The 11 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take Around San Francisco

California is a dream state for the adventurous. Explore the many nooks and crannies this year and you'll never forget them! The options for day trips around San Francisco seem to be endless, so check out these great trips as soon as possible. Here are some of the most amazing places in San Francisco you can make a day out of:

1. Redwood Canopy Tours - Felton

Redwood Canopy offers six ziplines with different lengths and difficulty levels. The best part is that the ziplines are in a redwood forest! The two-hour, guided eco-adventure includes six ziplines and two sky bridges at heights of up to 150 feet. Amazing isn't even the right word. Epic is.

2. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park - Gilroy

Try out Gilroy Gardens Theme Park, a family theme park you're sure to love. This is the perfect place to spend the day with your family and enjoy nature, rollercoasters, and more. The park has 22 rides and five attractions as well as six unique gardens, such as the Monarch garden, contained in a 60-foot greenhouse.

3. Performing Animal Welfare Society - San Andreas

A wildlife sanctuary is a place of refuge where abused, injured or abandoned wildlife can live in peace for the remainder of their lives. The Elephant Sanctuary located herein is 2700 acres in size and is a protected environment home to 17 elephants. It's a place of wonder and awe you won't find elsewhere.

4. The Robert Mondavi Winery - Oakville

Mondavi is a well-known brand and must-do winery in Napa Valley. Walk around the Mondavi grounds and take in the beauty of this grand estate. Enjoy a tour with a sit-down guided tasting of three wines and one food pairing.

5. The Heavenly Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster - South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is great for a variety of things all year round. Heavenly Mountain Resort created a mountain roller coaster that will take you on a thrilling adventure you won't forget. You'll go through forest, boulders, and zoom by within view of Lake Tahoe!

6. Alamere Falls - Point Reyes National Seashore

Get close to nature and feel the beauty around Alamere Falls. There is more than one waterfall that you can get near and walk behind. Outside of the main tide fall on the beach, there are a number of little creeks and falls to explore!

7. Orr Hot Springs - Ukiah

Orr Hot Springs is a peaceful resort tucked in the rolling hills of the Mendocino Coastal Range. The pool is an area where springs flourish on 27 acres at the headwaters of Big River. There is a 15’ x 60’ cold pool, which is built directly into the rock of the hillside. It's paradise. Seriously.

8. Mount Umunhum - Santa Clara County

This is a 12-acre mountaintop located within the 18,000-acre Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve south of Los Gatos. Closed to the public since 1980, the summit of Mount Umunhum only recently reopened to hikers. What a treat this one is.

9. Clear Lake volcanic field - Kelseyville

If you go north of San Francisco you’ll discover an active volcano in Clear Lake on Mount Konocti. If you're adventurous, try out some hiking, horseback riding, or any number of off-the-beaten-path wineries you'll find in the area.

10. Lavender Bee Farm - Petaluma

Established in 2001, this farm has been dedicated to bringing lavender and oh-so-helpful bees and pollinators to the area. Shop for goods like lavender bouquets, sachets, and honey. This one is so amazing it feels borderline luxurious.

11. Windsong Cottage Guest Yurt - Point Reyes

Windsong Cottage Guest Yurt is located only about an hour from San Francisco in the rolling hills of Point Reyes. This magical glampground offers a yurt with plenty of amenities like a hot tub, hiking, and more.

Have you been on any of these day trips near San Francisco? Let us know. And if you are looking for just one more day trip idea, take a drive down San Francisco’s loneliest road.