San Francisco Visitors Planning Guide - 2025 VPG

San Francisco is the perfect jumping-off point for road trips filled with wine, nature and swoon-worthy panoramas. Whether booking a tour or exploring on your own, check out these fun destinations within a day’s drive.

WANDER WINE COUNTRY

Easy access to more than 800 Napa County and Sonoma County wineries? Yes, please. A few must-sips include the sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon from Mt. Helena’s Spottswoode and the pinot noir and chardonnay from Porter Creek Vineyards in Healdsburg.

HEALING HOT SPRINGS

Let tensions melt away as you sink into steaming mineral pools. Experiences range from 102-degree dips amid the calm of Calistoga’s Indian Springs Resort and Spa to snow-streaked mountain views at Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport in the Eastern Sierras.

MONTEREY BAY ROAD TRIP

Cruise down famous Highway 1, which hugs the Pacific coast and delights with dramatic cliffsides, cresting waves and other awe-inducing sights. Stop to explore tidepools on beaches, grab snacks and strawberries at Swanton Berry Farm in Davenport and fill up on cioppino at Phil’s Fish Market & Eatery in Castroville.

MOUNT DIABLO DAYCATION

Head east to Walnut Creek and Mount Diablo State Park; though the name suggests otherwise, the summit rewards with heavenly overlooks. Gaze at the rolling spines of surrounding hills — flecked with wildflowers in early spring and summer — and watch for red-tailed hawks, deer and foxes.

TOUR YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Famed for natural wonders like giant sequoia trees and the annual Yosemite Firefall, this park is brimming with magic. Several guided day trips depart from San Francisco, including Extranomical Tours, Gray Line Tours, Incredible Adventures and Skyline Sightseeing Tours.