Are you looking for a weekend getaway or day trips while in San Francisco with kids? These are our top picks – we love it all! With or without kids, these are such fun places to visit while you live in or visit San Francisco.

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Want to know more about things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area? Read more here:

• 100+ RAINY & FOGGY DAY INDOOR ACTIVITIES IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA FOR KIDS
• 60+ kid-friendly wineries in and near San Francisco

Weekend Getaways & Day Trips from San Francisco within 1 Hour

These destinations are totally doable as a day trip, but it’s always fun as a staycation for the weekend too.

Within 1 Hour North of San Francisco

Sausalito & Tiburon with Kids

Weekend Activities Highlights

Take the Ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito or Tiburon

How cool would it be to start your weekend trip by traveling to Sausalito or Tiburon on a boat?! You can check out the Ferry Building on the way out too.

Do you enjoy boat rides? Check out our post on places to go from San Francisco on a boat!

Bay Area Discovery Museum

This is a Bay Area parent favorite. Gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge! With Brainiac and cultural activities for the kids – you really could spend all day here.

Hike/Stroller/Scooter/Bike the Blackie’s Pasture

You can make this adventure as long or short as you want! It’s the perfect place to take a stroll on the water with views of San Francisco. You can walk all the way into the town of Tiburon, and you can hit a couple of playgrounds on the way too!

Downtown Sausalito

This beach town across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco is a nice place to stroll by the water. They have ice cream shops, kid’s clothing shops, bookstores, and restaurants too. It makes for a perfect day trip from San Francisco with kids.

Weekend Dining and Lodging Highlights

Murray Circle

Have lunch with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge! This restaurant seems fancy, but they are super nice to families with kids. It’s best to get there right when it opens and sit outside! They are part of Cavallo Point (lodge).

Presidio Yacht Club

The Presidio Yacht Club is such an underrated place. It is another good place to come after BADM! The menus are simple – burgers and such – but it is right under the Golden Gate Bridge, and it’s spacious inside with couch seating. A super homey place!

Candy Store on Main Street

Our trip to Tiburon isn’t complete until we have candy/ice cream at the Candy Store on Main Street. It has all the candy you could ever need! It also has some toys too- just in case you forgot to pack toys for your trip.

Hotels & Airbnbs

Cavallo Point

This place is so nice, and they offer large suites! It is right by the Bay Area Discovery Museum. It is perfect for a short trip away from San Francisco. Cavallo Point is also popular with parents who just want to get away from the kids for the weekend, but don’t want to travel too far.

Did you want more ideas? Check out these hotels and Airbnbs in Sausalito & Tiburon!

Angel Island with Kids

This island that is only reachable by boat or ferry off of San Francisco is a fun day trip or weekend getaway. It’s usually sunnier and warmer than San Francisco too!

Weekend Activities Highlights

Hiking

This island has a lot of hiking space – some easy, some pretty steep. Once you go up the little mountain though, the views are amazing!

Tram Ride

Instead of hiking up, you can take a tram ride around the island. We did this when Henry was about 18 months old and super active, and it kept him entertained! They give you a few minutes up top to take pictures too. Check out their schedule before you go, because it changes with the seasons.

Beach

There is a little beach right by the marina to splash around. You may be greeted by some ducks (or geese?) there too.

Picnic

There are picnic benches right on the shore that are a short walk from the ferry stop. It’s a gorgeous place to take a break for lunch while the kids splash around.

Weekend Dining and Lodging Highlights

Food

There is a cafe right when you get off the ferry to purchase food – or you can pack a picnic! There is also a cantina that has different live music in the summertime.

Camping

It looks like a super fun place to camp. Unfortunately, we’ve never camped here, but we would love to one day! Check out their website for more info.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area with Kids

This area – referring to places like the Muir Woods, Marin County, Stinson Beach, and Bolinas – has so much character. Plus, there are miles and miles of hiking opportunities. Once you step foot in one of these places, you won’t believe you are so close to the bustling San Francisco city. We are covering a huge area here – so maybe stay for a long weekend. Or, you can break up your exploring over a couple of weekends. It’s close enough that you can easily do it!

Weekend Activities Highlights

Splash around in Stinson Beach or Muir Beach

These two picturesque beaches are right outside of San Francisco, and they are usually much warmer. Sometimes the waves can get fairly high, but these beaches are pretty big and nice for sand play. Muir Beach has a cool hiking trail right by it, but it’s very steep. So, it is best that only babies in carriers or good-hikers should go on it. It’s soooooo worth it when you get to the top though! (Check for trail closures and conditions before you go.)

Point Bonita Lighthouse

This lighthouse has lots of steps and steep slopes, so be prepared for that! It’s so picturesque though! It is totally worth it too.

Marin Headlands and Kirby Cove

The Marin Headlands, Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point is an easy hike and doable with kids of all ages! Kirby Cove– not so much. However, the famous swing is (usually) there. If you love a good IG spot- you can take a picture riding a swing with the stunning Golden Gate Bridge backdrop. Sometimes the swing gets cut down- like many of the random swings around the city- but it always seems to get put back up. The hike is just so beautiful even if the swing is cut down. If you are going with a toddler that insists on walking, then definitely bring a sturdy stroller for the way back. (There are steps at the end of the steep downhill, so be prepared to carry the stroller then.)

