The City by the Bay is a magical place. The area’s natural beauty and proximity to outdoor adventures are just one of the reasons that it’s one of the most popular places to live in the country. If you are looking for adventure near the city, or some great road trip options from San Francisco – here’s our roundup of the best outdoor activities within 3.5 hours of San Francisco.
Within San Francisco
Before we move on to adventures within driving distance, we must highlight some of the fantastic outdoor adventures right in the city! San Francisco is the outdoorsy urbanite’s dream city (minus the rent). It’s one of the most walkable cities in the country, and you could spend a whole week walking and biking around the city’s diverse neighborhoods–from bustling Chinatown to sleepy, beachside Outer Sunset. Go for the delicious farm-to-table food, the lively park scene, and the breathtaking bay views.
Best Time to Visit San Francisco
San Francisco can be lovely all year long. September – November typically offers the warmest temperatures.
Bike Rentals/Tours in San Francisco
Exploring San Francisco by bike is a must! We recommend doing the 3.5-mile ride through Golden Gate Park–a lush oasis, strewn with Monterey cypress and Eucalyptus trees. Golden Gate Park dead ends at the Pacific Ocean. Once you reach the end, turn left on the Great Highway and bike the 3-mile stretch down Ocean Beach.
Biking over the Golden Gate Bridge has also got to be on your bucket list. Start at Fisherman’s Wharf and do the 8-mile bike ride to Sausalito. You can take the ferry back across the Bay, or go back the same way you came to complete the 16-mile round trip. If you’re really feeling it, bike the whole 18 miles to Tiburon! You can catch a ferry back to SF, or be a boss and ride the whole 36 miles round trip!
Where to Rent Bikes in San Francisco
Rent a bike or take a guided tour from Parkwide Bike Rentals (3 convenient locations) or Bay City Bikes.
Bike Rental Cost
- Daily rentals starting at $29
- Golden Gate Park bike tour starting at $35
- Golden Gate Bridge bike tour starting at $55
Surfing Lessons in San Francisco
There’s nothing that’ll energize you quite like a Bay Area surf session! The water’s cold, for sure, but the surf community’s friendly, and there are plenty of waves to go around!
Where to take Surfing Lessons in San Francisco
We definitely recommend booking a surf lesson, whether you are a beginner trying it out for the first time or you are just brushing up on your skills! Taking a surfboard out on your own with little experience can be dangerous, especially in the Bay Area! The waves are big up here. Lean on the experience of Adventure Out. They’ll take you out at Pacifica, a chill, longboarder wave just south of SF, and have you standing up in no time!
We highly recommend booking a lesson during a weekday morning, rather than on the weekend. Pacifica gets packed on the weekends. It’s way more lovely and peaceful when the crowd is thin.
Another great option for surf lessons is Traveler. They’re a women-owned surf shop and club, just steps away from the surf break in Pacifica. They sell surf-inspired books, clothes, and home goods as well as the most gorgeous surfboards. A lesson at Traveler includes a day pass to their garden patio, where you can take a hot shower, enjoy their heated patio furniture, use their wifi, sauna, and contemplate your surf session.
Surfing Lessons Cost
- Adventure Out: $109 for a 3-hr lesson
- Traveler: Starting at $180 for a 2-hr lesson and day pass to surf club
Kayak or SUP in San Francisco
Fancy paddling around the San Francisco Bay? This is one of the best places to view San Francisco’s expansive skyline. Or see the Golden Gate Bridge from an angle most people don’t get to witness.
Where to rent kayaks/SUPs and book tours in San Francisco
City Kayak allows you to launch right from Pier 40 in San Francisco, and rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board, or book a lesson.
Or book a kayak tour along Sausalito’s waterfront with Sea Trek to view the local wildlife, paddle under the Golden Gate bridge, take in the San Francisco skyline and more.
Kayak & SUP Rental & Tours Cost
- City Kayak: Starting at $35 for 1-hr rentals
- San Francisco Kayak & Adventures: Tours start at $80 per person
Marin County
Marin County is truly stunning. Lush green cliffs blanketed with redwood trees hang over the cool Pacific Ocean along Highway 1 north of the city –an iconic drive and bike ride. Visit Marin for hiking, biking, surfing, kayaking and windsurfing. It’s close proximity to San Francisco make Marin a fantastic option for a day trip or weekend away.
Distance from San Francisco
30 minutes
Best Time to Visit
Marin can be lovely all year long. April – June tends to be mild and dry. September – November offers the warmest temperatures, however, this is becoming fire season.
Bike Rentals & Tours in Marin County
Mount Tamalpais is considered the birthplace of mountain biking, so exploring this area on two wheels needs to be on your bucket list.
Where to Rent Bikes or Book Bike Tours in Marin
Mountain Bike SF is located in Fairfax, CA, next door to the Marin Museum of Bicycling. They rent three different tiers of mountain bikes at daily and weekly rates and offer various guided tours–from half-day private rides to multi-day trips.
