Top 5 Unforgettable
Bay Area Day-Trips for Families
San Francisco Bay Area day trips are plentiful and are a fantastic way to explore more of Northern California with the kids, all without straying too far from the city.
One of the greatest things about venturing just outside the Bay Area is that you can go from the foggy city of San Francisco, to a majestic, awe-inspiring redwood forest or warm California beach within a quick two-hour drive.
No long, cramped road-trips needed!
In this post, and in no particular order, we will explore the 5 best and kid-friendly Bay Area day trips that the entire family will love and are easy to get to by car.
Get ready to create some truly treasured family memories! Buckle in and let’s go!
Oh! And make sure your read to the very end for a great, little bonu!
Bay Area Day Trip Destination #1
THE NAPA VALLEY
Where is the Napa Valley located?
Napa Valley is roughly 65 miles north-east of downtown San Francisco, California, and takes about 90 minutes to get there by car.
Why is Napa Valley a top Bay Area day-trip for families?
Napa Valley is one of the best Bay Area day-trips to take. It is one of the most well-known wine regions in California and perhaps even in the world. Furthermore, it offers endless views of stunning hillside vineyards and world-class wine-tasting experiences.
Yes, the Napa Valley is best known for its prized cabernet sauvignon, but don’t erase it from your family’s bucket list just yet. It is, by no means, an adult-only place to visit.
In fact, many Bay Area families enjoy spending time in this region because it truly is a great place for both kids and adults. It would be a great kid-friendly place to add to your list.
What are some kid-friendly wineries the Napa Valley?
Napa Valley Winery #1
Castello di Amarosa
4045 St. Helena Highway
Calistoga, California 94515
Castello di Amarosa is located in the town of Calistoga in the Napa Valley of California and is very family friendly,
If your child loves castles and fairy tales, Castello di Amarosa is the winery for you. The winery features a medieval castle that makes you feel like you’ve time-traveled to the 13th century! This castle is complete with big drawbridges, tranquil courtyards, tall towers, watery moats, and a great hall.
For the animal-lowers in your family, this winery is also home to sweet animals like goats, geese, emus, sheep, and peacocks.
While children are not allowed in any of the winery’s offered tours, they can be present for the reserve tastings with a $25 general admission fee. With this fee, fully-supervised children will enjoy a yummy cup of grape juice and a coloring sheet.
For adults, the price of these reserve wine-tastings start off at $50, which include tastings of 5 different wines from Castelli di Amarosa’s extensive menu.
The best part is that all admission process to these reserve tastings come with roaming access to the beautiful castle and courtyards.
Napa Valley Winery #2
V. Sattui
1111 White Lane
St. Helena, California 94574
V. Sattui is a very family-friendly winery located in the town of St. Helena in the Napa Valley and is an easy 1-day excursion families can take within the San Francisco Bay Area.
With its spacious and lively picnic grounds, it is perfectly okay for energetic kids to laugh, run, and play at this Napa Valley favorite.
Adults will have plenty of opportunities for wine tours and wine tastings, which start at $45/person, while all underage grape-lovers can enjoy a bottle of V. Sattui’s sweet, non-alcoholic ,grape juice.
V. Sattui offers a huge array of delicious food in their artisan deli and market place. From pastas to paninis, and fresh fruit to charcuterie, there is no shortage of snacks to fill your family’s grumbling bellies.
Furthermore, on weekends, V. Sattui also offers fresh-off-the grill BBQ and their Saturday food truck gives families even more food options to choose from.
Many of the knowledgeable staff here can help you find the perfect wine pairings for your picnic lunch, and they will even cork your wine bottle for you and provide you with cups, so that you can enjoy your food and wine selections right away.
Tip: Bring a picnic blanket. On busy days, picnic tables can fill up, but you can always have your picnic on the grass.
Bay Area Day Trip Destination #2
HALF MOON BAY
Where is Half Moon Bay located?
Half Moon Bay is located about 29 miles south of San Francisco and take about 45 minutes to get there by car.
Why is Half Moon Bay a top Bay Area day-trip for families?
Half Moon Bay is a coastal city that sits south of San Francisco, and is a popular, family-friendly getaway for many city locals.
Although Half Moon Bay is less than 30 miles from the busy city and extremely easy to get to, but you’ll feel as if you’ve ventured farther because of its small-town vibes and breathtaking coastal views.
