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/