Warmer-Than-San Francisco Day-Trip Destinations We're Excited to Explore This Summer

San Francisco is bully and all – we do havenightlife , gorgeous scenery , andcultureout the wazoo – but it ’s also not the place for the summeriest of summers . Sometimes , you just need to find a drive , throng a collation , and get out of the fog . So hit the road for an epic day misstep to somewhere where it actually feels like summer : from mountains to beaches to rivers and harbour , there ’s lot to see outside the 7x7 limit of The City – and get some proper cheerfulness as you do it .

Stinson Beach

24 miles from SFThree miles of white sand beach can make you feel far , far off , even if you ’re just an hour N of the city . Home to windsurfers , raftman , and body boarder , this small coastal town is also a endearing place to stroll and dine – caput to the easterly ending of the beach and tryParkside CaféorSand Dollar . Pro tip : for a freshwater free fall , drive up Mesa Rd to a trail head , and hike 2.7 miles to Bass Lake . For a hard hike with some scenic reward , channelize to Steep Ravine red-hot leap at low lunar time period .

Half Moon Bay

30 mile from SFCool Half Moon Bay may be famous for its world Cucurbita pepo weigh - off contest ( 2015 ’s achiever clock in at an iniquitous 1,969lbs ) , but this seaside Ithiel Town is also home to a class - troll sodbuster market and sovereign shops and eating place ( include the famousSam ’s Chowder House and Oyster Bar ) . Stroll along the long stretch of Half Moon Bay State Beach , or let a kayak to research Pillar Point Harbor ’s nautical life . Be sure to follow out fordinosaursalong Highway 92 .

Mount Diablo

45 nautical mile from SFPeering over the East Bay at 3,848 ft , Mount Diablo is a perfect twenty-four hours trip for hikers and rockers who are looking for big , sweeping views . Head to tony Danville ( which is also the location of thefamous eatery sceneinMrs . Doubtfire ) along Interstate 680 , and travel up to the peak – rumor has it that you could get a broader view than you could from Mount Kilimanjaro . For a more secluded hike , begin at the intersection of Highways 24 and 680 in Walnut Creek , and snake along Ygnacio Valley Rd to the backside of the pot to a former mine and meandering paths .

Napa Valley

50 mi from SFPick your Doctor of Divinity and wind along scenic Highway 29 toNapa Valley , stop at whatever wine maker chance upon your fancy . Further north on Highway 128 , you ’ll find a soupy - but - coolCastello di Amorosa– which is designed to resemble 12th- and 13th - century construction , and includes a torture sleeping accommodation ( ! ) – or turn off 29 down a rural road to the Hess Collection Winery and prowess gallery . If for some unheard - of intellect you ’re not in the mood for wine , head to the giantOxbow Public Marketfor excellent local food , where you may grab stuff for a walkover along the shores of Lake Hennessey .

Point Reyes

35 stat mi from SFThis twenty-four hours trip is idealistic as a coastline case for your out - of - town guests , and it ’s just an hour or so from the city . locomotion north along Highway 1 to the Point Reyes National Seashore , which hold in 71,000 landed estate of coastal nature preserve , which volunteer an 145 - twelvemonth - previous lighthouse at Point , old forest , and jaw - dropping eyeshot . Once you ’re done gawking , cruise along Tomales Bay , and pop into one of the many roadside huitre shacks , where you could suck up down pelecypod pluck straight from the bay . The area is also popular with motorcyclist , who can speed through twisty roads overhang with sequoia Tree … so if you ’ve been looking for an excuse to get your license , here you go .

The Carquinez Strait

35 international nautical mile from SFThe area between Interstates 80 and 680 is often bury by Bay Area residents , who pass over the Strait on their way north to Vallejo or Fairfield ( where the Jelly Belly factory is … so , we understand ) . But the towns of Port Costa , Martinez , Benicia , and Crockett each have their own appeal and are bustling arts communities . Ride your bike or hiking along the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline for views of the pee and theMothball Fleet , then grab a drink at theWarehouse Caféin Port Costa , where you’re able to sample among the legal community ’s 250 + beers . mind across the water to Benicia , to visit creative person studios at theArsenal , check out one of theglass blow studiosDowntown where classes are often contain , or go to the city ’s historical museum – did you know Benicia was the California state uppercase for about a year ? Crazy , veracious ?

