The Bay Area is full of mini getaways within a 1-to-3 hour drive. While many tourists are traveling to exotic locations, sometimes locals need a little getaway close to home.
Head to Lombard Street (the crookedest street in the city) or hike Rodeo Beach, which is a gorgeous coastal area that also has history from World War II. You should also stop at the Exploratorium for a great science museum.
1. San Francisco
San Francisco is a crazy, Perfect Day Trip to the Bay Area wonderful, vibrant city of first-wave gentrifiers, Tesla-driving techies, start-up entrepreneurs and old-world immigrants. It’s a place of steep streets, famous landmarks and awe-inspiring sights that would fill a million pages. You could spend a week here and not see everything, but with just three days you can make the most of your time.
A great way to see the city is by taking a bike tour or walking tour of neighborhoods such as North Beach and Chinatown. These are a fun and fascinating way to experience these areas and get a feel for the local culture and cuisine.
The best time of year to visit San Francisco is September – October when the weather tends to be warm and clear, and there is less fog. And don’t forget to catch a sunset at Baker Beach for epic Golden Gate Bridge views! It’s about a 30 minute walk from Golden Gate Park or you can take public transportation. It’s one of our favorite things to do in San Francisco.
2. Pacifica
A short drive or train ride south of San Francisco takes you to Pacifica, a peaceful coastal town with stunning beachside vistas and rocky bluffs. This laid-back community has many cool things to do, from wildlife spotting and scenic hiking trails to awe-inspiring sunsets.
Wake up to a sea view at the Pacifica Beach Hotel, a lovely oceanfront property steps away from Rockaway Beach. Put on your workout clothes (ladies: yoga capris and a t-shirt; men: shorts and a t-shirt) and tennis shoes and head out to the ocean for a morning walk. Snap photos of the local dogs, native birds and ice plants, a hardy shrub that thrives in salt air and wind.
Hike along Pacifica’s wild open space areas like Milagra Ridge and Sweeney Ridge, where you can see hawks soar overhead and enjoy expansive coastal panoramas. On a clear day, you can even spot the Farallones, a jagged cluster of islands 30 miles off of Pacifica’s coast. After a morning of walking or hiking, head to Pacifica Brewery for gastropub food and a pint of your favorite craft beer.
3. Sonoma County
If you’re a wine- and food-lover with only a day to spare, Sonoma County is the perfect trip for you. Located just north of San Francisco, this region is home to legendary Pinot Noirs and the kind of elevated country cuisine that foodies go crazy for.
Fly into Sonoma County Airport (STS) — nonstop from 10 major cities and a dream to reach — if you want to skip SFO, or make the hour-plus drive up Hwy 1.
Whether you land at STS or SFO, it’s easy to explore Sonoma County’s wine-growing regions. The central hub of Healdsburg is an ideal base for your exploration, with tasting rooms, restaurants and hotels at your fingertips. Visit renowned Russian River Valley wineries for elegant coastal-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, or head to the Alexander Valley for top quality Cabernet Sauvignon.
4. Half Moon Bay
Whether you’re just visiting San Francisco for a weekend or you’re on an epic Highway 1 road trip, Half Moon Bay is a great day trip to take from the city. This cute coastal town sits right along the ocean and has lots of fun activities to do. Here are just a few things to do during your visit:
Explore the towering old-growth redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument, which is one of the most popular parks in Northern California for hiking. The trails in this forest park extend for miles, and you can easily spend a few hours wandering amongst the giant trees.
The Half Moon Bay State Beach is made up of four beaches: Francis, Dunes, Venice, and Roosevelt. Each beach offers a different experience, from sightseeing and wildlife viewing to surfing and swimming.
Eat well while in Half Moon Bay! You’ll find a variety of restaurants serving up fresh seafood. Try the lobster rolls and cioppino at Sam’s Chowder House, or the delicious fish and chips at Barbara’s Fishtrap. This restaurant has a neon fish sign and nets hanging from the ceiling, but you’ll enjoy its delicious food regardless of what you order.
5. Berkeley
Berkeley offers an exciting blend of culture, cuisine, and outdoor wonders. Families will love the Adventure Playground at Habitot Children’s Discovery Museum, and art lovers can explore the Downtown Arts District or the Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive. Nature enthusiasts can hike at UC Botanical Garden, Tilden Regional Park, or the Berkeley Marina, and even find world-class rock parks for more adventurous outdoor exploration.
If you’re curious about the world of scents, follow your nose to the Aftel Archive of Curious Scents or the Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley, where interactive exhibits cover everything from seismic forces to the flight dynamics of paper airplanes. If you’re looking for an awe-inspiring mural, check out Telegraph Avenue for impressive artwork from local and international artists.
Conclusion
Then, relax with a hearty meal at Chez Panisse for some of the Bay Area’s finest farm-to-table fare. Or, try Gather for pizzas, burgers, and salads with locally-sourced ingredients. If you’re in need of a drink, head to Jupiter for a beer garden vibe and a wide selection of drafts.
