19 Best San Francisco Weekend Getaways (By a Local)
Believe me – you’ll never get tired of planning San Francisco weekend getaways. The sheer amount of weekend trips around the San Francisco Bay Area is one of the best things about living in SF.
I’m a San Francisco local who’s spent the past 15 years exploring every inch of California. In this article, I’ll give you the details on the best weekend trips from San Francisco for wine tasting, hiking, and beach explorations.
Some of these spots are the best places to visit in California, but several are local hidden gems you’re not likely to read about in other travel guides. Get ready to plan your perfect weekend trip. These are the best weekend getaways from San Francisco!
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19 Best San Francisco Weekend Getaways
Carmel-by-the-Sea
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours | Google Maps | Carmel-by-the-Sea Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Carmel on Booking
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a California village straight out of a fairytale. Quaint cottages line the downtown streets, and the homes have names instead of number addresses. Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most romantic vacation spots for Bay Area residents.
Visit Carmel Beach, which has pristine white sand and tide pools brimming with sea life. Downtown Carmel is very walkable, but you’ll want a car to access the activities in the surrounding area.
Drive 15 minutes to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to see a huge variety of sea life. Go wine tasting in Carmel Valley, where vineyards stretch for miles over beautiful rolling hills.
Explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. It has wonderful coastal trails and a viewpoint for spotting sea lions in the Pacific Ocean.
Napa Valley
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 15 minutes | Google Maps | Napa Valley Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Napa Valley on Booking
Napa Valley is the most famous wine region in California and one of the best in the world. Visiting wine country for an SF weekend getaway is one of the top things to do in California!
There are over 400 wineries in Napa Valley, all with their own character, natural beauty, and pricing. Spend an evening on the Napa Valley Wine Train for a truly unique experience. You’ll travel from downtown Napa to St. Helena on a historic railcar with dinner and wine included.
There are plenty of things to do in Napa Valley besides wine tasting, though. Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the vineyards, and visit the Oxbow Public Market for a taste of the local vendors. Hike on Mount St. Helena for beautiful vistas over the valley.
Napa Valley has four main towns: Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga. I’d recommend staying in Yountville at the Bardessono Spa Resort, the most eco-friendly hotel in the valley.
Lake Tahoe
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours 15 minutes | Google Maps | Lake Tahoe Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Lake Tahoe on Booking
Want an adventure-filled getaway in the mountains with ski resorts in the winter and sandy beaches in the summer? Plan a trip to Lake Tahoe, the Bay Area’s backyard playground.
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and is famous for its crystal-clear blue water.
Tahoe is typically divided into its four “shores.” The North and West shores are more residential with the best ski mountains. South Lake Tahoe is popular for its ski villages, casinos, and après-ski nightlife. The East shore is almost entirely in Nevada and is pretty quiet.
Some of the best Lake Tahoe activities include snow sports, mountain biking, boating, and hiking. It’s a mecca for thrill-seekers but leave early on a Lake Tahoe weekend getaway to avoid weekend traffic, especially in winter.
Nevada City
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours 20 minutes | Google Maps | 👉 Search Hotels in Nevada City on Booking
Nevada City is a wonderfully preserved Gold Rush-era mountain town that made our list of the best hidden gem travel destinations in 2022. It’s one of my favorite places for a weekend getaway from the Bay Area. The town is welcoming, affordable, and usually tourist-free.
You’ll see saloons and antique stores mixed in with newer restaurants and wine tasting rooms in the quaint downtown street. Hiking trails, secret swimming holes, and beautiful trees surround Nevada City.
Nevada City heats up in the summertime, providing a perfect opportunity to cool off with a swim in the gorgeous Yuba River. Take the kids to Hoyt’s Crossing, a safe swimming area with easy parking. Take a hike upstream for some private and usually nudist-friendly areas if you’re feeling adventurous.
Santa Cruz
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 15 minutes | Google Maps | Santa Cruz Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Santa Cruz on Booking
Santa Cruz is a surfer’s paradise, but you don’t have to surf to fall in love with this eccentric town. The Santa Cruz area is known for its natural beauty. It has miles of stunning sandy beaches, tall redwood forests, waterfalls, swimming holes, and more.
Santa Cruz has great restaurants and lots of local microbreweries. For dinner with a view, watch the sunset at a waterfront restaurant on the Santa Cruz wharf. Downtown Santa Cruz is the liveliest part of town. It has a grungy feel and the best selection of live music and bars.
