Looking to escape the city without driving all day? San Francisco is perfectly positioned for incredible day trips and weekend adventures. Within just four hours, you can be sipping wine in a vineyard, hiking through redwood forests, or exploring dramatic coastal cliffs. Whether you’re a Bay Area local or a road trip enthusiast visiting California, this guide is your go-to list for unforgettable short escapes.
Here are the best road trips from San Francisco you can reach in under four hours.
Napa Valley & Sonoma: Wine, Relaxation, and Rolling Hills
Drive time: 1 to 1.5 hours
For wine lovers and wellness seekers alike, the Napa and Sonoma Valleys offer one of the easiest and most rewarding getaways. You’ll find beautiful rolling vineyards, charming small towns, and world-class cuisine.
Top things to do:
- Go wine tasting at favorites like Castello di Amorosa, Domaine Carneros, and Jordan Winery
- Stroll through the quaint town of Sonoma Plaza or Calistoga’s main street
- Unwind with a spa day or mud bath at Indian Springs
- Bike the scenic Napa Valley Vine Trail
Where to eat and stay:
- Grab lunch at Oxbow Public Market or eat wood-fired pizza at Ciccio in Yountville
- Stay at the El Dorado Hotel in Sonoma or The Archer in Napa
FAQ highlight:
Do I need winery reservations? Yes—especially on weekends, most wineries require advance bookings.
Is it family-friendly? Surprisingly, yes. Some wineries like Sterling offer tram rides and kid-friendly spaces.
Santa Cruz & the Redwoods: Surf, Hikes, and Classic Fun
Drive time: 1.5 hours
A Santa Cruz road trip blends coastal California surf culture with serene redwood hikes. It’s laid-back, slightly quirky, and perfect for beach bums or forest seekers alike.
Top things to do:
- Ride the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Hike the redwood trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Take a ride on the Roaring Camp steam train through the forest
- Shop and snack your way through downtown Santa Cruz
Best bites:
- Don’t skip artisan scoops at The Penny Ice Creamery
- Enjoy a retro meal at Saturn Café (a vegetarian staple)
FAQ highlight:
Is the boardwalk open year-round? Yes, though some rides are seasonal.
Where do I park? Main Beach lot fills fast—look for paid lots in downtown Santa Cruz and take the trolley.
Carmel & Big Sur: Coastal Dreams and Iconic Views
Drive time: 2 to 3.5 hours (depending on stops)
Ready for one of the most scenic drives in the world? Take Highway 1 south through Monterey and Carmel and down to the cliffs of Big Sur. You’ll find rugged coastlines, windswept vistas, and tucked-away beaches.
Must-sees along the way:
- Snap a photo at Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls
- Drive the iconic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach
- Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea, a fairytale-like town with cobblestone paths and art galleries
- Watch the waves from Nepenthe’s patio in Big Sur
What to eat and where to stay:
- Try La Bicyclette in Carmel for cozy French-inspired fare
- Stay at Mission Ranch (Clint Eastwood’s historic inn) or Ventana Big Sur for luxe forest vibes
FAQ highlight:
Is Big Sur open year-round? Not always. Check Caltrans before your trip—landslides often close sections of Highway 1.
Are there gas stations? Not many in Big Sur—fill up in Carmel or Monterey.
Point Reyes & Bolinas: Wild Coastlines and Secluded Beauty
Drive time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Escape the city to rolling headlands, dramatic beaches, and wildlife sightings in Point Reyes National Seashore. This is a perfect choice if you love hiking, photography, or just want to hear the ocean roar without crowds.
Top highlights:
- Hike to Alamere Falls, a rare tidefall pouring onto the beach
- Visit Point Reyes Lighthouse and spot gray whales (Dec–April)
- Walk the Tule Elk Preserve or explore Tomales Bay by kayak
Where to eat:
- Fresh oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co. in Marshall
- Farm-to-table comfort food at Side Street Kitchen in Point Reyes Station
FAQ highlight:
Can I swim here? Swimming isn’t safe due to strong currents and cold water—enjoy the beach views instead.
Is it pet-friendly? Some beaches and trails allow dogs on leash. Check signage and be cautious around wildlife.
Yosemite & Gold Country: Waterfalls, Granite, and Wild Beauty
Drive time: 3 to 4 hours
If you’re craving a nature escape with jaw-dropping views, Yosemite is worth the drive—even for a day trip. You’ll want an early start and lots of water for this one.
Main attractions:
- Glacier Point and Tunnel View (unmatched panoramas)
- Yosemite Falls, Mirror Lake, and Half Dome
- Swing by Groveland for lunch or Rainbow Pool for a swim
Where to stop and stay:
- Eat at 1850 Restaurant in Mariposa on the way in or out
- Stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge or Curry Village if you’re making it an overnight
FAQ highlight:
Is Yosemite doable in a day? Yes, but plan a long one. Leave before sunrise and focus on highlights.
What’s the best season? Late spring to early fall has the best accessibility and waterfall flow. Bring tire chains in winter.
Bonus Picks Under 4 Hours
If you’ve already hit the classics, here are a few under-the-radar gems:
Lake Tahoe (3.5 hours)
Great for summer boating, alpine hikes, or winter snow play. Check out Sand Harbor or hike to Eagle Lake.
Mendocino Coast (3 hours)
Charming Victorian town, coastal cliffs, and the historic Skunk Train ride through redwoods.
San Luis Obispo (4 hours on the dot)
Enjoy Bishop Peak, wine tasting in Edna Valley, and a buzzing food scene. A great weekend getaway.
Humboldt Redwoods (3.75 hours)
Drive the Avenue of the Giants and marvel at some of the largest redwoods on Earth.
Quick Road Trip Tips Before You Go
- Leave early to beat traffic, especially on Friday afternoons
- Dress in layers—coastal chill or Sierra sun can surprise you
- Download offline maps—cell service is limited in Big Sur and Yosemite
- Book ahead for popular spots like wineries, hotels, and Big Sur restaurants
- Check road and weather conditions, especially Highway 1 and Sierra passes
Most Googled Questions About SF Road Trips (Answered)
What are the best road trips under 4 hours from San Francisco?
Napa and Sonoma, Santa Cruz, Carmel and Big Sur, Point Reyes, Yosemite, Tahoe, and Mendocino are all top picks.
Can you do Yosemite in a day?
Yes, but it’s a long day. Focus on a few key spots, pack snacks, and leave early.
Are any of these dog-friendly?
Yes. Try Carmel’s dog beach, some Sonoma wineries, and portions of Point Reyes. Big Sur and Yosemite have more restrictions.
Ready to Hit the Road?
With so many diverse landscapes within reach of San Francisco, your next road trip can be as relaxing or adventurous as you want it to be. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, sipping wine, or breathing in salty sea air, California always delivers.
Continue the adventure with our guide to the Best Road Trips from San Francisco (Under 4 Hours) and start planning your next unforgettable weekend escape.
Let the wandering begin.
