Living in San Francisco has its advantages, and one of the biggest is how close it is to an incredible variety of weekend destinations. Within just a few hours' drive, you can shift from city life to wine country, the beach, the mountains, or a historic capital. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back coastal town or a high-energy adventure, these nearby locations make planning your next two-day getaway simple and rewarding. Here are five great options for San Francisco weekend getaways that deliver a fresh perspective with every mile.
San Jose: A Tech Hub with a Surprising Cultural Side
Often known for its role at the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose might surprise you with its blend of innovation, history, and growing arts and food scenes. Just an hour south of San Francisco, it’s an easy choice for a quick trip that doesn’t require too much planning.
Spend time exploring the expansive grounds of the Winchester Mystery House or take in the modern exhibits at the San Jose Museum of Art. Downtown San Jose is walkable and packed with dining options, from trendy food halls to long-standing taquerias. The city's Japantown—one of only three left in the U.S.—offers cultural depth and great restaurants, including ramen shops and specialty markets.
If you're traveling with kids, the Tech Interactive is a hands-on favorite, while outdoor enthusiasts can stretch their legs on the trails of Alum Rock Park or the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains. For those who enjoy shopping, Santana Row offers a mix of retail, restaurants, and shaded courtyards that feel tailor-made for a slow afternoon.
Spend time exploring the expansive grounds of the Winchester Mystery House or take in the modern exhibits at the San Jose Museum of Art. Downtown San Jose is walkable and packed with dining options, from trendy food halls to long-standing taquerias. The city's Japantown—one of only three left in the U.S.—offers cultural depth and great restaurants, including ramen shops and specialty markets.
If you're traveling with kids, the Tech Interactive is a hands-on favorite, while outdoor enthusiasts can stretch their legs on the trails of Alum Rock Park or the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains. For those who enjoy shopping, Santana Row offers a mix of retail, restaurants, and shaded courtyards that feel tailor-made for a slow afternoon.
Sacramento: History and Modern Comforts Intersect
Just under two hours from San Francisco, Sacramento is an ideal choice when you want something different without straying too far. California’s capital has seen a burst of revitalization in recent years, and it now balances its Gold Rush history with a polished food and cultural scene.
Old Sacramento’s cobbled streets and preserved 19th-century buildings set the stage for riverfront strolls and educational visits to the California State Railroad Museum. But just a few blocks away, you'll find farm-to-table restaurants, indie coffee shops, and a rising number of small breweries that make for a lively afternoon or evening.
Capitol Park offers peaceful gardens and walking paths beneath towering trees, and the Crocker Art Museum houses one of the best collections of Californian art in the state. Sacramento is also known for its seasonal farmers markets and farm-direct produce, so whether you’re grabbing lunch or picking up goods to take home, you’ll taste the region’s agricultural roots at nearly every stop.
Old Sacramento’s cobbled streets and preserved 19th-century buildings set the stage for riverfront strolls and educational visits to the California State Railroad Museum. But just a few blocks away, you'll find farm-to-table restaurants, indie coffee shops, and a rising number of small breweries that make for a lively afternoon or evening.
Capitol Park offers peaceful gardens and walking paths beneath towering trees, and the Crocker Art Museum houses one of the best collections of Californian art in the state. Sacramento is also known for its seasonal farmers markets and farm-direct produce, so whether you’re grabbing lunch or picking up goods to take home, you’ll taste the region’s agricultural roots at nearly every stop.
Santa Rosa: Wine Country with Room to Breathe
For a quieter alternative to Napa or Sonoma, head north to Santa Rosa, where small-town character and wine country elegance meet. Roughly 90 minutes from the city, this laid-back hub in Sonoma County gives you access to both vineyards and redwood forests, all without the heavy weekend crowds you might find in more high-profile wine destinations.
Santa Rosa is home to several respected wineries and tasting rooms, including those along the Russian River and in the surrounding foothills. But there’s more here than wine. The Charles M. Schulz Museum, which honors the creator of Peanuts, is a favorite for families and cartoon fans alike. And downtown Santa Rosa has grown into a walkable spot filled with restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops.
Take a short drive to nearby Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve for a peaceful hike beneath towering trees, or head west toward Sebastopol or Guerneville for even more opportunities to explore. For a weekend that balances wine tasting, nature, and relaxed exploration, Santa Rosa delivers.
