San Francisco is buzzing with life and this Californian city is the center of cultural, financial and commercial activities. Being the fourth-most populated city in California and a popular tourist destination, it attracts thousands of people throughout the year. From cool summers to steep rolling hills, cable cars to Chinatown District, this city has a lot to offer. The Golden Gate Bridge is a popular landmark, where visitors not only gather to admire the picturesque landscape but also click Instagram- worthy pictures. Tourists also enjoy a visit to Pier 39, which is a shopping center brimming with entertainment, dining and shopping options. There is plenty to explore in and around San Francisco and travelers can easily plan a weekend getaway. Here’s a look at the top 10 weekend getaways near San Francisco, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status. recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 03, 2024.
1. Healdsburg (from USD 309)
If you want to explore California in style, Healdsburg would be a perfect weekend destination. From redwood forests, world-class wineries, extraordinary dining experiences to lush valleys, delightful views of the Russian River and Lake Sonoma, this place has it all. Located in the neighborhood of Healdsburg Avenue, guests can plan a wonderful stay at the H2hotel featuring a solar-heated creekside pool. Guests can also interact with other visitors by the indoor fireplace in the lounge area or experience a beauty treatment at the on-site spa. Safari West is only 11.9 miles (19.2 km) from here, where you can explore the wildlife preserve and see the cape buffalo, Watusi cattle, antelope, hyenas, zebras and primates. San Francisco can be reached in 1 hour 13 minutes by car from here, covering a distance of about 69.3 miles (111.7 km).
H2hotel
Address: 219 Healdsburg Avenue
50.28 km (31.3 mi) from Sonoma Plaza
2. Yountville (from USD 310)
Higher-end pricing reflects prime Yountville location and luxurious amenities.
Spacious rooms, beautiful pool area, fire pits, bocce ball, and complimentary breakfast.
Ideal location in the heart of Yountville, walking distance to restaurants and wineries.
Extensive and sumptuous breakfast with a variety of options, including champagne breakfast.
Located near the Napa River and the Mayacamas Mountain, this charming town is the ideal weekend getaway from San Francisco. Yountville is just a 65-minute drive from San Francisco and attracts several people. It is 56.4 miles (90.97 km) away from San Francisco and hosts many exciting events and festivals throughout the year. The lovely town also has several quaint eateries and shops. Visitors planning to stay in this amazing destination can spend a night at the Napa Valley Lodge, where they can take a dip in the outdoor pool or relax in the hot tub after a tiresome day. Guests can spend a day in the Madison Street locality, where they can engage in activities like volleyball, tennis, basketball and bocce.
Napa Valley Lodge
Address: 2230 Madison Street
14.94 km (9.3 mi) from Sonoma Plaza
3. Gualala (from USD 149)
Reasonable pricing for a beachfront location, but some guests found it a bit high for the amenities provided.
Pet-friendly, apartment-style rooms, outdoor seating with ocean view, and a fire pit/barbecue area.
Conveniently located in the heart of the town, right on the water with easy access to restaurants, shops, and a scenic bluff trail.
Limited dining options in the town, no full breakfast provided, but a detailed guide to nearby dining options and a complimentary to-go breakfast bag during COVID times.
Located in the coastal region of California, this calm and beautiful weekend destination is situated 115 miles (185.48 km) from San Francisco. You can drive down to Gualala from San Francisco in 2 hours 30 minutes. Gualala is replete with giant redwood trees and beaches. The Surf Motel is a beachfront accommodation here, where guests are offered a hot breakfast every morning. If you are in the mood to sit back and relax, head to the sun terrace or enjoy barbecue facilities in the garden area. Guests can take a stroll in the South Highway One neighborhood, where they can enjoy various activities like snorkeling, golfing, kayaking, fishing, diving, whale and seal watching.
Surf Inn
Address: 39170 South Highway One PO Box 695
107.22 km (66.7 mi) from Sonoma Plaza
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4. Napa (from USD 185)
Napa is located along the banks of the Napa River, bustling with upscale lodgings, park and river walks, tasting rooms and celebrity-chef restaurants. Only 49.3 miles (79.5 km) away from San Francisco, you can take a car ride for about an hour to experience the various attractions at this luxurious destination. Andaz Napa - a concept by Hyatt - is a stylish and modern accommodation in the neighborhood of First Street, where guests can relax in the spacious rooms featuring black-out drapes, en-suite bathrooms, white and comfortable bedding, and light grey walls. Napa Valley Opera House is only 400 meters (1312 feet) away from here, where you can enjoy multiple theatrical events. If you are not in the mood to eat dinner at the on-site restaurant, take a short walk to the Morimoto Restaurant offering Japanese cuisine.
