Weekend rolling around has you asking… where can I go for a day trip in the Bay Area? Well you’re in luck, that’s our hometown and part of our inspiration for creating Daytrip CBD Infused Sparkling Water. The spontaneity of a day well lived... when you wake up, throw on your sunnies and hit the open road.
We’ve put together a list of the top 5 day trips from San Francisco for the outdoor lover, the foodie, and of course the best beach day trips for the entire family to enjoy. Let's go on a Daytrip!
Stinson Beach and Bolinas
With its relatively easy access along California’s iconic Highway 1, Stinson makes for a great day trip from San Francisco.
Located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) and the Point Reyes National Seashore, tiny Stinson Beach is situated right in the midst of all of the magnificence that West Marin County has to offer.
Start your morning out with a little surf session. Locals warn that the parking fills up FAST so get there early.
Not a surfer, no problem, Because of the sandy bottom and relatively shallow depths, the beach is known as a good spot for a dip or for smaller kids to dig in the sand.
Then grab lunch with a view (we love the Sand Dollar Restaurant).
If you would rather spend time in town, “main street hop” from Stinson Beach art galleries, to Point Reyes and finish the day in Bolinas preserved almost as it was in the 1800s.
Best hiking spots near Stinson Beach? Alamere Falls, a rare tidefall in Point Reyes. A tidefall is a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean. They are extremely rare in the world, so worth the trip – but note, it is an 8-mile hike so if you’re heading out – make that your entire day excursion and don’t forget to hydrate - with our namesake Daytrip CBD infused Sparkling water, of course!
Santa Cruz
Ready to spend one day in Santa Cruz? This is for those surfing fans out there.
Fuel up on snacks and some Daytrip CBD Infused Sparkling water at Pacific Point Market and Café and then hit the open road on West Cliff Drive. The perfect view to get the lay of the land with the windows down and the music on.
Be sure to stop at Lighthouse Point, about halfway down West Cliff. Pop inside the lighthouse itself to visit the tiny Santa Cruz Surfing Museum or watch the surfers taking advantage of the big waves at Steamer Lane, one of Santa Cruz’s most popular surfing spots.
Stop for brunch at Café Ivéta and then hit the beach for some necessary afternoon chill time at Natural Bridges State Park. Walk along the water and spy some of the photogenic natural arches for which the beach is named or head out onto the rocks to see some of unique sea life that lives in the tidepools.
Then head back to the Pacific Garden Mall to browse local shops, grab a coffee or a drinking chocolate and don’t forget to stop for some tacos on the way home, Santa Cruz County is not short on Mexican Food and we recommend Taqueria Vallarta, pair our Daytrip Grapefruit CBD Sparkling Water with a fresh squeezed lime and you have the perfect zero sugar, non-alcoholic Paloma for the meal.
Yosemite National Park
If you google best day trip to Yosemite from San Francisco, you are bombarded with a barrage of ads for tours. Well, like we said, this is our home turf, and we believe you can have just as enjoyable an experience, maybe even more so, when you head out and do your own exploration.
Late Spring and early Fall are the best times to visit Yosemite National Park. The weather can be warm during the day and the sun makes nature look that much more breathtaking. In the winter many of the roads are closed to snow.
The park has its own shuttle system and for a day trip we rely on the Yosemite Valley Shuttle System. The park is HUGE but don’t let that overwhelm you. Hit the ground early and check out some of these beauties.
Tunnel View – one of the most beautiful vistas in all of Yosemite. Great views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil.
Yosemite Falls – there are three trails that get you there: Lower Yosemite, Columbia Rock, and Upper Yosemite. The easiest and shortest trail for a day trip is the Lower Yosemite Trail (shuttle stop #6).
Mirror Lake – reflection-filled glass-like water, the trail goes around the base of Half Dome. If it’s hot – this makes a great swimming hole!
Bridalveil Falls – most likely the first waterfall you will see when you get there – it’s a short hike from the parking lot and will set the tone for the rest of the day!
Sausalito
Just a quick ferry ride away is the charming town of Sausalito. Because of its year-round warm Mediterranean vibes, we suggest starting this day trip on a bike. If you are not a San Francisco local, rent one at Fisherman’s Wharf and hop onboard. The 30-minute ferry ride will give you stunning views of the Golden Gate bridge from the water perspective, the San Francisco skyline and Alcatraz.
Once on the other side head towards the waterfront shopping and maybe a classic cappuccino at Taste of Rome on the water or if you want to dive straight in to shopping away from the busy nautical themed shops, we love Gallery 111 Art Studios where over 85 artists from photographers to sculptors to jewelry makers have their wares.
Local? If you are coming from Mill Valley or Marin drop into Mollie Stone’s for a Daytrip CBD-Infused Sparkling Water. Tangerine is one of our favorite morning drinks; all of the bright citrus of orange juice with zero sugar and way more hydration.
Check out the houseboats, there are hundreds of them in the and then switch from land to sea, either by choosing a kayak & SUP rentals or a sea plane tour. Or Book yourself on a seaplane tour above the Bay, taking off from the lovely bayside village that is Sausalito!
In just 30 minutes, you’ll be able to see Baker Beach, the Pt. Bonita Lighthouse, the Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, Downtown San Francisco, the prison of Alcatraz, where the Giants play – Oracle Park, and finally, Angel Island!
The late afternoon is meant for strolling and this town is perfect to explore in any direction. If you’re hungry, seafood is a must. If you spend time at the beach or on a kayak, make sure to switch out of your bathing suit and grab a table outside at either The Trident or Spinnaker both have some of the most beautiful views and freshest fish.
And have you really been to Sausalito without an ice cream cone from Lapperts? No. So grab your favorite flavor and finish off in Gabrielson Park watching the sail boats go by as the sun sets finishing off the best daytrip to Sausalito with dreamy pink and orange horizons.
Muir Woods
A trip to San Francisco is not complete without a day trip to the Muir Woods to see the giant redwoods. Only a few minutes north of San Francisco in Marin County, Muir Woods is by far one of the best day trips from SF!
The forest is dense and fragrant, and the trees are over a thousand years old, the tallest living organisms on the planet, around when the dinosaurs were roaming the earth and indigenous to this part of the country, so they are not to be missed.
It is always cool and a little shady and winter is the rainy months so pack parka if you are heading out after October and before April.
Important Note: If you’re driving a car to Muir Woods, you MUST reserve your parking spot in advance. Like, they’ll turn you around without one. There’s no way around this. Find tons more info about getting reservations below.
No car? No problem. There are three shuttle services that go to the Muir Woods, but you need to reserve them in advance.
- Sausalito (runs all weekends and holidays plus weekdays in peak summer season, no parking available)
- Marin City (runs all weekends and holidays plus weekdays in peak summer season, no parking available)
- Pohono Park & Ride (runs all weekends and holidays – NO weekdays in summer, but there is free parking!)
Park entry has a fee of $15.
And then you are on your own, walking peacefully around the giants, with little to NO cell phone service. Dreamy right? We suggest popping a Daytrip CBD-infused gummy for an uplifting chill that is perfect for a day in nature.
Our final tip. Get there early as it can get crowded. Bring more water than you think you’ll need, even if it’s foggy or overcast. Avoid dehydration and drink often. (we love grabbing Daytrip CBD-Infused Sparkling Water in Lemon Lime or Cherry - or both!) Pace yourself, rest in the shade, and eat salty snacks.