**Tip: With gorgeous views and backdrops all around the SF Bay Area, you can make the most of your getaway or weekend trip by also scheduling a photo shoot. I highly recommend Emily Jenks Photography – yes, that’s me! 🙂 As you can see from this blog, I know A LOT about San Francisco and the surrounding areas- and the best spots for photos! Check me out and mention this blog to receive 10% off your session.

Find the Hidden Bolinas (and their beach)

You will know you aren’t in San Francisco anymore when you drive into this community. 🙂 We love this funky little town where residents keep tearing down the signs so “strangers” cannot find it. Luckily for modern technology and Google Maps, your GPS won’t have a hard time finding this place. It’s also the home to the nearest gas station in the area if you need gas! (We found out the hard way…)

Once you get there, you will find little stores, an art gallery, and a beach at the end of the road.

Marine Mammal Center

This is where Henry learned to say “sea lion”! You will get to see your fair share of rescued seals and other sea animals. Educational, fun, and free! Bonus: Read the book “Chippy” (get it used), a story about a sea lion that lost it’s way and makes a recovery at the Marine Mammal Center. We got this book before kids because our dog’s name is Chippy. It’s a cute story that teaches kids about how the organization helps sea life!

Weekend Dining and Lodging Highlights

Stinson Beach/Muir Beach

We usually get sandwiches for our time in this area, but Stinson beach has several good family-friendly restaurants available too. Pelican Inn also has an English pub that is right by Muir Beach.

Acqua Hotel Mill Valley

We stayed here before kids. This hotel is right on the water and off the freeway. It’s an easy place to get in and out of while in this area.

Hotels & Airbnbs

Did you want more ideas? Check out these hotels and Airbnbs in the Marin area!!

Sonoma with Kids

What’s not to love when there are 3 kid-focused attractions and 20+ kid-friendly wineries!? Especially if you are going to check out some wineries, staying for the weekend is a must! Of course, it’s easily doable as a day trip as well.

Weekend Activities Highlights

Sonoma Train Town

This place is so cute! You can take the train around the park with a stop off at a little town and a fun petting zoo! There are carnival-type rides to play on while you wait for the train or after you return from the trip. The perfect way to spend half a day with kids.

Children’s Museum of Sonoma County

The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County is great for kids ten and younger. This place has things for outside play, science geeks, artists in the making, and a tot space!

Charles M Schulz Museum

Snoopy Fans, you have to check this out! Kids 3 and under are free! They usually have fun events going on, so make sure to look at their calendar before you go.

Wine Tasting

Sonoma wineries are by far the most kid-friendly wineries in the area. (We know- we did all the research!) Here is our list of all the kid-friendly wineries in Sonoma. Always call ahead to make sure they are still kid-friendly, and check out our other tips on going to wineries with kids here. Most likely, these places will welcome you and many have kid-friendly activities! 

Weekend Dining and Lodging Highlights

Downtown Sonoma

Downtown Sonoma is right by the Sonoma Train Town where there are lots of kid-friendly options. Our favorite is to bring a lunch (or get sandwiches) and go have a picnic at a winery. No need to wine taste inside a tasting room – buy a bottle and sit outside!

Cornerstone Sonoma

This is a cute little place with gardens, a cafe, and a group of wineries. Kids can explore the gardens while you sip and eat. It’s the perfect stop for everyone!

Larson Family Winery Homes

Hands down- one of the most kid-friendly wineries EVER. Also, it has 2 homes that you and your family can stay in after enjoying your day of wine tasting.

Hotels & Airbnbs

Did you want more ideas? Check out these hotels and Airbnbs in the Sonoma area!! We’ve stayed in some amazing Airbnbs while in Sonoma, so we definitely recommend going that route.

Russian River with Kids

 

Technically it’s within Sonoma County, but this area deserves its own section! You can kayak, wine taste, or hang out in downtown Guerneville.

Weekend Activities Highlights

Kayak

In the summer, Johnson’s Beach is a great place to hang out by the river. You can also rent kayaks or canoes from Burke’s. (Another tip: Find an Airbnb with kayaks!)

Wine Tasting

Check out these wineries in the Russian River Valley for a kid-friendly wine tasting experience!

Seasonal Activities

In the fall, visit nearby pumpkin patches and kayak around the river. It’s absolutely breathtaking in October!

Weekend Dining and Lodging Highlights

Camping

Check out Schoolhouse Canyon Campground and Casini Ranch Family Campground – both known for their family friendliness!

Hotels & Airbnbs

We loved renting a house on the Russian River through Airbnb. There are also cute places to stay in and around Guerneville too.

Downtown Guerneville

This is where most of the restaurants and markets are located. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, then we suggest Boon (a little less casual) and Garden Grill! We loved them both!

Within 1 Hour South of San Francisco

Pacifica & Half Moon Bay with Kids

We love love love these two places! So many things to do! The best season to come is during the fall – this place blows up! Check out our post on things to do in the fall in San Francisco for highlights. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with any of these other activities.

Weekend Activities Highlights

Mori Point

Our absolute favorite hike in the area is Mori Point! You should do it. You won’t regret it. Much of the path is stroller friendly. If you want to go a little further though, then you will need a baby carrier or a stable hiker. You can also make this as short or long as you want, and you can walk all the way to “downtown” Pacifica!

Pacifica State Beach (AKA home to the fanciest Taco Bell ever)

This beach is the perfect place if you are first learning to surf. Have fun taking turns surfing (there is a surf shop right by the beach where you can rent) or maybe your kid is ready to take surf lessons! If you have little kids, there is also a little creek that they can splash around in for a bit.

