Looking to satisfy that travel bug in a COVID-friendly way, and still make it home for bedtime?
Consider a day trip!
Living in Oakland and Alameda, which are family-friendly destinations in their own right, we are extremely privileged to be just a hop, skip, and a jump away from a number of other wonderful towns and cities that top the travel charts, ranging from beaches, to mountains, to forests, to wine country.
Read on for some of our favorite day trips in and near the Bay Area, all within a couple hours’ drive without traffic from Oakland/Alameda. Which destinations are your family’s favorites?
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Within an Hour’s Drive
Berkeley
We may be biased from all our years living and attending college here (Go Bears!), but speaking objectively, Berkeley has so many great activities and options for young families, from Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley Marina, Telegraph Avenue, and California Memorial Stadium.
Brentwood
Brentwood is the home of our go-to pumpkin patch, as well as summer u-pick fruits like cherries, strawberries, and peaches!
San Francisco
This one might be a little too close to home, but we’d be remiss not to mention San Francisco as a great day trip option! Travel by ferry, car, or public transportation to check out the city and all it has to offer tourists and locals alike!
Half Moon Bay
While Half Moon Bay may not be the most wondrous place, there is something about our California coastline that is breathtaking–and it’s only less than an hour away from the East Bay Area. This small city on the California coast offers beaches, tide pools, cool temps, hiking, and a cute downtown area that the whole family will enjoy!
1-2 Hours’ Drive
Marin Headlands
Nestled in the hills of Mill Valley is a well-loved and well-traveled trail that takes you through Tennessee Valley, past an old barn, and ends at the picturesque and secluded Tennessee Beach.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Samuel P. Taylor State Park is just an hour away from the Bay Area, but feels worlds away. As you drive farther from the nearest city you suddenly find yourself driving through a gorgeous grove of tall redwood trees. It is a place where you can relax and escape city living for a day or weekend with your kids, and also makes a great first family camping trip!
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa offers warm weather, wine country, and both the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County and the Charles Shultz Museum!
Guerneville
This small town surrounded by forest along the Russian River is one of our favorite day trip destinations. Take a refreshing float down the river in nearby Monte Rio, then check out downtown Guerneville’s cute shops and restaurants.
Sonoma
Home to Sonoma Traintown Railroad as well as numerous wineries and restaurants, Sonoma is an ideal destination for kids and adults alike!
Sacramento
California’s capital city is full of historical sites, family-oriented attractions like the California State Railroad Museum, and even riverside beaches!
Pescadero
t’s conveniently located close to kid-friendly hiking trails, good food, and fun activities, and it’s just twenty minutes from the beach destination of Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz
This coastal town south of the Bay Area offers beaches, redwoods, and delicious restaurants galore. Your family might also enjoy the rides and attractions at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!
Watsonville
Just south of Santa Cruz and north of Monterey you’ll find Watsonville smack dab in the middle of lush California farmland. Here, you can explore U-Pick farms, beaches, hiking trails through redwoods, and wineries.
Moss Landing
For being such a small section off of Highway 1, Moss Landing is full of surprises. If you only have a few hours, stop for lunch and fresh farm produce on your way out of town. If you have a day, visit the reserve and enjoy the surroundings.
Monterey
Monterey is a popular destination among locals and international tourists. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and enjoy the smell of the ocean air from its historical downtown area.
These destinations barely scratch the surface of potential day trips you can take from the East Bay, and of course, there’s still plenty to do in the East Bay itself!
We look forward to building this list out—let us know what other places we should add!