Top San Francisco Day Trips

Visit Yosemite National Park without the hassle of planning a long day of driving or coordinating park logistics from San Francisco. Traveling in a small group, you'll journey through California’s Central Valley before exploring Yosemite Valley’s most famous sights, including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. A stop among giant sequoias adds another iconic California landscape to the experience.

Napa and Sonoma are two key wine-growing regions in California, but deciding exactly which wineries to visit can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers. Take the guesswork out of this small-group guided tour from San Francisco. Enjoy hotel pickup and transfers as you visit two wineries for included tastings, with free time in Sonoma Plaza and photo stops along the way.

From the spectacular rocky ocean waves to the iconic towns, Highway 1 from San Francisco provides an experience you rarely find. This tour combines the best of California in one day. We begin in Monterey Bay, that has unparalleled sea life. You may even spot a whale! You will have time for coffee at Cannery Row. Next is the famous 17-Mile Scenic Drive (including a stop at golf resort Pebble Beach). There will be photo stops at the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, Lovers Point or Point Pinos. We visit the beach town of Carmel, home to celebrities such as Clint Eastwood, where you can visit quaint shops, artisinal bakeries and coffee shops. Lastly, we will see the Bixby Bridge and Hurricane Point, the iconic highlights of Big Sur. Depending on the time of the year, there may be a spectacular Northern California sunset over the ocean as we make our way back to San Francisco.

This small-group tour takes you from downtown San Francisco to Muir Woods and Sausalito—two of Marin's top attractions—in a single day. Riding across the Golden Gate Bridge in a tour van leaves you free to take in the epic views instead of focusing on the driving. You'll have free time to explore both sites, making this organized option a great choice for independent travelers.

See San Francisco’s most famous waterfront landmarks from the water on a bay cruise that combines iconic views with onboard flexibility. Sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, pass Alcatraz Island, and take in panoramic views of the city skyline while listening to stories and insights through an app-based audio guide. With skip-the-line boarding and indoor and outdoor viewing areas, it’s an easy way to experience the bay from a different perspective.

Hop on a '70s-era VW bus and get to know the hippie past and hipster vibe that make up San Francisco today. Starting and ending at Fisherman's Wharf, this sightseeing tour takes you around the city, including Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. See the homes of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, while listening to '60s classics. So settle into a neon-blue seat and dig your shoes into groovy shag carpet. Each bus accommodates up to just six people.

See the best of San Francisco in one day on this guided tour that includes all transportation and admission to Alcatraz. Visit multiple locations in the city, including Chinatown, Presidio, Fisherman's Wharf, and Haight-Ashbury, with plenty of stops for photo ops. Cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy a hike through the beautiful redwood trees in Muir Woods. If you've upgraded, take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, where you can explore with an award-winning audio-guided tour of the former federal prison.

Active travelers who want to explore Yosemite National Park without the risk of getting lost or missing the best bits will enjoy this small-group guided tour. After reaching the park in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle you'll be taken on a guided tour of Yosemite Valley and the giant sequoia trees of Tuolumne Grove. Then, hike to the lesser-visited Sequoia Grove for great views with your exercise, followed by free time.

Savor the best of Napa and Sonoma wine country with ease on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy scenic photo stops, and visit renowned wineries in Napa and Sonoma. Taste award-winning wines, explore charming Sonoma Plaza, and discover gems that can include Artesa Winery and Madonna Estate. Enjoy guided commentary, round-trip transport, and tastings, making this tour a relaxing and memorable one.

See Monterey, Carmel, and the Pacific Coast Highway without the hassle of renting a car during this full-day tour from San Francisco. Wind down the coast through Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, 17-Mile Drive, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Pickup and drop-off from either Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf are included for an easy day of exploring.

