The Best Day Trips From San Francisco: A Local’s Detailed Guide

San Francisco has unique meaning for us. Not only did we meet in San Francisco, but we lived in San Francisco for almost ten years before quitting our corporate jobs and moving to a life on the road. Today, we split our time between the Bay Area and the Pacific Northwest. We’ve been all across California from our former home base of San Francisco, and have some favorite places that we’ll share below.

While some individuals might prefer the broad scope to motivate them, I favor depth. I want to understand where to venture, what sights to see, what drinks to try (wine, cider, and coffee), and more. Therefore instead of composing the identical “15 best day trips from San Francisco,” with a few sentences on each, this guide will adopt a different approach. We’re going to select our three favorite San Francisco day trips, and delve deeply into those three.

For each day excursion below, you’ll find:

• How to get there
• Where to dine and drink
• What to do
• A recommended guided tour if self-driving isn`t an option
• A sample itinerary for your day trip

Sound good? Great!

Traveling to San Francisco? Don’t overlook our EXTREMELY thorough 4 day San Francisco Itinerary, and our guide on where to stay in San Francisco to help you strategize an unforgettable trip to SF.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I earn a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, I would never recommend something to you that I don’t stand fully behind.

Three Incredible Day Trips from San Francisco

Before delving into specific day trips, let`s discuss transportation options for reaching them.

Do You Need to Rent a Car?

There are essentially two options to consider for accessing these day trips.

Without question, renting a vehicle provides the best option for flexibility to independently explore renowned restaurants, cafes and shops highlighted in this guide at your own pace.

However, you could also participate in a guided tour that incorporates transportation. It would prove more convenient, but would likely cost more while providing less independence to independently explore areas that pique your interest. As with many things, there are trade-offs to consider.

Renting a Car

For rental car needs, check out RentalCars.com. You can match offers between various companies to find the best deal. What I enjoy most is seeing the user ratings for each rental location directly, so I don`t need to search separately to see if a location has poor reviews.

Securing a place to park one`s vehicle in San Francisco proved quite troublesome. As someone who did so for three years living in an area farther from the city center compared to central San Francisco, parking was difficult to come by nearly everywhere unless the Airbnb or hotel had parking onsite, though hotels would charge a fee for that service.

Be prepared to pay for parking or parking penalties.

You could also rent a vehicle like Zipcar, which operates similarly to Airbnb but for cars. You reserve a car in advance for a set number of hours, pick it up from its designated parking space, and return it to the same location. Prices cover gas, and I’ve used it for day trips outside the city. Find out more about Zipcar here.

Not into renting a vehicle? Don’t worry, you’ve got an alternate option.

Guided Tours

After amazing experiences in both Colombia and Mexico City (read about the awesome cooking class in Mexico City), my new favorite way to find things to do is Airbnb Experiences.

They offer all sorts of unique activities hosted by friendly local specialists, from walking tours to cooking classes. And indeed, day trips.

In each section, you’ll find a recommended guided tour. While I haven’t participated in them myself, they are each highly ranked and will provide you the best approximation of the itinerary I’ve written.

Without further delay, a detailed guide to the top three day trips from San Francisco follows.

Northern Coast: Point Reyes Station

Located on the coast north of San Francisco, the Point Reyes area is one of my favorite spots in the Bay Area. My mother-in-law lives about 20 minutes away, and we’ve explored that neck of the woods extensively.

Regrettably, there’s no guided day trip available for this destination. It’s undoubtedly my favorite, absolutely worth renting a car just for this day trip alone.

It’s a full day trip from San Francisco, even if you cut out the long hike.

How Far is it From the City?

It will take you just over an hour to arrive at Point Reyes Station heading north out of the city on highway 101 across the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County.

What to Do and See

Hog Island Oyster Co: Bring some wine, hard cider, or beer, find a picnic spot, purchase some locally harvested oysters, and relax under the coastal sun. An alternative is Tomales Bay Oyster Company which essentially offers a similar experience and is just a few minutes away. Stop at Tomales Bay Foods for picnic provisions before heading over.”

Drive through the tree-covered passagewayknown as the Cypress Tree Tunnel for the perfect scenic photograph.

