Discover the beauty and diversity of Northern California with these 10 brilliant side trips from San Francisco! Just a short drive away, each destination offers unique experiences, stunning landscapes, and memorable adventures that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a day trip. Explore the iconic redwoods in Muir Woods National Monument, relax on the picturesque beaches of Marin County, or indulge in world-class wine tasting in Napa Valley.
1. Sonoma Wine Country
The famous Sonoma County wine region, only 55 miles from San Francisco is one of my favorite places for wine tasting in the United States. The vast and unique growing areas – each with its own microclimate – make for many different styles of wine. That’s one of the things that makes Sonoma wine country so fascinating for wine tourism. There’s always something new and interesting to try. We recommend visiting 3 wineries a day in the different regions, as well as discovering the restaurants you’ll find there.
2. Healdsburg
Healdsburg is a charming city located right in the center of the action in Sonoma County, 70 miles from San Francisco, and while visitor often discover it as part of a larger wine-tasting trip to the Sonoma Valley, it’s a destination all on its own, where you can easily spend a long weekend. Healdsburg is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and a view at nearby wineries, eat at amazing restaurants, and enjoying the beautiful countryside.
3. Napa Valley Wine Region
It’s no secret that Napa Valley is considered THE wine country of California. With gorgeous views and vineyards for miles, Napa is a must for wine lovers. Begin your adventure at Castello di Amorosa. You can take a guided tour of the castle and taste their wines. From there, continue your journey to Markham Vineyards. It’s one of the first wineries that was founded in Napa Valley and has been going strong since 1874.
4. Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel is a beautiful area, with beaches, vineyards, and lovely ocean views, 122 miles from San Francisco. The entire area around Central California coast is a sight to see. That’s what makes traveling there in an RV so fantastic. You can set up in an RV park near the beach, then set out for day trips to Monterey and Carmel-by-the Sea. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small European-style village that is well loved and maintained by the community. They don’t allow big-box stores or chain hotels.
5. South Lake Tahoe
One of the most popular road trips in California is a visit to the Lake Tahoe area, near the Sierra Mountains and bordering Nevada. This road trip is a typical weekend getaway from San Francisco, and other Northern California destinations, with a distance of approximately 188 miles. Once at the lake, you can easily do the loop route around the lake to explore some of the cool towns, beaches, casinos and beautiful landscape to visit in the area on your road trip.
6. Mendocino
Mendocino is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Northern California and it feels a world away from other posh spots on the California coast. It’s known for the cliffside trails and beaches of Mendocino Headlands State Park, with stunning coastal scenery and Russian Gulch State Park where the 1909 Point Cabrillo Light Station is and waterfall loop trail. You’ll also want to visit Glass Beach, north of Mendocino near Fort Bragg.
7. Yosemite National Park
One of the most popular road trips in California is the route from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. The 4-hour drive is also one of the most scenic routes in the country, with meandering mountainous roads cutting through the forest of redwood trees. The park has some of the best hikes in the world such as Yosemite Valley and the striking cascades of Yosemite Falls. The Half Dome is another of the park’s most popular places to visit.
8. Sacramento
Known as the capital of California, no journey to The Golden State is complete without a visit to this cultural gem. This unique city exports produce from over 1.5 million acres of farmland to various cities all over the US. With farm-to-table goodies and organic produce, Sacramento has an abundance of culinary treats to experience. From farmer’s markets to top-tier restaurants, this city is sure to make any culinary connoisseur swoon.
9. Monterey
Monterey is one of the oldest city in California, having been founded in 1770. It’s one of the most gorgeous seaside towns you’ll ever visit. In my opinion, the best way to visit Monterey is by car. Just driving through the Monterey Peninsula, with all of its beautiful scenery and old Spanish architecture, can be an experience of a lifetime.
10. Fresno
Serving as a living example of the quaint side of the American dream, filled with ever-green fruit orchards and a booming art scene, Fresno is the place to be. This agricultural dominant city is the perfect escape for travelers in need of a break from the bright lights of big cities. Located in the San Joaquin Valley, this city provides ample opportunity to get back in touch with nature. The Woodward Park is a superb place for nature-lovers, which includes five-mile walking trails to sensational flora finds in the Shinzen Japanese Garden.
11. Point Reyes
Located in Marin County, just 50 miles north of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore is most known for the incredibly picturesque Point Reyes Lighthouse, fantastic hiking, and outdoor activities, plus the Ten Mile Beach. There are many trails at Point Reyes National Seashore, but Tomales Point Trail should be the first you do. At Point Reyes National Seashore there are lots of great beaches, but be sure to visit Drakes Beach. You can get to the beach via Drakes Beach Road, off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.
12. Pescadero
Pescadero is a small laid-back town, 46 miles from San Francisco, with an old-country main street, stunning bluffs, and perfect sandy beaches. One of the main draws is the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a 243 acre wetland habitat. For the hikers, there’s the easy Butano Trail up to a picturesque iron bridge and there’s Sequoia Audubon Trail, which winds past coastal scrub and Great Blue Heron nesting sites up to a pretty eucalyptus grove. Pescadero State Beach is another draw, with it’s long sandy beaches and rocky outcroppings, tide pools and sandstone bluff.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.