Looking for a quick escape from the city? You don’t need a car to experience stunning natural beauty, charming towns, and fun activities—all just a BART ride or ferry away. Here are SF Locals’ favorite no‑car day trip destinations, complete with insider transit tips and keyword-optimized gear picks.
1. Sausalito & Angel Island
How to get there: Take BART to Embarcadero, then the Golden Gate Ferry to Sausalito (~40 min). For Angel Island, hop another ferry from Sausalito.
Highlights: Waterfront views, boutique shops, and scenic hiking trails on Angel Island.
Gear Tip: Pack a sturdy day bag like the Amazon Basics Ultralight Packable Day Pack for snacks, layers, and water.
2. Berkeley: Campus Culture & Café Hopping
How to get there: BART to Downtown Berkeley (~20 min).
Highlights: UC Berkeley campus, Sather Tower, indie bookstores, and gourmet coffee.
Stay Hydrated: The CamelBak Chute Mag Water Bottle is perfect for long walks and refills on the go.
3. Tiburon & Belvedere
How to get there: Ferry from the Ferry Terminal to Tiburon (~30 min).
Highlights: Bay views, outdoor dining, charming architecture, and family-friendly parks.
For Chill Vibes: Bring a mini speaker like the JBL Go 3 for tunes by the waterfront.
4. Half Moon Bay
How to get there: Caltrain to San Mateo, then SamTrans bus 294 (~2 hours total).
Highlights: Coastal hiking, tide pools, and relaxing beaches.
Footwear Tip: Wear trail-ready shoes like the Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoes.
5. Muir Woods & Mill Valley
How to get there: Bus or ferry to Sausalito, then shuttle to Muir Woods.
Highlights: Towering redwoods, shaded trails, and a serene escape from the city.
Layer Up: Stay warm with the Amazon Essentials Fleece Hoodie—perfect for foggy trails.
📦 Day Trip Essentials Checklist
- Amazon Basics Daypack
- JBL Go 3 Portable Speaker
- CamelBak Chute Mag Water Bottle
- Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoes
- Amazon Essentials Fleece Hoodie
🚶♀️ Sample Day Trip Plan
9 AM: Ferry to Sausalito → explore town.
11 AM: Ferry to Angel Island → hike with picnic lunch.
3 PM: Return to Sausalito → early dinner on the water.
5 PM: Bus to Muir Woods for a forest walk.
7 PM: Back to SF via ferry or shuttle.
🎯 Final Tips
- Use a Clipper Card to simplify BART, bus, and ferry fares.
- Check schedules—especially for ferries and weekend buses.
- Dress in layers—San Francisco’s microclimates are real.
- Charge your phone and speaker before leaving.
Ready to Explore Without a Car?
You don’t need wheels to enjoy the best of the Bay. Just pack light, travel smart, and tap into SF’s public transit for unforgettable day trips.