Ready for a day of iconic sights, towering trees, and coastal charm? Hop aboard our comfy transportation for a small-group adventure through San Francisco’s coolest neighborhoods, across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, and into the magical redwood groves of Muir Woods. Snap epic pics from Fort Point and Battery Spencer, then kick back with free time in Sausalito—where waterfront vibes and boutique charm await. With a local guide serving up fun facts and hidden gems, this tour is the perfect blend of city sparkle and nature’s wow factor. Wander beneath ancient redwoods in Muir Woods National Monument Ride in style, brand new high-top van capped at 12 passengers Professional and friendly driver guide Exclusive stop at Battery Spencer, an Ins-style photo spot Explore SF’s vibrant neighborhoods with a local legend Chill seaside in Sausalito Score postcard-worthy shots of the Golden Gate

Known for its steep granite cliffs, waterfalls, towering sequoia groves, and diversity of wildlife, Yosemite National Park is something you don’t want to miss. On this small group day trip, you can leave the logistics to a tour guide so all you have to do is enjoy the great outdoors. You have both guided sightseeing and free time, ensuring you see the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s major attractions, like Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite Valley, with the chance to explore more of the park however you wish.

Santa Cruz, its central coast beaches and redwood forests lie roughly two hours south of San Francisco. This means getting there without a car is not easy. Skip the hassle of vehicle hire with this full-day sightseeing tour, and let someone else take care of the driving. Not only will you enjoy an itinerary that includes Santa Cruz Harbor and Capitola Beach, but this tour also includes a ride through Redwood National Park on a steam train.

Drive down one of the most scenic roads in California on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cruise along the coast-hugging Highway 1, passing Pebble Beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive. Enjoy free time to explore Monterey, where you can stroll down Steinbeck’s Cannery Row or visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium (own expense). Then enjoy free time to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea before returning to San Francisco.

Ride a GoCar all over San Francisco as it navigates for you and provides a guided tour. Take as long as you like to explore the city with a storytelling car as your guide. Learn all about the city as you visit spots such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Warf, Golden Gate Park, and much more.

Visit two of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most popular destinations without the hassle of driving, parking, or securing reservations on your own. Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge to explore the towering redwoods of Muir Woods, then spend time in Sausalito, known for its waterfront views, art galleries, and laid-back charm. Return to San Francisco by coach or choose the flexibility of a ferry ride across the bay.

Combine three of the Bay Area's top attractions—Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods, and Sausalito—in a single tour from San Francisco. Enjoy comfortable transportation in a luxury small-group tour van, including a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge, so you can focus on the scenery instead of driving. Your Alcatraz admission includes the ferry ride and audio tour, with free time to explore Muir Woods and Sausalito at your own pace.

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour of Sonoma and Napa Valley and uncover the rich history, stunning vineyards, and timeless charm of this world-renowned wine region. Visit iconic wineries including the Tuscan-style castle, Castello di Amorosa, Napa Valley’s first winery, Charles Krug, and Chateau Montelena, renowned for putting California on the global wine map. Along the way, hear fascinating stories on the region’s rich wine-making heritage and its natural wonders play automatically, as you explore this wine lover’s paradise. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use No time limits or expiry Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Experience Muir Woods National Monument and the quaint waterfront town of Sausalito on a half-day tour. Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge on a guided day trip that includes pickup in a convenient location in downtown San Francisco, transportation, and National Park entrance fees. Enjoy free time among the ancient redwoods, then explore Sausalito at your own pace before returning to San Francisco by vehicle or by ferry (separate expense).

Discover the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite National Park on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Enjoy early park entry and comfortable hotel pickup from major San Francisco hotels. Spot supersized natural wonders such as Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and sequoia groves, and spend several hours exploring the park’s wonders on your own. Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older pay an additional park entry fee.

Sail across San Francisco Bay at twilight to admire the skyline as it begins to light up for the night, and enjoy a perspective on the skyline that few other visitors get to see. With an experienced captain at the helm, you’ll glide past Alcatraz Island and cruise underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. As you go, you can also enjoy one complimentary beverage to accompany your sightseeing, or purchase additional drinks from the onboard bar.

Get an overview of San Francisco's city sights and its nearby nature in one convenient tour. Learn about the city's neighborhoods from a Bay Area local, discovering spots you might otherwise miss. See the stunning redwood trees in Muir Woods National Monument, snap photos at Golden Gate Bridge, and enjoy free time to explore the waterfront at Sausalito.

Explore Sonoma Valley wine on a small-group tasting tour from San Francisco to boutique wineries, making sightseeing stops along the way. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, enter Sonoma's rolling landscape of golden hills and vineyards, and enjoy a series of guided tastings, learning about Sonoma wine varietals and terroir as you sip. After your time in Sonoma, pause in the artists' colony of Sausalito, with the option to return to San Francisco by ferry for great views across the San Francisco Bay.