There’s Always Great Day Trips To Be Had In San Francisco

A getaway provides the perfect opportunity to broaden your horizons, experience the beauty of the natural world, and step away from your daily routine. Sometimes, though, you don't have more than a day to spare to have an adventure. Never fear! There are plenty of opportunities to see San Francisco in a day.

The following ideas make perfect day-long getaways to “The City by the Bay”. The majority are no cost or low cost, making them affordable for every type of budget. Pack your backpack with a few supplies, have the camera on your smartphone ready, and prepare to have the adventure of your lifetime in 24 hours. A visit to San Fran offers lots of culture and history.

1 - Picnic by the Golden Gate Bridge

No trip to the city would be complete without a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge. The most iconic structure in the area draws people from around the world who want to cross and photograph it. There are many picnic areas in Golden Gate Park that give you the best views of the bridge and the Bay. You can make a day of relaxing and exploring the area by packing your favorite food and drinks, a big blanket, and the latest novel you've meant to read.

2 -  Take a ferry to Angel Island

Taking one of the many ferries to the island is well worth the price you pay for a ticket. It allows you to explore a location that's incredible to view. Not only that, but you also have the opportunity to meet and mingle with other travelers from around the world. If you love hearing stories, you'll appreciate being able to do so on the way to and from Angel Island. Once you've walked off the ferry, take a few minutes to appreciate the rich history of the area that has been around for centuries and served as the place to greet immigrants arriving in the country via the West Coast.

3 - Explore the Historic Mission District

Admire the architectural beauty and rich history of the area. There are so many sights to take in and things to experience. From enjoying the Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley murals to catching a movie projected on the side of the building of the Foreign Cinema while dining, there's something about the area that's exceptionally calming. If you want to feel like you're in a different time and space, this is the day trip you need to take in San Francisco.

4 - Go on a Mural Tour of San Fran

If you love art but don't want to pay the price of admission to one of the city's museums, you can take a tour by foot of some of the most colorful neighborhoods in the area. Street murals make up a large portion of the public art you find in San Fran. It's visible from the street and communicates so many emotions. If you want to view incredible art, make sure to check out 24th Street. You won't want to miss the amazing murals you'll see there.

5 - Participate in an Art Crawl

This day trip is more of a planned event. It's held at different times throughout the year and encourages artists and art enthusiasts to travel from one location to another, creating art to share with other participants. It's a great way to break out of your comfort zone and explore different artistic mediums if you're used to using only one or two. When you have a chance, take a look at the city's community event calendar or search Facebook for events in the area during your scheduled trip.

6 - Explore Haight-Ashbury

Anyone who loves the peace movement of the 1960s can feel the energy radiating from the area. The Haight, named after the street corners of Haight and Ashbury, is where iconic musicians from the era gathered and hippies bought love beads, bell-bottoms, and paisley shirts. It's a blast from the past to date because many vintage stores exist in the neighborhood. If you want to explore what your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents experienced in their youth, you'll make this day trip a priority.

7 - Learn About Pioneers Who Helped Shape the City's History

Start by visiting Leidesdorff Street, named after the founder of the city's first hotel, William Alexander Leidesdorff. Then, check out Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Yerba Buena Gardens.Spend a few hours taking in the sights at the Museum of the African Diaspora. It's a permanent fixture in the St. Regis Hotel. Finally, photograph yourself beside the Willie Howard Mays statue at the entrance of Oracle Park.