Pacifica Sea Bowl

Oceanview bowling? So much fun! Especially if you are staying over the weekend, you might as well have a night out bowling with the family.

Lemos and Pastorino’s Farms

These farms come to life during the pumpkin season, but they have fun things to do for all seasons – on the weekends. Check their schedule for more info! Also- Check out our Things to Do in the Fall post for more info.

La Nebbia Winery

We’ve been coming here for years- even before kids, we brought our dog Chippy. You can play on their bocce ball courts, and it is nice that they are right next to Lemos and Pastorino’s!

Devil’s Slide

This place sounds scary, but it’s an easy – paved and restored – path along the ocean. It’s even a stroller-friendly hike. You could also use it as a nice bike path too!

Weekend Dining and Lodging Highlights

Restaurants at Pillar Point Harbor

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in this area. Just drive up and pick where you want to eat! (The famous Sam’s Chowder House is right by here too.)

Cameron’s

We love this funky little pub. It’s kid- and dog-friendly with English comfort food. You should check out the nice outdoor patio area to eat!

Puerto 27

This Peruvian restaurant right on the water with a large patio seating area is gorgeous! It has a casual atmosphere during the day, so you don’t need to feel bad crashing with kids at a waterfront restaurant.

Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

While the dining room may be only perfect for the well-behaved kids, this hotel is super kid-friendly in general. Upon check-in, like all Ritz, they will provide the kids with a fun package for their stay. The indoor pool area is nice for the littles. You should definitely get the s’mores kit that is available for the fire pits outside! We like visiting here to enjoy the outdoor seating and walking area even if we aren’t staying.

Hotels & Airbnbs

Did you want more ideas? Check out these hotels and Airbnbs in the Half Moon Bay area!!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpACanKhkUp/

Getting to capture special moments like this one in Half Moon Bay is such a joy. Let me know if you’re interested in a photoshoot!

Silicon Valley with Kids

If you live in San Francisco, then a weekend getaway here means you get to experience the suburban life. It’s kind of fun! If you are visiting San Francisco, you can’t leave without experiencing what Silicon Valley is like- even if it’s just a quick visit.

Weekend Activities Highlights

Check out Google

Maybe try booking a tour of one of the campuses of companies like Google, Apple, or Intel to get a feel for how these companies operate! (Maybe best for older kids.)

Woodside

This mountainous community of multimillion dollar homes is inspiring to explore! Check out hiking trails in areas like La Honda and Windy Hill. Or, spend an afternoon in the gardens of the Filoli House and Pulgas Water Temple.

Explore All the Kids Museums/Zoos

These are the list of some (but not all) of the museums and attractions available! So many to choose from!

• Hiller Aviation Museum
• Children’s Museum of San Jose
• Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
• Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
• CuriOdyssey

For more indoor fun in South Bay, check out this post on Rainy Day Activities – these places are fun even when it’s not raining of course! 🙂

Wineries!

Yes, there are wineries here too! It seems that more of them are getting closer to the Santa Cruz Mountains. Our favorite is Cooper Garrod in Saratoga with horses! Check out more about this winery and other wineries in our kid-friendly wineries post here.

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Ready for a weekend away in Silicon Valley? Too many hotels to choose from to list them all here! This website is super convenient because it lists the cheapest websites to book hotels from, so you can decide which site to book through.

Within 1 Hour East of San Francisco

Again, these places are totally doable as a day trip! That being said, if you are going to check out restaurants and wineries in Livermore, then you might as well make a weekend trip out of it!

Oakland Area with Kids

Weekend Activities Highlights

Oakland Zoo and Children’s Fairyland

We were so so so impressed by the Oakland Zoo! It has gorgeous trails, so many rides, and elephants and camels! (We don’t have that at the SF Zoo.) Check out our Instagram Highlights for more pics! Children’s Fairyland is perfect for toddlers. It’s a miniature amusement park with lots of rides and themed attractions.

Lake Merritt

This nicely paved path around Lake Merritt is a perfect place for scooter lovers!

Tilden Regional Park

Top Must-Do things- the Little Farm, the Merry Go Round, and the Redwood Valley Railway. Don’t forget to bring lettuce or celery to the farm to feed the animals. Not sure if the animals or the kids love it more!

Berkeley

Berkeley has so many kid-friendly attractions. Habitot Children’s Museum has water play, pretend play, places to tumble around, and areas to read. It’s simply a cool place for little kids! We also love just strolling around UC Berkeley’s campus or checking out one of the parks nearby. Look at the 510 Families Article for more ideas!

Weekend Dining and Lodging Highlights

Hotels & Airbnbs

If you are coming from SF, these are total day-trip stops. However, if you insist on staying in the East Bay, check out these hotels and Airbnbs in the Berkeley area!

Livermore with Kids

 

About a 50-minute drive from San Francisco, we like staying in Livermore over a weekend. They have a cute downtown, we get to experience suburban life, and there are so many kid-friendly wineries! (Ok, the last one is definitely one of our main reasons.)

Weekend Activities Highlights

Wine Tasting in Livermore

Check out some of our favorite Livermore wineries in our family-friendly wineries post! Many of them have lawn games to keep the kids occupied and lots of them have really big spaces to play!

Weekend Dining and Lodging Highlights

Campo Di Bocce of Livermore

Bocce ball courts are not scarce here- you can play before, during, or after you eat! The weekend champagne brunch is also a lot of fun here!

