San Francisco Travel Planner's Guide - 2025/2026 TPG
Beyond San Francisco
2025-05-14 11:26:24
SAN FRANCISCO OFFERS MEETING SPACE, ATTRACTIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT, BUT TRIPS BEYOND THE CITY INCLUDE MANY MORE WORLD-FAMOUS DESTINATIONS WITHIN A RELATIVELY SHORT DRIVE. IF YOU WANT A FUN DAY TRIP FOR ATTENDEES OR A NEW SETTING NOT TOO FAR AWAY, SAN FRANCISCO TRAVEL’S TEAM CAN HELP YOU WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING BEYOND THE CITY, TOO.
NORTH
On the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin County’s parks and trails offer stunning views of the bridge and city skyline. There’s more natural beauty in Muir Woods (make parking and shuttle reservations up to 90 days in advance by phone or at gomuirwoods.com) and the Point Reyes National Seashore. Communities like Sausalito and Tiburon are ideal for a team outing and feature charming Main Streets with fine dining, shopping and waterfront views.
The destination that practically invented wine country in America is replete with luxurious experiences to enjoy before, during or after your meeting. Napa Valley has more than 400 wineries, as well as locavore-friendly restaurants and some of the world’s best chefs — all just a short drive north of the city.
Stretching from the rocky coast of Bodega Bay to the redwood forests of Guerneville and the rolling hills of wine country, Sonoma County offers a variety of settings. With its premium wine, farm-to-table dining, organic farms and orchards, breweries and distilleries, and artisan cheese producers (be sure to check out the California Cheese Trail), this scenic destination represents some of the best of Northern California.
This must-see destination for nature lovers features indoor and outdoor venues within the beautiful landscape of Lake Shasta and the towering 14,000-foot-tall Mt. Shasta. It also provides many opportunities for teambuilding activities, including camping, hiking, skiing, fishing, rafting, snowboarding, mountaineering and more.
EAST
EAST BAY
The East Bay is full of diverse culture and trendsetting restaurants. Notable locales include Oakland, with its flourishing creative community and buzzy dining scene; Berkeley, the destination that invented farm-to-table cuisine and home to one of the world’s leading universities; and the Mt. Diablo region, which boasts great weather year-round and features the thriving Livermore wine region and popular Tri-Valley Ice Cream Trail.
In California’s rapidly growing state capital, visit Downtown Commons (DOCO), a popular shopping and entertainment area that includes the Golden 1 Center, home to the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. Parts of the city still have an Old West ambiance, and Old Sacramento offers restored 19th-century saloons and shops. En route via I-80, Yolo County offers verdant farmlands, bike trails, historic towns and cultural activities, many of them centered at the University of California-Davis.
California’s Gold Country, which includes Tuolumne County, is one of the most direct routes to Yosemite National Park and the spectacular High Sierra. Jamestown, Sonora, Columbia and other historic towns are the perfect complement to days of hiking, biking, water sports and much more.
Nestled on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. With its crystal-clear waters, snow-capped mountains, and thrilling outdoor activities, it’s an unforgettable destination for any event.
Getting away to natural surroundings clears minds and brings fresh perspectives. Yosemite, located just three hours from San Francisco, is an inspiring destination with iconic natural landmarks and a variety of meeting venues. Between meetings, attendees can experience hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing and rafting, as well as famous sights like Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs known as El Capitan.
SOUTH
Discover a wealth of corporate retreat venues and coastal meeting spaces just a short drive down scenic Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway). The beach communities south of San Francisco feature unique attractions, as well as a charming mix of surf shops, fishing stands and restaurants with a view. Attendees can watch surfers conquer the legendary swells at Half Moon Bay or ride the wooden rollercoaster on the historic Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
One of California’s most beautiful areas, Monterey County is perfect for gatherings of all sizes. The iconic seaside location offers a variety of activities: Monterey Bay Aquarium, rounds of golf at internationally renowned courses like Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill, world-class dining and wine country.
Headquarters for some of the world’s largest high-tech corporations and a hub of future-forward ideas, Silicon Valley is a natural choice for innovative gatherings. In San Jose, attendees will find fun museums, unique dining, historic sites and natural beauty. Nearby Santa Clara features the Intel Museum and Levi’s® Stadium (home of the San Francisco 49ers), perfect locations for a team outing.
FIND MORE TRIP IDEAS AND ACTIVITIES BEYOND SAN FRANCISCO ON OUR WEBSITE: SFTRAVEL.COM/BEYOND-SF
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