6 best day trips from San Francisco

San Francisco's day trips include Napa wine country, Big Sur, Muir Woods, and Yosemite (long).

How: 1h 30m drive Travel time: 1h 30m When to go: Year-round; harvest in fall

Hundreds of wineries — book ahead, hire a driver or join a tour

How: 30 min drive (reservation required) Travel time: 30 min When to go: Year-round; book Muir Woods parking

Old-growth redwoods + return via Sausalito ferry for sunset

How: 1h 15m drive Travel time: 1h 15m When to go: Year-round; whale watching Dec-Apr

Wild Pacific coast, elephant seals, oyster farms

How: 2h 30m drive Travel time: 2h 30m When to go: Apr-Oct best; check Highway 1 for closures

Iconic California coastline — Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls

How: 1h drive Travel time: 1h When to go: Year-round

Beach town, surfing competition at Mavericks in winter

How: 3h 30m drive Travel time: 3h 30m When to go: May-Oct (winter chains required)

Punishing day trip but doable for a glimpse — Tunnel View, Bridalveil

Best day trips from San Francisco