Trips from San Francisco
Coastal roads, redwood forests, wine country and Sierra mountain trips.
BEYOND THE CITY
Day Trips and Onward Journeys
San Francisco is surrounded by places that could easily become highlights of a California trip. Cross the Golden Gate and you can be hiking in Marin or among redwoods; head south for the coast, Santa Cruz and Monterey; travel inland for wine country; or add several days for Yosemite.
I have explored many of these areas repeatedly over the years, and I would resist trying to squeeze the bigger destinations into rushed day trips. Marin works well for a day, while Monterey, the Sonoma Coast and especially Yosemite become much more rewarding with an overnight or longer stay. The trips below are a selection of places I would genuinely add to a San Francisco visit, depending on how much extra time you have.
If an organized outing suits your plans, browse day trips from San Francisco on Klook via this paid link.
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Plan Your Visit
Find ideas for your visit, drawn largely from my own travels, from neighborhoods, sights and local food to festivals and journeys beyond the city, with practical tips along the way.
Marin, Sonoma & Mendocino
Cross the Golden Gate and follow the coast through Marin, Point Reyes and the Sonoma Coast to Mendocino, then return inland through Healdsburg, Santa Rosa and Sonoma. I would allow five to seven nights for the full loop, with time for coastal walks, redwoods, small towns and wine country. If you only have one extra day, choose a focused outing in Marin instead.
Best For: Coastal scenery, hiking, redwoods, small towns and wine country.
Yosemite
Yosemite is one of the trips from San Francisco I recommend most strongly, but I would not rush it into a single day. Allow two or three nights if possible, with time to hike the valley, see the waterfalls and enjoy the granite landscape without constantly watching the clock. I prefer staying inside the park when possible, and either a rental car or a multi-day guided tour can work well.
Best For: Mountain scenery, waterfalls, hiking and several days in nature.
Santa Cruz & the Redwoods
Follow Highway 1 south for coastal scenery and stops such as Devil’s Slide before reaching the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where the historic Giant Dipper is a personal favorite. From Santa Cruz, head into the redwoods around Felton before returning inland. It works as one long day, but an overnight gives you much more time for the Boardwalk and forest.
Best For: Families, coastal scenery, classic amusement rides and redwoods.
Monterey & Carmel
Make the coastal drive south part of the trip rather than simply racing to Monterey. Once there, allow plenty of time for the Monterey Bay Aquarium and coast, then continue via 17-Mile Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea. I would stay at least one night, and preferably two if you want to enjoy the drive and Monterey Bay without rushing.
Best For: Marine life, the aquarium, coastal scenery and a relaxed overnight trip.
Lake Tahoe & Reno
Head across the Sierra for a road trip combining Sacramento, Truckee and Lake Tahoe with Virginia City and Reno. I return to Tahoe for skiing, but I also love driving around the lake, stopping at places such as Emerald Bay and spending time on the trails and waterfront. Allow at least three or four nights, and longer if skiing or substantial hiking is the main reason for going.
Best For: Mountain scenery, skiing, hiking, lake views and a varied road trip.
The Coast to Los Angeles
I have driven between San Francisco and Los Angeles many times and would make the coast part of the vacation. Travel through Santa Cruz, Monterey and Carmel, Big Sur when Highway 1 allows, the Central Coast and Santa Barbara before finishing through Malibu toward Santa Monica.
Best For: A classic California road trip, dramatic coastline, seaside towns and several memorable stops along the way.
Final Thoughts
I would not rent a car just for a stay in San Francisco. For most of these trips, pick one up when you are ready to leave the city and return it when the road trip ends.
Choose the trip according to the time you actually have. Marin or a selective Santa Cruz loop can work in a day, while Monterey is much better with an overnight. The northern coast, Lake Tahoe and the drive to Los Angeles deserve several days of their own. Always check weather, seasonal conditions and road closures, particularly for mountain and coastal routes.
For an organized journey beyond the city, browse multi-day trips from San Francisco on Klook via this paid link.