Cattlemen’s

You won’t find restaurants like this in San Francisco! Live the Western life for a moment. Plus, the kids will be entertained by all the decor and hay!

Downtown Livermore

We went to a Japanese restaurant in Livermore, and our kids were not feeling it that day. Still, they were super nice! (I wish we remembered the name…) We also saw a few other options where we felt like we could go with rowdy kids. So, just take a stroll on the main street and choose which looks best to you!

Hotels & Airbnbs

We usually stay at “chain” hotels in the Livermore area. Check them out here.

Weekend Getaways & Day Trips from San Francisco within 2 Hours

Within 2 Hours North of San Francisco

Point Reyes with Kids

Weekend Activities Highlights

Oyster Farms, Hiking, Horses, a Shipwreck, and more!

Our favorite place in the Bay Area – we have an entire post about it so check it out for activities in Point Reyes with kids.

Weekend Dining and Lodging Highlights

Hog Island Oyster Co and Tomales Bay Oyster

Bring a picnic, buy some oysters, and have a BBQ! It’s so fun eating fresh or BBQ’d oysters outside. Hog Island offers valet parking – be sure to make reservations because they are required there!

Cottages at Point Reyes Seashore

They have cottages that sleep up to 5!

Tomales Bay Resort

They are right on the water and have suites you can stay in while enjoying the views!

Bodega Bay with Kids

A little way up the coast is the charming town of Bodega Bay. It’s just relaxing to be there. Well, as relaxing as it gets with kids. Many of the activities revolve around being outside, so reserve going here for a non-rainy season (spring-fall).

Weekend Activities Highlights

Kayak

Even with kids who have never kayaked, Bodega Bay has lots of calm areas to try out kayaking. You may even encounter seals!

Beach it Up at North Salmon Creek Beach

Beaches in Bodega Bay can have some strong waves, but North Salmon Creek Beach has a nice area for kids to play!

Weekend Dining and Lodging Highlights

Pelican Plaza Grocery and Deli

We love grabbing food and sandwiches here, then having a picnic! (Or a “picnic” at our Airbnb. :))

The Tides Wharf Restaurant and Bar

If you want to eat at a restaurant, this place is right on the water, and it’s pretty casual.

Wright’s Beach Campground

We’ve camped here twice before, and we love it! Try to reserve one of the oceanfront spots before they are gone.

Bodega Coast Inn and Suites

We love this place because it has spacious suites! Definitely a must when on a weekend getaway with kids!

Hotels & Airbnbs

Did you want more ideas? Check out these hotels and Airbnbs in the Bodega Bay Area!!

Napa with Kids

There is so much more to Napa than just wineries! Yes, we love our wineries there, but check out these other activities you can do when the wineries are not open. 😉

Weekend Activities Highlights

Old Faithful Geyser

You don’t have to go to Iceland to see a geyser! This place is open fairly early (8:30 am) and there’s also a little gift shop. The shock on your kids’ faces when they all of a sudden see the water sprout will be a fun start to your day.

Wineries, Wineries, and More Wineries

There are many kid-friendly wineries in this area. Check out our post here to choose which ones you want to try out! If you aren’t sure if a winery is family-friendly, then always call beforehand and ask if they are kid-friendly. (Check out our other tips on going to wineries with kids here.)

Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train has seasonal family-friendly trains and events – like the Santa Train or family-friendly BBQ nights.

Check out our guide to the Santa Train here.

Weekend Dining and Lodging Highlights

We love staying in Calistoga because it’s kind of the “end of the road” in Napa. So, you can conveniently stop at the end of the day after wine tasting. The downtown is super cute and walkable with your kids, which is another good reason to stay here. Check out hotels in this area and stay at one of the places with a pool if the kids want to let out energy!

Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery

This restaurant has a big lawn area and outdoor seating – perfect for eating with kids!

Bonus! I love escaping to Napa to take in the beautiful views. If you are planning a trip to the area, then consider hiring a photographer to capture the memories. Vineyards make for great settings, but I know a variety of places for awesome photos in the area. Check out Emily Jenks Photography and mention this blog to receive a 10% discount off your session!

Within 2 Hours South of San Francisco

Big Basin and Other Areas on Highway 1 with Kids

There are lots of redwoods up North of San Francisco, but you can also see them here!

Weekend Activities Highlights

Davenport

A cute little town right on Highway 1 with a market, a restaurant, and a winery! (The winery is a little small, so better for babies that aren’t running around yet.)

Pescadero

The town of Pescadero is super quaint with a market and restaurants. It’s a nice lunch stop. Around here, there are also beaches like San Gregorio State Beach, Pescadero State Beach, and, if you want to go into the redwoods, check out Butano State Park!

Swanton Berry Farms

During the summer season, you can pick strawberries here, but it’s a fun stop in any season to buy jam, pies, and more!

Wineries

Yes – there are kid-friendly wineries here too! Check out all the Santa Cruz Mountain wineries that are kid-friendly here.

Weekend Dining and Lodging Highlights

Camping at Big Basin State Park

The best way to immerse yourself in the Redwoods is to camp at the State Park!  The 0.5-mile flat loop trail is perfect for hikers of any age.

Hotels & Airbnbs

Did you want more ideas? Check out these hotels and Airbnbs in this area or stay in Santa Cruz!!

Santa Cruz with Kids

Weekend Activities Highlights

Boardwalk, Beaches, Animals, and More!

We have an entire weekend itinerary here. We did all the research for you- Check it out!

