Best Weekend Trips from San Francisco
While there’s no shortage of things to do in San Francisco, sometimes you just need a brief escape from city life.
Whether you feel like relaxing by the ocean, strolling along quaint, historic streets or dining in a cozy restaurant, it’s all within reach. The next time you think about weekend and day trips from San Francisco, keep these nearby locations in mind.
Pacifica
Just 15 minutes south of the city, Pacifica offers the peace its name promises, plus a cute, friendly downtown with a bohemian personality. Pacifica State Beach (officially Linda Mar Beach) is renowned for surfing and kayaking. Rockaway Beach, just south of the Pacific Pier, is a must-see as its waves crash dramatically against the coast. Hiking offers ocean views when you head up to the coastal blufftop of Mori Point, plus you can see wildflower meadows and wildlife in the spring. Hikes up Sweeney Ridge or Milagra Ridge reward you with panoramic coastal views. When it’s time to eat, you'll have your pick of interesting eateries in town, or you can pick up picnic fixings at the Wednesday Farmer's Market.
Bolinas
Some 15 miles to the north, Bolinas is one of the best weekend trips from San Francisco. It's charming, eccentric and elusive, separated from the highway by wildlife-rich Bolinas Lagoon. Turn left when you spot the lagoon—residents removed the sign pointing the way to Bolinas long ago in their quest for privacy. You'll love poking around the little town with its old-time grocery store and a gas station that began life as a livery stable. Cafes and eateries emphasize local produce, and art galleries dominate. The dog-friendly beach is small but lovely and is also a great place to explore tide pools at low tide. For active pursuits, consider hiking, biking, kayaking and bird watching here.
Santa Cruz
With a first class beach and boardwalk, coastal redwoods and a lively downtown, Santa Cruz is one of the best places to visit for a getaway near San Francisco. You can drive to this cool, funky seaside town in less than two hours. The Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk promise fun for couples, friends or an entire family, with thrill rides like the Giant Dipper roller coaster and an extensive arcade. Be sure to check out the wharf with its seafood restaurants and lounging seals—and don't miss a ride on the Roaring Camp Railroad that runs between the Boardwalk and the redwood forest.
Monterey
Consider spending a weekend in Monterey when you want a fabulous destination that’s just few hours from San Francisco. Novelist John Steinbeck put this city on the map with his books about Cannery Row and its sardine-packing industry, but that was before the incredible Monterey Bay Aquarium. With hundreds of thousands of fish, marine mammals and plants, the Aquarium transformed this town into a sought-after global destination. Modern Cannery Row is completely visitor-friendly, and souvenir and gift shops, fish eateries and bars fill the converted factories. Take a whale-watching boat cruise from the wharf, or rent kayaks and paddle. Monterey State Beach attracts surfers and tide pool explorers.
Napa Valley
Napa Valley has enough wineries, spas and gourmet restaurants to keep you happy and occupied for a month let alone a weekend. More than 400 wineries are sprinkled across the fertile region and throughout renowned wine towns like Napa, Sonoma, St. Helena and Calistoga. Each offers gorgeous vineyards, sloping hills and darling downtown areas packed with upscale boutiques, specialty restaurants and wine tasting opportunities. Plan your own do-it-yourself wine tour or sign up for one of the many tours available. You'll find that many wineries sponsor concerts, theater performances and other entertainment during the summer months. Take advantage of the natural beauty of the area to hike, bike, or even rise above it all for a bird's eye view in a hot air balloon.
Ready to travel? Find your hotel in Pacifica, Bolinas, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Napa Valley.
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