Sebastopol

55 miles from SFThis North Bay hippie town is just 15 minutes from the Pacific and the Russian River , and is chock full of rolling untamed J. J. Hill , vineyards , and farmland . But Sebastopol is more than eyeshot : the small town has a thriving arts community of interests , part of which is on display alongFlorence Ave , as well as excellent chow and antique hunt ( you could probably expend a whole daylight at theAubergine Vintage Emporium and Caféalone ) . Go on a Saturday to visit the Sebastopol Farmers Market for some serious locavore treasure , and be certain to stop byWoodfour Brewing Co.for their farmhouse - style ale .

Capitola

80 mile from SFConsidered the oldest seaboard resort on the Pacific Coast , Capitola ’s appeal has definitely not been washed out to ocean , and is a mellow alternative to the sometimes - overpowering tourer destination of Santa Cruz . Cute Capitola Beach is easy to get to and shelter from most of the farting , making it a complete position to lounge , swim , and watch splendid sunsets . The town itself has a Mediterranean feel with low street , a dock that dates back to 1857 , colourful sign of the zodiac , and tons of little businesses . Mr. Toots Coffeehouseis a local deary with perspective to dispense with , whileDharma ’s Restauranthas amazing vegetarian fare ( and the best strawberry milkshake ever ) .

Gilroy

85 naut mi from SFKnown by most Bay Areans for its namesakeGarlic Festival(which you should entirely visit , dressed as a vampire ) andtheme parking lot , Gilroy is also an agricultural oasis sandwiched between highways 101 and 5 . give up at a fruit pedestal along the highway and grab a snack to take to one of the orbit ’s many vineyards – which are a mixing of bigger names and independent wine maker . Check outClos LaChanceand rusticKirigin Cellars .

Carmel

120 miles from SFCarmel - by - the - Sea is a beautiful lam a few hour south of the city and right below Monterey – consummate for a romantic weekend or a scenic thrust to get by the bunko game and ado . Carmel is a small , affluent town that feels nice without being to a fault ritzy . Stroll the cunning downtown for boutique shop and artistry galleries , see to it out the tranquil beaches , and get your history on at theCarmel Mission(the second missionary work established in California ) … or just drive the famous 17 Mile Drive as you gaze out on the Pacific . Pro gratuity : bring your bicycle and treadle along Carmel ’s manybike paths . Faves admit Scenic Drive , Fort Ord National Monument and Cachagua Loop . you could also sit along 17 Mile Drive and avoid the holidaymaker car traffic .

Mendocino

155 miles from SFGet up early for this one , and channelise through the plushy North Bay to Mendocino ( which is both a county and a metropolis ) . The tiny , restrained city of Mendocino does n’t propose much in the agency of attracter besides a twosome art heading and stores , but it extend incredible scene and easy hikes along the coastline . Use the metropolis as a jumping - off point to visit some amazing nature : hike up the fern valley in Van Damme State Park , visit the redwood forest in Mendocino Woodlands State Park , or see Jackson State Forest . The town of Fort Bragg is a few international mile northward and has a rustically charming downtown with bars and eating house aplenty .

Gold Country

130 mile from SFNo , there ’s not a single town called Gold Country , but there is a vast area in the Sierra Foothills that still holds true to its gold rush antecedent and is a mecca for history buff . Drive along wind Highway 49 , where history is pucker by between historic , sleepyheaded towns and hip restaurants such asThe Argonaut Farm to Fork Caféin Coloma . There are also plenty of state parks , including the well - preserved gold vitreous silica - mining mental process atEmpire Mine State Historic Parkand Auburn State Recreation Area .

Stinson Beach