San Francisco is the gateway to some of California's most beautiful places — ancient redwoods, world-famous wine country, and a dramatic coastline, all within a day's reach. If you have a fourth or fifth day, here are the strongest options.
Muir Woods and Sausalito. The easiest and most popular escape: across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin, Muir Woods protects a grove of towering old-growth coast redwoods, some over 800 years old, in a hushed canyon. Pair it with Sausalito, the charming bayside town with skyline views. Note that Muir Woods requires advance parking or shuttle reservations that sell out — going with a guided tour solves that headache and adds the scenic bridge crossing. It's a half-day, leaving time for the city.
Napa and Sonoma wine country. About 1-1.5 hours north, Napa Valley and neighboring Sonoma form one of the world's premier wine regions — hundreds of wineries, tasting rooms, and superb restaurants among rolling vineyards. It's a full-day trip. Guided tours (with transport and tastings arranged) are popular and sensible given the drinking and driving consideration; if you drive yourself, plan a designated driver. Sonoma is generally more low-key and rustic, Napa more polished and upscale.
Monterey and Carmel. About two hours south down the coast, the Monterey Peninsula offers the excellent Monterey Bay Aquarium, the historic Cannery Row, the scenic 17-Mile Drive, and the storybook village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's a long but rewarding day (better as an overnight if you can), and the drive itself, especially along the coast, is part of the appeal.
Other options. Point Reyes National Seashore offers wild, windswept coastline, a famous lighthouse, and oyster farms, about 1.5 hours northwest. The redwood parks and beaches of the broader Bay Area, the university town of Berkeley, and (for the ambitious) the start of the Big Sur coast or Yosemite (a long day, really an overnight) round out the possibilities.
Getting around. A rental car opens up the most, especially wine country, the coast, and Point Reyes. But for Muir Woods, wine country, and Monterey, organized day tours from San Francisco are an excellent, low-stress option — particularly for wine country, where you'll want to taste freely. Public transit and ferries (to Sausalito) cover a few of the closer trips.
