6 fantastic road trips from San Francisco

While San Francisco offers plenty to explore, there are also amazing destinations just a short drive from the City by the Bay.

For a quaint and picturesque small town experience, consider Monterey. If you're seeking adventure, Big Sur or Lake Tahoe might be just what you need. Wine enthusiasts can indulge in a getaway to Napa or Mendocino, complete with wine tastings, luxurious spa days, and beautiful scenic trains.

For a laid-back summer weekend, relax at the beach and boardwalk in Santa Cruz.

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Each location is unique and perfect for a long weekend escape.

Santa Cruz

Travel time from San Francisco: 90 minutes

Kick off your weekend in Santa Cruz at the boardwalk, where the air is filled with the scent of buttery popcorn and sugary cotton candy. Experience the excitement on classic rides, from roller coasters to log flumes, or ride the ocean's waves. For a more tranquil vibe, head to the peaceful beaches of the Capitola area. A perfect compromise is Cowell Beach, featuring gentler waves ideal for beginner surfers.

Make sure to allocate time during your Santa Cruz getaway to explore Natural Bridges State Park. You can often spot sea lions and otters offshore, and during low tide, tide pools reveal starfish and sea urchins. Take a hike along the bluffs on West Cliff Drive to Natural Bridges for breathtaking views.

Where to stay: The Dream Inn offers a cozy, stylish experience right on Cowell Beach, with every room featuring a private ocean-view balcony. It embodies surf culture, and the staff is incredibly accommodating. For those who prefer points hotels, Santa Cruz has plenty of options. Marriott fans can consider Hotel Paradox, a Category 6 Autograph Collection hotel, where off-peak nights start at 40,000 points, and PointSavers dates can drop to as low as 35,000 points (ideal for using a 35,000-point free-night certificate from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card).

Don't miss: The Giant Dipper at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which has been thrilling riders since 1924. It's recognized as one of the best wooden roller coasters worldwide, offering a smoother ride than Brooklyn's Cyclone and reaching speeds of 55 miles per hour.

Mendocino

Driving time from San Francisco: Approximately three hours

Mendocino County, situated just north of Sonoma County and only a few hours from San Francisco, boasts one of the nation's most underrated wine regions, with wineries and vineyards dotting the landscape. While enjoying a glass of Pinot Noir, visitors can also explore the dramatic coastline featuring miles of scenic trails and beaches. The drive from San Francisco takes you through majestic redwood forests, and you can witness these giants up close at Navarro River Redwoods State Park or Hendy Woods State Park, which encompasses 945 acres of ancient groves.

Where to stay: For a cozy stay in Mendocino, seek out small, boutique hotels. The Brewery Gulch Inn, built from reclaimed redwood, offers stunning views from its clifftop location overlooking the ocean. Rooms feature large picture windows and gas fireplaces for chilly evenings, with rates starting around $385 per night. For a nature-focused experience, consider Mendocino Grove, a glamping destination with safari-style tents set on 37 acres of lush landscape.

Don't miss: The Skunk Train, a family-friendly adventure, travels through the redwoods on the picturesque seven-mile Pudding Creek Express loop from nearby Fort Bragg.

Big Sur

Driving time from San Francisco: About three hours

A long weekend in Big Sur is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy a picnic at Pfeiffer Beach or relax on Sand Dollar Beach, where you can surf and hunt for jade among the rocks. Don't forget your wetsuit, as the water can be quite brisk. While many redwood fans head north of San Francisco, some of the largest and oldest redwoods can be found in Limekiln State Park. There are two short trails here, one leading to a stunning 100-foot waterfall. Be sure to visit the Henry Miller Memorial Library, which serves as both a library and a cultural hub dedicated to the late author.

Where to stay: After Hyatt acquired Two Roads Hospitality in 2018, new options became available for those with World of Hyatt (or Chase Ultimate Rewards) points. One standout property that joined the World of Hyatt program is Ventana Big Sur, an Alila resort. Nestled off the Pacific Coast Highway, this resort boasts an ultra-luxurious cabin vibe with breathtaking ocean views and an infinity-edge hot tub. Rates start at $500 or 30,000 points per night.

Don't miss: Hiking in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park for breathtaking views of California's central coast from the summit of Manuel Peak.

Monterey

Driving time from San Francisco: Two hours

Monterey is a charming California town filled with quirky shops, seafood eateries, and casual dive bars, making it an enjoyable escape. Don't miss the Monterey Museum of Art, which showcases early California artworks from a time when Monterey was a bustling factory town. Afterwards, savor an adobada burrito from the nearby hidden gem, Baldemiro's Taco Shop. No visit would be complete without spending an afternoon at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the best in the nation, featuring an impressive variety of marine life and plenty of interactive experiences. Guests can even dive into the bay with instructors until early September.

Where to stay: Located in nearby Carmel, the Mission Ranch Hotel is worth the short trip. Preserved and restored by Clint Eastwood, this hotel offers stunning views of Point Lobos and Carmel Beach, making it perfect for a romantic weekend getaway.

Don't miss: Rent a kayak from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and paddle around the bay—you might just spot a group of seals along the way!

Napa

Distance from San Francisco: One hour (if you set out from San Francisco very early)

Exploring Napa offers a variety of experiences, most of which revolve around wine tasting. While wineries typically provide only light snacks during tastings due to permit requirements, Round Pond Estate stands out by offering a delightful food and wine pairing experience. The spa offerings in Napa are just as impressive as its vineyards; guests can indulge in warm mud baths or opt for soothing salt baths. Both experiences provide a tranquil way to enjoy a long summer weekend, especially when followed by another glass of wine. Although Napa's nightlife is generally low-key, Blue Note Napa offers a vibrant jazz scene and strong drinks for those looking to unwind.

Where to stay: Napa offers numerous fantastic accommodations for an overnight visit. The Rancho Caymus Inn is conveniently located near several excellent wineries. For a touch of luxury, consider Senza Hotel, known for its heated bathroom floors and an evening wine and cheese hour. Additionally, Napa features several appealing points hotels, such as Andaz Napa, which can be booked for 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night (or $220) during select summer dates.

Review: Las Alcobas in Napa Valley, California

Don't miss: A journey aboard the Napa Wine Train, a three-hour excursion that includes a gourmet meal and a choice from a selection of 40 wines. Enjoy your drinks while taking in the beautiful views of Napa, Yountville, and Rutherford.

Lake Tahoe

Driving time from San Francisco: hours

Even if the drive approaches four hours, travelers will find their patience rewarded by the breathtaking, impossibly blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Nestled among the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is a favored spot for winter and early spring skiing, as well as summer kayaking and invigorating day hikes. Be sure to visit Sand Harbor State Park on the lake's northeast side, which connects to the new Tahoe East Shore Trail featuring over a dozen scenic viewpoints.

Where to stay: If you've brought your skis and snow gear, Sugar Bowl is the nearest major Tahoe-area ski resort from San Francisco. Throughout the year, the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe serves as a great place to use your Marriott points (starting at 70,000 points per night). It provides ski-in, ski-out access to Northstar California ski area and direct access to Lake Tahoe, with a modern mountain design complemented by gas fireplaces and marble bathrooms.

Don't miss: Emerald Bay State Park, located 12 miles north of South Lake Tahoe, offers stunning views of the lake. This area features the iconic Inspiration Point overlook, where you can catch sight of multiple waterfalls and Vikingsholm, a castle-like estate dating back to the late 1920s.

Featured image by Andrew Wille/Getty Images.