Hike toAlamere Falls, a waterfall on the coast. It’s my preferred hike in the Bay Area. Here are some other remarkable hikes in the Point Reyes National Seashore.

See some wildlife: If you’re around between April and September, you’ll likely be able to spot some elk on the Tomales Point Trail, along with some elephant seals and perhaps even a whale or three off the coast.

As always, make sure to take any dog waste with you. We outfit Lupine with Ruffwear Saddle Bags so that she can carry her own snacks and waste removal items (along with anything else she might need).

What to Eat & Drink

Cowgirl Creamery – One of the top cheese makers in California, they have a store in Point Reyes where you can sample and purchase their amazing cheese. Grab some for your picnic at Hog Island, or to snack on later during the drive home.

As LA is such a sizable metropolis, you can essentially locate anything you’re looking for. Comic store that also offers beer? Thai cuisine and natural wine? LA has you covered. There are many restaurants in Los Angeles accommodating those without gluten, which positions it on the list of top gluten free travel spots.

Bovine Bakery – (NOT GLUTEN FREE) one of my wife’s favorite bakeries, it offers the finest in the local area. You’ll know you’re in the proper place when you see the ever-present line outside the entrance.

Marin Sun Farms – sustainably raised local meats. They have a cafe in Point Reyes Station where you can grab a steak sandwich, fried chicken, or a full meal. Or pick up some charcuterie to go.

Heidrun Meadery – mead, an honey-based fermented beverage (somewhat akin to honey wine), is delectable. Heidrun is a small mead facility based in Marin that commenced as a pastime, and has evolved into a thriving small company over the past few years. Stop by and sample their line of sparkling meads.

Suggested Itinerary

1. Begin your trip early in the morning by driving north out of the city across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, winding through the scenic natural beauty of Marin County before exiting the freeway onto CA-1 towards Stinson.
2. Make a stop at the renowned Equator Coffee Proof Lab to sample some locally-roasted coffee beans renowned for their quality across the Bay Area, then continue the journey north through the majestic landscapes of Mt. Tamalpais and coastal Stinson Beach.
3. Consider going for an early hike to soak in the splendor of nature, such as the rewarding Alamere Falls trail that takes several hours but reveals an amazing waterfall scene onto a gorgeous shoreline, or the shorter and flatter Tomales Point Trail where elk can be spotted in spring and summer months.
4. After your hike, refuel at the delicious Bovine Bakery (UNSUITABLE FOR GLUTEN-SENSITIVE DIETS) in the quaint town of Point Reyes Station. Be sure to visit the famous Cowgirl Creamery, one of California`s most esteemed cheese makers.
5. In the early afternoon, head to Hog Island Oyster Co Farm and relax in the sun for a few hours before beginning your journey back.
6. Take the scenic Pt. Reyes – Petaluma road on your return, making a stop at Heidrun Meadery for a unique tasting of honey-based mead beverages.

Here is a map detailing the route.

Healdsburg and the Sonoma Valley

How to Get There

Drive north on parkway 101 for somewhat over sixty minutes, and you’ll discover yourself in Healdsburg, California, the best spot to investigate Sonoma County wine nation in my assessment. On the off chance that there`s activity, it can take up to an hour and a half

Don’t have a car? Take this guided tour of Sonoma Valley, which transports you to the town of Sonoma (not Healdsburg) along with several vineyards in the region, and allows an hour of independent exploration of Sonoma.

Do you want to avoid concerns about wine and driving? Take this guided tour that departs from Sonoma and leads visitors on an escorted tour of Sonoma wineries in a fun VW van. Otherwise, be sure to have a non-drinking driver who can transport you between wineries.

What to Do and See

Essentially spend your time eating, drinking wine, celebrating, and exploring Healdsburg and the Dry Creek Valley region. Skip down to the section below for my dining and activity recommendations there.

What to Eat & Drink

Drink Wine: 

Banshee Vineyards: I routinely purchase Banshee at home, even for our wedding ceremony. They have a tasting room in Healdsburg with eclectic vintage decorations, and a pleasant, youthful staff who will guide you through a curated tasting and give recommendations on where to go next.

Unti Vineyards: I have a friend who enjoys wine, and he is part of Unti’s wine club. I know nothing about wine, so that’s how I’m deciding here. Also, it`s a more intimate tasting experience than elsewhere since it`s by appointment only. Make a reservation in advance (10-4pm, $20 per tasting, you can split a tasting between two people).

