Distance from San Francisco: 15 miles / 20 minutes. Bartenders, brewery owners and beer drinkers in San Francisco are lamenting the loss. The map below shows you where to find the trail head (large star) and the path that gets you down to Crissy Field (smaller stars). Whether youre up for a strenuous hike, a quick drive throughout the park, or something in between, youll be enamored with the beautiful 360 degree views of San Francisco, Oakland, the bay, etc. Promise me you wont leave without grabbing a slice of pie from Chile Pies Baking Co. (located in the same building within the beautiful Guerneville Bank Club). WTF lol. Numbers are limited to 15 passengersto ensure a personalized experience with your knowledgeable guide. Can you tell I like ice cream a little bit more than the average person? Ive been to this area more times than I can count, and am constantly finding new things to do on this part of Californias rugged central coast. Time also depends on where in the city youll be coming from, as traffic/one-way roads in the city can easily add 20/30+ minutes to expected times. 22 Fun Things To Do in San Francisco, Plus the Perfect 3-Day Itinerary 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, California 94941, Phone: 415-388-2595. And yes I highly recommend lobster rolls in Half Moon Bay!!! Planning a trip to California and looking for the ultimate San Francisco itinerary? Cole Valley resident Kevin Coffey said losing Anchor was like losing a piece of the city. Beware that it can be foggy in the morning, making the air rather chilly, so its best to dress in layers. And yeaaaa, Distance from San Francisco: 13 miles / 20 minutes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The park is located in San Ramon, across the bay, and offers spectacular views. Oooh there are sooo many amazing places near SF! What can be better after a day of sunning at the beach? If youre visiting San Francisco for the first time, I highly recommend you plan a few days within the city itself. 5. People come from all over the world to admire and photograph the Golden Gate Bridge and bask in the warm weather (its not as chilly as people make it out to be- you just gotta learn to layer). Californias state capital often gets overlooked, but after visiting once for a quick 24 hour trip, Im yearning to go back! Read Next: A Mini Road Trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz [all the best stops], with much more info about these hot spots in Pescadero Im speaking so highly of. Dont miss the Downtown Arts District, Tilden Park, and Golden Gate Fields for some horse action on $1 Sundays. Check out that itinerary, then add on an extra day or two for some of these spots! Be sure to check out CREAM (world-class ice cream sandwiches), Orens Hummus (some of the best Mediterranean cuisine youll find), and Sushirrito (yes, they serve sushi burritos) in Palo Alto. 10. Definitely adding some of the above on my list for when I visit! Make sure to load up on water and sunscreen as its hot hot hot over there in the summer. . Remember to be safe though! Third image: Bryce poses in . Explore the best breweries in San Francisco on your next visit. Refuge (for some hardcore Pastrami sandwiches), Boba Guys (for you guessed it, some of the best boba in the area), and Blue Line (some of my favorite pizza in the Bay Area) are wonderful in San Carlos. ), and just about garlic everything else, you can be sure to get your fill of garlic in just a single day. Enjoy lunch in the quaint town of Sausalito where you can shop and explore! Meet the train-loving family who ride BART for fun | bart.gov 2.4 Go Shopping in Union Square. A San Francisco Bay cruise is also included with views of Pier 39's sea lions, the waterfront area, and the city's skyline. When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same)! What better way to escape the city than by taking a day trip to Benicia, a small-town seaside beauty only an hour north of SF. Goat Rock Lookout is a favorite of many. First things first, take the long, windy drive (past working dairy farms and ranches) over to the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Day 3: Alcatraz, The Embarcadero & Fisherman's Wharf. If you wind up needing to stay the night, I highly recommend the. Travel aboard a comfortable van through historic Gold Rush towns to reach the park, where youll be amazed by supersized natural wonders like Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan. Book the best day trips from San Francisco, CA directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. These day trips from San Francisco will have you wishing you allowed more time to this area for sure - you'll see! Guarantee