There are several family-friendly activities in Santa Cruz. Take a train ride through redwood trees or visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It has roller coasters, carnival games, and deliciously greasy food.
San Luis Obispo
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours 35 minutes | Google Maps | San Luis Obispo Website | 👉 Search Hotels in San Luis Obispo on Booking
TV personality Oprah once named San Luis Obispo the “happiest city in America,” and she was right. Visiting San Luis Obispo, or SLO, feels a bit like stepping into a sunshiny paradise awash with the glow of affordable living.
San Luis Obispo is a mid-size city directly between San Francisco and Los Angeles. A large population of college students from nearby Cal Poly give San Luis Obispo a young, lively vibe.
Downtown San Luis Obispo is super safe, making it one of the best places to stay in SLO. Grab a bite to eat at Lincoln Deli or High Street Deli, the two best sandwich shops on the central coast.
San Luis Obispo is not right on the coast, but popular beaches like Avila and Pismo are only 15-20 minutes away. You can also explore nearby wineries, go hiking, or see live music at the Fremont Theater if you’re not craving a beach day.
Yosemite National Park
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours 50 minutes | Google Maps | Yosemite Website | 👉 Best Places to Stay in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is the most jaw-dropping and iconic weekend trip near the Bay Area. This epic California national park has majestic waterfalls, grassy meadows, tall granite peaks, and powerful rivers.
The most popular tourist time is summer when people try Yosemite’s challenging Half Dome hike. Rock climbing on the gigantic El Capitan and biking around the Yosemite Valley are also popular activities.
There are fewer crowds in the off-season. Go in spring for beautiful wildflower blooms, or visit in fall to see the trees change color. Fans of snow sports will love winter in Yosemite. It’s great for snowshoeing and cozy cabin retreats.
Yosemite campgrounds are notoriously difficult to snag. Upgrade your stay by booking a room at The Ahwahnee, a luxury hotel located within the national park. Be prepared for long entrance lines every day if you’re staying outside the park boundaries, especially on a summer weekend.
Guerneville
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 25 minutes | Google Maps | 👉 Search Hotels in Guerneville on Booking
Guerneville is a forested little town in Sonoma County. It has stunning redwood trees, esteemed breweries and wineries, and boutique B&Bs on the shores of the Russian River. The meandering Russian River flowing through town perfectly embodies Guerneville’s laissez-faire attitude.
Spend an hour (or two, or three…) floating on the water, letting the river slowly take you on its course. You’ll begin to judge the passage of time by the intensity of your sunburn rather than the hour on the clock.
Unbeknownst to many, Guerneville is also considered Northern California’s gay riviera. The town is a popular weekend getaway spot for LGBTQ+ folks, and it maintains a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit.
Arnold
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours 40 minutes | Google Maps | Arnold Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Arnold on Booking
Arnold is a small town at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains that’s full of cabins, vacation rentals, and family-friendly fun.
Arnold is down the road from Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The state park is the best place to experience the beauty of the sequoias without trekking all the way down to Sequoia National Park.
In the summertime, kayak or swim in the small lakes dotting the forested landscape. In the winter, have a snow day at Bear Valley Ski Resort, which offers a less crowded ski experience with budget-friendly gear and easy trails.
The town of Murphys, just 15 minutes from Arnold, has more to offer in the way of entertainment. Great restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, and local shops line the blocks of Main Street.
Healdsburg
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 20 minutes | Google Maps | Healdsburg Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Healdsburg on Booking
Healdsburg is a hidden gem of wine country and it’s one of the best places to stay in Sonoma County. This boutique town is surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and the scenic Russian River.
Sonoma County offers a more budget-friendly wine tasting experience when compared to its more famous neighbor, Napa Valley. You can find farm-to-table food and drink that’s less expensive but just as delicious as the pricier, tourist-laden restaurants in Napa.
For a truly luxurious weekend retreat, stay at one of the area’s rustic yet modern hotels. Montage Healdsburg even has a vineyard on site, inviting you to sit back and relax with stunning countryside views.
Get planning with our guide to the best things to do in Healdsburg.
