From underrated, affordable spots like Murphys + Guerneville to classics like Napa, here are some of the best weekend getaways in Northern/Central California within 3 hours of San Francisco.
Don’t Miss: Pfeiffer Beach, Henry Miller Library, Nepenthe for sunset Pack: Layers—it gets cold even in summer Perfect for: 2–3 day trips with a car, ideally midweek if you want to avoid crowds · Drive time from SF: ~2.5 hours Best for: art lovers, low-key wine people, coastal walks, anniversary weekends · Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of those places that feels a little too perfect in the best way. Think white-sand beaches, storybook cottages, and a town center that somehow has zero street numbers but a thousand galleries.
I drove out to nearby Mount Shasta, and I thought it was absolutely spectacular to see the snowcapped peak rising above the town—it made the whole trip feel magical. I also thought it was awesome how easy it was to reach waterfalls, hiking trails, and natural wonders just minutes from the hotel. Check prices and availability at McCloud Hotel. ... For me, McCloud Hotel is one of the best weekend getaways from San Francisco.
Our favorite kind of weekend getaways is usually a mix of outdoor adventure and downtime. Places like Monterey Bay, the Russian River, and Point Reyes are all nearby and offer a mix of experiences.
New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Share ... Healdsburg or Calistoga for wine country. ... Sonoma Coast. Monterey, Caramel, or Santa Cruz for a less foggy coast.
Explore Pescadero State Beach, visit the historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse, or take a walk through the sprawling fields of nearby Harley Farms Goat Dairy. Unique to the town is its annual summer Artichoke Festival, celebrating its locally grown crop.
... Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, and Danville make up the Tri-Valley in the East Bay Area. You can reach them from San Francisco via BART if you prefer to leave your car behind, as there is a Dublin/Pleasanton BART station.
There are incredible destinations all around the city. Run north to see the beautiful cities on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge and penetrate into wine country, or head east for Lake Tahoe.
Carmel Valley (not to be confused with nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea) is less than three hours from San Francisco by car. ... Napa Valley and Sonoma County aren’t the only places to go for a weekend of winetasting and sunshine (though you’ll rarely see us turn down a trip to either).
A beautiful walkable downtown, spas, and an array of activities in and around town make for a great weekend out from San Francisco. Up close to the vines! Top things to do: Eat and drink! Some of our favorite spots? Costeaux French Bakery is a great place for breakfast, and their desserts are mouthwatering delicious. Brunch at Barndiva is a must. Spoonbar is the place to go for cocktails! For that special dinner, Single Thread, with its 3 Michelin stars. Tour beautiful wineries in the area: the Francis Ford Coppola Winery in nearby Geyserville features a French chateau that houses some of the director’s memorabilia.