Day Trips

Day trips from San Francisco are full-day outings that take you beyond the city to see redwoods, wine country, Alcatraz, or even Yosemite—without needing to rent a car. With 195 options, these tours make up 20% of everything sold in San Francisco, and 92% are rated 4 stars or better.

Most travelers book these tours to fit several must-see sights into a single day. Whether you want to walk among the redwoods in Muir Woods, sample Sonoma wines, or check off Alcatraz, there’s a day trip that covers it. The most popular tours last 5–10 hours and include transport, a guide, and entry to key attractions.

Day trips are one of the largest categories in San Francisco, with 195 tours—more than food or cultural tours, and nearly as many as walking tours. They range from short half-day escapes to full-day adventures reaching as far as Yosemite.

Prices vary widely, but most people pay between $99 and $239 per person for the best-reviewed group tours. The category-wide median is $563, but that figure is pushed up by private and luxury options. Only two day trips are under $30, and just two more fall in the $30–$60 range. For a full-featured group tour, expect to pay at least $99.

Compared to other categories, day trips are more expensive than walking or cultural tours, and even most bus tours. But they also cover much more ground—literally—often including transport, entry fees, and a professional guide for a full day.

If you want to see the redwoods, Muir Woods and Sausalito tours are the most popular and start at $99. These typically include transport, a knowledgeable local guide, and time to explore both the forest and the waterfront town. Some add Alcatraz or city sightseeing for a broader experience, but you’ll need to check if entrance fees are included—several tours require you to pay your own way into Muir Woods or Alcatraz, so factor in an extra $15–$45 per person.

Wine country tours are a close second in popularity. For $169–$179, you get tastings at three wineries, a guide, and a stop in Sonoma or Napa. Some tours offer a gourmet lunch upgrade, but most do not include food, so plan for that expense. These tours are best for adults interested in wine, but they also appeal to anyone wanting a relaxing day in scenic countryside.

If you want to pack the most into a single day, combination tours cover city highlights, Muir Woods, Sausalito, and sometimes Alcatraz. These run $109–$159 and are well-reviewed for first-time visitors. Yosemite day trips are the longest and priciest (from $239), but they’re the only way to see the national park without an overnight stay or driving yourself. Expect a very long day—up to 14 hours—but reviews confirm it’s worth it for the scenery.

Most complaints in this category are about unexpected extra costs (especially entrance fees not included), rushed schedules, or guides who were less engaging than expected. A few travelers felt that group sizes or bus comfort fell short, especially on the longest trips. However, with only 8% of day trips rated below 4 stars, most travelers find these tours deliver on their promises—especially when they check what’s included and read recent reviews before booking.