9 Quick Getaways from San Francisco
When summer arrives in the Bay Area, the open road beckons—with sea breezes, sun-warmed vineyards, and charming towns all within a two-hour drive of San Francisco. Whether you’re craving coastal calm, wine country indulgence, or a dose of small-town nostalgia, these quick escapes promise maximum reward with minimal planning. Think oyster picnics, blufftop strolls, and vineyard rides on vintage railcars—all designed to refresh and recharge in just a weekend’s time.
Tomales Bay: A Coastal Haven of Culinary and Natural Delights
Just 90 minutes from San Francisco, Tomales Bay is a slender, tranquil inlet flanked by protected parklands and oyster farms. It’s a haven for summer kayaking, picnicking, and basking in the beauty of Northern California’s unspoiled coastline. Glide across the calm bay in a kayak or SUP, watching for seals and sea birds, or hike into Point Reyes National Seashore for sweeping coastal vistas.
This is oyster country and tasting them fresh from the source—at dockside shuck-and-slurp spots or rustic outdoor eateries—is a quintessential summer ritual. Farms, cheese shops, and roadside bakeries complete the culinary circuit. Slow, scenic, and salt-kissed, Tomales Bay is summer in its most satisfying form.
Where to stay
Nestled along the water’s edge, Nick’s Cove is a collection of meticulously restored cottages that have been welcoming travelers since the 1930s. Two newly updated cottages honor Nick’s Cove’s rich history while incorporating GreenRow’s sustainable, vintage-inspired furnishings and cheerful aesthetic.
Bodega Bay: A Charming Fishing Village with Natural Splendor
Two hours north of San Francisco, Bodega Bay pairs rugged Pacific beauty with the charms of a working fishing village. Its dramatic coastline is ideal for scenic drives, bluff hikes, and quiet beaches, while the harbor below hums with activity. The Bodega Head Trail is a must for panoramic vistas and possible whale sightings in early summer.
Back in town, feast on just-caught seafood or browse the galleries, boutiques, and quirky gift shops. The harbor and marina are great for paddleboarding or renting a kayak to explore the waters. Bodega Bay’s landscape may be windswept and wild, but its appeal is deeply relaxing and refined.
Where to Stay
Just 300 yards from Bodega Bay and steps away from restaurants and galleries, Bodega Bay Inn offers laid-back vibes, pet-friendly accommodations, and warm hospitality. Family-run since 1983, the inn was originally built as an art gallery and studio and retains its artisan roots.
Sonoma: Sophisticated Wine Country Charm
Sonoma’s sophisticated summer charms are just an hour away, with its historic town square anchoring the experience. Taste your way through boutique wineries and seasonal menus, all within walking distance of shaded gardens and open-air patios. The plaza itself buzzes with galleries, shops, and a farmers’ market on Tuesday nights and Friday mornings that is rich in local flavor.
Beyond the town, meandering roads invite vineyard drives, scenic bike rides, and stops at roadside fruit stands. Outdoor trails offer valley views and a touch of serenity. Whether you’re swirling wine, shopping antiques, or watching the sunset over the hills, Sonoma’s relaxed rhythm is an ideal summer balm.
Where to stay
At the southern gateway to Sonoma, the brand-new Casia Inn is a soothing oasis that blends rich history with modern elegance in a tranquil garden setting. Just two blocks from the plaza, the Inn at Sonoma features newly renovated interiors and a rooftop deck with a hot tub.
Napa: Effortless Indulgence in the Valley
Napa’s golden light and vineyard-laced roads set the stage for summer indulgence less than two hours from the city. With more than 400 wineries, the valley invites leisurely tasting experiences that range from sleek modern estates to ivy-covered classics. Outdoor garden pairings, vineyard picnics, and al fresco flights are especially idyllic in summer’s warmth.
Journey aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train for a restored vintage railcar that’s part moving postcard or rent a bike and pedal your way to tasting rooms along the Napa Valley Vine Trail. Napa’s downtown district tempts with galleries, wine bars, and riverfront dining. In the upper valley, mud baths and mineral pools make for a rejuvenating break between tastings. Whether sipping a cabernet or cycling through vines, this is wine country summer at its finest.
Where to stay
A short drive from downtown Napa, the Candlelight Inn is an English Tudor estate nestled in a secluded setting. Guests can relax poolside beneath a wisteria-draped arbor or enjoy lawn games in the yard. Completely redesigned in 2021, Milliken Creek Inn is an exclusive hideaway tucked along the banks of the Napa River. The tranquil, three-acre setting offers sleek fire pits, trickling fountains, a koi pond, and intimate seating areas.
Benicia: Bayfront Artistry and Historic Allure
Benicia is the kind of place you stumble upon and wonder how you didn’t know about it sooner. Just 45 minutes from San Francisco, this historic waterfront town blends maritime charm with a thriving arts scene. First Street is the heart of it all, with working artist studios, galleries, antique shops, and water-view cafés.