your visit to Alcatraz when you book in advance. Why? From the granite rock formations in Yosemite National Park to the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley, here are our top picks for trips from the city. "In people's minds, it represents San Francisco," Coffey said. 4 Comments 4.6K Pinterest Planning a short jaunt to 'Frisco? Time to destinations can vary greatly depending on traffic conditions, hence why I suggest day trips that are less than 2 hours away without heavy traffic. They look epic! Visitors can sample olive oils at The Olive Press, Sonomas first olive mill, and learn all about the olive oil making process between carb-drizzled tastings. Search tours and activities you can do from home. Climb Aboard at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. And if youre a foodie like me (lets face it, I plan half my trips around food), youll find no shortage of things to eat and drink in this area. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA, USA. Foggy and gloomy in San Francisco? Being one of the largest cities in Sonoma County, Petaluma is not to be missed (and one of our favorite day trips from San Francisco). Looking to literally smell the roses? Bored of the burritos and the strenuous steep hills. Lots of restaurants and shops nearby as well for when hunger strikes! Findplenty of photo ops of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Everyone who lives in the area knows it takes waaaaay longer than 30 minutes to reach Walnut Creek from the city, and you definitely cannot get to San Jose in less than an hour. You can also spend this scenic seaside day with a quick hike down to the tidepools (with tons of sea creatures) and beach hopping between San Gregorio, Butano, and Bean Hollow State Beaches. Active travelers who want to explore Yosemite National Park without the risk of getting lost or missing the best bits will enjoy this small-group guided tour. Fares start from $4.20 each way from San Francisco to Oakland or Berkeley and run at least every 15 minutes during the day. And theres tons of farms and orchards to choose from Nunn Better U-Pick Farms, Mikes U-Pick (two locations), 5 Star Cherries, and Freitas Cherry Ranch. Distance from San Francisco: 51 miles / 52 minutes. Looking to break a small sweat? Distance from San Francisco: 23 miles / 50 minutes. Enjoy an insider overview of San Francisco on this excursion that includes a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Muir Woods National Monument. When you're trying to cram all the things to do in San Francisco into one trip, the many San Francisco tours and network of cable cars come in . Wake up before 5am to catch the sunrise at the top of the mountain at East Peak. Most definitely my thing. Dead and Company in San Francisco: Where to buy tickets, prices We were also thinking about a tour to Muir Woods and/or Sonoma, but eventually ran out of time. Upon arrival in the state's most famous national park, have lunch (own expense) or skip straight to the park to begin exploring. For those not going to Alcatraz, you will be dropped off at the same location as your meeting point. 3 Day Itinerary - San Francisco - Written By A Local Once youre done eating, smell the flowers at the Berkeley Rose Garden, stroll down Telegraph Ave and around the UC Berkeley campus (and head to Sather Tower for fantastic sky-high views), window shop at the largest reptile museum in the country/world, and drive past the Fish House and Boat House. 28 Absolutely Breathtaking Day Trips From San Francisco Can you believe that some of the tallest redwoods in the entire country can be found less than an hour north of San Francisco? Distance from San Francisco: 17 miles / 37 minutes. 2.6 See the Painted Ladies. My favorites being Poplar and Miramar Beach, with plenty of dogs running and splashing in the water (my ultimate fantasy world). all approved by my friend Lia the Oakland expert. PSST if youre from outta town, I wouldnt recommend a day trip unless youve got at least 3 days in San Francisco. Explore the famous groves of the Northern California redwoods on this tour of Muir Woods. And while youre over there, I strongly urge you to grab a cocktail at the Ritz Carlton and admire the views of the Pacific. It doesnt hurt that its oh so close to the city, yet boasts a completely different vibe from its neighboring areas. These day trips from San Francisco will haveyou wishing youallowed more time to this area for sure youll see! Ridiculously flaky. Sure, the area is still well-known for its quirkiness and all things weird, but now youll find foodie hotspots such as Ici Ice Cream, Cheeseboard and Sliver Pizza, Gregories (get the potato