San Francisco is considered one of my favourite cities on the planet, however a few of Northern California’s finest experiences occur simply exterior The Metropolis.
As a journey blogger dwelling within the bay space, I completely love sharing all one of the best issues to do in San Francisco, however there’s one thing about hopping within the automobile, rolling the home windows down, and setting off on one of many many lovely day journeys from San Francisco that makes even an strange day really feel like a mini trip. One minute you’re weaving by way of cable vehicles and fog, and the following you’re sipping wine in Napa, strolling alongside the seaside in Carmel-by-the-Sea, or consuming contemporary oysters on the coast!
Listed below are my favourite one-day escapes, all inside a two(ish) hour drive from SF.
Coastal City & Ocean Escapes
1. Bodega Bay
A coastal fishing city made well-known by Hitchcock, the place fog, chowder, and ocean views set the tempo.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours
What to Do: Begin your morning with a seaside stroll at Salmon Creek, then hike the scenic Bodega Head Path for epic coastal views, seize a candy deal with at Patrick’s Salt Water Taffy and end with a little bit of wine tasting at Sonoma Coast Vineyards.
The place to Eat: Seize an off-the-cuff however unforgettable seafood lunch at Fishetarian Fish Market, get pleasure from some pastries at The Birds Cafe, and settle in for a basic dinner at On line casino Bar & Grill or at Drakes Sonoma Coast.
Flip it into an In a single day: The Lodge at Bodega Bay is a longtime favourite for its views (it was additionally rated #1 on the planet by Conde Nast readers!), whereas Bodega Harbor Inn provides a captivating, quieter keep.
For a extra detailed plan, take a look at my Excellent Day Journey Itinerary to Bodega Bay, California.
2. Carmel-by-the-Sea
A storybook seaside village full of cottages, artwork galleries, and white-sand seashores.
Distance from San Francisco: 2.25 hours
What to Do: It’s virtually sufficient to simply wander by way of the fairytale-style downtown, however you’ll additionally need to loosen up at Carmel Seashore, and discover the historic Carmel Mission.
✨ Really helpful Excursions: The Carmel-by-the-Sea Electrical Bike Tour could have you hitting up all the foremost landmarks and the Carmel Guided Strolling Tour will present you the easiest of this whimsical village.
The place to Eat: Seize brunch on the native favourite Stationaery, strive the European nation delicacies at La Bicyclette, and a menu impressed by cherished household recipes at Nora’s.
Flip it into an In a single day: Guide the Candle Gentle Inn that’s simply brief stroll from Carmel Seashore, or The Quail that’s just a few miles away, however luxurious.
4. Sausalito
Mediterranean-feeling and postcard-perfect, simply throughout the Golden Gate Bridge.
Distance from San Francisco: half-hour
What to Do: Store & stroll alongside the waterfront promenade, discover the cutest floating houses, Go to the Bay Mannequin Customer Middle and head as much as Hawk Hill for iconic bridge views.
The place to Eat: Fish. is an off-the-cuff seafood favourite with nice patio seating, Le Storage serves basic French dishes with water views, and Fred’s Espresso Store is ideal for breakfast.
Flip it into an In a single day: Inn Above Tide is all in regards to the views, whereas The Gables Inn provides a captivating various.
For one of the best day, comply with my Sausalito Day Journey Itinerary that features what to see, eat and do!
6. Pescadero
A tiny farming city well-known for artichokes, goats, and legendary pie.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours
What to Do: Go to Harley Farms for the cutest goat tour, stroll alongside Pescadero State Seashore, and don’t miss a cease by the historic Pigeon Level Lighthouse.
The place to Eat: It’s a tiny place so the alternatives are restricted, however Duarte’s Tavern is a basic for American nation cooking and Arcangeli Grocery is thought for its well-known garlic herb & artichoke bread—you may’t go away Pescadero with out grabbing a loaf.
Flip it into an In a single day: Pescadero Creek Inn provides a comfortable escape, whereas close by Seal Cove Inn is a stunning backup choice.
7. Stinson Seashore
A relaxed seaside city excellent for solar, sand, and scenic coastal hikes.
Distance from San Francisco: 45 minutes
What to Do: The primary factor to do in Stinson Seashore is to spend time on the seaside, however you can additionally hike the Dipsea Path (warning: some elements are fairly intense!), and discover the close by Mount Tamalpais trails.
The place to Eat: Parkside Snack Bar is nice for informal bites, Breakers Café is a go-to for brunch, and Sand Greenback Restaurant provides dinner with a view.
Flip it into an In a single day: Surf Lodge is my prime decide, whereas you might also discover some cute cottages on VRBO.
9. Tiburon
Quietly elegant, with skyline views that really feel virtually unreal at sundown.
Distance from San Francisco: half-hour
What to Do: Stroll the Outdated Rail Path (it is going to take you proper into downtown!), take the ferry to Angel Island, see a film on the cool Cinelounge and discover Major Road outlets.
The place to Eat: Malibu Farm is ideal for a stylish brunch, Sam’s Anchor Cafe is well-known amongst the locals for patio views and my favourite is Troya for one of the best Mediterranean dinner (get the salmon skewer!).
