San Francisco is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the US, with an incredible amount to offer when it comes to family activities. While you’ll no doubt wish to explore this unique city and take a true San Francisco tour, there are plenty of equally entertaining places to visit just outside of the city that will give you an entirely different experience. No matter how long you plan on visiting San Francisco for, taking the time to go on a family day trip will certainly make for a memorable holiday and allow you to experience more of what California has to offer.
Yosemite National Park
The stunning Yosemite National Park is known for its spectacular natural wonders and distinctive American wildlife, as well as its giant ancient sequoia trees. It takes several hours to drive from San Francisco to Yosemite, which makes it the perfect choice for an outdoor family day tour. Once there, you can enjoy the unrivalled surroundings of the national park, explore the park’s museum and maybe even take a hike in the hills. Just make sure you bring a good camera, as this is one place that you won’t want to forget.
Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay is a must for anyone visiting California, as its stunning sea views and opportunities for whale watching make it a truly unforgettable experience. A few hours’ drive south from San Francisco on the coastal Highway 1, Monterey Bay is home to Santa Cruz, Cannery Row and an impressive aquarium that is perfect for families to visit. Taking a tour to Monterey Bay is a great way to get some sea air and see more of California.
Muir Woods
For those who want to spend some time outdoors in nature but don’t want to travel for hours to get there, Muir Woods is the perfect day trip from San Francisco. Only a half hour drive away, it offers breath-taking views and an atmosphere that will make you instantly forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Known for its giant redwood trees, Muir Woods National Monument is the perfect place to explore with children, especially as there are many tales of it being haunted. Taking a tour of Muir Woods allows you to see San Francisco from a different perspective, quite literally, as you can see the stunning skyline in the distance.
Santa Cruz
If exploring San Francisco simply isn’t enough, you can always take a day trip to Santa Cruz, which is just over an hour’s drive away. Situated on the Pacific coast, the city of Santa Cruz is a remarkable, vibrant place to visit. Families can enjoy spending time on the beach and at the boardwalk funfair, or even take a tour of the redwoods state park and marvel at the incredible natural scenery. Visiting Santa Cruz is the perfect way to see more of California without having to travel for hours, and its views of Monterey Bay are the perfect place to take some spectacular family holiday photos.