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Hotels & Airbnbs

We give suggestions on the post above, but if you want more ideas, check out these hotels and Airbnbs or hotels in Santa Cruz!!

Gilroy with Kids

This place really does smell like garlic! Even if you don’t go for the famous annual Garlic Festival (usually held in July), there are plenty of places to sample garlic everything – including garlic ice cream! (It’s just funny to hear your kids say “eeewweee”. :))

Weekend Activities Highlights

Gilroy Gardens

While you are there, Gilroy Gardens is a must! They have rides, water features (it’s actually hot here in the summer, unlike San Francisco!), and a lush garden setting to explore. Hours vary by season, so be sure to check before you go.

| Emily Jenks Photography |

Gilroy Garlic

It’s a Garlic-Lovers dream! Make a stop at Garlic World when you are Gilroy to get anything garlic!

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Hotels & Airbnbs

Check out these hotels and Airbnbs or hotels in Gilroy.

Within 2 Hours East of San Francisco

Sacramento with Kids

This is such an underrated weekend getaway spot! Sacramento is full of fun things to do with kids.

Weekend Activities Highlights

Sacramento Old Town

Walk in the old Wild West town. Horse-drawn carriage rides and cool shops make it feel like you have been transported back in time. Plus, it’s all right on the water. Check out the Delta King boat, or jump on a historic river cruise with Hornblower Cruises! *Kids 3 and under are free!

California State Railroad Museum

This place is so cool! It’s an interactive train museum with life-sized displays and trains that you can tour. The top floor also has a Thomas train play area where you can sit and watch your kids play! (It’s in Old Sac, so don’t forget to stop by if you are there visiting!) Plus, you can go on an excursion train ride in the summer, Spooktacular rides in the fall, and best of all- the Polar Express Train Ride during the holiday season. We wrote a whole article on what to expect about this awesome festive experience! It is a must if you visit in the winter.

Sacramento Zoo, Funderland Park, and Fairytale Town

The trifecta of kids entertainment and you only have to park once! (It’s all in one place, so you don’t have to put your kids back in the car until you are done with all three. Parents know how amazing it is to not have to load and unload the kids three times in a row!) Fairytale town is perfect for walking toddlers/young kiddos, and Funderland is for kids who are a little older. The Sacramento Zoo is great for all ages! They have giraffe feedings, train rides, and a carousel. Get your family animal hats before you go- perfect for sun protection, warmth, and getting the kids excited about the trip!

State Capital

Even if your kids are too young to understand, this area is absolutely beautiful and inspiring to walk around! The cherry blossoms are gorgeous during the Springtime too! Also, it’s all stroller friendly.

Crocker Art Museum

This museum is not just for adults! Much of the museum is geared towards kids too. There are even play areas for little ones to let out some energy. 

Raley Field

Catch a minor league game on a hot summer night!

California State Fair

This State Fair is our yearly tradition. Farm animals, rides, games, and fair food! It’s also fun to stop by the Raging Waters midday to cool off.

Hiking at Effie Yeaw Nature Center

This is a nature preserve area with a little nature center, a path that leads to the river, and deer and turkey! We love coming here around Thanksgiving to get us in the holiday spirit. 🙂 It’s gorgeous in the spring with wildflowers and perfect in summer for some river fun! Check out what else you can do here in our post on Guide to Effie Yeaw Nature Center with kids! Don’t forget to bring your kids binoculars!

Weekend Dining and Lodging Highlights

The Original Old Spaghetti Factory

Eat on the train tracks- they even have a trolley car! Plus, any restaurant that comes with ice cream at the end of your meal is also a family favorite of ours!

Joe’s Crab Shack in Old Sac

Joe’s is easy- it’s a chain and it is usually loud. This is perfect for one of those rowdy meals with the kids! If worse comes to worst, you can step outside and take a walk along the river with the kids.

Hotels & Airbnbs

We usually like to stay downtown – check out these hotels and contact us if you need help, we know the area really well!

Lodi with Kids

Another underrated spot! Lodi is full of wineries (sensing a theme here yet? :)), regional parks, and museums! You can definitely spend a whole weekend exploring this area. 

Weekend Activities Highlights

World of Wonders Science Museum

This interactive science museum lets your kids learn about energy, electricity, magnetism, optics, and more!

Wineries

It’s not a weekend getaway in Northern California if you don’t check out kid-friendly wineries. 🙂

Check out our Family Friendly Wineries Post to find all the best places to stop and do a tasting!

Micke Grove Zoo

Micke Grove Zoo has several animal preserves like monkeys, iguanas, bobcats, and more!

Lodi Lake Park

Lodi Lake Park is a great place to walk around, or go kayaking! When you live in the city, it is just nice to enjoy the beauty of nature sometimes. Don’t forget to bring life jackets for the kids! 

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Hotels & Airbnbs

Check out these hotels and Airbnbs or hotels in Lodi (or stay in nearby Sacramento).

Discovery Bay with Kids

Most people living in San Francisco have no idea this place even exists. It’s highlighted in our top 5 places to go on a boat post. Besides really fun water activities (Kayaking, Paddle Boats, Pedal Boats, etc.), there are nearby family-friendly wineries and fruit picking places!

Weekend Activities Highlights

Smith Family Farms

This is one of our favorite places for “farm” activities! They have a farm stand, an amazing pumpkin patch, and seasonal fruit picking!

Fruit Picking

Fruit picking is seasonal and there are too many places to list! Check out this website for what’s in season, and what you can pick in the nearby town of Brentwood!

