5 Absolute Best Day Trips from San Francisco (+How to Visit & Tours)

Planning a trip to San Francisco and wondering which day trips from San Francisco are worth it the most?

The Bay Area is surrounded by incredible destinations that are easy to visit in a day. From walking among towering redwoods to exploring the charming coastal towns, tasting wine, or even making a long but unforgettable trip to Yosemite National Park – there’s so much to choose from.

In this guide, we cover the absolute best day trips from San Francisco for first-time visitors, together with practical information and tips on how to visit.

READ ALSO: How to See the Best of San Francisco in 2 Days

Here are the very best day trips from San Francisco for first-time visitors (sorted by distance, starting with the most popular destinations near the city):

1. Muir Woods National Monument

If you want to escape the city for a few hours and walk among some of California’s most iconic giant trees, Muir Woods is the perfect day trip from San Francisco. Located just 30 minutes north of the city, this protected forest is home to towering coastal redwoods that can be explored via a series of walking trails suitable for all ages and difficulty levels.

Most visitors focus on the Main Trail, which follows the Redwood Creek and brings you close to the most impressive sequoias, some over 250 feet (76 meters) tall. The entire trail is 2 miles (3.2 km) and takes about 1.5 hours. But you can cross the river at several points and loop back earlier, if you prefer. That said, I highly recommend visiting the Cathedral Grove, one of the most impressive parts of Muir Woods.

TIP: Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon helps avoid the crowds.

Getting there: The easiest way to get to Muir Woods is by car, but parking is extremely limited (and has to be reserved in advance). Alternatively, you can visit by shuttle bus from Sausalito (also needs a reservation + ferry), or by joining a guided tour from San Francisco. You can find more info about parking and shuttle buses here, and the best guided tours here.

PRO TIP: The easiest way to visit Muir Woods from San Francisco is with a guided tour. It includes transportation, bridge tolls, and most tours also include entry fees. Plus, you won’t have to worry about finding parking at all the popular stops.

Good to know: You need about 3-4 hours for a visit to Muir Woods from San Francisco, including about 1-2 hours inside the forest itself. But you can make it a (half) day trip if you also visit Sausalito. Most guided tours combine the two, but there is also a highly-rated day tour that brings you to Muir Woods, plus Napa and Sonoma vineyards. You can find more information about all these places further below.

2. Sausalito

Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito feels like a world away from San Francisco. This small waterfront town has a relaxed Mediterranean vibe, with colorful houseboats, art galleries, boutique shops, and plenty of restaurants with views over the bay.

Many people combine Sausalito with an e-bike ride over the Golden Gate Bridge, or with Muir Woods, making it a perfect day trip from San Francisco. Start your morning with a bike ride or among the redwoods, then enjoy lunch by the water and a stroll through town.

Getting there: You can reach Sausalito by car, by ferry, by biking across the Golden Gate Bridge (self-guided or with a guide – and taking the ferry back), or by joining a guided tour that combines Sausalito with Muir Woods. You can find recommended bike rentals and tours here, and the best Sausalito tours here.

Good to know: If you bike from San Francisco to Sausalito, it’s about 8.5 miles (14 km). It’s uphill to get to the Golden Gate Bridge, and mostly downhill once you cross the bridge. I would definitely opt for an e-bike as it will make your excursion so much more enjoyable!

TIP: The ferry ride back to San Francisco from Sausalito is one of the most scenic experiences in the Bay Area. You’ll get amazing views of the city skyline, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Even if you visit Muir Woods and Sausalito with a guided tour, most tours give you an option to stay in Sausalito longer and take the ferry back to the city.

3. Napa & Sonoma Wine Country

California’s wine country is world famous, and both Napa Valley and Sonoma are easy day trips from San Francisco. Just 1–1.5 hours north of the city, the two regions offer wine tastings, vineyard tours, and incredible dining.

Napa is a bit more upscale, with larger wineries and iconic estates, while Sonoma has a more relaxed, small-town feel with more boutique vineyards. Even if you only have one day, it’s possible to visit both, but I recommend keeping it to 2–3 wineries total for a relaxed pace.

Getting there: Driving is the most flexible option, but if you want to enjoy wine tastings, go with a guided tour! You won’t have to worry about driving or making reservations, and many tours also include stops at various viewpoints along the way.

TIP: This is the most complete guided tour – it includes Muir Woods and both wine regions in a day trip from San Francisco. If you’re mostly interested in vineyards and wine tasting, check out this highly-rated luxury small-group tour.

Good to know: Many wineries require advance reservations. In summer and fall (harvest season), the region gets very busy, so if you are driving, be sure to plan ahead and have a dedicated driver.

4. Monterey & Carmel

If you want to experience California’s dramatic coastline, a day trip to Monterey and Carmel is a must. Both towns are about 2 hours south of San Francisco and can easily be combined into one long but rewarding day.

In Monterey, highlights include Cannery Row, the historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf, the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, and whale-watching tours (Monterey Bay is one of the best places to see whales in the USA).

Carmel-by-the-Sea, just a few miles away, is a charming little town with boutique shops, art galleries, and one of the most beautiful beaches in California.

The scenic 17-Mile Drive between Monterey and Carmel is one of the best coastal drives in the U.S. You can do this drive by car (+ audio guide) or explore by e-bike.

Good to know: The drive from San Francisco is about 120 miles (190 km), 2 hours each way, so if you are doing it as a day trip, start early. If you have more time, you can also explore Highway 1 toward Big Sur, one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in the world.

Getting there: You’ll need a car for a day trip to the Monterey Peninsula. Alternatively, you can find several full-day guided tours from San Francisco. Most group tours include Monterey and Carmel, but if you opt for a private tour, you can personalize your itinerary to add the 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur, etc.

5. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is one of the most iconic U.S. national parks and ideally deserves several days. But if you’re short on time, it’s still possible to experience some of its main highlights on a long day trip from San Francisco. The dramatic scenery with towering granite cliffs, powerful waterfalls, and sweeping viewpoints makes the long drive more than worth it.

For a one-day visit, focus on Yosemite Valley, where you can see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. If possible, drive up to Glacier Point for incredible panoramic views. And if you have the energy for a short hike, the trail to Taft Point is one of the most rewarding options.

Getting there: The drive from San Francisco to Yosemite takes about 4 hours each way, making it a very long day by car. If you only have one day, a guided tour is the best option. You’ll avoid the hassle of driving, making reservations, and finding parking, and you can relax while still being sure to see some of the major sights.

TIP: This highly-rated small-group tour offers excellent value, including hotel pickup in San Francisco, transportation in a luxury van, park fees, and a carefully planned itinerary covering many of the must-sees.

PRO TIP: If you have extra time, consider this 2-day tour from San Francisco (including accommodation). It’s a far more relaxing way to experience Yosemite, with more time in the park, less rushing, and the chance to see all the top sights at a comfortable pace.

READ ALSO: Yosemite Travel Guide

So, this is our short guide to the very best places to visit near San Francisco as a day trip. From stunning nature and scenic drives, to charming towns and vineyards – this selection is perfect for first-time visitors who have limited time and want to get the most out of a few days in the San Francisco area.

Have a great trip!

READ ALSO: Northern California Itinerary from San Francisco

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