From the travel blog entry …Tyler by krup32

While people from all over the world flock to the unique city of San Francisco to take advantage of its world-class hotels, restaurants, arts, culture, quirky sites and attractions, and breathtaking scenery, a weekend or day trip away from the city can fulfill even more of your travel dreams. One of the best things about the San Francisco Bay Area is its proximity to all kinds of weather and the variety of its landscapes, creating a region where all kinds of fun activities can be found in one place during the same season, whether it’s whale watching, surfing, or skiing and snowboarding.

Day trips can be a great way to explore the less urban gems surrounding any major city, and all this week we will focus on short getaways from some of the most exciting cities in the world. You may be surprised at all the wonders to be found outside your favorite metropolis!

Next time you’re in San Francisco, be sure to allow some extra time for a day trip or two. Here’s just a few ideas of the area treasures you can reach with just a few short hours in the car (or less!):

Santa Cruz

A favorite spot for surfers, the waters of Santa Cruz are warmer than most of the Northern California coast because of their fortuitous position along Monterey Bay. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, whale watching, and visiting the many beautiful beaches. Or find a distinctively Santa Cruz thing to do: head to the historic Boardwalk where a couple of the rides date back to the early twentieth century, visit the Surfing Museum, be wowed at the Mystery Spot (reservations recommended), or, between October and March, come to see trees filled with monarch butterflies at the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve.

Half Moon Bay

Just about forty miles south of San Francisco is the quaint, seaside town of Half Moon Bay. With panoramic ocean views and a secluded, small-town feel, this little treasure is a local favorite for a weekend or overnight getaway. Natural beauty is complemented by its fine dining and antique shopping offerings, horseback riding along the beach, and plenty of cute B&B’s from which to choose. Oceanfront golf courses provide another fun diversion, as does deep sea fishing, whale watching, exploring tide pools, and visiting the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

Monterey

Just a couple hours’ drive south of San Francisco, charming Monterey is most known for its famous, and splendid, Monterey Bay Aquarium. From its otters, fish, and sharks to its interactive penguin feeding exhibit, an afternoon at the aquarium is a treat for all ages. Monterey is also known for its whale watching tours, the historic Old Monterey and Cannery Row, and its literary past. The famous 17 Mile Drive is worth a spin, winding through the local redwood forests and over sheer cliffs, providing views of the glorious sky, sand, and Pacific Ocean.

Carmel

Upscale Carmel is a picturesque village set between mountains and the ocean, a getaway destination from Los Angeles as well as San Francisco. Ocean Avenue is lined with boutiques for shopping and browsing, and other attractions include the historic Carmel Mission and appreciating nature at the Point Lobos Reserve or pretty Carmel River Beach. A glimpse into Carmel’s artistic best can be seen at the Carmel Valley Art Association, a gallery that exclusively shows art by local artists.

Wine Country

Whether the famous vineyards of Napa County, the rolling hills of Sonoma, the wineries and spas of Calistoga, or the lush green trees of Russian River, Northern California’s wine destinations are all spectacular places for weekend getaways, whether for the amazing wine tasting availability here or for the camping, quaint B&Bs, spas, scenery, or hiking opportunities. Many famous and up-and-coming wineries are located in Northern California, from Korbel to Porter Creek.

Visit our California Wine Country Holidays article for more ideas and useful links, as well as blogs by our Realtravelers including Tracy, Little Haxby, and Dove and Josh, who all describe their visits to the region.

More Ideas

There are so many wonderful options in the San Francisco Bay Area that it’s impossible to touch on all them in one short article, so here’s a few more ideas to get you started as you explore this diverse region:

-Pinnacles National Monument is a unique park just about two hours southeast of San Francisco with petrified pinnacle-shaped rocks, caves to explore, beautiful and challenging trails for every level of hiker, and a safe, pleasant campground that even has a swimming pool for the really hot desert days.

- Rent a cabin or stay at a coastside campground or Bed and Breakfast in picturesque Point Reyes, also a fantastic spot for birdwatching, whale watching, and other wildlife viewing.

-Just a 90 to 120 minute drive north of San Francisco, Mendocino is a favorite destination for travelers and locals alike, with its spectacular coastal views, vibrant arts scene, adorable hotels, unique sites like Glass Beach, and many spas and hot springs. Read more about Mendocino here.

-For year-round camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and gorgeous landscapes, Yosemite National Park is a must-see.

-Lake Tahoe, near the California and Nevada border, is a wonderland for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding and summer camping, hiking, and watersports.

Resources

California Travel Guide
California Travel Map
San Francisco Hotels
San Francisco Deals