxing on the sands and enjoying some sunshine with a picnic. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) We start our day at the Headlands Center for the Arts at historic . The hike isnt too tough around 3.7 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain with spectacular views over the whole Bay Area. And of course, theres the famousNapa Wine Train, which will take you through wine country on a scenic train with huge windows, serving you lunch and wine along the journey! Just embark on one of these road trips from San Francisco to fuel your wanderlust. Its English Renaissance gardens are among North Americas finest recreated antique English gardens. The Monterey Peninsula feels a world away from the Bay Area and makes for a relaxing day trip. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Mono County is a diverse land of sagebrush-covered plains that lead to soaring, jagged peaks and dormant volcanoes in east-central California. Alcatraz Inside with Fisherman's Wharf Lunch Credit. 25 Best Day Trips from San Francisco, California - ViaTravelers 16 Best Hotels in Sacramento. Monterey. Enjoy scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay from the elegant Inn at Perry Cabin, located 90 mintues from Washington D.C. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through my links. Then, fill your belly with one of Oaklands many diverse regional cuisines! Her writing and podcast have been featured in Forbes, CBC Canada, National Geographic, the Huffington Post, and CNN Arabic, amongst others. If youve spent any time exploring Northern California, youve likely passed by Bodegathe Highway 1 goes through this small blip of a town, located between Tomales Bay and Jenner on the Sonoma coast. Travel time 1.5 hours 71 miles. Hard: For a spectacular hike that will have you feeling like youre in Fern Gully, theGraham, Stream and Dunn Loopis a wonderful choice. There are also some great scenic hikes near Sacramento, or you can also check out one of the great museums, such as theCrocker Art Museumor theCalifornia State Railroad Museum. Start off your weekend in Tomales Bay with an outdoor activity or two, like watching elk in the Tule Elk Preserve, hiking to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, or kayaking in Tomales Bay. Before you leave town, a must-visit is Phils Fish Market and Eatery to feast on fresh seafood. Its a harder hike 6.3 miles and around 1,100 feet of elevation gain but its one of the best in the park. To do so, join a cycling tour at Russian River Adventures to explore the area on two wheels with a knowledgeable guide, or combine your ride with a kayak adventure on Getaway Adventures pedal-paddle tour. ), the ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito. There are actually 56 wineries in the Livermore Valley: my two favorites areBig White House WineryandBent Creek Winery. On a single-day trip, visitors can shop the many unique shops along Fourth Street and dine on many American and ethnic cuisines. If youre feeling especially adventurous, you could even turn your Napa getaway into a mini road trip from Napa Valley to Mendocino along the scenic Highway 128. Youll get to see all the top sights like El Capitan and Half Dome as well as the giant sequoias. Guerneville is also home toKorbel Wineryif youre in the mood for some bubbles, California-style! 19. . Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Its an old, culturally diverse city with historic buildings, brilliant museums, and many excellent restaurants. Locals only: These are our favorite Bay Area day trips - SFGATE This charming Russian River town combines wine tasting, hiking trails, and some good old-fashioned Northern Californian small-town quirkiness all into one lovely Main Street. Muir Woods National Monument is an old-growth coastal redwood forest. Single Tracking Alert: Service to be reduced to one track between Locals know: For oysters to go, no-frills Tomales Bay Oyster Co. is the best in the bay. It served as a sort of purgatory for Japanese-Americans before they were sent to other, larger internment camps around the state such as Manzanar and Tule Lake. Find day trips to take today or this . Thrill rides here match or exceed theme parks in Southern California, including Six Flags. It is located along the Atlantic Coast near Virginia Beach, and its main habitats are composed of freshwater marshes, woodlands, beaches, and maritime forests. Instead of wine, taste brandy, at the new California Brandy House in Napa. It offers beaches for sunbathing and wooded state parks for hiking. This peaceful Sonoma town offers those who want off the beaten track plenty of opportunities to eat, drink, and de-stress. Read More: Local Getaways: Escape to the Mendocino Coast. Travel time 1.5 hours 56 miles. I know that some people reading this guide will be locals who are more apt to visit these further-away destinations as part of a road trip or weekend getaway from SF, and that is how Id primarily recommend doing that! The park occupies over three hundred acres of prime and pretty real estate on the Sacramento River in Redding, California. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Tam and take these two trails together. Head to Autocamp and stay in a tricked-out Airstream trailer for the weekend. Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco. During wintertime, Lake Tahoe is a snowy wonderland and a world-class ski destination. Filoli was a symbol of hope amid the ruin at the time of its building. Note that there are numerous spots within the SF Bay Area which boast redwoods as well, . Besides wine tasting, Calistoga is known for its mud baths, so you can combine a spa day with its geothermically-heated volcanic mud and some wine tasting all on a single day trip! While the town may have a reputation for being especially popular with the LGBT community, there is plenty for everyone to see and do. Or for a more Tuscan-esque experience, stay at Bernardus Lodge & Spa, a wine country escape with rooms that overlook its 28-acre vineyard. Also part of the Napa Valley, but with a more old-school small town sensibility, Calistoga is the place to go to escape the Napa crowds but still enjoy the wines. 16 Top-Rated Day Trips from San Francisco | PlanetWare 1529. THE TOP 10 San Francisco Tours & Excursions in 2023 - Viator This trip lets you take an African safari without the danger of being charged by wild animals. Many visitors to Mount Diablo head straight for the summit to enjoy the public view. San Francisco to Muir Woods (With or Without Reservations): How to Get There & What to Do! Keep in mind that this is just an estimate based on a low-traffic time of day and coming from San Francisco: so if you are doing these day trips from Oakland or San Jose, you may be closer or further as well.
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