Take a walk along the marina or launch a kayak from the public beach. The town’s history lives on in preserved Victorian homes and the state’s original capitol building, while arts events and outdoor concerts animate this charming town throughout the year. For a low-key escape, Benicia is a true summer sleeper hit.
Where to stay
Built in 1854, The Inn at Benicia Bay is a beautifully renovated inn blending period architectural details and modern amenities while honoring the town’s rich seafaring history. It’s located just a block from downtown Benicia and features wine tastings on Thursday nights and jazz on Fridays.
Livermore: Wine Country with a Downtown Beat
Just 50 minutes east of San Francisco, Livermore offers a warm, sunny escape with a refreshingly down-to-earth vibe. As one of California’s oldest wine regions, its rolling vineyards and heritage wineries deliver elegant tastings without the pretense. Sip estate blends at Wente or Concannon or discover small-production labels on a scenic wine trail.
Downtown Livermore is a destination in itself—inviting with tree-lined streets, public art, chef-driven restaurants, and frequent summer events like open-air concerts and farmers’ markets. The area also boasts outdoor recreation, with trails winding through golden hills and open preserves. With its balance of wine country charm and vibrant culture, Livermore makes a summer day trip feel like a true getaway.
Where to stay
Located just 10 minutes from the Livermore Wine Trolley, The Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa provides a tranquil retreat amid rolling hills and olive orchards. Unwind in a poolside cabana, indulge in spa treatments, and sample olive oil made from olives grown onsite.
Half Moon Bay: Coastal Drama Meets Country Calm
A breezy 45-minute drive from the city delivers you to Half Moon Bay, where dramatic cliffs meet golden beaches and rustic farms. Summer brings clear mornings perfect for hiking the Coastal Trail or horseback riding on Poplar Beach, followed by afternoons tide-pooling at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve or browsing seasonal farmstands.
The working harbor bustles with fishing boats and crab shacks, while elegant seaside restaurants offer sweeping ocean views. Inland, flower farms and art galleries nod to the town’s creative, agricultural spirit. Whether it’s surfing, cycling, or sipping wine over coastal views, Half Moon Bay strikes the perfect balance of sophistication and salt air.
Where to stay
Inspired by European country manors, Seal Cove Inn is a secluded, elegant coastal retreat. A garden path from the inn leads directly to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and Seal Cove Beach. The Inn at Mavericks is nestled on a small bluff overlooking the ocean and the harbor. The six spacious suites offer luxurious amenities and panoramic views. The Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach is nestled along a sandy beach with stunning ocean views. Be lulled by the waves while enjoying a massage by the hotel’s in-house massage therapist.
Pescadero: An Agrarian Retreat by the Sea
Just off Highway 1, 75 minutes south of San Francisco, Pescadero is a quiet, unplugged coastal gem with an agrarian heart and wild beauty. Its tiny historic downtown, lined with just a handful of shops and cafes, invites slow browsing and friendly conversation. Pick up fresh artichoke bread and picnic provisions from Arcangeli Grocery Co., and head to Pescadero State Beach for a low-key day of beach combing and watching the waves.
Harley Farms Goat Dairy offers charming animal encounters and gourmet cheese, while nearby trails at Butano State Park wind through redwood groves and wildflower meadows. With tidepools, rolling fields, and a windswept calm, Pescadero is perfect for a relaxed and rustic coastal escape.
Where to Stay
Pescadero Creek Inn’s 100-year-old farmhouse beckons travelers with its peaceful creek-side setting on the edge of town. Lovingly restored and decorated with period antiques, each room features a queen-sized down featherbed and a private bath with an antique claw foot tub.
Santa Cruz: Surf, Sun, and Seaside Nostalgia
Santa Cruz is a classic California beach town with a playful spirit. The historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk brings carnival magic with its vintage rides and seaside games, while the adjacent Wharf buzzes with seafood, ice cream, and sea lion sightings below the planks.
Cowell’s Beach is the go-to spot for beginners learning to surf, where mellow swells and welcoming instructors make it easy to catch your first wave. From there, stroll or cycle along West Cliff Drive, an oceanfront path offering cliff-top views and photo-worthy moments at every curve. At Lighthouse Point, check out over 100 years of surfing history at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Or watch from the cliffs as fearless surfers try to tame the point breaks at Steamer Lane. This laid-back surf town packs sun-kissed charm into every summer day.
Where to Stay
Across from the Main Beach and the Beach Boardwalk, Marea Sol is a hip, new boutique hotel with a rooftop deck and thoughtfully designed rooms that pay homage to Santa Cruz’s seascapes. Also across from Main Beach, the family-friendly Beach Street Inn & Suites serves up a colorful, contemporary beach vibe with free snow cones and a swimming pool. Chic and elegant, the West Cliff Inn is a beautifully renovated Victorian featuring breezy, coastal-inspired décor and blufftop views of the beach and Boardwalk. Perched on a cliff directly above the wharf and Cowell’s Beach, the oceanfront Sea & Sand Inn offers warm hospitality and exceptional ocean views from every room.