Bike Rental & Tours Cost
- Daily mountain bike rentals starting at $75
- Daily road bike rentals starting at $70
- Private bike tours starting at $239
Surfing Lessons in Marin County
Surfing in Marin is a magical experience. The water’s cold, for sure, but the surf community is friendly, the waves are frequent, and the views are unbeatable! We definitely recommend booking a surf lesson. Similar to Pacifica, taking a board out on your own with little experience can be dangerous – the waves can be big up here.
Where to Take Surfing Lessons in Marin
Book a surf lesson with Marin Outdoor Adventure. They’ll take you out at Bolinas, a chill, quirky longboarder spot, nestled under the Marin hills.
Surfing Lessons Cost
- 1.5-hour semi-private lessons starting at $85, plus an additional charge for gear rentals
Kayaking & SUP in Marin County
Tomales Bay is a long, narrow inlet of the Pacific Ocean that stretches from Point Reyes to Dillon Beach. It’s one of the best places to kayak in the entire Bay Area, and it’s the place to eat delicious oysters with a view, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Where to Rent Kayaks/SUPs or Book Tours in Marin
Book a kayak or stand-up paddleboard with Bluewater Kayaks. They can drop off and pick up your rental at Miller Boat Launch in Marshall, or you can pick up your rental at their headquarters in Point Reyes Station, and take it where you please. They also offer guided tours around Tomales Bay.
Kayak & SUP Rentals & Tours Cost
- Kayak/SUP rentals starting at $65
- Tours starting at $98
Antioch
Antioch is located in the East Bay, and is the gateway to the California Delta where the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers join before flowing into the Pacific. It makes a great day trip from anywhere in the Bay Area, and the best way to explore the area is by paddling. The cool breezes of the Bay disappear when you head inland, so Antioch is a great place to escape the cold foggy days of San Francisco!
Distance from SF
45 mins
Best Time to Visit
May, June and October for the best weather.
Kayak & SUP in Antioch
The San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta in Antioch is popular for its diverse paddling experiences and exceptional bird watching.
Where to Rent Kayaks/SUPs or Book Tours in Antioch
Book with Delta Kayak Adventures– they offer kayak and SUP rentals, tours, and classes and are located right at the Antioch Marina on the San Joaquin River.
Kayak & SUP Rentals & Tours Cost
- Rentals start at $18 per hour
- Tours & lessons start at $62 per 2-hr
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is an ocean and mountain lover’s paradise. It’s right on the coast and borders redwood forests, and is an easy and beautiful drive from San Francisco. Getting outdoors in Santa Cruz and exploring the waters, coastline and renowned trails is (in our opinion) the best way to enjoy this beautiful coastal town.
Distance from San Francisco
1.25 hrs
Best Time to Visit Santa Cruz
Beautiful all year. September – November gets the warmest weather, but this is starting to become fire season for the Bay Area.
Surfing Lessons in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is arguably the best place to surf in Northern California. The water’s cold, for sure, but there are tons of breaks for all levels–from very challenging to very beginner.
Where to Take Surfing Lessons in Santa Cruz
We definitely recommend booking a surf lesson. Taking a board out on your own with little experience can be dangerous, especially in the Bay Area! Lean on the experience of Adventure Out. Their surf instructors are professional outdoor guides and are lifeguard and first-aid certified. They’ll get you out there catching waves in no time!
Cost for Surfing Lessons
- Adventure Out: $109 for a 3-hr lesson
Kayak or SUP Rentals & Tours in Santa Cruz
Taking a kayak or a stand-up paddle board out into the Pacific can be an exhilarating experience. With Santa Cruz’s stunning shoreline, sandy and pebble beaches, the protection of the Santa Cruz harbor, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, there’s something for everyone!
Where to Rent Kayaks / SUPs in Santa Cruz
SUP Shack Santa Cruz is in an ideal location for paddling. Paddle back into the chill Woods Lagoon or get out into the ocean, right from the shop.
Cost for Kayak & SUP Rentals
- SUP rental: $30 per hr
- Kayak rental: $35-$55 per hr
- SUP Yoga: $35-$210 per hr
Mountain Biking in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a favorite destination for Bay Area mountain bikers, with a variety of trails for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders. Ride through the towering redwoods, along the bluffs overlooking the Pacific, and through coastal prairies.
Where to Rent Mountain Bikes in Santa Cruz
For rentals, head over to the highly rated Epicenter Cycling or Specialized Santa Cruz. Check out Ride the Redwoods for mountain bike lessons and tours.
Cost for Bike Rentals
- Rentals at Epicenter Cycling start at $40
- Rentals at Specialized Santa Cruz start at $65
Wine Country: Napa, Sonoma & Santa Rosa
A Bay Area trip wouldn’t be complete without a stop in wine country. The wine regions of Napa, Santa Rosa and Sonoma also have some of the best weather in the country, so it would be a shame not to take your wine with an outdoor adventure.