Andaz Napa - a concept by Hyatt
Address: 1450 First Street
14.72 km (9.2 mi) from Sonoma Plaza
5. Cupertino (from USD 109)
Nestled amid the Santa Clara Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains, this highly-educated city hosts many events and festivals like the Diwali Festival of Lights, Moon Festival, Tournament of Bands and the Cherry Blossom Festival. Guests planning a weekend destination trip from San Francisco can reach here within 45 minutes by car, covering a distance of 43.4 miles (70 km). Hilton Garden Inn Cupertino is a well-furnished rental in North Wolfe Road, featuring a business center, a fitness center and an in-house restaurant serving American cuisine. Families with children can pay a visit to the Great America Theme Park, which is only a 14-minute drive from here. It is an amusement park where you can be a part of the thrill rides, action zone, Celebration Plaza, Planet Snoopy, and many others.
Hilton Garden Inn Cupertino
Address: 10741 North Wolfe Road
113.55 km (70.6 mi) from Sonoma Plaza
6. Monterey (from USD 119)
Monterey is a notable weekend getaway, located only 115 miles (185.5 km) from San Francisco. You can easily spend a day here and return, as it takes only a 1 hour 50-minute car ride to commute. Monterey has several popular tourist haunts such as the Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Located in Foam Street, Cannery Row Inn is a boutique-style hotel with free parking available on the premises for travelers arriving with cars. Del Monte Beach is less than two miles from this rental, where you can unwind.
Cannery Row Inn
Address: 200 Foam Street
193.52 km (120.3 mi) from Sonoma Plaza
7. Sausalito (from USD 309)
Sausalito is a tourist hotspot in the Marin County region, just 10.3 miles (16.6 km) from San Francisco. Tourism is an integral part of this city and its unique location – it is close to the Golden Gate Bridge – draws thousands of tourists throughout the year. Travelers can take a 21-minute ride from San Francisco to reach the Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa, which is located in the Bridgeway neighborhood. This waterfront property offers a free Wi-Fi connection, which helps you locate nearby hotspots. Alcatraz Island is 3.8 miles (6.2 km) from here, where you can visit to explore the various facilities including – a military prison, a lighthouse, a military fortification, and a federal prison.
Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa
Address: 801 Bridgeway
48.5 km (30.2 mi) from Sonoma Plaza
8. Sonoma (from USD 629)
Sonoma is a wine county located in the northern fringes of San Francisco. This popular tourist destination is home to many eateries and wineries. Visitors can opt between a cruise trip along the Pacific coastline or enjoy hiking amidst the towering redwoods. MacArthur Place Inn & Spa is a luxurious accommodation in the East MacArthur Street, with an on-site library, massage service center, beautiful gardens and a fine dining restaurant called Saddles Steakhouse. If you are not in the mood to just sit back and relax, take a short walk to reach the Sonoma Plaza, which is a National Historic Landmark. San Francisco is only 44.3 miles (71.45 km) from here, which is just a 56-minute car ride.
MacArthur Place Inn & Spa
Address: 29 East MacArthur Street
987 meters (0.7 ft) from Sonoma Plaza
9. Little River (from USD 200)
Little River is a small town located along the coast of Pacific Ocean and at an approximate distance of 152 miles (245.2 km) from San Francisco. If you are traveling by car, it might take a little less than three hours to reach this weekend destination. Guests can opt to enjoy a comfortable stay in the Little River Inn, which is situated in the neighborhood of North Highway 1. Sports lovers can spend some time at the on-site tennis courts or in the golf course, while kids can keep themselves entertained in the games and entertainment rooms. There are multiple restaurants in the locality and you can choose among Wild Fish, Ravens’ Restaurant, Cafe Beaujolais or North Coast Brewing Co. Taproom and Grill restaurants. Sea Glass Museum is a short drive from here, where you can look at the exquisite collection of colored sea glasses.
Little River Inn
Address: 7901 North Highway 1
158.68 km (98.6 mi) from Sonoma Plaza
10. Bolinas
This bohemian paradise is a coastal destination, which is situated at a distance of only 29.5 miles (47.58 km) from San Francisco. If you are traveling by car, you can reach here in about an hour and enjoy a relaxing stay at the 21 Calle del Sierra Home 2 Bedrooms. This property is located in the Stinson Beach neighborhood and allows pets inside on prior request. Guests can explore both the Bolinas and Agate Beaches, where they can enjoy swimming as well as surfing. Bolinas Coast Café is quite a popular restaurant in the neighborhood. It features surfboard tables and offers local oysters and fresh green salad.
21 Calle del Sierra Home 2 Bedrooms
46.72 km (29.1 mi) from Sonoma Plaza
Explore the weekend getaways near San Francisco
San Francisco is a popular tourist destination and when in this beautiful Californian city, travelers can plan a getaway to some nearby destinations as well. Several towns are less than a two-hour drive from San Francisco such as Sausalito and Monterey, where you can enjoy the perfect retreat!
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