What are some fun things to do with kids in Half Moon Bay?
Any active beach-loving family will definitely feel drawn to Half Moon Bay. It’s just far enough away from the busy city to provide endless coastlines to explore.
Half Moon Bay Activity #1
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
200 Nevada Street
Moss Beach, California 94023
While technically located in Moss Beach, a neighboring community just 7 miles north of Half Moon Bay, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a must-do for the family when visiting this area.
At Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, visitors can explore and learn from its salty, tide pools. When the tide is just right, your kids can spot fascinating sea creatures like crabs, star fish, and anemones. The best time of day for this activity is during low tide, so plan ahead by checking the tide forecasts before visiting the reserve.
When the kids are all done with tide-pooling, there are also short, nearby hiking trails that overlook the vast Pacific Ocean. One these trails, you can also take a stroll through some majestic, Monterey cypress trees.
Also, keep an eye out for swooping pelicans, resting seals, and breeching gray whales just off shore.
Tip: Tide pool rocks can be jagged and slippery, so waterproof hiking shoes or water socks can be helpful when navigating through the tide pools.
Half Moon Bay Activity #2
Pillar Point Harbor
Walking around Pillar Point Harbor will give you New England vibes without even leaving the California coast. With the ocean views, soaring seabirds, shops and restaurants, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon, relaxing here. The kids will love it!
Here you can admire tall stacks of crab-traps and docked fishing-boats. In addition, you can meet some friendly locals, by chatting with local fishermen while they sell their fresh catches straight from their boats.
If the family is looking for a great meal, you can have clam chowder and fish-n-chips served right to you at one of the several ocean-side restaurants at Pillar Point Harbor. Barbara’s Fish Trap and Sam’s Chowder House are both very popular for it’s fresh seafood and casual, waterfront dining.
In the mood for a bitter IPA or an easy-drinking kolsch? Half Moon Bay Brewing Company has got you covered. With a full menu of drinks and bites, plenty of outdoor seating, and a small, kid-friendly beach right across the street, it’s a great place for parents to enjoy an adult beverage while the kids get their wiggles out.
Half Moon Bay Activity #3
Rent a Kayak or Paddle Board
Half Moon Bay, California 94019
Half Moon Bay Kayak Company is conveniently locate at Pillar Point Harbor and rents out kayaks and paddle boards for water-lovers who want to see Half Moon Bay out on the water.
Starting at $30/hour, this is an adventurous way to to view the stunning coastline from the Pacific waters. This also offers you and the family a great chance of seeing seals and other marine life splashing in the chilly waters. It make for a great day-trip activity!
Not a water person? No problem. Half Moon Bay Kayak Company also rents out bicycles by the hour or for the entire day, so you can ride around Half Moon Bay on solid ground, via the California Coastal Trail.
Bay Area Day Trip Destination #3
MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT
1 Muir Woods Road
Mill Valley, California 94941
Where is Muir Woods National Monument located?
Muir Woods is Located 16 miles north of downtown San Francisco and takes roughly 42 minutes to get to by car. It’s a super easy and extremely gorgeous Bay Area day-trip spot.
Why is Muir Wood’s National Monument a top Bay Area day-trip for families?
Muir Wood National Monument is a nationally protected redwood preserve that’s famous for its dense grove of coastal, redwood trees.
While the redwoods in Muir Woods aren’t the tallest in California, their stunning beauty and proximity to San Francisco still makes it a popular day-trip destination for local families and visitors.
What are some kid-friendly things to do in Muir Woods?
Nature and kids just go well together, don’t they?
With this in mind, the redwood grove at Muir Woods National Monument is a must for families who love trickling streams, cool moss, cute bridges, and gigantic trees. Here are a couple of fun things to do with the family on your next day-trip to the park.
Muir Woods Activity #1
Earn a Junior Ranger Badge
Muir Woods offers and free and engaging Junior Ranger Program to keep children engaged while venturing through the park.
With this program, young, aspiring park rangers can learn about the park, its wildlife, and its fascinating ecosystem.
As soon as you get to Muir Woods, make a stop at the visitors center first, where your junior rangers can get their Junior Ranger Activity Book. These booklets contain age-appropriate activities for them to do while exploring the park.
Once the booklets are complete, take them back to the visitors center where a ranger will review them for accuracy. With a passing review, the park ranger will sign their Junior Ranger certificate, swear them in, and present them with their Junior Ranger Badge.
