12 Unforgettable Fall Getaways From San Francisco
San Francisco known for its landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and its proximity to both the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Nevada. Though the city spans just seven miles, its central location provides access to a wide variety of landscapes within a short drive. In less than three hours, you can find yourself among the towering redwoods of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, sipping wine at Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley, or kayaking along the scenic Russian River in Sonoma County. These twelve destinations combine outdoor activities, seasonal events, and local history for an unforgettable fall getaway.
Sonoma Valley
Home to some of California's earliest wineries, Sonoma Valley's history stretches back to the 1800s. The town of Sonoma, with its 19th-century adobe buildings, remains the heart of the valley’s winemaking tradition.
At the historic Mission San Francisco Solano, part of California's mission system, visitors can delve into this heritage. Fall brings a particular charm to the area, with the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival offering a chance to savor local wines and farm-to-table fare while browsing crafts that celebrate the region's agricultural roots. With its renowned vineyards, like Buena Vista Winery, and its preserved historical atmosphere, Sonoma Valley effortlessly blends past and present.
Calistoga
At the northern tip of Napa Valley, Calistoga has long drawn visitors seeking wellness and relaxation, thanks to its natural hot springs and mineral-rich mud baths. The town is perhaps best known for its rustic atmosphere and vineyard selection.
There are certainly wineries worth seeing, including Sterling Vineyards, with its aerial tram views. For those interested in architecture, Castello di Amorosa, a 13th-century Tuscan-style castle winery built in the 21st century, is a contrast to the natural serenity of the area. Each fall, Calistoga hosts its Harvest Fair at Pioneer Park, featuring a vibrant outdoor marketplace with local food, artisan crafts, and fall-themed activities. The event, which includes a family costume contest and live performances, offers a festive and community-focused autumn experience.
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Just a 45-minute drive from San Francisco's hustle, Mount Tamalpais rises as a gateway to nature. Its summit has panoramic views of the Bay Area. Known for its rugged beauty, the park’s trails, such as the challenging Dipsea Trail, weave through towering redwoods and eventually lead to the Pacific at Stinson Beach.
Autumn enhances the experience as cooler temperatures and changing leaves color the landscape. For a more serene hike, the Steep Ravine Trail winds past creeks and redwoods—a favorite for those looking to escape into the quiet of the forest. The summit, when reached, rewards hikers with views of the San Francisco skyline, framed by fall foliage.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Stretching across miles of windswept coastlines and grasslands, Point Reyes National Seashore captivates visitors with its raw, natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Known for the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, which has been standing sentinel over the Pacific since 1870, the area blends the coast with historical significance.
Beyond its shores, the park is home to the Tule Elk Reserve, where fall brings the chance to witness the elk rut, a display of male elk competing for mates. Hikers can traverse trails like the Bear Valley Trail, winding through forested areas and eventually reaching the Pacific Ocean. Cultural remnants of Native American settlements and early European explorers add layers of history to this landscape.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay's agricultural heritage and coastal setting make it an essential stop for fall adventures. This town, with its golden beaches and surrounding farmland, becomes a hub of activity in October when the annual Pumpkin Festival draws crowds to see giant pumpkins and enjoy seasonal foods.
The beaches along Half Moon Bay State Beach provide a quieter retreat, where visitors can walk along the shores or hike nearby coastal trails. Among the local farms, Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch is a beloved spot for visitors to pick pumpkins, take hayrides, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. This town encompasses the festive spirit of fall, making it a must-visit this time of year.
Apple Hill
Tucked into the Sierra foothills near Placerville, Apple Hill is a haven for those looking to connect with local farming traditions. Known for its apple orchards, wineries, and family-run farms, the region has been celebrated since the early 1900s for its rich agricultural heritage.
