Top Day Trips from San Francisco

Written by Viator, August 2010

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Off-the-Beaten Path, Tip - General Travel, Tip - Transport

San Francisco is a beautiful town, yes, but one of its charms is its close proximity to the natural rolling countryside of the central Californian coast. So for those who have had enough of the Bay fog, consider a foray into the golden hills of Sausalito and beyond.

Muir Woods

Just 20 minutes across the Golden Gate, neighboring Sausalito, sits Muir Woods, a national park and grove of majestic redwood trees. Home to some of the oldest redwoods on Earth, you’ll immerse yourself in this special ecosystem and feel like you’ve been transported to a different land.

Napa and Sonoma Valleys

Considered one of the world’s premier travel destinations, Sonoma’s breathtaking views of rolling vineyards abound at every twist and turn. Alongside Sonoma, Napa Valley is renowned for its incredible wines, but any vacationer would be charmed by the quaint bed and breakfasts, mud baths, and world-famous restaurants. Napa Valley is the true wine lover’s hideaway, but it is a nature lover’s getaway too, and tours are available to cater to both.

Yosemite

Perhaps needing no introduction, Yosemite National Park is one of the United States greatest national treasures. In nearly 1,200 square miles of untouched wilderness, grizzly bears, salmon streams, grand meadows and ancient sequoias, lay in wait to be explored by the thirsty adventurer. Day trips running out of San Francisco are a great way to get a taste of the Californian countryside, and some local wildlife knowledge to boot.

The 49 Mile Scenic Drive, Monterey and Carmel

The 49 Mile Scenic Drive is perhaps one of the best ways to see all that lovely San Francisco has to offer. From hotspot to hotspot, you’ll see some of the city’s most memorable sites. And since you’re already in the car, consider continuing on just further south of San Fran along California’s stunning coast to the beautiful seaside towns of Monterey and Carmel. Alternatively, if you’ve had enough of driving at this point, why bother? Carmel and Monterey are easily accessible by tour bus as well.

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All Top Day Trips from San Francisco Reviews

Reply by Viator, May 2013
Doing what: Monterey, Carmel and The 17-Mile Drive Day Trip

Highly recommended. We saw so much. Viator has never let us down, we used their services to book tours in Switzerland and once again they did a fantastic job with San Francisco.

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Reply by Viator, May 2013
Doing what: Muir Woods, Giant Redwoods and Sausalito Half-Day Trip

Excellent value for money very informative

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Reply by Viator, May 2013
Doing what: Muir Woods, Giant Redwoods and Sausalito Half-Day Trip

The tour was very informative and we learned a lot. I would have like to stay longer
in Sausalito. One hour was not enough time to enjoy a walk along the harbour and then enjoy a nice lunch.

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