puffs), and La Note (for some french inspired fare) dotting the area. Are you visiting San Francisco soon?! You can even hike the entire circumference of the island in about three hours! Hayes Mansion and the Winchester Mystery House are also worth a peek, as well as doing some upscale (window) shopping at Santana Row. Take as long as you like to explore the city with a storytelling car as your guide what Time Magazine has called "one of the coolest inventions of the year." 15+ Day Trips from San Francisco into Nature (+ Map)! Distance from San Francisco: 58 miles / 1 hour, 6 minutes. You made me realize I need to get back up to the Bay Area. Re: Bay Area parking. A post shared by Mnica Teixeira Lopes (@nikateixeiralopes) on May 15, 2018 at 9:53am PDT. Head down to Kirby Cove as well for a different perspective, but note that you may find nudes hanging around here (this IS San Francisco were talking about). 9 Stunning Day Trips from San Francisco - Tripster Travel Guide Phone +1 415-921-5858. Repaired Ruby Princess sails for Alaska after 3-day layover in San Go check out Waterworld California, the Bay Areas largest waterpark, full of raft slides, a lazy river, and the new Break Point Plunge, which sends thrill seekers down six stories inside a tube. . 35. Taste your way through lesser-known wine country in Suisun Valley Travel Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes by car (45 miles) Suisun (suh-SOON) Valley is a wine region just northeast of SF with its own microclimate and tends to be less crowded than the popular, neighboring Napa and Sonoma valleys. And while youre over there, I strongly urge you to. Drive down one of the most scenic roads in California on this full-day tour from San Francisco. ), offers short, flat loops through the beautiful groves of old growth redwoods that anyone can easily enjoy. Read next: The Best Way to Spend a Day in Yosemite, and then read this: Winter in Yosemite: Top Things to Do. The perfect day trip to the Marin Headlands, from hikes and art ICE CREAM. Bay Area Bridge Builders. Ride a GoCar all over San Francisco as it navigates for you and provides a guided tour. Top Things To Do In San Francisco. 14 Best Day Trips From San Francisco For a Worthy Getaway - Time Out 11am-12pm Lunch in Sausalito And theres tons to do here. After the 2 1/2-hour flight to Atlanta, there was a short layover for their connecting flight. One Day in San Francisco: Best Things to Do If Short on Time A few of my favorites: The Downtown areas of Palo Alto and San Carlos are my favorite. The redwoods meet the coast, and the Beach Boardwalk is one of the most unique spots to visit in Northern California. Follow your guide bus tour of the area and discover the park's charms on your own during your visit. 2.3 Be a tourist at Fisherman's Wharf. Located right behind the grocery store in the town of Inverness, this ruined ship is super symbolic to the area. Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. San Francisco is an ideal base for exploring all that Northern California has to offer. On a clear day, you can see the snow capped Sierras, the high rises of Sacramento, Mount Diablo, and occasionally Mt Tamalpais from the American Tower in the park. Explore my other California guides here! Weve visited Yosemite in both Spring and Winter, and can say both times boast spectacular mountain and waterfall views, with drastically different temps! Quickly access bookings. Make it your business to visit the Pigeon Point Light Station (I have this thing with lighthouses, I tell ya), which is actually associated with a hostel super close nearby! Hop on a 70s-era VW bus and get to know the hippie past and hipster vibe that make up San Francisco today. not too long ago, and because of its small size, it definitely makes it on the list as one of the top day trips from San Francisco as well. Must dos include a trip to Ano Nuevo State Reserve to listen to the bark of the oddly looking elephant seals, organic berry picking at Swanton Berry Farm (in season), and watching the goats at Harley Farms. 