Though we love San Francisco, there’s nothing wrong with a weekend getaway! Find some of our favorite nearby destinations, day trips, and hidden gems that are just a quick trip outside of the city.
Mono Lake is a fascinating saline lake in Eastern California, found east of Yosemite and south of Lake Tahoe. The prehistoric lake is at least 760,000 years old, occupying an ancient basin that began forming 2.5 million...
California’s candelabra redwoods are a magnificent form of redwood tree found up the Lost Coast in northern Mendocino County, known for their unmistakable tangled shape. While classic redwood trees shoot straight...
Clear Lake is a massive lake in Lake County, California, known for being one of the oldest lakes in the country at 480,000 years old. It’s also the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California, with...
While San Francisco is finally enjoying some warm weather, fall is quickly approaching. While San Francisco doesn’t see much fall foliage, if you venture outside of the city just 30 minutes, you can find a beautif...
The Punta Gorda Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks to see when hiking California’s mysterious Lost Coast. The 1912 lighthouse is one of the only symbols of human influence left on the otherwise desolat...
Channel Islands National Park may be the least-visited national park in the state, but the islands’ remote location has directly influenced the evolution of 150+ endemic plant and animal species, earning the islan...
Up the coast from San Francisco sits a unique botanical garden spanning 47 acres, perched on dramatic oceanside bluffs. Mendocino Coast Garden is just off Highway 1 and features a stunning collection of flowers, includi...
California’s Lost Coast is a 75-mile section of raw coastline between Rockport and Ferndale in Northern California. This coastal wilderness is so geographically challenging that it has remained almost entirely unt...
Lake Tahoe is a popular weekend destination for San Franciscans due to its stunning views and outdoor activities. Although the area is best known for its winter skiing and summer lake days, there’s also plenty of...
Tucked in a residential neighborhood in Santa Barbara sits a beautiful, expansive garden covering 37 acres. Ganna Walska Lotusland, often called Lotusland, is a historic estate with over 3,500 different types of plants....
