Top Day Trips from San Francisco

Forget crossing bridges to get across the Bay – San Francisco locals are notorious for not wanting to leave the city. However, visitors shouldn’t impose that limitation on themselves. Combining the city’s best attractions with excursions into the surrounding area’s mix of fast-paced culture, natural beauty, and rich history offers an unparalleled experience.

While popular destinations like the majestic redwoods of Muir Woods or the acclaimed Monterey Bay Aquarium are classics, consider exploring underrated wine regions, lesser-known cities, and opportunities to connect with nature. Days out from the city are plentiful and enriching, no matter which direction you travel. Below are our top choices for enjoyable day trips from San Francisco.

1. Taste Your Way Through Lesser-Known Wines in Suisun Valley

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Suisun Valley is a charming, lesser-known wine region just northeast of San Francisco. With its own unique microclimate, it tends to be less crowded than the popular vineyards in Napa and Sonoma valleys. The Indigenous Patwin name “Suisun” translates to “where the west wind blows,” leading to a gentle breeze that produces exceptional cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and petit sirah.

Caymus Vineyards offers a grand tasting room experience, while local favorites such as the Suisun Valley Wine Co-op and BackRoad Vines provide additional tasting opportunities. Mankas Grill serves up the valley’s best dinner options, while Pioneer Tap Room caters to beer lovers with a selection of taps and live music. Additionally, farmers’ stands and shops, like Cal Yee Farm, provide a variety of local goods.

Suisun Valley is close enough for a quick day trip, yet it’s also a great base for those wanting to explore nearby Green Valley or Napa Valley. For accommodations, Fairfield has a range of hotels and motels, including unique options for those who enjoy jelly beans, with the Jelly Belly Factory nearby.

Getting There: Driving via I-80E is the fastest route from San Francisco to Suisun Valley, approximately 45 miles away. While no regular tour lines run between SF and the valley, connecting with a local wine tour company can enhance your experience.

2. Step Back in Time at the Museums of Locke

Travel time: 2 hours and 10 minutes

Located in the Sacramento Delta, Locke is a well-preserved historic town established by Chinese settlers in 1915. This unique location features a variety of mini museums showcasing the rich history of the area, including artifacts from former boarding houses and original gambling dens. Today, visitors can explore its charming streets and enjoy local dining options.

Al the Wops provides a dive bar experience with hearty pub fare, and the Lockeport Grill & Fountain offers delicious ice cream and light lunch options. While many of Locke’s original residents have moved away, the town still has an artistic vibe, with galleries and quirky shops attracting visitors. Along the way, Walnut Grove and Isleton offer additional dining options and historic insights.

Getting There: Please use the GPS for directions to Locke. It is accessible via I-160, approximately 75 miles from San Francisco. The town features free parking, making it easy to explore its historical offerings on foot.

3. Discover the Serenity of Colma’s Cemeteries

Travel time: 30 minutes

Colma, often called “Cemetery City,” borders San Francisco and became the final resting place for the city’s deceased. The well-maintained cemeteries, lush with flowers and quiet walking paths, provide a unique environment for reflection and exploration. Boasting 17 different cemeteries, many are dedicated to specific religions or ethnicities.

Notable graves within these grounds include legends like Joe DiMaggio and Wyatt Earp. You can also visit the enchanting Pet’s Rest cemetery. After your cemetery tour, consider a pint at Molloy’s Tavern, which has a rich history and delicious food options nearby.

Getting There: Colma is simply a 30-minute drive from downtown San Francisco on I-280S, or accessible via BART. Due to the layout of the cemeteries, having a vehicle may enhance your visit for convenience.

4. Savor San Jose’s Vibrant Vietnamese Food Scene

Travel time: 1 hour (outside of rush hour)

San Jose, known for its large Vietnamese American population, boasts an impressive collection of Vietnamese cuisine. Often overlooked, it has become a cultural hub for delicious food options, from hearty breakfasts to delightful lunches throughout Little Saigon.

Start your culinary journey at Lion Plaza with a sizzling plate of filet mignon, then explore the nearby Vietnam Town for unique regional delicacies. You can spend the day sampling various dishes, making it an ideal trip for food enthusiasts willing to indulge in San Jose’s vibrant culinary landscape.

Getting There: Reach San Jose via US-101 S or take the Caltrain to San Jose Diridon Station for easy access to food options.

5. Hunt for Magical Fairy Doors in Alameda

Travel time: 40 minutes (with no traffic)

Alameda is home to a whimsical community art project featuring mini fairy doors at the base of trees or within gardens. This enchanting endeavor encourages exploration throughout the neighborhoods, perfect for families and individuals alike.
To find these tiny doors, visitors can follow a dedicated Google map and search for magical offerings throughout the area. The delightful exploration can be complemented with visits to local bakeries or eateries that showcase Alameda’s culinary charms.

Getting There: Drive via I-80 E or take BART to Fruitvale Station, then use local transit for access to the fairy door clusters.

6. Kayak with Harbor Seals in Elkhorn Slough

Travel time: 2 hours

Located just north of Monterey, Elkhorn Slough offers visitors the chance to kayak among harbor seals, sea otters, and an abundance of bird species within its serene waterways. This destination is perfect for those looking to connect with nature while exploring the natural beauty this area has to offer. Rentals are available onsite, making it convenient for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.

After kayaking, indulge in fresh local seafood from restaurants nearby, immersing yourself further in the coastal experience.

Getting There: Take US-101 S to CA-17, leading you to the beautiful Elkhorn Slough region.

7. Pick Fresh Produce in Gilroy

Travel time: 1 hour 40 minutes (depending on traffic)

Known as the garlic capital of the world, Gilroy offers far more than just aromatic garlic braids. With a thriving u-pick season, visitors can gather fresh strawberries, cherries, lavender, and a variety of other crops from local farms. Various family-friendly attractions in the area, like the themed Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, add to the excitement of a visit.

Getting There: A drive south on US-101 leads directly to Gilroy.