What I love about living in the Bay Area is that within 1-2 hours you’re in a totally different place. You can be walking through a redwood forest, or eating freshly picked strawberries, or walking along the beach all within a few hours! Keep reading for 5 Bay Area Summer Day Trip Ideas.
5 BAY AREA SUMMER DAY TRIP IDEAS
BAY AREA DAY TRIP #1 : DAVENPORT , CA
Strawberry picking & serene hidden beaches
The small town of Davenport, located along highway 1 is still one of my favorite summer day trips to date. Why? It feels less well-known, and their infamous “Shark Fin Cove” beach is reminiscent of a island getaway. I’m also a big fan of seasonal activities, and Davenport is known for their strawberries! Bring a bucket and stop for some fresh berries on your way home.
THE BASICS (read the full post for more information)
- Location: 1.5 hours from San Francisco, 1 hour from San Jose, 20 min from Santa Cruz
- What to see & do: picnic & beach at Sharkfin Cove, go strawberry picking at Swanton Berry Farm
- When to go: June – August
https://www.palmtreesandpellegrino.com/davenport-california-itinerary/
BAY AREA DAY TRIP #2 : DAVIS , CA
Frolic through the sunflower fields
When the Davis sunflowers are in bloom, it feels like every block is covered in acres of sunflowers. It can be a pretty magical experience, but you have to time it right! Depending on the weather during the summer, there might be a short window that they’re in bloom (since extreme heat can kill them).
THE BASICS (read the full post for more information)
- Location: 1 hr 15 min from San Francisco, 1 hr 45 min from San Jose, 25 min from Sacramento
- What to see & do: visit the sunflower fields, go for a walk at the UC Davis Arboretum, and grab lunch downtown Davis
- When to go: June – July
https://www.palmtreesandpellegrino.com/davis-sunflowers/
BAY AREA DAY TRIP #3 : CAPITOLA, CA
Capitola, CA is a small beachside community within the city of Santa Cruz. It is most well-known for their brightly colored houses along the water. It isn’t as well-known as its neighbor Santa Cruz, but it makes for a great day trip when you’re craving the beach.
THE BASICS (read the full post for more information)
- Location: 1 hr 30 min from San Francisco, 45 min from San Jose, 15 min from Santa Cruz
- What to see & do: Hang out at Capitola State Beach, have lunch in downtown Capitola
- When to go: June – August
https://www.palmtreesandpellegrino.com/day-trip-to-capitola-ca/
BAY AREA DAY TRIP #4 : NAPA , CA
Technically I’d recommend visiting Napa Valley anytime of the year. But who can say no to a sunny day, great food, and wine? Either take the Napa Wine train or plan out your day with the itinerary below.
THE BASICS (read the full post for more information)
- Location: 1 hr from San Francisco, 1 hr 30 min from San Jose, 1 hr from Sacramento
- What to see & do: Eat pastries in Yountville, walk around downtown Napa, wine taste in St. Helena
- When to go: all year round
https://www.palmtreesandpellegrino.com/napa-day-trip/
BAY AREA DAY TRIP #5 : SAUSALITO, CA
The beautiful sleepy town of Sausalito makes for a relaxing day trip or weekend getaway. Take a ferry ride, walk along the water, and eat some fresh seafood.
THE BASICS (read the full post for more information)
- Location: 1 hr from San Francisco, 1 hr 30 min from San Jose, 1 hr from Sacramento
- What to see & do: Take the ferry, have fresh seafood at Salito’s, and check out the elephant statues
- When to go: June- August
https://www.palmtreesandpellegrino.com/sausalito-day-trip/
What are your favorite day trips in Northern California?