Wineries

Hannah-Nicole Vineyards is our favorite winery to come with kids because it has a really big lawn for them to run.

Hiking

Round Valley Regional Preserve has hiking trails (you guessed it – by a winery!) with picnic tables, a little creek, and cows grazing! Check out our Instagram Stories Highlights for more pictures!

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Margarita Villa Vacation Rental

If you want a place to stay with all the water equipment, toys, a high chair, and a portable crib – stay here (mention H + A Guide for a special discount)!

Weekend Getaways & Day Trips from San Francisco within 3 Hours

Within 3 Hours North of San Francisco

Clearlake with Kids

California’s largest natural lake (dates back to more than 1.5 million years ago!) doesn’t have the best swimming beaches (or we couldn’t find one), but it’s really pretty. Also, if you have a boat, it’s so much fun! Even if you don’t (we didn’t when we went with Henry), you can make a weekend out of this place! Enjoy going to wineries (of course!) or cool off by swimning in a relaxing pool. Yes – again, all these weekend destinations have amazing kid-friendly wineries! You should bring a picnic blanket to sit outside. The kids can enjoy being in nature while having lunch one day!

Weekend Activities Highlights

Wineries!

We loved Fults Family Vineyards because they have kids of their own, and they have a putting green in the back! We visited a few more during the stay too. There are over 40 wineries in the area. 

Clearlake State Park

You can camp here, take a walk here, and even boat here. One of the only swimming beaches on the lake that we could find was here!

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park

This marsh area has a few options for 0.5-1 mile easy hiking trails – one of the shortest is a half-mile trail that lets you overlook the marsh. You may spot some birds and deer if you’re lucky!

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Clearlake Cottages & Marina

We stayed at the Clear Lake Cottages & Marina – it is on the water and has a pool. When we went, it wasn’t necessarily the newest or the best – but it seems to have been newly renovated! We still had fun because the cottage offered separation of the living room and bedrooms. This meant we were able to have fun after Henry went to bed!

Hotels & Airbnbs

This website lists some lodging options including campsites. Otherwise, find an Airbnb on the water!

Within 3 Hours South of San Francisco

Carmel-by-the-Sea with Kids

Carmel has a special place in our hearts because it’s where we got married! We’ve gone back with the kids, and we had a great time. It was our first trip with Henry when he was about 3 weeks old, and we went again with both kids recently. This kid-friendly town is also very dog-friendly too!

Weekend Activities Highlights

17 Mile Drive

This is a perfect place to drive around if your kids are napping while you’re daydreaming of one day having an address that includes “17 Mile Drive”. If your kids are awake, there are many stops along the way. We love the Restless Sea and the Bird Rock Stop. It’s also nice to get out at the Pebble Beach Resort. They have a market to buy sandwiches and other snacks if you don’t want to eat at their restaurant!

Carmel Mission

We may be a little biased about how absolutely gorgeous it is here since this is where we got married. 🙂 The grounds stretch to the back of the Mission, so it’s a pretty big space for your kids to roam around.

Mission Ranch

Mr. Clint Eastwood’s property! When we had our wedding reception there, he and Bill Murray were having dinner at the restaurant! You can have ocean views with sheep roaming around. It makes for a nice pit stop or a cool place to stay for the night.

Point Lobos

Point Lobos has lots of trails to walk around – along the ocean and also in the trees. All of the trails are on fairly flat surfaces.This is where we got engaged – so it’s another special place for us! 🙂

Downtown Carmel & Beach

Stroll through downtown Carmel just down the hill, and you will end up at the Carmel beach. The hill is kind of steep, but it’s well worth it! Cypress trees lining the beach make it a one of a kind view!

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Mission Ranch

A great place to stay as they have big rooms – or you can rent one of their cottages for your entire family to stay!

Hotels & Airbnbs

Downtown Carmel has one of the cutest & coziest inns! Check them out here or look for an Airbnb!

Monterey with Kids

It’s our new yearly tradition to come here to meet up with family! We love it. It’s gorgeous and has so many kid-friendly things to do!

Weekend Activities Highlights

Monterey Bay Aquarium

This aquarium is huge! It’s world-famous for a reason. We’ve done it in a few hours, but you could really spend the entire day here. There are so many fun little areas for kids to play too. Pre-purchase tickets through AAA for a discount!

Dennis the Menace Playground

We’ve never been here because our kids aren’t so into playgrounds (I know, weird). But- I heard it’s awesome!

Cannery Row

Enjoy a walk down Cannery Row after the aquarium! Have fun taking pictures, or eat at one of the many restaurants. We haven’t had any issues finding kid-friendly places to eat here!

Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary

You can walk through this place in 15 minutes or so. Wow! You will be amazed at all the butterflies around October – February!

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Mariposa Inn and Suites

Their suites are great – it’s townhome-style with the bedrooms upstairs and living room downstairs (with a pull out bed). With kids, you will appreciate the convenience. We love the pool and hot tub there too!

Hotels & Airbnbs

Did you want more ideas? Check out these hotels and Airbnbs in the Monterey Area!

Big Sur with Kids

| Emily Jenks Photography |

Probably one of the most beautiful and quaint places on Highway 1. You will be surrounded by nature all weekend long here with the kids. Just a heads up- you get pretty bad cell phone reception here – definitely a place to come to unplug from it all! It’s absolutely breathtaking, but make sure to check out closures before you go.

