{"id":56004,"date":"2016-06-29T06:31:18","date_gmt":"2016-06-29T13:31:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/?p=56004"},"modified":"2019-02-27T16:57:28","modified_gmt":"2019-02-28T00:57:28","slug":"5-day-trips-san-francisco-bay-area","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cookiesandclogs.com\/5-day-trips-san-francisco-bay-area\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do in San Francisco: 5 Day Trips Around the Bay Area"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Oh, how I love living in the San Francisco Bay Area! There\u2019s so much to do and it\u2019s all relatively close by. Just drive 30 minutes to 3 hours in any direction to reach the ocean, forest, mountains, farms, or lake. Don’t forget the amusement parks, zoos, historical landmarks, and must-see tourist destinations too. My family is always up for taking day trips\u00a0around the area.<\/p>\n
If you are looking for ideas on family day trips in the area, I have a\u00a0few 1-day travel plans that you might like. As San Francisco is the main tourist hub, there\u2019s quite a bit to do in the heart of SF\u00a0itself<\/a>. But, to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, here are few options you’ll enjoy just as much or maybe even more.<\/p>\n Half Moon Bay<\/strong><\/p>\n Select any of the family-friendly beaches<\/a> along this stretch of the Pacific Ocean coast for a picnic, to barbecue, to play in the sand, splash in the water, discover marine life in the tide pools<\/a>, collect shells, or unwind to the sound of crashing waves. You can also eat in the nearby town of Pescadero, navigate the huge hay maze at Arata’s Pumpkin Farm<\/a> (open during fall and part of the summer), or play with farm animals at Lemos Farm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Napa<\/strong><\/p>\n Enjoy wine tasting from various local wineries, ride the gondola at Sterling Vineyards, select a few savory spreads and fresh bread at V. Sattui for an impromptu picnic, soak in the hot springs at Calistoga, embrace the wild animals of the Savannah at Safari Park, or take a ride in\u00a0a hot air balloon. It\u2019s all about kicking back and enjoying life at a snail\u2019s pace here.<\/p>\n Point Reyes<\/strong><\/p>\n I recently visited this area for the first time in my life and need to make plans to come back as soon as possible. Climb down (and up) 308 stairs at the Point Reyes Lighthouse, watch the wild Tule Elk roam free\u00a0in the reserve area, see where Sir Francis Drake landed, take the Earthquake Trail, tour a recreated Miwok village, or hike to deserted beaches along the miles and miles of protected seashore.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Monterey\/Carmel<\/strong><\/p>\n The drive to Monterey is breathtaking but make sure to keep your eyes on the road if you’re behind the wheel. Do not miss the Monterey Bay<\/a> Aquarium\u00a0with gorgeous exhibits, step outside to watch wild sea otters in the bay, and walk down the street to shop along Cannery Row. Drive ten minutes to Carmel for wine tasting and quaint shops. Carmel oozes small-town charm. Stroll over to the clean and quiet beach of Carmel-by-the-Sea<\/a> to\u00a0unwind.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n