tours from san francisco

Visit the Surroundings of San Francisco: Day Tours and Excursions

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Near San Francisco, there are some very fascinating places and things to visit, such as Yosemite, the redwood forests of Muir Woods, Sausalito with its Mediterranean charm, the wineries of the flourishing regions of Napa and Sonoma, and the wonderful coastal areas of Point Bonita, Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

We have already told you about the main guided tours of the city (in our article dedicated to the best tours of San Francisco), but in this post, we want to present you a selection of the best day tours from San Francisco to the beautiful places in the surroundings. There are attractions to interest everyone, so it’s up to you to choose which one you prefer!

Excursions from San Francisco to Muir Woods and Sausalito

Half-day trip to Muir Woods, giant redwoods, and Sausalito

Best Day Tours from San FranciscoThis 4-hour tour will take you into the heart of the protected forest of the Muir Woods National Monument (entrance fee is included in the price) to see the impressive redwoods that grow along the trails of this jewel in Marin County.

After the forest walks, you will be taken through the streets of the small town of Sausalito, the so-called “Portofino of America” that is one of the most famous tourist centers in the San Francisco area. The tour includes a guide. You will be picked up and taken back to your hotel, but the service is limited to hotels in Fisherman’s Wharf, downtown, Nob Hill, and the Marina District.

About the excursion

Tour of Muir Woods and Sausalito + Bay Cruise

Day Tours from San FranciscoFor a deeper immersion in nature, you may want to consider this combined tour, which includes admission to Muir Woods, a tour of Sausalito, and a Golden Gate Bay Cruise to see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, San Francisco’s waterfront, and the sea lions on Pier 39 from a unique perspective.

About the excursion

Hippie Tour in Muir Woods and Sausalito

If you love the hippie spirit of San Francisco, this is the tour for you. You will be picked up from your hotel and accompanied by a hippie guide to the Golden Gate Bridge, then through the redwoods of Muir Woods, and finally to Sausalito. In this case, the park entrance fee is not included in the price.

About the excursion

Tour of Marin County by Seaplane

Finally, we would like to point out a very comprehensive and exciting tour. This offer – very complete – includes pick-up service from your hotel, breakfast, and a 30-minute flight on a seaplane that will give you a chance to see the wonders of Marin County from above. Afterwards you will have lunch, and you will be guided for a walk through the redwoods of Muir Woods. Finally, you will travel to Muir Beach, and before returning by ferry to San Francisco, you will take a guided tour of Sausalito.

About the excursion

Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine Tours From San Francisco

Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine Tours From San Francisco

Tasting tour of Napa and Sonoma

After being picked up at the hotel, you will cross the Golden Gate Bridge in a comfortable luxury van and head in the direction of Napa and Sonoma. You will discover all the stages of wine production and the secrets of winemaking, and visit the cellars where you will taste excellent wines. You will then take a lunch break (food is not included in the price), and before you return home, you will have more tastings.

About the excursion

Muir Woods and wine villages (Napa and Sonoma): Day Tour

This tour combines the discovery of the world of viticulture with a visit to Muir Woods, where you can admire California Redwoods (or Sequoia sempervirens). The day begins with a guided hike through the redwoods of the Muir Woods and continues in the heart of the Sonoma and Napa Valleys, where the art of winemaking in California began.

A guide will take you to visit some farms and you will have the possibility to have wine tastings with food tastings included in the price (meals are not included). There is also a stop in Sonoma. Transportation to and from the hotel is included in the price (check if transportation service is provided at your hotel).

About the excursion

Helicopter Tour in Napa with lunch and tastings

day excursions from san franciscoThis tour is for those who want to spend a day enjoying good wine and food and going on a thrilling helicopter flight. In addition to the round trip transportation from three hotels in San Francisco, it includes a short guided tour of Sausalito, a helicopter trip in Napa Valley, and food and wine tasting and a packed lunch at Rutherford Ranch Winery.

About the excursion

Napa Valley Wine Train Tour with lunch on board

Napa Valley Wine Train TourThis is a trip on a restored vintage train through the hills of Napa Valley. It includes a three-course lunch served on board. You can choose from 3 different wineries to visit (Raymond Vineyards, Grgich Hills Estate, or Charles Krug Winery) and you will have the chance to taste and learn about the methods and history of local wine. The day starts at the Ferry Building with a boat trip (Monday to Friday) or a bus trip (Saturday and Sunday). There is no transportation service to or from hotels.

About the excursion

Tours To Monterey and Carmel From San Francisco

Tours To Monterey and Carmel From San Francisco

Day Trip to Monterey, Carmel, and the scenic 17-Mile Drive from San Francisco

This is a great solution for those who want to visit Monterey, Carmel, and take the famous 17-Mile Drive in a day from San Francisco. Also included in the price is pick-up from and to the hotel (check if the service is provided at your hotel) and, as an optional feature, admission to Monterey Bay Aquarium.

About the excursion

One Day Bus Tour in Monterey and Carmel

This offer is very simple and suitable for the whole family. You will be picked up from the hotel by bus and start your adventure on the beautiful coast south of San Francisco. The tour lasts all day and will take you to Monterey and the lovely Carmel-by-the-Sea and you will see fascinating views along the way.

About the excursion

2-day Bus Tour in Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble Beach

If, on the other hand, your wish is to visit the coast at a slower pace and go as far as Monterey, this could be right for you. Included in the price, in addition to the transportation service to and from the hotel in San Francisco, is the overnight stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Monterey. In addition to an in-depth tour of the city on your first day, you will be taken by bus on the famous 17-Mile Drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach, which is known for golf courses on the water. The second day is a free day and will end at 8:00 pm at your hotel in San Francisco.

About the excursion

Excursions from San Francisco to Yosemite

Excursions from San Francisco to YosemiteThe list of excursions in and around San Francisco would not be complete without mentioning tours of Yosemite National Park. If you don’t want to make the trip from San Francisco to Yosemite by car, we assure you that there are many tours and we have already covered the subject in detail. To discover all the tours from San Francisco to Yosemite, we recommend you check out these 2 links:

1-Day Tour of Yosemite National Park

Multi-day tours of Yosemite National Park


Our Tip:
Looking for accommodations for your trip from California to other parts of the Southwest? Read our guide that contains reviews of hotels and strategic tips for finding accommodations near major attractions: Where to Stay: Our Tips for the SouthWest Area

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

bernardo pacini
Bernardo Pacini

I am an enthusiastic traveler. I have also published some poetry. Besides traveling, my interests include literature, prog music and good food,.

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