34 Top-Rated Things to Do in San Francisco | U.S. News Travel Sail across San Francisco Bay at twilight to admire the city skyline as it begins to light up for the night. Relax while background music sets the tone. No trip to San Francisco is complete without sipping some wine in Napa Valley. Have more time? Distance from San Francisco: 29 miles / 38 minutes. Psst the rocks are great for bouldering/rock climbing if youre into that sorta thing! Weve visited Yosemite in both. Dont miss Glacier Point, the ever-so-famous Tunnel View, Taft Point, and Bridalveil Falls, all which can be seen in a day on a guided tour of Yosemite. Thats right, put on your hiking boots (or sneakers, totally fine), were going to Mission Peak! Let this tiny car show you what the city is all about, learn about its history and visit sites like the Presidio, Coit Tower, Chinatown and Lombard Street. Anchor Brewing Had It Coming, Bartenders, Beer Drinkers Say This sunset cruise takes you across San Francisco Bay with outstanding views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: May 1, 2023california san francisco. Head on over to Pacifica! Search experiences with increased health and safety practices. Stations. Then, hike to the lesser-visited Sequoia Grove for great views with your exercise, followed by free time. I highly recommend joining a group tour since its easily 4 hours each way if you encounter any traffic, and this can leave you too tired to actually appreciate the beauty of the park! Day Trips City Tours Food & Drink Transportation Services Private Drivers Walking Tours Transfers Food Tours When are you traveling? Looking for those postcard views of the bridge? Escape to Californias famous wine country on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Looking for Italy vibes in San Francisco? A locals guide and 3 day itinerary to San Francisco, California. By far one of the longest day trips from San Francisco, but definitely worth the drive to Yosemite if youve only got a days time to see the park. Distance from San Francisco: 77 miles / 1 hour, 30 minutes. The park consists of tons of foothills for us all to enjoy, just please respect this land and realize just how difficult it has been for the area to preserve and protect it from development. Yosemite (best to go with a tour company), Distance from San Francisco: 167 miles / 3 hours, 5 minutes on a good day. It truly is the worlds most scenic Taco Bell! Head south for the day to Los Gatos, and youll love its unique architecture, pedestrian-friendly design, small town charm, and super quaint manicured downtown area. Look no further. CBS News Bay Area: Free 24/7 News. If you like horseback riding, this is one of the best places to go for a ride in all of the Bay Area. 14 Best Day Trips From San Francisco Photograph: Courtesy Visit Carmel The best day trips from San Francisco From pristine beaches to mountain woodlands, there's so much to discover. Like Livermore, Vacaville boasts a pleasant, Mediterranean climate year round, which means when youre freezing in June in SF, youll be able to whip out your summer attire over here! The Perfect Day in San Francisco: One Day Itinerary - SFTourismTips Your awesome San Francisco two day itinerary. The Marin Headlands is one of the most accessible places for a day trip from San Francisco, offering a wealth of sights and areas to explore. Experience Muir Woods National Monument and the quaint waterfront town of Sausalito on one half-day tour. The views from Sausalito are top-notch; go and see for yourself. Time to destinations can vary greatly depending on traffic conditions, hence why I suggest day trips that are less than 2 hours away without heavy traffic. Distance from San Francisco: 73 miles / 1 hour, 14 minutes. Since it is a highly sought after spot, the area can get exceptionally crowded, and you now need to reserve a parking spot before entry because of this; they can fill up fast, so be sure to book your spot well ahead of time. All great options! 8am Depart Fishermans Wharf The best Day Trips in San Francisco according to Viator travelers are: What Day Trips in San Francisco are taking additional safety precautions? Choose a table on their balcony- I promise, youre in for a treat. On my California bucket list, thats for sure! Fishermans Wharf. The town is no stranger to horses (with many residents actually owning), and you may in fact spot some on the horse trails as you navigate your way through the area. Their final stop was a visit to the San Francisco Railway Museum. Kick off your day in San Francisco by visiting the top attraction in town, the Golden Gate Bridge. So settle into a neon-blue seat and dig your shoes into groovy shag carpet. L1-Stations. Dont leave the area without trying some bread and pastries from A Sweet Affair, all made from scratch on site. If youre interested, tours at the former state capitol building within the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park are available! Distance from San Francisco: 167 miles / 3 hours, 5 minutes, And plus, by joining a tour youll be driven from spot to spot by knowledgeable guides who make the trip often, guaranteeing you see the best of the park in a limited time. Quite possibly one of the best day trips from San Francisco for this fact alone! Discover the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada