The Best Beach Road Trips From San Francisco

There ’s nothing better than packing up the car and head to the beach … Even if in Northern California that means packing up the car with puffy jackets , hats , glove , fleece socks , and lashings of cover . certainly , our beach are n’t always sunny and warm with water in which you could frolic , but they ’re still pretty kick back ass , peculiarly these ones , all of which have gorgeous views , beautiful sunsets – and a few other incredible surprises you wo n’t need to lack .

Half Moon Bay

Distance from SF : 30 mile ; 45 minute driveWhy : Steep cliffs command the Pacific Ocean , low townsfolk appeal , and adorable marine life . Three thing to do while you ’re there:1 . If it ’s in the budget , splurge and stay at theRitz - Carlton , which sit around powerful on a four flush overlooking the ocean and has one of the most beautiful golf courses in the Bay Area . If a hitch there just is n’t in the card , make a plan to pour down by and sip wine on The Ocean Terrace next to a fervour pit while watching the sunset.2 . Get back in the saddle . Sea Horse Ranchoffers maneuver beach and trail rides for all tier of hogback riders . A two - hour ride on the bluff above the sea and the beach price under a hundred bucks and is totally deserving every penny.3 . Go sea kayaking . Half Moon Bay Kayak Co.rents kayaks , support up boat paddle boards , and bikes , but you ’ll require to go with the kayak , as it ’s the stark direction to search Pillar Point Harbor and string up out with the well-disposed seals who populate around here . It ’s $ 25 an hour to lease and two time of day is plenty . After you ’re finished , walk toSam ’s Chowder Housewhere you could get a tasty lobster roll while taking in the purview .

Bodega Bay

Distance from SF:70 miles ; 1.5 hour driveWhy : The coastline is stunning , the intellectual nourishment is upright , and it ’s kind of romantic , if you ’re into that . Also , it ’s where Hitchcock shotThe Birds , which is probably what we should have lead with . Three things to do while you ’re there:1 . Paddle around Bodega Bay . We avow we ’re not drop dead to paint a picture you kayak at every township on this list , but in many cases , it really is the near way to really see the water and marine life . Bodega Bay Kayakwill hook you up with everything you require . It ’s less than $ 50 for a four hour trip.2 . Go on a wage increase . There are tons of hikes with great horizon of the cliffs and waters – mayhap even a whale if you ’re lucky . Bodega Headis fantabulous for lazy hikers who just want some good Instagram pics , as it ’s almost entirely flat , whilePomo Canyon Trail to Shell Beachis a temperate hike that offers a little routine of everything , and will take you a little while ; it ’s almost 7 miles round - trip.3 . Sip a flight of wine atGourmet au Bay , which is right on the water and has a informal deck of cards with awesome views , which is exactly what you need after all that kayaking and hiking .

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Distance from SF:320 mile ; 5.5 hour driveWhy : Yeah , it ’s a chip of a campaign , but it ’s worth it to see the coastal redwoods , wild sandlike beaches , and Brobdingnagian open meadows where herds of elk hang out . Three things to do while you ’re there:1 . clique at either Gold Bluffs Beach Campground , which is next to the sand dunes by the beach , or at Elk Prairie Campground , where you may sleep under sequoia and next to a meadow where the elk roam devoid . And then definitely have collapsible shelter sex.2 . Hike through Fern Canyon , the 30 foot walls of which are wholly covered in ancient ferns that can be describe back325 million years … this is also where Steven Spielberg filmedThe Lost World : Jurassic Park . You should probably be more impressed by the former , but we wo n’t evidence on you if you ’re really just stoke on the latter.3 . Ride horses through the redwoods . Redwood Trails Horse Rideswill conduct you through the majestic old - ontogeny redwoods for $ 45 an hour , or $ 300 for an all - day experience .

Stinson Beach

length from SF:25 stat mi ; 1 hr driveWhy : This gorgeous coastal town is totally walkable , but also a close drive to some other play material to see and do . Three affair to do while you ’re there:1 . last out at the Steep Ravine Cabins , a group of wooden body structure from the forties that are right-hand on a cliff overlooking Stinson Beach . They do n’t , um , offer running water , however . Eh , who involve to bathe on holiday , anyway?2 . soaking in the Steep Ravine hot springs . You ’ll desire to go at low tide , and be prepared for a pretty serious rise ( the name exists for a reason , people ) . After , soak your torso in this wild hot give that ’s popular with locals . This will also help make up for the lack of bathing.3 . relish lunch outside at theParkside Caféand watch out the cioppino and local music at theSand Dollarlater in the day .

Big Sur

space from SF:145 miles ; 3 hour driveWhy : It ’s one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the intact world – it really does n’t get better than this . Three thing to do while you ’re there:1 . slump your toes in the purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach , one of thebest “ secrets ” along the California coastline.2 . Take photos of McWay Falls , a waterfall at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park that cascades directly onto the beach . And keep an eye out for California Condors.3 . Make reservation for the prix fixe dejeuner at thePost Ranch Inn(where you should also bide , if you ’re a bazillionaire ) and stock up on tasty sweet treat at theBig Sur Bakery .

Fort Bragg

space from SF : 170 miles ; 3.5 hour driveWhy : capital views of the sea , super - friendly people , and mess of really in force beer . Three things to do while you ’re there:1 . Find a designated driver and hit upall of these awing spot to booze in Mendocino , or skip over the railway car and get cocktails at BarBelow ( site inside the Union Lumber Company Store ) , thenNorth Coast Brewing Company , both of which are correct in town.2 . Have a picnic at Glass Beach , a former city wish-wash dumpsite situation that as if by magic ( or , you know , because of science and poppycock ) produces beautiful ocean glass . You ’ll be tempted to take some home , but you wo n’t do it , because it ’s illegal and smash the beach for the next people . Right?3 . Ride theSkunk Train , a 131 - year - old geartrain that will take you over 40 sea mile of railroad through the redwoods and over thirty trestle bridges . All aboard !

Carmel-by-the-Sea

aloofness from SF:130 miles ; 2 time of day driveWhy : white-hot sand beach , a European vibration , shops and artistry drift , really salutary eatery , and the fact that Clint Eastwood was once the city manager . Three affair to do while you ’re there:1 . deglutition cocktails at Mission Ranch . You may see Clint Eastwood ( he ’s the possessor ) , but even if you do n’t , the 22 - acre ranch has astonishing position of the Point Lobos , Carmel River State Beach , and the Pacific Ocean . Plus , you could see sheep graze while you sip . two-fold plus , there ’s a forte-piano bar . Basically , you ’re never going to desire to leave.2 . Bike the 17 - statute mile drive ; it ’s a draw shorter than you retrieve . hope . you could even rent bikes fromAdventures by the Seafor $ 30 a day . tamp down a breeze to love along the way.3 . Go wine-colored tasting in Carmel Valley Village . It ’s about 11 miles outside of Carmel , but there are lots of good tasting room likeBernardus , Georis Winery , andMercy Vineyards .

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Daisy Barringeris an SF - based author . Her favorite thing to do in life is go on road trips . secern her where she should go next on Twitter@daisy .

Pacific Coast Highway