Distance from SF
1 – 1.5 hr
Best Time to Visit
Wine country can be lovely all year, but go between March and May to avoid crowds, the highest prices, and fire season.
Biking in Wine Country
If you like biking and you like wine, you’ve got to try a wine and bike tour while you’re in wine country. Sipping on top notch wine and exploring the vineyard-lined countryside via bicycle is the best way to wine taste.
Bike Tours in California Wine Country
Getaway Adventures offers bike tours around the gems of California wine country. Join their one-of-a-kind bike tour around Sonoma County and Napa Valley. Take in the views as you cycle the backcountry roads of wine country, visiting famous vineyards and trying world-renowned Napa wines.
Bike Tours Cost
Tours start at $139 per person.
Kayak & SUP Rentals & Tours in Napa & Santa Rosa
Wine country is kayak and SUP friendly, too! Take a break from wine tasting and cool off on the Napa or Russian Rivers in a kayak or stand up paddle board.
Where to Rent Kayaks / SUPs or Book Kayak Tours in Napa
Paddle the Napa River and learn about the valley’s history, wildlife, and wine with Enjoy Napa Valley. They offer kayak and SUP rentals as well as intimate tours for all experience levels. Or kayak the Russian River in Santa Rosa with Getaway Adventures!
Kayak & SUP Rentals & Tours
- Paddle board rentals start at $25/hr
- Kayak rentals start at $59/ 2-hrs
- Tours start at $71
Downieville
Downieville is a charming adventure town along the Yuba River in the Tahoe National Forest. It began as a gold mining mecca in the 1800s, and has now transitioned into a hub for outdoor adventure. It is well known as a mountain biking mecca, and the renowned Downieville Downhill is the most popular (albeit advanced rated) trail.
Distance from San Francisco
3.25 hrs
Best Time to Visit
July – September
Mountain Biking in Downieville
Overall, Downieville is a more advanced trail system tailored to intermediate and advanced riders, with technical features, and a few hike-a-bike sections. One of the most famous trails in California is here – the Downieville Downhill–an exhilarating 13.8 mile downhill ride.
Where to Rent Mountain Bikes in Downieville
Downieville Outfitters, Downieville’s longest running bike shop, and (currently) the only bike shop and mountain bike shuttle service in the Sierra Buttes.
Mountain Bike Rental Cost
Rent a premium mountain bike starting at $80/day.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a bucket list ski, snowboard and paddling destination and boasts some of the best mountain biking in California. It’s known for its stunning lake views and as a go-to winter weekend destination for Bay Area folks. The clear, cobalt blue water of the lake provides incredible clarity for kayaking and stand up paddleboarding in summer and makes a gorgeous backdrop from the ski runs in winter.
Distance from San Francisco
3.5 hrs
Best Time to Visit
All year! December – March for skiing/snowboarding; mid-June to mid-October for mountain biking, paddling and hiking.
Skiing + Snowboard in Tahoe
There’s no shortage of ski and snowboard options in Lake Tahoe, with 15 resorts to choose from! Premiere resorts like Northstar, Palisades Tahoe, and Heavenly are fantastic, but they tend to draw crowds, especially on the weekends. If you’re flexible, book a mid-week trip. If you’re looking to bypass the crowds, check out Sugar Bowl.
Best Ski & Snowboard Shops in Tahoe
Skip the hot mess that is renting gear at the resort, and have your ski gear delivered right to your accommodation in the mountains with Black Tie Ski North Tahoe/Truckee or Black Tie Ski South Lake Tahoe.
Ski & Snowboard Rental Cost
Gear rentals start at $49/day.
Biking in Tahoe
Biking around Lake Tahoe is a dreamy experience. Whether you’re biking the infamous Flume Trail above the glistening blue lake, or the many trails surrounding the area, there are rad rides for every level.
Bike Rental Shops in Truckee
Bike Truckee is located in gorgeous Truckee. Their staff is made up of experienced bikers who are excited to steer you toward the right trails for you!
Bike Rental Cost
Comfort bike rentals start at $30; mountain bike rentals start at $45.
Paddling in Tahoe
Tahoe is one of the top paddling destinations in the world – the waters of Lake Tahoe are known for spectacular clarity, color and purity. Renting a kayak or SUP to paddle the lake is a bucket list adventure for most. The waters are usually calm, and there are many idyllic beaches, coves and islands to explore.
Best Kayak & SUP Shops in Tahoe
There are many shops that rent kayaks and paddle board around the lake shore on both the California and Nevada side of the lake. Highly rated shops include Lake Tahoe Kayak Rentals in South Lake Tahoe, and Tahoe Paddle and Oar in Kings Beach (north Tahoe).
Kayak & SUP Rental Cost
- At Tahoe Paddle and Oar, kayak and SUP rentals start at $25 per hour. Tours start at $110 per person.
- Lake Tahoe Kayak Rentals run $25 – $60 per day.
Whether you have a day, a week, or a month, these are some of our favorite adventures from San Francisco. Did we miss your favorite spot? Leave it in the comments below!