In the fall, Apple Hill transforms into a lively destination, where visitors flock to pick apples, sip fresh cider, and enjoy farm-fresh pies. The season highlights the area’s farming roots with activities like farm tours, hayrides, and pumpkin patches offering a quintessential autumn experience. Beyond the orchards, local wineries add to the seasonal appeal by serving everything from apple wines to craft ciders, showcasing the bounty of the harvest.
Russian River
Winding through Sonoma County’s wine region and surrounded by forests, the Russian River is a favorite destination for those seeking a mix of nature and local wine culture. This area, dotted with small towns, has a variety of water activities, with kayaking and canoeing along the river’s gentle flow being particularly popular.
Beyond the river itself, fall transforms the landscape, making it an ideal time to visit Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, where you can walk among ancient, towering redwoods. This season, visitors can enjoy fall foliage kayaking tours along the Russian River or take a peaceful stroll through Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, where the towering redwoods provide a serene backdrop as the autumn leaves change.
Santa Cruz Mountains
A refuge of dense forests and rugged terrain, the Santa Cruz Mountains are an escape into nature just south of the Bay Area. The region is known for its redwoods and proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a place for hikers looking to immerse themselves in redwood groves, while wine lovers often head to Ridge Vineyards, sitting in the hills with views of the forests below. In fall, the winding mountain roads make for a picturesque drive, as the vibrant colors of changing leaves transform the landscape into an autumn tapestry. It is a memorable season for road trips through the area.
Lake Tahoe (West Shore)
Near the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe’s west shore is famed for its nature, including alpine waters. Quieter than the lake’s more developed areas, this side of Tahoe appeals to those looking for a quiet fall experience.
Hiking along the Rubicon Trail leads to sweeping views of the lake framed by evergreen trees, while Emerald Bay State Park invites visitors to step back in time at the historic Vikingsholm mansion. The cooler temperatures of fall make outdoor activities more enjoyable, and with fewer tourists, it’s the perfect time to see the region’s natural wonders or take in crystal-clear waters on a boat tour.
Marin Headlands
A short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge brings you to the Marin Headlands, where coastal cliffs meet the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco skyline. Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, this region is not only known for its scenic vistas but also its rich military history, with remnants of World War II-era installations scattered across the hills.
Visitors can hike along the Coastal Trail, a path that hugs the cliffs and has views of the ocean and the bridge. A visit to the Point Bonita Lighthouse, still active today, is both a step into the past and an exceptional vantage point. In fall, the headlands become a haven for California birdwatching as migratory species pass through on their way south.
Napa Valley
Napa Valley’s reputation as a world-class wine destination precedes it, with its rolling vineyards, elegant estates, and culinary experiences. Less than two hours from San Francisco, the valley is home to celebrated wineries like Robert Mondavi and Domaine Carneros, where visitors can savor fine wines amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Beyond wine, the Napa Valley Wine Train is a unique way to see the region while enjoying gourmet meals paired with local vintages. Autumn adds another layer of excitement as the Napa Valley Film Festival fills the area with film screenings and food and wine events—an ideal season for a cultural and culinary getaway.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
As California's oldest state park, Big Basin Redwoods is a place where history and nature converge. Majestic redwoods, some over 1,000 years old, tower over visitors as they wander the extensive network of trails.
Among the most popular is the Redwood Trail, which leads hikers through groves of ancient trees. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Skyline to the Sea Trail is a route down to the Pacific coast. In fall, cooler weather and fewer crowds make the park especially inviting, with seasonal picnicking spots tucked among the redwoods. Fall is arguably the best time to visit this park.
Making the Most of Autumn Near San Francisco
With several getaway options within a three-hour drive from San Francisco, it’s easy to experience Northern California’s diverse offerings this fall. Whether visiting the wine country of Napa Valley or the redwood forests of Big Basin, these trips are accessible for a day or weekend escape. With the changing season bringing cooler temperatures and seasonal events, now is the perfect time to see the areas surrounding San Francisco and take advantage of the many fall activities these regions have to offer.