Big Sur
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours 30 minutes | Google Maps | Big Sur Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Big Sur on Booking
Big Sur is world-famous for its rugged, undeveloped coastline. Driving down the Pacific Coast Highway towards Big Sur, with the mountains on your left and the ocean on your right, is a classic part of any California road trip.
You won’t find any major towns along the drive. But there are some million-dollar homes, hidden resort B&Bs, delicious restaurants, and isolated beaches.
Dine at Nepenthe, a California-style restaurant built into the cliffside. Enjoy its panoramic ocean views. Hike to the endlessly photographable McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
In 2023, you cannot drive the complete length of the Big Sur coastline. Several mudslides and storms have closed parts of Highway 1 between Lucia and Limekiln State Park. Luckily for San Francisco residents, most of Big Sur’s main attractions are in the northern half, before the road closures.
Redding
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours 30 minutes | Google Maps | Redding Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Redding on Booking
Redding is one of the best weekend getaways for exploring Northern California’s most scenic places away from the crowds. Redding is surrounded by national forests, huge lakes, and tall mountains.
Pay your respects at Mt. Shasta, a volcano over 14,000 feet tall. It’s sacred to the local Shasta, Modoc, Ajumawi/Atsuwegi, and Wintu tribes. Go boating and swimming in Shasta Lake, or explore the huge waterfalls of Burney Falls.
Hike in Mt. Lassen National Park for stunning views over the Cascade range. Camp in the seldom-explored Trinity Alps if you’re seeking an even more isolated excursion. It’s a backcountry paradise of alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and flowering meadows.
Downtown Redding has an up-and-coming arts scene with vibrant restaurants and bars along the banks of the Sacramento River. Visit Redding on a long weekend trip. You’ll want at least three (or more) days to explore the wealth of outdoor activities in the area.
Point Reyes Station
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour | Google Maps | Point Reyes Station Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Point Reyes Station on Booking
Point Reyes Station is a Marin County hidden gem that feels like my second home. I’ve spent childhood beach days and backpacking trips with friends here.
Point Reyes Station is a wonderfully quaint town. The three-block main street is lined with bookstores, bakeries, and barely any cars. Tourism here is low, making it the ultimate retreat from city life.
Point Reyes Station sits on the edge of Tomales Bay — a quiet, mossy wonderland with fresh oysters and artsy towns hidden along its banks. Go for a kayak ride on Tomales Bay. Visit in the fall to see glowing bioluminescent plankton in the water. Tomales Bay State Park has great hiking and birding.
Travel through cow-filled meadows to get to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, perched dramatically along the coast. Point Reyes National Seashore has beautifully isolated beaches, empty from the usual crowds.
Mendocino
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours 10 minutes | Google Maps | Mendocino Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Mendocino on Booking
Mendocino is one of California’s most beautiful beach towns. This romantic getaway on the Pacific Coast Highway engulfs you in the natural beauty of the Northern California coast.
Mendocino offers something for every visitor, from the luxurious to the bohemian. Sip in style at a seaside wine tasting room, then go on a guided mushroom foraging trip in the redwoods. Explore tiny islands and sea caves by kayak, then watch a romantic sunset from the Mendocino Coastal Trail.
Head to Russian Gulch State Park if visiting Mendocino with kids. The tide pools, trees, and a waterfall create a natural playground.
A stay at the Agate Cove Inn is a must. These charming coastal cottages offer guests their own private balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Arcata
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 5 hours | Google Maps | Arcata Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Arcata on Booking
Arcata is an artsy and unconventional California town hidden among the world’s tallest trees. It’s a long drive from San Francisco, but visiting Arcata is worth it. You’ll see the towering trees and beautifully rugged Northern California coastline.
Arcata is one of the best areas to stay near Redwood National Park, which protects the world’s largest population of old-growth redwood trees. I recommend driving to Arcata via the 32-mile scenic drive known as the Avenue of the Giants.
Arcata is a college town with a young population, but don’t expect a rowdy night out. On the other side of Arcata Bay, the larger city of Eureka has a few more restaurants, bars, and live music entertainment. Both cities are pretty low-key and offer a quiet retreat into nature.
Half Moon Bay
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 45 minutes | Google Maps | Half Moon Bay Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Half Moon Bay on Booking
Half Moon Bay works well as either a day trip from San Francisco or a full weekend getaway. It’s one of the closest weekend trips from the city.
The small city has a cute downtown, a string of pristine beaches, a number of coastal hiking and biking trails, and lots of local fresh-caught seafood.