Weekend Activities Highlights

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

‘Perfect day at the beach’ is what comes to mind when we think about this place! There is also a creek that kids can splash around in if you want something smaller. Don’t miss the McWay Falls too!

Limekiln State Park

Limekiln State Park has absolutely gorgeous views of the Big Sur coast and redwoods. In addition to that, you can enjoy the cultural history of limekilns. There is a beautiful waterfall too!

Andrew Molera State Park

There are pretty easy hikes in this park – and butterflies around October – January! Creamery Meadow Trail and Spring Trail are both less than 2 miles one way!

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Camping

We’ve gone camping at Big Sur Campground & Cabins, which is a privately owned campground that also has cabins. They recommend booking 12 months in advance if you want a place in the high season for a weekend or holiday – so plan ahead! One plus is that you can walk to some restaurants from there if you want to skip the campsite cooking. The State Parks also have camping options in Big Sur – you can make reservations exactly 6 months ahead of the day you want to camp, and they book up fast!

Hotels & Airbnbs

Did you want more ideas? Check out these hotels and Airbnbs in the Big Sur Area!

Within 3 Hours East of San Francisco

Lake Don Pedro with Kids

Weekend Activities Highlights

Boating

You can enjoy anything from kayaking and swimming to fishing with a boat on this lake. It’s such a fun destination for the summer that is not too far from San Francisco!

Hiking

Their hiking is mainly around the campgrounds, but there are about 7 miles to hike around the area! It’s still nice to just be out in nature. 

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Camping and Houseboat

Of course, there are a few camping options at Lake Don Pedro. Butttt… do you want a unique experience? Rent a houseboat! We used to come here and rent a houseboat almost every Thanksgiving – it’s so quiet, you have the entire lake to yourself! 

Apple Hill (Placerville) with Kids

This area is definitely known for the fall foliage and apples – but it’s great all year long! It’s such a cute place- something you imagine you would find back on the East Coast. In the fall, you can pick your own apples to bake a pie at home, or buy premade apple pies, candy apples, apple cider, and apple butter. So so good! During the winter, you can also find Christmas Tree Farms out here if you don’t live too far for transporting. Plus, in the spring and summer, there are plenty of random fruits and flowers for picking/buying! It’s a great place to check out during any season.

Weekend Activities Highlights

Breweries & Wineries

It wouldn’t be on our list unless there were good wineries in the area, right? 🙂 There are several wineries to visit on Apple Hill. We have enjoyed hard cider there after a day of apple picking as well. Yummy options with open spaces for kids to play! Make sure to call ahead of time to see if they are kid-friendly, and check out these other tips on going to wineries with kids here.

Apple Picking & Other Seasonal Activities

The name says it all- this place is known for its apples. They are delicious and abundant. In the fall, they have pumpkin patches, hay mazes, pony rides, and more. Just get there super early in October, or avoid going on the weekends. It gets crazy there with traffic! Check out this post to see which ones are our favorite apple farms in Apple Hill.

Farms and Ranches – Many are Open Year-Round

Even if you don’t go in the fall, many of these farms are open all year-round. Call ahead of time to see what they have available to the public!

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Hotels & Airbnbs

This website lists places to stay in Apple Hill (or you can stay in Sacramento). Make sure to check here to see if you are getting the best rates!

Weekend Getaways & Day Trips from San Francisco 3+ Hours

3+ Hours North of San Francisco

Mendocino with Kids

Weekend Activities Highlights

Coastal Botanical Gardens, Skunk Train, Glass Beach, and so much more!

We have a post about an entire weekend full of fun things to do in Mendocino here.

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Andiron Seaside Inn & Cabins

This inn has big enough cabins for families! They have amenities like telescopes, binoculars, science kits, and bird whistles! They have happy hour and s’more kits to roast by the fire too – something for everyone!

Hotels & Airbnbs

Did you want more ideas? Check out these hotels and Airbnbs in the Mendocino area!

Lake Shasta with Kids

Weekend Activities Highlights

Boating, swimming, and hiking!

Redding (more specifically- Shasta Lake) is a great place to take the kids! Here are some family-friendly activities at Lake Shasta!

Lake Shasta Caverns

Caves are just so cool and these will not disappoint! Their tours for kids are 2 hours long – and kids 2 and under are free!

Turtle Bay Exploration Park

A little bit down the road in Redding, this park has museum exhibits and animals like foxes, bobcats, badgers, skunks, and many birds! They have an aquarium too.

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Camping & Houseboat

No better way than to experience the lake than staying on the lake (or on the shore). Check out this website for all the different options.

Hotels & Airbnbs

Did you want more ideas? Check out these hotels and Airbnbs in the Shasta Lake Area!

3+ Hours South of San Francisco

Pismo Beach/Avila Beach and San Luis Obispo with Kids

Weekend Activities Highlights

Pismo Beach Pier

This is a fun area with restaurants, shops, and a pier you can walk along. It’s such a picture-perfect and fun beach town!

Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove

If you are in Pismo Beach around October – February, a stop here is a must to check out all the butterflies!

Avila Beach Pier and Beach

This is probably one of our favorite beaches in California. It’s small & cute and nestled among valleys. There are restaurants and markets, so you can pick to have a picnic on the beach, or eat at a casual restaurant!

Bubblegum Alley (SLO)

Yukkkk!! …is my reaction, but fun to check this out!

Central Coast Aquarium (Avila Beach)

This aquarium in Avila Beach is as kid-friendly as it gets! They have special programs like Mommies & Guppies and special operating hours just for preschoolers and their parents.