on this full-day trip to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco. A quick trip across the Golden Gate Bridge will get you there! Take a hike among ancient sequoia trees, and enjoy several hours to explore the parks wonders on your own. Getting here as early as possible is necessary as the bridge gets very crowded during the day. Distance from San Francisco: 40 miles / 39 minutes. And yeaaaa, Big Sur is VERY worthy of a trip, but its too far for a day trip from San Francisco in my honest opinion. No one really thinks about heading south to the Peninsula, but theres actually so much to do here. If youre wondering why garlic plays such a big role in the city of Gilroy, stop by the Gilroy Museum, which will be sure to answer all your garlic-related history questions. The water is still chilly (its the Pacific- nothing we can do about that! With garlic beer, garlic ice cream (I though the first bite was kinda weird and then I kinda liked it! What can be better after a day of sunning at the beach? San Francisco's progressive atmosphere, blend of historic sites and eclectic cultural scene make it a wonderful place to visit for all types of travelers. Its recently been turned into a Taco Bell Cantina, and serves alcoholic slushies on the beach. History buff? Starting and ending at Fishermans Wharf, this 2-hour sightseeing tour takes you around the city, including Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. Explore one of California's most iconic settings from the beauty of San Francisco Bay. Go tide pooling at Asilomar State Beach, view the sea lions and harbor seals (springtime is best as the pups are being born, but be careful not to get too close! Bryce and his mom, Kirsten, pose in front of a BART train on their way into San Francisco for National Train Day 2023. Santa Cruz makes for a perfect and relaxing San Francisco day trip. For day trips out of the city (days 3-5 in this San Francisco itinerary), Kyte delivers and picks up the car at your preferred location. National News. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wow that's an awese guide..last year I was in SFO for a month, am going to visit these places when I go next. If youre looking to get some sunshine, spend some time at the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden, Plaza de Csar Chvez, or the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park. All San Francisco Tours Photography Tours Classes & Workshops Full-day Tours Airport & Hotel Transfers Port Transfers Rail Transfers Bus Services Private Drivers Rail Services Enjoy comfortable transportation in a luxury tour van, which includes a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge, allowing you to focus on the scenery instead of driving and directions. All the main sites in San Francisco, a lunch break in Sausalito, and a walk around Muir Woods. the tallest redwoods in the entire country, The Perfect Day Trip from San Francisco to Muir Woods, My Favorite Vineyards to Visit (Even For Non-Wine Drinkers), Non-Alcoholic Napa: Things to do in Napa Besides Drink Wine, Reaching New Heights: Hot Air Ballooning Above Napa Valley, A Relaxing Weekend at the Russian River and Guerneville, Our Luxury Stay at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, A post shared by Mnica Teixeira Lopes (@nikateixeiralopes), 20+ Things to do in Caye Caulker: Belizes Laid-Back Tropical Paradise, Things to do in Flores, Guatemala: Ruins, Rope Swings, and More, 10 Epic Towns to Visit in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala (My Favorite Villages), Swimming in Crater Azul near Flores: Guatemalas Breathtaking Blue Crater, The Pacific Grove Magic Carpet: The Prettiest Pink Flowers in Monterey, California, Checking into the Madonna Inn: San Luis Obispos Quirkiest and Most Eccentric Hotel, Fall in San Francisco: 25+ Fall Activities in the SF Bay Area You Cant Miss, Grabbing some boba and going for a stroll in San Mateos Rose Garden, Walking around Seal Point Park (with the puppy, of course! This 6.2 mile round trip hike (up and back down the mountain) is no easy feat. And how do you know which cherries are ripe? What You'll Need For 24 Hours in San Francisco First, let's go over what you're going to need as you're out exploring the city all day. Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve. The 20 Best Things to Do in San Francisco - TripSavvy Remember to be safe though! Dont let this deter you from taking day trips from San Francisco, its just something to keep in mind. I also enjoy B Street & Vine, King Fish, Wursthall (get the beer cheese pretzel) and Ramen Dojo (by far the BEST ramen with lines to boot get there at 5:15 for the first seating) in Downtown San Mateo and Milagros, Nick the Greek, and Vesta in Downtown Redwood City. Venture on over to Rockridge and youll find a picturesque and vibrant neighborhood with a funky assortment of restaurants, bars, and shops. When youre not touring a vineyard or stomping on your own grapes, check out downtown Napa, go olive-oil tasting, and/or get a revitalizing massage. First things first order a breakfast biscuit from Big Bottom Market Biscuits. And head straight to the summit for the famous view you can see San Francisco and the sea one way, and the snow capped mountains the other way. Travel time: 25 to 30 minutes by public transit, depending on which part of the East Bay you want to visit. My all-time favorite! With no tree cover whatsoever, prepare for ample sun throughout and make sure to take along enough water (and snacks if youre like me). This underestimated city is full of river views, historical museums, craft beer, and outdoor activities, worthy of any day trip from San Francisco. Hi, Im Jess. It doesnt hurt that its oh so close to the city, yet boasts a completely different vibe from its neighboring areas. Jul 11, 2023, 2:46 PM. Depending on the year (and growing season of course), youll be able to find cherries as late as July (although they may be picked through by then). 5 Days Or Less In San Francisco Sample Itinerary | X Days In Y Time needed: 1 day. The 1000-acre Golden Gate Park is one of the most beautiful parts of San Francisco, located less than 3 miles west of Union Square. I also love grabbing some boba and walking around the Rose Garden in downtown San Mateo. Want to get a bit more sweaty? Distance from San Francisco: 55 miles / 56 minutes. 14 Amazing Day Trips from San Francisco to Plan Now - West Coast Wayfarers Read Next: Where to Find the Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Plus, my favorite trail in the entire Bay Area is over here Mori Point! Understand that youll need to ferry out from either San Francisco or Tiburon and its wise to plan your trip around the ferry schedule, especially in the cooler winter months as the ferry doesnt run as often. With its abundance of public parks (all 22 of them), tree-lined downtown walkways with its free trolley, year-round sunny skies, and tons of gardens, this is most definitely one of the chicest day trips from San Francisco. Theres some of the best Mexican food in the world, cable cars rolling up and down the hills, and enough green space/parks for all if everyone decided to have a picnic on the same day. Thanks Kristen for this epic photo. 20 minutes by car from SF. This full-day itinerary takes you through the orchards of the Central Valley to Yosemite Valley, stopping first for a stroll through a grove of giant sequoias. Thanks, No trip to San Francisco is complete without. Why? Thanks for your support! First bite was a bit strong, and then I got used to the garlicy flavor! The ultimate experience, which I treated my husband to on a cool, autumn day! Walnut Creek is an all-American area, the perfect blend of quaint and cosmopolitan. . Distance from San Francisco: 56 miles / ~1 hour. Any art lovers over here? Sip some fantastic pinot noir at Ferrari-Carano Vineyard (what the area is best known for), and go (free) champagne tasting at Korbel! Its the perfect time to support Napa Wine Country they are starting to recover from the horrendous fires that occurred not too long ago and could use any tourism they can get. Garlic fiends Dont miss the annual Garlic Festival held every summer in the area! Distance from San Francisco: 25 miles / 29 minutes. The Ultimate 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary BUT hey, get an early start and drive back once the sun goes down? CBS Bay Area App. 48 Hours in San Francisco: The Perfect Two Day Itinerary Make sure to venture over to the Gourmet Ghetto for more of the good stuff (food, guys, were talking about food). Explore the city's 49 square miles, including stops at big-name attractions like Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts and Union Square. Wondering how to best see San Francisco in a day? You get to see everything in one day! San Francisco Travel Guide. Confession- I go for the Chipotle, MELT, and Pinkberry! Wander through an ancient coastal redwood forest and explore the artistic bayside enclave of Sausalito on this half-day tour from San Francisco. TO NOTE: Understand that the SF Bay Area is densely populated, meaning traffic can and should be expected. And once youre done with beachin and hiking, make sure you venture on over to Taco Bell. This 3-mile long beach seems worlds away from the big city, yet its less than an hour from San Francisco.