Bella Wine Cave: My individual favorite wine understanding in the area for the cave. You’ll do the tasting underground, which provides an interesting atmosphere. They own a spot for you to break out the picnic supplies and relax in the sun, which is a perfect place to devour the cheese and crackers (or other snacks) you brought along.

Eat in Healdsburg:

The Noble Folk: Enjoying soft-serve at the central square in Healdsburg. A pleasant spot to get a scoop and rest on a bench in the park space and watch occurrences transpire.

KINsmoke: This restaurant on the town square serves excellent barbecue dishes, with ribs potentially being the best choice. All meats have been gluten-free in the past based on the clearly labeled menu options for appetizers and sides.

Bravas Bar de Tapas: A taste of Spain located a block from Healdsburg’s main square. Everything is Spanish, from tapas to paella, with many gluten free options.

Campo Fina: Italian cuisine with a rear patio that has bocce ball courts.

Pick Up Picnic Supplies:

According to the affiliated website, this locale on the central square offers all provisions needed for al fresco meals – cheeses, crackers, charcuterie, and pre-packaged lunch options like sandwiches, salads, and bulk-purchased ready-made foods.

Dry Creek General Store: A smaller assortment is available here, but necessities like cheeses, cured meats and crackers are still provided, along with sandwiches. It`s located on Dry Creek Road along the route to nearby wineries, so it`s a good alternative if you leave Healdsburg and later realize you want picnic provisions. Pro tip: Lines at the sandwich counter can get lengthy during lunch hour, so place your order in advance for pickup

Drink Coffee: 

Flying Goat Coffee: Specialty coffee shop situated right on the main square in Healdsburg. It’s PERENNIALLY busy, so expect to queue. But it’s worth the wait, I promise.

Suggested Itinerary

1. Begin your trip early in the morning by driving in a northerly direction away from the city across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, winding through the natural beauty of Marin County and into Sonoma County. It should take around an hour and a quarter to arrive in Healdsburg.
2. Upon arriving in Healdsburg, start your day at Flying Goat Coffee located in the central square, renowned for serving the best coffee in town, take a walk around the square observing storefronts. Be sure to stop by Oakville Grocery to obtain provisions for a picnic.
3. For a midday meal, either assemble a picnic lunch to enjoy during your winery visits, or dine in Healdsburg at the tapas bar Brava,KINsmoke known for its barbeque, or Campo Fina serving Italian fare alongside Bocce games.
4. Next, visit Noble Folk prior to leaving town to enjoy ice cream, the ideal palate cleanser pre-wine tasting.
5. Then head up Dry Creek Road to Unti Vineyards, a superb initial stop for exploring Dry Creek Valley`s vineyards. Appointments are required for tastings offered daily from 10am to 4pm costing $20 per person usually split between two. However, this fee is waived upon purchasing a bottle. It provides a more intimate ambiance than largescale facilities where crowds amass, making it a recommended choice. Their wines receive high praise adding to the appeal.
6. For something unique, go to another favorite local vineyard of mine – Bella. It involves an underground wine cave experience with guided tastings in a cool atmosphere. Afterwards, enjoy the picnic fare amongst scenic surrounds.
7. From here, return to Healdsburg in the evening for a meal at one of the restaurants recommended, maybe visiting the Banshee Wines Tasting Room if time allows, or head south back towards the city. The Barlow, an al fresco food market of sorts in Sebastopol, proves worth a stop if schedules permit – dine at one of the many vendors and visit Golden State Cider’s new tasting room (one of my favorites). It lies slightly off the main route but offers a cool ambiance.

Here is a map of the route.

Marin County: Muir Woods, Mount Tamalpais, and Sausalito

While near Point Reyes geographically, this day outing from San Francisco offers a uniquely different exposure.

You’ll hike to the peak of Mount Tamalpais (or explore Muir Woods, but honestly I’d skip it), grab brunch, then head to Sausalito to explore the waterfront promenade.

How to Get There

Comparable to the other day trip from San Francisco noted above, you’ll travel north crossing the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County to begin this excursion. It’s roughly 30 minutes to your initial stop for coffee in Mill Valley.

