6 Totally-Worth-It Day Trips Outside Of San Francisco

My most recommended day trips just outside of San Francisco that are sure to enrich your SF travel experience.

I think it goes without saying that there is a lot to do in San Francisco. While you can literally spend 6 months in San Francisco and not see everything you wanted to (hello), if you’re spending some time in SF and you’re looking to do a day trip, I’d highly recommend it these 6 totally worth it day trips outside of San Francisco.

Note: I’ve noted the recommended stay in SF to give you an idea of how long you should be staying in San Francisco if you want to take that particular day trip. You wouldn’t want to spend your short stay in SF taking trips out of the city if you haven’t seen enough of it yet!

1. Sausalito, CA

Recommended stay in SF: 5-7 days

Distance from City Centre: 30 Min by car, 40-60 min with public transit.

If you’re into seafood, great port-side views, and cute bougie towns, you’ll love Sausalito. It’s got a semi-posh vibe but is inviting at the same time. It’s touristy enough, so there are many great restaurants and cafes, not to mention all the boats coming into port for your viewing pleasure. I’d highly recommend heading out for lunch in this waterfront town, and stay for the sunset if you have the time.

2. Muir Woods

Recommended stay in SF: 5-7 days

Distance from City Centre: 45-60 min by car

If you’re a nature lover, and are looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a day, Muir Woods is the perfect spot. There are trails for every level of hiker, and the peace and views you’re treated to in this place are incredible. There are a few picnic areas along the trails, so I’d recommend packing a nice lunch and bringing lots of water and snacks. Muir woods is truly breathtaking and definitely worth the drive out of the city, and I’d honestly say that it’s one of the highlights of my stay in San Francisco.

Treasure Island

Recommended stay in SF: 3-5 Days

Distance from City Centre: 15 min by car, 30 min by public transit

Treasure Island may sound like something out of a fairy tale, but I have a good reason for suggesting visiting this more industrial island in the bay area. Shopping! More specifically, the Treasure Island Treasurefest Flea Market. Dozens of local merchants with all kinds of goods ranging from fashion goods to handmade jewelry to antiques, flock to Treasurefest every month to participate in this festival-like event. They have live music and food trucks as well, so it really can be a full day of fun. There are some really cool finds at this flea market, and I’d highly recommend making a day of it and stopping at every stall to see what they have to offer.

Edit: Due to Covid-19, Treasurefest has been temporarily moved online here, set to be open on specific days of the month.

Santa Cruz

Recommended stay in SF: 7-10 Days

Distance from City Centre: 1.5-2 hrs by car

Located under 2 hours from San Francisco, Santa Cruz is a fun, coastal day trip. The most popular attraction here is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Yummy boardwalk food, vintage rides, a solid stretch of beach, this place has all the fixings for a classic summer boardwalk day trip and I’d highly recommend making the short trek out if you have a longer stay in San Francisco. You can visit the boardwalk’s website here for more info on food options (I loved Barbary Coast for a quick lunch), events and rides!

Angel Island

Recommended stay in SF: 5-7 days

Distance from City Centre: 20 mins by ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf

If you’ve read my Ultimate San Francisco Travel Guide, you’ll know that I have a lot of love for Angel Island. I spent a day by myself on the island, hiking through the forest trails to the summit, taking in the views, and having a packed lunch on one of the island’s many beaches. It was an incredibly peaceful and nature-fulfilling day and it was one of my favourite experiences while staying in SF. There is a restaurant, a cafe, and public restrooms so you could make do with buying lunch on the island if you’d prefer to not pack a lunch. The ferry to the island leaves from Fisherman’s Wharf, and a round-trip adult ticket will run you about $15 USD (paid in cash only!). See their website here for more info!

Napa Valley

Recommended stay in SF: 5-7 Days

Distance from City Centre: 1-1.5h by car

How could I finish a post about SF day trips without including Napa Valley?! While I’m not a wine drinker, myself, I still highly recommend taking a day and heading out to Napa for an afternoon or evening of wine tasting tours and dinner at one of Napa’s chic restaurants. Honorable mention here goes to the Robert Mondavi Winery just above Oakville in Napa Valley. We did a wine tasting and tour of the winery, and even though I’m not a wine drinker, this place was beautiful and high class, and definitely worth the price of the tour. We paid about $40.00 USD each, but the tours range from $25.00 to $145.00 USD depending on the experience you’re looking for. Honestly, driving through the valley with wineries on either side of the road is worth the trip on its own. Napa Valley is just all beauty and class and I’d highly recommend making the trip out if you have the time!

Depending on the length of your stay in SF, or if you’re a local looking for a day trip, the 6 day trip destinations above are not only my personal suggestions, but some of my best memories of my six month stay in San Francisco. For more SF planning tips, be sure to check out my Ultimate San Francisco Travel Guide!

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