While San Francisco is incredibly deserving of a visit, it’s also a great jumping off point for some awesome day trips! Whether you’re landing at SFO, live in San Francisco, or just want to use it as a point of reference for planning day trips outside the city – this article is for you! We love a good day trip and even more so if it’s soft adventure. It’s no fun to come home feeling like you need another day to recover. So we’ve put together this list of 7 soft adventure day trips from San Francisco that anyone can add to their California itinerary!
And of course, if you are in San Francisco, you NEED to check out the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. At this point, I think we are the bridge’s biggest fans! But truly, the views never get old. So if you’re like us and want to check out this beauty, here are 9 WAYS TO VIEW GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. But let’s get into what you came here for!
NAPA VALLEY
Distance from San Francisco: 53 miles / 1 hr 26min
Napa Valley is world renowned for its exquisite wine. But along with that exquisite wine comes breathtaking views, vineyards on rolling hills as far as the eye can see, and incredible restaurants! Of these day trips from San Francisco, Napa Valley is going to come in at a higher price range. You can find Michelin star restaurants, boutique hotels, and food & wine pairings that will blow you away. It might be worth turning this day trip into a weekend adventure, pending how much wine you intend to drink!
If wine isn’t your thing, we recommend booking a hot air balloon ride. And we promise you, as one of us is terrified of heights, this is a total soft adventure! Gliding over the valley and vineyards was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we hope everyone gets to do!
POINT REYES
Distance from San Francisco: 42 miles / 1 hr 4min
Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Point Reyes. Just a short drive from San Francisco, this coastal haven boasts dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and the iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse. A day trip here is a nature lover’s dream. Point Reyes has become much more popular over the last few years as it pops up more and more on social media. You may recognize this Cypress Tree Tunnel or the ‘Shipwreck’ featured frequently.
For the perfect soft adventure day trip, we do always include the Cypress Tree Tunnel. It is such a magical place, but what most people don’t know is there’s more to it! At the end of the tunnel is an old Martime Radio Receiving Station. Built around the early 1930’s, it is still functioning and run by volunteers. You can tour this incredible piece of history and see it in action!
SONOMA COAST
Distance from San Francisco: 66 miles / 1hr 19min
Escape to the wild beauty of the Sonoma Coast. Dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and expansive beaches make this a haven for those seeking serenity by the sea. Enjoy fresh coastal air and breathtaking views on this refreshing day trip from San Francisco! Take leisurely strolls along the bluffs spotting whales or visit a coastal winery for a tasting. You’ll appreciate the wide open spaces and slow pace of the Sonoma coast.
In Bodega Bay, visit the infamous location where the Alfred Hitchcock thriller “The Birds” was filmed. Then dine at the romantic Drakes Sonoma Coast, or grab something more casual at Spud Point Crab Company. Dining by the water just about guarantees that you’ll have the freshest sea food!
SAN JOSE
Distance from San Francisco: 48 miles / 51min
While it may be odd to leave one cityscape to visit another, we think San Jose makes a great day trip from San Francisco! Explore tech and art museums, cheer at a San Jose Sharks hockey game, or visit the James Lick Observatory.
The one spot we visit again and again, and recommend to everyone, is San Pedro Square Market. San Pedro Square is a food market with a variety of food vendors from pizza to pho and everything in between. Not to mention a craft beer market and multiple bars. There’s plenty of seating to bring your friends and family, and it is the absolute perfect spot for when everyone is craving something different.
MORGAN HILL
Distance from San Francisco: 70 miles / 1hr 10min
If Morgan Hill is not on your radar, then you are missing out! Discover where small-town vibes meet picturesque landscapes, plus a delicious food scene. Here in Morgan Hill you’ll find a cute downtown with locally owned cafes, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and breweries – and no big chains. Then you can also find farms like Andy’s Orchard where you can grab freshly picked fruits or Terra Amico Farms to take a tour or just shop their tomato stand for some gorgeous heirlooms.
And let’s not forget the outdoors in Morgan Hill! From Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve to Henry Coe State Park to Anderson Lake – there’s absolutely no shortage of ways to stretch your legs! Although we highly recommend visiting Morgan Hill as a day trip from San Francisco, if you end up staying longer you can check out A WEEKEND IN MORGAN HILL CALIFORNIA article!
SANTA CRUZ
Distance from San Francisco: 73 miles / 1hr 15min
Head to Santa Cruz for a day filled with sun, surf, and laid-back vibes. From the iconic Boardwalk to the scenic coastline, this beach town offers a perfect blend of outdoor soft adventure and coastal relaxation.
Santa Cruz is one of our favorite places to spend a day, and one of the perfect day trips from San Francisco! Walk through the shops on Pacific Avenue, grab a coffee at Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Co., and take a trip out to Natural Bridges State Park for sunset! If you visit during winter months, you can catch the infamous Monarch butterflies before their migration.
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
Distance from San Francisco: 122 miles / 1hr 56min
Experience the whimsical allure of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Quaint streets, fairytale cottages, and pristine beaches await. Art galleries, boutique shops, and fine dining establishments make this coastal gem a delightful day escape. Plus, Carmel-By-The-Sea is one of the most dog-friendly towns in the country! If you bring your dog on this day trip from San Francisco, they will be forever grateful (and you’ll love the memories)!
Dogs are welcome in shops, many restaurants, beaches – you name it! But our favorite activity to date is renting electric bikes with sidecars from Mad Dogs & Englishmen. Ride along the infamous 17-mile drive and enjoy the rugged coastline of California. After that, pop into Alvarado Street Brewery for an incredible lunch and even better brews! While this is the furthest day trip from San Francisco to make the list, we definitely think it’s worth the drive!
7 SOFT ADVENTURE DAY TRIPS FROM SAN FRANCISCO
There’s always something new to see in California, it’s hard to pick what to see next! We hope that these soft adventure day trips from San Francisco open your eyes to visiting more than just the big city! We love exploring new places, and new ways to explore places we’ve been. And we love to share them with others – so that you for being here!
EXPLORE THE BEST OF CALIFORNIA
While this article touches on some of the best places to visit, there is still a TON of information that we simply could not pack in to a single article. That’s where our epic interactive map of California comes in handy. Within this map and guide, you will find over 450 points of interest with detailed information about each location, cost, seasonality, dog-friendliness, and much much more! It also answers the question of, “what is there to do in each place?”
Not much of a planner? No worries! We also have curated itineraries to make the planning process easier for you. And if that isn’t enough, book a call with us or have us create a custom itinerary for you! We are here to help!
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