Hearst Castle

You will be impressed with the history of this place, and your kids will be impressed with how much space there is to roam around! The tours are about 1-2 hours long and do involve going up and down stairs and walking- so be sure to take that into your consideration to visit this place or not.

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Hotels & Airbnbs

We’ve stayed in a cool ranch-style Airbnb around here before, and it was amazing! Did you want more ideas? Check out these hotels and Airbnbs in the Pismo/Avila/SLO Area!

3+ Hours East of San Francisco

Lake Tahoe with Kids

Just be warned that it may take around 3 hours to get there, or it could be much much longer during busy weekends. Your best bet is to leave super early in the morning to beat traffic if you are going there during ski season or holiday weekends. It gets crowded for a reason. This lake is top-notch and amazing.

Weekend Activities Highlights

Beaches

Tahoe is not only for skiing! It’s such a fun place to visit in the summer too. Check out these Top 10 Best Lake Tahoe Beaches by LakeTahoe.com.

Hiking at Emerald Bay

We love this hike. It’s breathtaking. Literally- the bay is a beautiful emerald color, and there’s a castle! For more hikes in Tahoe – check out this website by Tahoe.com. They are so helpful for ideas with kids too!

Skiing

We love the ski resort in the Incline Village – Diamond Peak! Check out our in-depth guide to the ski resort here. Their kids’ lessons start at 3 years old.

So many ski resorts to choose from! The closest to the Bay Area is Boreal (and one of the cheapest), which is also a great place to start if you are new to skiing/snowboarding. However, bigger resorts will have more for parents who are staying behind with kids that aren’t skiing, so that’s something to consider too. We love Trekaroo’s roundup of best ski resorts for kids in Tahoe!

*Always be sure to check the weather before your trip. There are road closures and times when chains and/or 4-wheel drive are required to drive to certain parts of the mountains during the snowy season. 

Weekend Lodging Highlights

All three of these areas have different things to offer, so check to see what’s the best area for you!

Hotels & Airbnbs in South Lake Tahoe

There are lots of restaurants and entertainment options to choose from in this area. So, if you like to go out and about with your kids day and night – this area is for you. Summertime is the perfect time to stay in this area with nearby beaches and entertainment. Check out Airbnbs in this area to find ones with pools or these hotels.

Hotels & Airbnbs in Incline Village

It’s a little further away from the Bay Area, but we love coming up here because it’s generally quieter. It’s a cozy place to rent a cabin through Airbnb or stay at the Hyatt where they have a pool. Want more options? These are hotels in Incline Village. 

Hotels & Airbnbs in Truckee

The closest area from the Bay Area. I love downtown Truckee. There are so many options for restaurants here. Check out Airbnbs or hotels in this area!

Stanislaus National Forest with Kids

This is the “closest snow from the Bay Area” – slightly closer than Tahoe. When we go, we feel like there’s less of a chance for 4+ hour delays due to traffic. It’s definitely worth considering coming this way if you are contemplating a low-key mountain/lake weekend away!

Weekend Activities Highlights

We have an entire article about how to spend a weekend here. Check out this post for ideas!

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Hotels & Airbnbs

We love renting a house here through Airbnb. There aren’t as many options as Tahoe. Book ahead of time- especially if you are contemplating a weekend getaway in the high ski season!

Yosemite National Park with Kids

The world-famous national park is only a little over 3 hours away with no traffic. I don’t know why we don’t go there more often! There are so many nature-related activities here and the views will blow you away.

Weekend Activities Highlights

We spent an entire day in the actual Yosemite National Park on our 3-day stay, and we did the following:

• Rented bikes with a trailer and biked from Half Dome Village to Mirror Lake (then about a 0.5-mile one-way hike to the lake), to Yosemite Valley Village, back to Half Dome Village. It was a total of 2 hours including stopping for a picnic lunch.

• While the kids napped, Tony and I took turns checking out these amazing viewpoints: Tunnel View, Glacier Point, and Washburn Point.

We entered the park for the day around 9 am, and left around 2:45 pm. If you want to know more about our one-day itinerary with toddlers, then check out this post!

On another day, we checked out Mariposa Grove. It has an easy 2-mile hike where you get to see incredibly old Sequoia Trees and go through the California Tree Tunnel! It is definitely an Instagram-worthy location too! Do your kids need hiking boots for the trip? Check out these great options! Also, make sure you bring yourself a pair of hiking boots! 

Weekend Lodging Highlights

Tenaya Lodge

This place is the way to go when you are in Yosemite! Our full review is here, so check it out. 

Camping

If you are a San Francisco resident, there is Camp Mather. It’s definitely on our bucket list! You have to enter a lottery, and, if you get chosen, you get to go camping in Yosemite with your neighbors in San Francisco. So many activities too! Registration usually opens in January and closes in February of that year. We applied right around the opening week, and we were 30th place on the waitlist out of close to 700+!

For more information on camping in Yosemite in general, check out this website by Yosemite.com.

Hotels & Airbnbs

Did you want more ideas? Check out these hotels and Airbnbs near Yosemite!

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Want to know more about things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area? Read more here:

• 100+ RAINY & FOGGY DAY INDOOR ACTIVITIES IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA FOR KIDS
• 60+ kid-friendly wineries in and near San Francisco

There you have it!

30+ weekend or day trips from San Francisco with kids! Which one is your favorite? Did we miss anything? Let us know!