There are so many great San Francisco day trips that it's hard to know where to start.
Within 2 hours or less of the city are the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma, the breathtaking coast and redwoods of Marin, the boardwalk and beaches of Santa Cruz, the Aquarium and Cannery row at Monterrey, and the shops, galleries, and dramatic drive of Carmel.
Napa Valley hot air ballooning
Perhaps the ultimate day trip from San Francisco is a drive to the amazing and beautiful Napa Valley, home to quaint towns, volcanic mud baths, scenic touring, hot air balloon rides, and some of the best wineries in the world, with picture-perfect locations, buildings, and endless opportunities for wine tasting.
Another great day trip from the Bay Area is to the Monterrey Peninsula, including the wonderful historic town of Monterrey, with the world-famous Cannery Row and the equally renowned Monterrey Bay aquarium.
A short drive south of this picturesque town is the equally amazing village of Carmel by the Sea, home to amazing art galleries, shops, and some of the most stunning views in all the West Coast.
The 17 Mile Drive takes you through some of the most scenic territory on the West Coast, between Carmel by the Sea and Monterrey. The area is a private community. so there is a charge for entrance, but it is well worth the price, as it takes you along dramatic coast, including the famous Pebble Beach golf course and the Lone Cypress (pictured below).
Lone Cypress, Carmel by the Sea
Other day trips worth considering are to Santa Cruz (about 45 minutes north of Monterrey) and Marin County.
Santa Cruz is the classic California beach town, with its old-school boardwalk and roller coaster and laid back hippy style. The views are great, and there's plenty to do for adults and kids.
If you have the time, the drive along the Big Sur coastline is spectacular (see below). It really is one of the great coastal drives in the world, so even if you can only see the first portion (60 minutes or so), it is well worth the drive.
Big Sur Coastline
Marin County is just on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge and is home to amazing coastline (it's as breathtaking and dramatic as they come) and equally incredible redwood groves. The best is located in Muir Woods, just a half hour from downtown San Francisco, a day trip that is truly a no-miss.
At the south end of the San Francisco Bay is the Silicone Valley and the city of San Jose. The Winchester Mystery House is located in downtown San Jose and is worth the trip by itself. Built by the heir to the Winchester Rifle fortune at the turn of the last century, the mansion is filled with eccentricities, legends, and, possibly, ghosts.
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