

That’s because this country-chic little town in Sonoma County has long been a favorite shooting location for some big Hollywood names. What’s that you say? You’ve never heard of Petaluma? Maybe not, but there’s a pretty good chance you’ve seen it anyway. Save your money by packing lunch and snagging one of the picnic tables at Ayala Cove or Quarry Beach. Hop a ferry from Pier 41 in San Francisco. What was once a detainment and processing center for hundreds of thousands of immigrants is now a museum dedicated to interpreting the experiences of those who were once detained here, and to telling the continuing story of immigration today.

To learn more about the somber side of the island’s history, don’t miss the U.S. While walking, keep an eye out for deer, harbor seals, hummingbirds, and brown pelicans, not to mention panoramic views of the city across the Bay. And while the island still shows some signs of its former iterations, it’s best known today as a fantastic place to hike, bike, picnic, and take in some knock-out views of the city skyline.įoot trails circle the entire park and will lead you past native trees and plant life, up the 788-foot-high Mount Caroline Livermore, and even to the island’s two beaches.

Now a state park, Angel Island has quite a history behind it: it’s served as a seasonal hunting ground for the Coastal Miwok, a cattle ranch, a Nike missile base, and a processing point for immigrants to the U.S. Angel Island is actually the largest island in the San Francisco Bay. Think Alcatraz is this city’s only island? Think again. So, are you ready for a backyard adventure? Check out our favorite day trips from San Francisco that you can make without a car. And best of all, you can reach many of them on public transportation –and be back in San Francisco in time for dinner.
DAY TRIPS FROM SAN FRANCISCO FULL
From natural playgrounds, to small towns full of charm, the areas surrounding our fair city are ripe for exploration. In fact, visitors and locals alike often forget that the city’s surrounded by unique opportunities to live a different kind of California lifestyle. It’s easy to get lost sometimes in San Francisco’s urban center: between all the skyscrapers, the traffic, the cultural offerings, and the endless options for nightlife, we can all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of city life. Know before you go: Want to visit the places recommended in this article? With local regulations changing frequently, it’s a good idea to check the web site of any attraction or business to make sure it’s open before you go.