Half Moon Bay is perched right along the San Francisco Peninsula and is famous for its big wave surfing tournament, Mavericks. Head here after a winter storm and you could see waves between 25 and 60 feet tall.
Upgrade to opulence by staying at the famed Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, a once-in-a-lifetime hotel experience. This luxury hotel is located on coastal cliffs with panoramic ocean views and a full spa.
Pinecrest Lake
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours | Google Maps | 👉 Search Hotels in Pinecrest on Booking
Pinecrest is a small mountain community nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s a popular location for Bay Area summer camps, but Pinecrest is a perfect weekend escape at any time of the year.
Pinecrest Lake has activities for all ages. You can swim, fish, or even rent a paddle boat or pontoon to take out on the lake. You won’t find any jet skis here, though. Motorized sports are not allowed, giving Pinecrest a true feeling of peace and quiet.
In the wintertime, nearby Dodge Ridge Ski Resort offers a beginner and budget-friendly ski experience. Visitors also enjoy snowshoeing on nearby hiking trails or soaking in a hot tub in the mountainous winter wonderland.
The Strawberry Inn is the only hotel in the area, but luckily its restaurant and bar make it worth the stay. Renting a cabin near the lake is also a popular option, particularly great for large parties.
June Lake
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 5 hours | Google Maps | June Lake Website | 👉 Search Hotels in June Lake on Booking
June Lake sits on the eastern side of Yosemite in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. It has a bounty of hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic drives. The Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains is full of craggy mountain peaks, alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and very few crowds.
Most of the Eastern Sierra is best explored via multi-night backcountry trips. Famous thru-hikes, like the Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail, travel right through the heart of the Eastern Sierra. These are reserved for the ultra-prepared.
However, a visit to June Lake allows you to explore some of the mountains before returning to the comforts of civilization afterward.
June Mountain has some budget-friendly local skiing, absent from the usual crowds. In town, June Lake Brewing serves up consistently good beer. A smattering of local restaurants have surprisingly diverse offerings.
Stinson Beach
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 50 minutes | Google Maps | 👉 Search Rentals in Stinson Beach on Booking
Stinson Beach is our closest getaway, located just over the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Stinson has no hotels, but there are plenty of beach cottage rentals or private campsites.
The single-lane highway into Stinson is crowded on a hot day, and many beachgoers give up and turn around. I suggest spending the weekend in Stinson instead of just one day. This allows you to bypass the crazy traffic and be the first one on the beach.
Stinson Beach is a huge expanse of sand with plenty of room for beach volleyball games or suntanning. The Pacific Ocean, while cold, beckons visitors to come in for a swim in its sparkling waters.
Stinson has much to offer besides the beach. The seaside town has boutiques, art stores, seafood restaurants, and miles of hiking trails. It’s a Bay Area rite of passage to hike the Dipsea Trail, which begins in the redwoods of Mill Valley and finishes at Stinson Beach.
FAQs About SF Getaways
What are good weekend getaways from San Francisco for couples?
Good weekend getaways from San Francisco for couples are Carmel-by-the-Sea and Mendocino. Napa and Healdsburg are good wine country San Francisco weekend trips. Guerneville and Big Sur are also popular with couples. All of these cities near San Francisco are romantic, relaxing, and usually kid-free.
Where are some good last-minute getaway spots near San Francisco?
Some good last-minute getaway spots near San Francisco are Point Reyes Station, Nevada City, and Guerneville. Arnold, Stinson Beach, Half Moon Bay, and Santa Cruz are other good last-minute weekend getaway spots near SF.
These cities are all within three hours of San Francisco. All of them have plenty of accommodation options that you won’t need to book months in advance.
What are some family-friendly weekend trips from San Francisco?
Some family-friendly weekend trips from San Francisco are Pinecrest Lake, Arnold, and Lake Tahoe. Stinson Beach, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, and Yosemite National Park are also family-friendly SF weekend trips. These places all have an abundance of outdoor activities, museums, or amusement parks nearby.
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These are my picks for the best San Francisco weekend getaways. No matter where you go, remember to respect the locals, travel sustainably, and, most importantly, enjoy your trip!
Only have a few days to spend in the San Francisco Bay Area? My ultimate SF itinerary is guaranteed to help you make the most of your trip to SF!