If travel is not possible by vehicle, here is an organized tour that commences from San Francisco, wanders through the city and stops at some of the top attractions in the locale, and takes participants to Muir Woods and Sausalito with a local guide. It provides a good way to view the major elements of the itinerary below without self-driving. Click here to examine pricing, reviews, and availability.

What to Do and See

Go to Muir Woods: You’ll need to reserve parking and the shuttle well in advance if you want to visit Muir Woods. If you’re not into hiking, this is a great way to explore the redwoods. But if you’re up for a hike, I’d skip it and do a nearby hike instead. The Muir Woods route is more of a light stroll.

Walking Trails! My favorite walking trails in the area are Mount Tam East Peak from the Mountain Home Inn (wonderful views over the Bay Area, such as San Francisco), the Tennessee Valley Coastal Trail (classic coastal California scenery), and the South Headlands Loop (amazing views, such as of the Golden Gate Bridge).

Sausalito: An upper-class coastal town along the San Francisco Bay worth a shorter day trip alone. Walk along the Bridgeway and be sure to stop at Lapperts for frozen treats.

Heath Ceramics: The creators of stunning dishware and tiles have their original place in Sausalito, where they provide tours on Fridays through Sundays (the factory operates on Fridays allowing for an interesting experience). They also have an overstock area within their storefront, where you can find beautiful pieces with minute flaws that are barely detectable, discounted by over 30%. I obtained a lovely blue mug displaying a tiny paint drip solely visible at the lowest inside point when shining a flashlight into it.

What to Eat & Drink

In Mill Valley: 

Located in the pleasant Mill Valley Lumber Yard,Flour Craft Bakery: is a completely gluten-free bakery providing wonderful pastries. Even if a gluten-free diet isn`t required, the food here is exceedingly good – as can be corroborated by my non-gluten-free wife and acquaintances. Their walnut sourdough bread is superb.

Equator Coffees and Teas: A San Francisco fixture, this is the best coffee in Marin County. They have a location along Highway 1 called the Proof Lab, and one in the heart of Mill Valley which has more space and is generally busier.

In Sausalito:

Equator Coffee: It`s also reported that Equator has another place in Sausalito. It’s in an ideal spot along the Bridgeway.

Bar Bocce: Great place to relax on the waterfront in Sausalito. They have bocce courts too! Selection of wine, beer, and cider, along with some nibbles (none of which are gluten free).

Copita: Tacos and tequila along the Bridgeway, the main avenue in Sausalito. And it’s all gluten free. Good cuisine, good ambience, and a great place to conclude a day excursion to Sausalito. They catered my wedding!

Lapperts: Renowned ice cream featuring long lines outside the door. Need I say more?

Hanson of Sonoma Distillery: Experience organic, small batch, certified gluten free vodka made locally here in California. It’s produced from grapes, so no need to worry if it’s gluten free or not. They win all sorts of awards, and have some fun flavors to try like habanero and boysenberry.

Suggested Itinerary

1. Start your trip early in the morning driving out of the large city across the famous Golden Gate Bridge, traveling through beautiful Marin County and exiting the highway route towards Stinson.
2. Make a stop at the Equator Coffee location in Mill Valley to enjoy some locally-roasted drinks – considered some of the best in the Bay Area region.
3. If visiting Muir Woods and its enormous old growth redwood trees is a priority, schedule reservations well in advance for parking and transport. However, I recommend exploring a different trail in the area instead. My top selection is hiking to the East Peak of Mount Tamalpais (from the Mountain Home Inn), where expansive views include San Francisco. Another choice is the Tennessee Valley Trail, taking you to the coast for more breathtaking scenery.
4. After hiking, head back to Mill Valley and stop at the Mill Valley Lumber Yard for a meal. I suggest Flour Craft Bakery, a dedicated gluten free bakery making amazing pastries, toast selections piled with goodies, and more. Enjoy lunch and relax outside – you deserve it.
5. Next, drive south on 101 to Sausalito and visit the Heath Ceramics store. Catch their factory tour on Saturday or Sunday at 2:30, taking you behind the scenes to see their beautiful ceramic pieces made. Do some shopping in their overstock area, where discounted items with minute imperfections can be found at around a ~30+% reduction.
6. Everyone knows the perfect way to end a day is with tacos and margaritas, so head to Copita in Sausalito for dinner and indulge. If not too hungry, work up an appetite strolling the scenic Bridgeway of Sausalito, viewing art galleries, sampling vodka and chocolate, and admiring views of the city. Grab a beverage on the patio at Bar Bocce, a nice place to relax with a glass of wine in hand playing some bocce ball.
7. After dining, drive south back across the Golden Gate to conclude your day.

