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.
... 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.
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).
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.
Wine Country Towns like Healdsburg, Calistoga, and Sonoma dominate weekend getaway picks, complemented by serene coastal escapes at Bodega Bay and Russian River. For varied experiences, Monterey and Carmel offer scenic coastlines and activities, ...
We 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.
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.
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.
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.
There’s no direct public transit to the top, but the Marin Transit Route 61 bus runs to the base on weekends. ... Half Moon Bay is an iconic coastal getaway south of San Francisco and one of the best day trips near San Francisco, famous for its dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches. (And with a hint of luxury). It’s ideal for a scenic drive, a visit to the pumpkin patch (in fall), or simply relaxing by the ocean.