Flip it into an In a single day: Waters Edge Resort provides waterfront views, whereas The Lodge at Tiburon is a dependable favourite.
For my full itinerary, learn find out how to spend the excellent day journey to Tiburon.
Wine Nation Cities
18. Yountville
Stylish, compact, and filled with world-class meals and wine experiences.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.25 hours
What to Do: Wine style at Priest Ranch (do the bacon pairing!), stroll the Yountville Artwork Stroll, and luxuriate in a leisurely bike experience by way of city.
The place to Eat: Bouchon Bakery is a should for pastries, the French Bouchon Bistro is correct subsequent door and iconic, Advert Hoc is all the time a deal with, and Bottega has scrumptious Italian with a shocking ambiance.
Flip it into an In a single day: Bardessono is a luxurious favourite, whereas Resort Yountville provides basic consolation. Or keep the place I stayed, on the cozy Napa Valley Lodge.
For a whole day journey itinerary, see my wine lover’s 12-hour Itinerary for Yountville.
Charming Small Cities & Historic Locations
19. Bolinas
Famously elusive and fiercely native, this seaside city marches to its personal drum.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour
What to Do: Stroll Bolinas Seashore, go to the native Bolinas Museum and Artwork Gallery, and discover close by Level Reyes Lighthouse (examine the climate first, it will get foggy on the market).
The place to Eat: Coast Café is a hidden gem with native and seasonal meals, and BoVida is nice for informal bites.
Flip it into an In a single day: Sandpiper Lodging close by provides a relaxed coastal keep, whereas Level Reyes choices are shut by.
22. Occidental
A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it city well-known for Italian meals and redwoods.
Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours
What to Do: Zipline by way of redwoods, take a straightforward hike on the Grove of Outdated Timber, and loosen up at Osmosis Spa who is thought for his or her cedar bathtub.
The place to Eat: Union Resort is a basic for American delicacies, Howard Station Café is nice selection for breakfast, and Altamont Basic Retailer is ideal for lunch (strive on eo ftheir wholesome bowls!).
Flip it into an In a single day: Inn at Occidental is charming, whereas Union Resort provides a historic keep.
23. Mill Valley
Woodsy and complex, with trailheads that begin simply past the espresso outlets.
Distance from San Francisco: half-hour
What to Do: Stroll among the many redwoods in Muir Woods, store & stroll downtown, and go to the Mill Valley Lumber Yard that’s full of cool outlets and locations to eat.
The place to Eat: Flour Craft Bakery is a breakfast favourite (and is 100% gluten-free!), Hook Fish Co. is informal and has scrumptious tacos, and Playa provides an upscale Mexican dinner.
Flip it into an In a single day: Acqua Resort provides water views, whereas Mill Valley Inn is cozy and central.
For a extra detailed plan, see my Mill Valley day journey itinerary.
24. Petaluma
A historic riverfront city with a critically good meals scene.
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour
What to Do: Cease by Mcevoy Ranch for a wine tasting (or some olive oil), hike Helen Putnam Park, stroll the historic downtown (cease by Acorn and Flourish—two of my favorites!, browse vintage outlets, and benefit from the riverfront).
The place to Eat: Road Social is a tiny place, however provides artistic dishes, Sugo Trattoria is thought for its bruschetta trio, and Stockhome delivers yummy Swedish flavors—their falafels are my favourite.
Flip it into an In a single day: Resort Petaluma is historic and proper within the downtown, whereas Metro Resort is quirky and enjoyable.
Touring Quickly? Use my Favourite Assets for Reserving Your Journey!
Guide Your Flight
Expedia is my favourite flight search engine, as a result of it checks dozens of airways so you may simply discover one of the best fare offers. You may as well choose ‘Watch Costs’ to get an e-mail alert when the costs change.
Guide Your Lodging
I take advantage of each Reserving.com and Expedia for resorts, as a result of every provides a pair totally different resort selections and I like to check the evaluations on each. You probably have a bunch or are on the lookout for extra of a house ambiance, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has homes, residences and even only a room for lease in each worth vary.
Guide Your Rental Automobile
If love the liberty to discover like I do, driving from place to put is the most suitable choice! I all the time ebook with RentalCars.com (it’s a part of reserving.com) for one of the best costs and prime model choices.
Guide Some Enjoyable Excursions!
Viator and Get Your Information are my go-to search engines like google for cool bucket checklist experiences! Every one can have totally different excursions, so examine each—why restrict your self, proper?
Don’t Overlook Journey Insurance coverage
Journey could be unpredictable. Whether or not it’s a last-minute cancellation, an harm, or (ugh) theft, issues occur. That’s why I like to recommend by no means leaving the nation with out journey insurance coverage. Listed below are my faves: Security Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Journey Necessities Prepared
Try the Bucket Checklist Journey Amazon Retailer to seek out all my favourite journey necessities. The whole lot from Packing cubes, to journey adapters and toiletry containers to strolling sneakers.
Flying Worldwide?
Get Cell Information Earlier than You Arrive: I like to recommend utilizing airalo for worldwide journey. Additionally, ebook an airport switch upfront (I take advantage of Kiwi Taxi). Lastly, examine journey.state.gov for visa necessities and security info.
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