Best Day Trips From San Francisco for Perfect Road Trips

Distance from SF: 118 Miles Away

Monterey is a coastal city located in the midst of rocky Central California. Originally, it was the capital city of California, and that’s why it’s home to the older buildings in the state. It is home to California’s first theater, public building, public library, public school, printing press, and newspaper. Monterey and its surrounding areas have long attracted famous writers and artists.

Best Time: April to May

Distance from SF: 88 Miles Away

Sacramento is the capital city of California and situated between two huge rivers. Established in 1849, the oldest incorporated city in the state is an oasis of leafy and shady trees. Nature-lovers should check out the Sacramento National Wildlife Sanctuary. Old Sacramento is a huge hit for history buffs. The entire area has been preserved as a historic district with the architecture going back to the Gold Rush era. It has museums such as the Sacramento History Museum and the state Railroad Museum.

Best Time: May to September

Distance from SF: 73 Miles Away

Located just 70 miles south of San Francisco and filled with sandy beaches and redwood mountains, Santa Cruz is a great laidback destination. The city is a counterculture center and known for its liberal beliefs. Santa Cruz is home to all kinds of people from the University of California students to Silicon Valley techies to surfing enthusiasts.

Best Time: May to November

Distance from SF: 40 Miles Away

Silicon Valley refers to the area between the city of San Mateo and San Jose and is known for to be home to some of the largest companies in the world. Stanford University, where many startups like Yahoo and Google were formed, is located at Silicon Valley. Visit the Google campus, home to its iconic Android lawn statues, which were named after various desserts. You can also visit the Google Merchandise Store to buy some Google-themed goodies. Right next to it, the Computer History Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of historic computing artifacts.

Best Time: May to September

Distance from SF: 145 Miles Away

Big Sur is a mountainous area on the Central California Coast. Located in the Santa Lucia Mountains, the Big Sur is known for its drastic views. Named by Spanish settlers, the area was first known as the “Big Country of the South” which was later shortened to just Big Sur or the Big South. The dramatic coastline is a huge attraction for those who want to get away from busy city life and escape into nature. The visuals of the area have inspired writers such as Henry Miller and Jack Kerouac.

Best Time: April to November

Distance from SF: 44 Miles Away

Just 30 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma County has a bit of everything for everyone. There are vineyard-filled valleys, extensive redwood forests, and a long coastline with many beaches and sea villages. Its Mediterranean climate allows for nearly all vegetables and fruits to be grown there, especially wine. Sonoma County is the largest producer of California’s Wine Country, including Napa Mendocino counties.

Best Time: April to November

Distance from SF: 67 Miles Away

Napa Valley is the wine capital of the country, home to the legendary Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The Valley is located only a 90-minute drive from San Francisco. Each of the picturesque towns in the valley has something different and unique to offer to the visitors.

Best Time: August to October

Known For : National Centre of Art and Culture Metropolitan Cathedral Costa Rican Art Museum

Distance from SF: 48 Miles Away

San Jose is the cultural and political heart of the Silicon Valley and the oldest Spanish civilian settlement in California. The bustling city is a mingling of the area’s modern tech heritage along with the state’s colonial history. If you want to hit the beaches while visiting the city, the city’s favorites are Santa Cruz Main Beach and Natural Bridges State Beach. Check out Santana Row for its vibrant array of shops and restaurants, along with live music and yoga sessions in the outdoor parks and plazas.

Best Time: May to September

9 San Jose Attractions