One-day Excursions for Every Type of San Franciscan

If you ’re hoarding those holiday days with everything you ’ve got , we do n’t charge you . But worry not ; there ’s really no intellect to super acid set for day at a time when you ’ve get some seriously cool locale just within reach . Whatever your joy – lot biking or art veranda , Michelin - starred eating house or boardwalk hotdog brook , we ’ve round up a few day trips you may take this weekend guaranteed to please near any character of San Franciscan out there .

The art lover

CarmelDistance from SF:122 miles ; 2 hoursCarmel - by - the - Sea – sound like a realm in a fairy tale , right ? Well , it ’s not – but it sure looks like one . This small , seaside township on the Monterey Peninsula is known for its English - style bungalow , complete with roll eaves and lamp chimney . But there ’s more to this place than its European architecture . If you ’re an artist , or at least one who chooses to revalue art , there are 80 art galleries all house in one square mile in Carmel . Nostalgic for your childhood ? channelize to the Dr. Seuss gallery . Feelin ’ some 20th century okay art ? Check out The Classic Art Gallery . How about photography ? Try the Weston Gallery . And for viewing works of art that are open past 5 phase modulation , take a sundown paseo on the white backbone of Carmel Beach . Gratuitous fun fact : Clint Eastwood was Carmel ’s mayor for two years .

The outdoor enthusiast

Muir WoodsDistance from SF:16 miles ; 37 minutesIf you did n’t already fuck by now , there ’s a forest in your proverbial backyard fill with 800 - year - old redwood , paved trails , wildlife , and plenty of fresh tune just across the Golden Gate Bridge . hike up through the Muir Woods ’ two - mile cringle of a main trail through huge redwood and sequoia canopy , an easy enough trek for nature buffs of any fitness level . fillip : the Muir Woods Trading Co. , located at the park ’s entrance , is home of the Marin Melt grilled cheese sandwich , as escort onBest matter I Ever eat . Do n’t miss out on your hazard to say the same .

The laid-back hippie

BerkeleyDistance from SF:14 mil ; 30 minutesWhile household to U.C. Berkeley , the Free Speech Movement of the ‘ 60s , bohemian vibes , and hippy paraphernalia - laden shopping , this East Bay urban center may surprise those anticipate a more … let ’s say , herb - friendly finish . Walk along Telegraph Ave through vintage boutique , classic medicine store like Amoeba Music and Rasputin Music , bookstores that include Moe ’s Quran ( since 1959 ) , cafes , and sens shops . research the Downtown Arts District while keeping an eye out for street mural , live music , art drift , saltation performance , and bicyclists ( observe out – they ’re everywhere ) . A slip to ‘ Beserkley ’ is guaranteed to be , well , a stumble .

The beach bum

Santa CruzDistance from SF:73 miles ; 1 hour and 30 minutesIf you ’re on the hunt for sun - soaked beach vibe , lead over to Santa Cruz where you could explore over 29mi of beachy splendor . From views of gigantic ocean - side drop and lunar time period pools to beach camping , surfriding , and vibrant sunsets , you could fundamentally take your pick of shoreline activeness . And of course , if you ’re thirst cotton candy , edible corn dogs , and perhaps a touch of nausea - inducing thrill rides , be sure to visit the popular Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk . Do n’t result without checking out the seaside amusement park that features over 34 rides and attractions ( bumper cars , anyone ? ) and two National Historic Landmarks : the illustrious 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the 1911 Looff Carousel . ( perhaps save the corn dogs until after Giant Dipper . )

The ambitious athlete

Mount TamalpaisDistance from SF:20 naut mi ; 44 minutesFor the jock looking for rugged terrain to get his or her lather on , the windy ( though scenic ) ride up to Mount Tamalpais is on the nose where to start . Plan accordingly ( as in , get water and power bars ! ) because not only does Mt. Tam blow 200mi of both hike and biking trails which range from moderate to very arduous , but at 2,571 ft , it ’s Marin County ’s tallest summit . Depending on your agenda , you’re able to find yourself surround by 360 - stage views of Marin , San Francisco Bay , and ocean ; admiring a blanket of coastal fog , redwood , or Cataract Falls ; or feeling the acute burn in your legs during a bike ride through the rolling hills and outrageous terrain .

The history buff

Old SacramentoDistance from SF:88 miles ; 1 hour and 23 minutesDrive to the land capitol to experience a look at the California of yesterday – Gold Rush , railroads , and all . ground in 1849 , this 28 - Akka National Historic Landmark territorial dominion located along the scenic Sacramento River is the dependable shoes for historic attraction and museums set within the time of the Gold Rush . Think river gravy holder , horse describe carriages , and riverside bike treks . Take one of many guided tours that include ghost tours , clandestine tours , and a detailed Gold Rush tour complete with stories about the miners , prospectors , and merchants .

The discerning foodie

YountvilleDistance from SF:56 mile ; 1 60 minutes and 2 minutesDo you feel like having a treat - yo - ego day ? Drive through Napa ( which is a dainty in and of itself ! ) to the bougie - in - the - best - way town of Yountville . Food enthusiasts will have a toughened time picking which Michelin - asterisk restaurant to choose from with option that let in The French Laundry and Bouchon , Bistro Jeanty , Ad Hoc , and Redd . Be sure to swing by Thomas Kellers ’ pristine culinary garden while in the sphere to get a glimpse of the most pampered produce around . For dessert , you ca n’t perplex the classic French boulangerie , Bouchon Bakery , which features a wide variety of artisanal breads and French desserts , confections , pastries , tart and biscuit , and an array of café beverages to take from .

Big SurDistance from SF:140 miles ; 2 hr and 38 minutesFor the shudder - seeking “ influencer ” doing it for the ‘ Gram , direct down one of the most iconic California coastlines via the Pacific Coast Highway to the untouched wilderness of Big Sur , and do n’t leave your DSLR . On the drive you ’ll literally be surrounded by National Geographic - desirable panoramic prospect that include expanse of ocean , scraggy cliff , and the far-famed Bixby Bridge , known as one of the world ’s highest undivided - span bridge . From beach so unaffected they ca n’t be reach without a hike to wildlife that include condors , elephant seals , and migrating heavyweight , this address is a treasure trove of Instagrammable instant .

The chill introvert

SausalitoDistance from SF:11 miles ; 22 minutesNeed outer space and meter to enjoy your own party ? Take a brusk trip across the Golden Gate Bridge to the small townsfolk of Sausalito . With gorgeous views of San Francisco and the Bay , famously photographable houseboats , and countless art verandah perfect for silent contemplation , this other urban center - by - the - bay is a great piazza to unwind . Get off from it all and stroll along the tranquil Marin Headlands or post - up at one of the many quiet , secluded areas to clear your head while enjoying unparalleled views .

For the couple

CalistogaDistance from SF:74 miles ; 1 time of day and 25 minutesIn love ? Celebrating an anniversary ? Just want to get away with your SO ? Then make your relief valve through the vineyard of Napa Valley to the township of Calistoga . Get pampered at one of the many upscale spas which feature mineral bath treatments , massage , and dips in the illustrious Calistoga live springs to get your skin feel baby - goat smooth for your particular someone . Rent pastel - color cruisers and explore the classifiable main street that ’s lined with cozy restaurant and cafés , antique workshop , and dress shop to peruse . Tip : if the daytime lead well , design a night at one of the many romantic seam and breakfast in the area . You wo n’t regret awake up to the tranquil environment of Calistoga and neither will your date .