10 Best Weekend Getaways Near San Francisco
Escape for a Short Break Near San Francisco
Many of the best San Francisco weekend getaways can be found along the spectacular Pacific coast. California is known for its beautiful surfing spots, soft-sand beaches and ocean views, so it’s no surprise to find that many coastal towns and villages are popular hotspots for road trips. Sporty types can enjoy hiking, ziplining and kayaking and nature lovers will find an array of tranquil spots to relax and enjoy amazing scenery.
San Franciscans love to make the most of the mild climate to escape to a picturesque town where they can dine al fresco and enjoy locally produced wines. Discover charming spots where you can savour great food and delicious Californian wine on a weekend break from the city.
1. Big Sur
Unforgettable scenery and sunsets
Ideal para: Foto, Vida noturna, Econômico
Big Sur features some of California’s most dramatic scenery and it’s one of the most spectacular driving routes along America’s west coast. Take Highway 1 along winding mountainside roads and sweeping beaches, making sure you stop along the way for some incredible Instagrammable photos. The vantage point at McWay Falls is breathtaking as you watch the waterfall plunge 80 feet to the beach below.
Drop down to Pfeiffer Beach for more ocean views and patches of unique purple sand. As sunset approaches, stroll to the Keyhole Arch. This unusual arched rock forms a stunning light tunnel as the orange glow of the sun descends over the water, and it’s an incredible sight. So, be sure to take your camera.
Big Sur
2. Columbia, Gold Country
Family fun in a historic town
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, História
Escape to the past in Columbia, Gold Country. Set in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this historic town is over 2 hours’ drive east of San Francisco. But the charming heritage district makes the road trip well worth it. The town has been preserved to evoke the Gold Rush era of the 1950s, and you’ll step back in time as you stroll down wide, tree-lined avenues, full of timber buildings.
Spend an afternoon on Columbia’s Main Street watching ironmongers and candle makers at work. Little treasure-seekers will love the fun gold-panning experience, as well as making feathery friends in the chicken coop. Round off your day with a leisurely ride through town on a vintage horse-drawn waggon.
Columbia, Gold Country
3. Jenner
A pretty coastal town
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The tiny hamlet of Jenner will delight you with its picturesque houses dotted along the cliffs. It’s a charming town perched high on a bluff and you’ll love the amazing views over the ocean. Relax on Goat Rock Beach with a picnic and watch seals basking in the sunshine.
Jenner-by-the-Sea, as it’s also known, is a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy a rejuvenating hike with wonderful scenery and a refreshing ocean breeze. Be sure to try the sunset kayak tour too. The stillness of the water as the sky changes colour is simply breathtaking, and you’ll learn all about the history and fauna of the area. Keep your eyes peeled for the bald eagles and seals as you paddle.
Jenner
4. Mendocino
A beautiful blend of nature and culture
Ideal para: Casais, Foto
Mendocino is an excellent choice to escape from chaotic city life and enjoy a wonderful combination of relaxation, nature and excellent wine. You’ll find this peaceful town around 3 hours’ north of San Francisco, along Highway 1. It’s a haven for art lovers, who flock to the town to paint its rugged landscapes and you’ll love visiting the numerous galleries.
For unparalleled nature, head inland to the centuries-old redwood groves at Hendy Woods. Walk under the towering trees and recharge your batteries as you soak up the tranquillity of this enchanted forest. The Anderson Valley area is also known for its award-winning wineries and vineyards and the wine-tasting visits are highly recommended.
Mendocino
5. Santa Cruz
Forest fun and Sasquatch sightings
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Santa Cruz is famous for its boardwalk and amusement park, but it’s also home to impressive mountain landscapes and abundant nature. Adventure seekers should visit Mount Hermon to experience the thrill of ziplining between majestic redwood trees. Take part in an exhilarating eco-tour and dare to walk amongst the treetops on a challenging obstacle course.
For family fun, follow the trail of a legendary creature at the Bigfoot Discovery Museum, where you can check out plaster footprints and evidence of local sightings. In the colder months, the eucalyptus grove at Natural Bridges State Beach is a lovely spot to explore too. Kids will love watching the clusters of monarch butterflies fill the sky with their mesmerising orange and black wings.
Santa Cruz
6. St Helena
Mouthwatering meals and world-famous wine
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The vineyards surrounding St Helena will charm you with row after row of leafy grapevines. This picturesque town and its surrounding area are home to many of Napa Valley’s finest wineries. If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend break which includes high-quality restaurants and delicious wine-tasting sessions, St Helena is a lovely choice.
The main street is full of quaint shops and restaurants that cater for all tastes. Indulge in farm-to-table dishes in a renovated barn, craft cocktails in an upmarket bistro or steak and Napa wine in a chic, high-end restaurant. The beauty of this area and its symmetrical vines is best experienced from the sky, so why not try an exhilarating hot-air balloon ride to end your trip?
St Helena
7. Bodega Bay
An escape to nature
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto
Bodega Bay is a popular spot for a laidback getaway by the ocean. In summer, San Franciscans love to escape the city and spend a weekend camping, kayaking and hiking in this tranquil town. Take in the coastal views and natural beauty of this area as you soak up the sun on Doran Beach. The area is also popular with birdwatchers for spotting egrets, vultures and pelicans along the Birdwalk Coastal Access Trail.
For those looking for a more active weekend break, Bodega Head Trail is wonderful for hiking. You’ll be rewarded with magnificent ocean vistas as the winding path takes you over cliffs and along the coast. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, especially early in the morning.
Bodega Bay
8. Sebastopol
A traditional town with loads of charm
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Wander through the streets of Sebastopol and you’ll find cute, independent boutiques and cozy cafes. Shop for unique homeware, handcrafted delights and children’s toys downtown, then head to Antique Row to browse the eclectic mix of vintage clothing, paintings and bric-a-brac. Leave the small-town charm behind you to explore The Barlow, on the edge of town. This huge, modern mall is full of art galleries, wine bars and trendy eateries for a wonderful fine dining and shopping experience.
Sebastopol was once an important apple-producing town and amateur gardeners will be fascinated by Luther Burbank’s Experiment Farm. Immerse yourself in the life of a famous horticulturist and discover a 19th-century farm which developed over 800 varieties of flowers, fruits and vegetables.
Sebastopol
9. Guerneville
A popular choice for a road trip
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Guerneville has long been a favourite place for San Franciscans looking to retreat to nature in the summer months. But over the past few years, it has become a sought-after, year-round destination thanks to its wonderful mix of quality shops and eateries, and good range of accommodation. Stay overnight in a rustic cabin nestled among towering redwood trees, camp alongside the river or treat yourself to a luxury spa resort in this thriving town.
Whether you’re looking to sprawl out on Johnson’s Beach with a good book, float lazily down Russian River in a canoe or tour a winery, you’ll find it in Guerneville. Be sure to visit River Road, the town’s main shopping street, for its quirky, retro vibe.
Guerneville
10. Carmel
Stunning architecture and amazing sunsets
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Foto, História
Carmel is only 2 hours’ drive south of San Francisco, making it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway. It’s a popular spot with surfers and those looking to sunbathe on the white sands of the beach and photograph a breathtaking sunset. History enthusiasts will love the variety of museums and the awe-inspiring Carmel Mission Basilica.
Explore whimsical boutiques and trendy restaurants on Ocean Avenue. You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re strolling through a fairytale European village with the buildings’ colourful facades. Carmel is compact and best experienced on foot, so wander through the streets and discover hidden courtyards and passageways full of amazing architecture.
Carmel
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