Tip: If you plan on doing this activity, bring extra pencils, crayons, and a clipboard to make drawing and note-taking easier while on the trail
Muir Woods Activity #2
Hike one of the many gorgeous hiking trails
Muir Woods offers 6 miles of hiking trails through its majestic redwoods. What’s really great about these trails is that you can easily pick on that best suits the needs of your family.
There are 30-minutes loops that would be just right for your littlest hikers, and 1-hour to 90-minutes loops for your school-age children.
Furthermore, there are longer trails that go beyond Muir Woods and into the neighboring Mount Tamalpais State Park for more experience, avid hikers.
The boardwalk and asphalt trails in the park can be very stroller-friendly and wheelchair-accessible, but the trails along the canyon walls can be steep, uneven, and muddy, so it is best to keep strollers away from these paths.
Bay Area Day Trip Destination #4
ANGEL ISLAND
Where is Angel Island located?
Angel Island is located 6 miles north of downtown San Francisco and requires a 30 minutes ferry ridge to get to.
Why is Angel Island a top Bay Area day-trip for families?
Angel Island is sometimes known as “the Ellis Island of the west.”
From 1910 to 1940, Angel Island was an immigration station that processed and detained hundreds of thousands of immigrants before they were allowed to immigrate further inland.
Today, however, Angel Island is the largest island in the San Francisco Bay and offers great hiking trails, picnic areas, tram tours, and breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline.
How do I get to Angel Island?
The only way to get to Angel Island is by ferry. What a way to start your day-trip off with a bang!
The Golden Gate Ferry Company operates ferries 7 days a week, to/from the San Francisco Ferry Building and Angel Island State Park.
A one-way ferry ticket to Angel Island will cost you $14 per adult and $7 per child. This fare also includes admission to the park. Just be sure to buy your round-trip tickets together as tickets may not be available for purchase one on the island.
What are some family-friendly things to do in Angel Island?
From ferry rides to water-front picnic lunches, taking a day-trip to Angel Island is like taking a miniature vacation that’s worlds away from the bustling city.
With paved roads, picnic tables, wild life, a beaches, Angel Island offers so many kid-friendly activities, you’ll need a whole other trip just to see it all. However, here are a couple of activities to start you off.
Angel Island Activity #1
Take a Tram Tour
While hiking and biking are some of the best ways to spend your quick getaway exploring Angel Island, with the tram tour, you and the family will be able to get a taste of the island’s best landmarks and scenic viewpoints without breaking a sweat. Plus, for younger kids, there’s just something really cool about riding an open-air tram.
On the tour you’ll listen to an audio-recording that describes the rich history of Angel Island and you’ll also have multiple opportunities to stop and take some epic family photos.
This is a very popular tour and is highly-recommended for first-time visitors to the island, so booking your tickets in advance is a really good idea. A tram ticket for children 5-12 years of age costs $12, while an adult ticket is $18.
Angel Island Activity #2
Have a Picnic Lunch at Alaya Cove
Alaya Cove, is a large, grassy picnic area located at the north end of the island, and is the perfect place to take a break and feed hungry bellies while admiring the great views of the San Francisco Bay.
Picnic tables here are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. At the Alaya Cove picnic tables, you can munch on a tasty, homemade lunch and cold beverages, with the relaxing soundscape of the bay waters.
(There are plenty of other picnic tables scattered throughout the island as well, each one offering amazing views.)
However, if you just weren’t in the mood to pack snacks or a lunch, no problem!
The Angel Island Cafe is a cute spot right by Alaya Cove where you can enjoy hearty snacks, fresh sandwiches, crisp salads, and even some white wine. Plus, the outdoor seating at the cafe offers beautiful views of the coastline and plenty of room for the kids to stretch out.
Bay Area Day Trip Destination #5
POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE
Why is Point Reyes National Seashore a top Bay Area day-trip for families?
Why is Point Reyes Nation Seashore a top Bay Area day-trip for families?
Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the largest coastal parks in the state of California located north of San Francisco and is made up mostly of rocky cliffs, miles of sandy beaches, and marine wildlife. It’s the best day-trip destination for nature-loving families.
Even though Point Reyes National Seashore is stunning in its natural beauty, it is often overlooked by visitors, so take advantage of this gem by spending an entire day discovering all that it has to offer.
