Day trips from San Francisco

Eight escapes within two hours of the city, redwoods to boardwalk. Map view recommended.

Bookmarks

1. Point Reyes National Seashore

   5/5

   Fog, tule elk and the lighthouse stairs; allow the whole day, bring layers.

   Point Reyes Lighthouse, Inverness

2. Muir Woods National Monument

   5/5

   Old-growth redwoods just past the bridge — reserve parking or stay home.

   Muir Woods, Mill Valley

3. Mount Tamalpais

   5/5

   The East Peak loop hands you the whole Bay in one view, fog permitting.

   Mount Tamalpais East Peak, Mill Valley

4. Half Moon Bay

   4/5

   Harbor-town pace: beach walk, fish off the boats, pumpkins in October.

   Half Moon Bay, California

5. Pigeon Point Lighthouse

   4/5

   The tallest lighthouse on the West Coast, whales offshore in season.

   Pigeon Point, Pescadero

6. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

   4/5

   A 1907 seaside park; the wooden Giant Dipper has run since 1924.

   Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz

7. Sonoma Plaza

   4/5

   Wine country without the polish — tasting rooms around a mission square.

   Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma

8. Oxbow Public Market

   4/5

   Napa’s food hall: oysters, tacos and local bottles under one roof.

   Oxbow Public Market, Napa