Here is a chart of the route.

More San Francisco Day Trips

Now that we’ve suggested three favorites, here are some other trip ideas to consider.

Russian River & Guerneville

~1.5 hours by road from SF.

The Russian River is a BEAUTIFUL region, and I highly recommend it as a day trip from San Francisco. Travel up to Guerneville, California, stopping at the Korbel Tasting Room on the way for some sparkling wine to initiate the day trip.

For an eco-friendly accommodation with amenities, head to Element Denver Downtown East. Their environmentally conscious concepts are shown through entirely LED lighting, healthy food selections, and most importantly, kitchen areas within each room allowing one to cook all wonderful market finds while relaxing inside their temporary home away from home.

Big Bottom Market is the place to visit if you feel like having a picnic – you can get food and head up to the Armstrong Redwoods for a stroll through an old growth redwood forest that has significantly fewer crowds than Muir Woods.

Travel towards the shore, stopping at Bodega Bay, Jenner Beach, and Sonoma Coast State Park, taking the scenic return to the city.

Spend the night at the trendy AutoCamp, were you can reside in a top quality Airstream for an overnight stay.

A route can be found here.

Santa Cruz

~1.5 hours by road from SF.

Santa Cruz is a tranquil town on the California Coast south of San Francisco. It’s an odd mixture of college students and hippies, and life is slow and relaxed. It’s a great day trip from San Francisco because of the contrast with the fast-paced life in SF.

Travel south out of the city and make a direct path for Verve Coffee on Pacific Avenue, the highest quality coffee in Santa Cruz, and potentially the entire Bay Area region. Tea may be your preferred beverage? Then head around the corner to Hidden Peak Teahouse.

For breakfast, head to Windmill Cafe (or a bit further out to Melinda’s Bakery for 100% gluten free baked goods – incredible pastries).

Then, take your time at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which I have fond recollections of visiting growing up, and the Wharf. For some reason, I have a very vivid memory of playing an X-Men game at the arcade on the Boardwalk with my cousins.

Travel alongside West Cliff Drive, one of the most scenic roads within a city that I’ve ever been on. You could also use a rental bike or walk it, allowing more time to explore and take in the coastal views.

As you are in a popular surfing location, you may want to try your hand at the sport through an introductory surf lesson and experience being on the water yourself.

Here is a map of the route.

Sacramento

~1.5 hours from SF.

It`s an intriguing fact that I was actually born in Sacramento, which serves as the capital city of California. However, I hadn`t returned there for many years until recently, when we decided to make a weekend trip over from San Francisco to celebrate my birthday. And I really enjoyed it.

Traverse east across the Bay Bridge from the city, and follow Interstate 80 all the way to Sacramento.

Head to this coffee roaster in California which is one of my favorites, and enjoy brunch at this restaurant that is entirely gluten-free yet you`d never know. Consider the fried chicken sandwich or waffles on the menu.

If you want to camp here, we’d strongly recommend Mora Campground which is out near Rialto Beach. We’ve camped there a few times now, and it has been excellent every single time. Reservations need to be made ahead of time here.

Yosemite National Park

~4 hours from SF.

In my opinion, Yosemite is likely too far for a day trip. It takes around 4 hours to get there without accounting for traffic. Save it for an overnight stay to make the most of your time in the valley.

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That concludes our recommendations – we hope you discover a great adventure to add to your list of places to explore near San Francisco!

If you’re visiting San Francisco from distant places, we’ve got a couple things you’re going to want to read. First, my thorough 4 day San Francisco plan, which will give you everything you need to have an unforgettable long weekend in San Francisco.

Secondly, our guide on the prime areas to lodge in San Francisco, which highlights the coolest neighborhoods in SF to remain in, which DOES NOT comprise Union Square.