What are some things to do at Point Reyes with kids?
Once here, you and your family will quickly see that this California treasure is filled with endless fun things to do. With some paved trails and long beaches, it can be a great place to go for a quick day-trip with kids of all ages.
Point Reyes Activity #1
Wildlife Viewing
Like all national and state parks, the animals at Point Reyes National Seashore are wild, so viewing them while in the park will give you and your family a unique opportunity to see them in their natural habitats.
There are several areas in the park where you can view wildlife the best. Here are a couple of some well-known viewpoints for this fun activity.
From December to March, it is likely to spot a breeding colony of elephant seals at Elephant Seal Overlook. From here you might be able to witness male dominance contests, vocalizations from female seals, and sweet interactions between mothers and pups.
The months from January to early May is when gray whale migrations occur. The iconic nPoint Reyes Lighthouse is one of the best places to see them breach during their long journey. Other marine animals like harbor seals and sea lions can also be seen from the Point Reyes Lighthouse, so be sure to bring your binoculars!
Point Reyes Activity #2
Go Kayaking in Tomales Bay
The most popular place to kayak in Point Reyes National Seashore is Tomales Bay.
Tomales Bay is a calm, narrow inlet of the Pacific Ocean located in the park, and is one of the most stunning kayaking destinations in Northern California.
Here, you can either have thrilling, kayaking races against the kids or simply sit in the middle of the bay, savoring the tranquility of the bay water and soaring, coastal birds.
While there are no kayak rental companies located at Tomales Bay, there are several located at the Point Reyes Station and other towns in Marin County, which is where Point Reyes National Seashore is located.
Reminder: Please kayak responsibly. Always check the weather and marine forecasts prior to kayaking, wear reliable life vests, and stay clear of the open waters of the ocean as it can be dangerous.
Bay Area Day Trip - Bonus Destination
SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
Where is Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz, California is located 70 miles south of downtown San Francisco. It will usually take about 90 minutes to get there by car.
Why is Santa Cruz a top Bay Area day-trip for families?
Santa Cruz, California is a very popular day-trip destination for Bay Area locals. Its sunny weather, picturesque beaches, sunny weather, and laid-back surfer vibes make Santa Cruz the quintessential California beach town.
What are some fun things to do with kids in Santa Cruz?
From coastal hiking trails to quirky gift shops, Santa Cruz is truly a fun outing for kids of all ages. Continue reading to see some of our family favorites.
Santa Cruz Activity #1
Natural Bridges State Beach
2531 W. Cliff Drive
Santa Cruz, California 95060
Natural Bridges State Beach is a 65-acre state park located in Santa Cruz, California that the kids will surely enjoy.
The white sand beaches here are an excellent place to view shore birds, migrating whales, and sometime even some playful otters just offshore. There are also large grassier areas in the park where you can see native plants and wildflowers.
Afternoon winds at Natural Bridges State Beach are often perfect for kite-flying, but even if the winds aren’t quite right for kites, a beach day is always a great way to spend time with the kids. Watch them giggle as they wade in the chilly water and build castles int he sand.
During the fall and winter months, the park’s Monarch Grove serves as a temporary home to thousands of monarch butterflies as they make their migration.
Monarchs usually arrive here in the middle of October and leave by the middle of February. However, the best time to see them is late October and the entire month of November.
When you visit, make sure you look up high in the eucalyptus trees of the grove. On colder days, you can spot them cuddling up in clusters to keep warm when temperatures drop below 60 degrees.
Santa Cruz Activity #2
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
No family day-trip to Santa Cruz is complete without a visit to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Trust me, the kids will thank you endlessly for this one.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of California’s oldest amusement parks and is still just as popular today as it was in 1907 when it first opened its gates.
The Boardwalk is a beachside, amusement park that is filled with the seductive smell of fresh funnel cake, addictive carnival games, and blinking lights of carnival rides, so it’s really easy to get lost in all the nostalgic fun and wind up spending a few hours here.
It is an admission-free amusement park, but if the kids end up wanting to ride one of the many carnival rides, you can easily purchase tickets for individual rides or invest in a ride wristband that gives you unlimited access to all the rides.
In addition, Neptune’s Kingdom is a nautical-themed, indoor entertainment center located on the Boardwalk. It Includes a bustling arcade and indoor miniature golf course which can provide nice air-conditioned escapes from the hot, summer sun