Santa Rosa is home to several respected wineries and tasting rooms, including those along the Russian River and in the surrounding foothills. But there’s more here than wine. The Charles M. Schulz Museum, which honors the creator of Peanuts, is a favorite for families and cartoon fans alike. And downtown Santa Rosa has grown into a walkable spot filled with restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops.
Take a short drive to nearby Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve for a peaceful hike beneath towering trees, or head west toward Sebastopol or Guerneville for even more opportunities to explore. For a weekend that balances wine tasting, nature, and relaxed exploration, Santa Rosa delivers.
Santa Cruz: Classic Beach Town with a Surf Culture Edge
If the coast is calling, Santa Cruz offers a sunny, surf-friendly destination that’s less than two hours from San Francisco. Known for its iconic boardwalk and longstanding surf scene, Santa Cruz is a nostalgic yet lively option for a weekend escape. The drive itself—especially if you take the winding route over Highway 17—offers a dramatic transition from urban to coastal in just a matter of miles.
Start your visit at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where vintage rides and ocean views set the tone. Stroll along West Cliff Drive, rent bikes for a spin along the coast, or watch surfers navigate the waves at Steamer Lane. For a quieter experience, Natural Bridges State Beach offers tide pools and picnic areas ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
Downtown Santa Cruz mixes vintage shops with craft breweries and local eateries, while spots like the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History provide interesting cultural stops along the way. Whether you’re sunbathing, hiking, or just enjoying a seafood lunch with a view, Santa Cruz offers a well-rounded beach town experience without the fuss.
Start your visit at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where vintage rides and ocean views set the tone. Stroll along West Cliff Drive, rent bikes for a spin along the coast, or watch surfers navigate the waves at Steamer Lane. For a quieter experience, Natural Bridges State Beach offers tide pools and picnic areas ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
Downtown Santa Cruz mixes vintage shops with craft breweries and local eateries, while spots like the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History provide interesting cultural stops along the way. Whether you’re sunbathing, hiking, or just enjoying a seafood lunch with a view, Santa Cruz offers a well-rounded beach town experience without the fuss.
South Lake Tahoe: Mountain Views and Outdoor Adventure
South Lake Tahoe delivers every season of the year for those craving alpine air and endless outdoor activities. About three and a half hours from San Francisco, it’s a longer drive, but well worth it for a full weekend of mountain scenery and fresh air.
In the winter, South Lake Tahoe is a go-to for skiing and snowboarding, with nearby resorts like Heavenly, Sierra-at-Tahoe, and Kirkwood offering terrain for all levels. During the warmer months, the area transforms into a playground for hiking, mountain biking, paddle boarding, and boating. Emerald Bay State Park is one of the most photographed spots in the region, and for good reason, as its trails and views are hard to beat.
The town of South Lake Tahoe offers everything from lakeside cabins to lively casinos and restaurants, making it easy to tailor your stay to your mood. Whether you want action or downtime, the region’s natural beauty makes it easy to unwind and recharge.
In the winter, South Lake Tahoe is a go-to for skiing and snowboarding, with nearby resorts like Heavenly, Sierra-at-Tahoe, and Kirkwood offering terrain for all levels. During the warmer months, the area transforms into a playground for hiking, mountain biking, paddle boarding, and boating. Emerald Bay State Park is one of the most photographed spots in the region, and for good reason, as its trails and views are hard to beat.
The town of South Lake Tahoe offers everything from lakeside cabins to lively casinos and restaurants, making it easy to tailor your stay to your mood. Whether you want action or downtime, the region’s natural beauty makes it easy to unwind and recharge.
Ready to Make Every Weekend Count?
Living in San Francisco gives you the freedom to explore without leaving the region—and when it comes to buying or selling in a city with this much reach, working with the right local experts makes all the difference. Novo Real Estate understands the rhythm of Bay Area life and how access to nearby destinations can factor into your real estate decisions. Whether you're looking for a home base that puts you close to weekend adventures or considering a second property in one of these getaway towns, Novo Real Estate can guide you with insight, strategy, and local expertise to help you reach your goals.
*Header image courtesy of Pexels
*Header image courtesy of Pexels
