Summer is here! Even though we have cool summers up here, it is a great idea to get out and explore. Here are some great summer day trips near San Francisco that will more than satisfy the curious soul. Learn more about these day trips near and around the Bay area by embarking upon them, and see why we’re certain these are the best hikes in San Francisco (and around San Francisco, too).

1. Bass Lake
Bass Lake, CA, USA
Natalie P/Yelp
Bass Lake is known as one of the best and most beautiful swimming holes in San Francisco. If you want to get wet, then bring your swimsuits, and inflatable tubes and hang out on the lake.
2. China Beach
China Beach, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
Iris H/Yelp
China Beach is a perfect day trip right in the city! This is truly a historical spot in San Francisco. The views of the Bay, the iconic attractions, and even the occasional fog will dazzle.
3. Sausalito
Sausalito, CA, USA
Miwok/Flickr
Sausalito is in Marin County. Sausalito is 9.2 miles north of San Francisco. If you take a trip here, you'll love the hillside houses, emerald rolling hills, natural beauty, boutique shops, eateries, and more.
4. Napa Wine Train
1275 McKinstry St, Napa, CA 94559, USA
Jane D/Yelp
Ride though world-famous wine country on the Napa Valley Wine Train. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience and fun day trip to boot. Drink wine and eat on a restored antique train through stunning Napa Valley with views like heaven.
5. Little Mermaid Glass Bottom Boat
The Glass Bottom Boat Company/Facebook
The Little Mermaid Glass Bottom Boat Company offers a tour toview marine life like giant seaweed and fish in a way like never before: from underneath you. You'll ride in the boat around Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey up-close to the prettiest and most fascinating sea creatures in the region.

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6. Russian River
Russian River, California, USA
Hortulus/Flickr
This is a scenic day weekend trip that you need to take ASAP. On the Russian River, you can also canoe, paddleboard, kayak, or just simply gaze at the crystal-clear water. This is a great place to kick back, get active, or do both!
7. Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach
Otis Drive, Otis Dr, Alameda, CA 94501, USA
Tri P/Yelp
One of the few places to enjoy a sandy beach with warm water near the city! This is a perfect day trip. It's an ideal spot for a quick trip that's very close to the city, especially if you're curious about swimming holes near San Francisco.
8. Alamere Falls
Alamere Falls, California 94924, USA
Tony H/Yelp
Alamere Falls is a rare "tidalfall", or a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean. If you're up for an adventurous and stunning day trip, then this hike and waterfall is for you - you'll want to spend forever here, we promise.
9. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
Ali M/Yelp
This is the only California theme park with a horticultural theme. Try out the delightfully fun Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park! This is the perfect place to spend the day with your family and enjoy the outdoors, epic rollercoasters, and more.
10. Mill Valley
Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA
Veit/Flickr
The beauty in Mill Valley will dazzle and impress you because the options are numerous (and gorgeous). This is a day trip in Northern California that offers biking opportunities, great food, natural beauty, and more.

What do you think of these day trips near San Francisco? Let us know your opinion! Then, check out this epic wine train near San Fransisco you’re sure to fall in love with.

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More to Explore

Best Day Trips in San Francisco

Tori Jane | July 07, 2022

What are some unique things to do around San Fransisco?  

San Francisco is a pretty unique city if you ask us! As a result, there are all sorts of fun, unique things to do around San Francisco that you might miss if you decide to do all the popular, touristy stuff. For example, across the street from the famed Marina Green near the Golden Gate Yacht Club is a very unique art installation: the Wave Organ, a fascinating musical instrument that uses the surf to produce sound. It works best at high tide, so plan accordingly! Another set of fun things to do around San Francisco includes visits to any of our world-class, awe-inspiring museums, like the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and more!  

Where can I go for some day trips near me?  

If you’re located in the Bay area, you’re in luck, because there are ample opportunities for some wonderful day trips near San Francisco. Sure, you can spend the whole day at Haight-Ashbury, but it’ll be crowded – what about a day trip to a nearby state park? Some of the best state parks near San Francisco include Angel Island State Park, in Tiburon, which is a literal island where you can camp, hike, explore, and lose yourself for an entire day. Another favorite – especially for history lovers – is the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, which has an old fleet of important historic vessels to admire.  

What are the most amazing getaway spots near me?  

Looking for places for an amazing getaway near San Francisco? Head to Highway 1 and drive north to Carmel by the Sea. This little town is incredibly surreal and feels like Middle Earth more than California. It’s one of the most beautiful towns in the entire United States, and it makes for the perfect romantic getaway near San Francisco. You could also run off to any of the numerous wineries near San Francisco, or even a romantic hiking trip near San Francisco on any of its amazing hiking trails!  

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