You don’t need to stray far from downtown for a wild, wave-lashed coastline and invigorating hikes. Residents love pounding the bracing trails around Lands End. Start at the Sutro Baths, a 19th-century former ocean pool, and take the Lands End Trail for stirring lookout points and cypress groves. Detour to the Lands End Labyrinth, a piece of public art perched above the foaming surf, and press east along the trail. From here, continue to Baker Beach for some of the city’s best views.

With bike trails and half a dozen wineries, Treasure Island is increasingly tempting San Francisco residents for an out-of-the-ordinary day trip, and it’s only a 20-minute bus ride away. Blending in with the history of this former naval base, the wineries on this artificial island tend to have an industrial-maritime vibe. The original is Treasure Island Wines, turning out exceptional zinfandel since 2007.

Though it feels a little polished compared to characterful San Francisco, Sausalito offers small-town charm and a stunning waterfront that is located right across the Golden Gate Bridge. Known as a hotspot for early-morning endurance athletes, Sausalito has excellent running and biking routes as well as kayaking, rowing and sailing clubs. After getting your sweat on, make sure to refuel at one of its great restaurants, perhaps local institution Fred’s Place or upscale Mexican joint Copita.

The 3,849-foot (1,173-meter) summit of Mount Diablo has spectacular 360-degree views of the Bay Area; on a clear day, you may even be able to spot the Golden Gate Bridge. Whether you decide to hike, bike or drive up the mountain, you won’t regret the journey. Blooming wildflowers make spring a rewarding time to visit, and the Mary Bowerman Interpretive Trail is ideal for first-timers. Finish up by refueling on Asian-influenced California cuisine at Bridges in Danville.

If you’re a fan of long walks on the beach, Half Moon Bay is the place for you. This fun beach town is known as a great surf spot, and there are cliffside walking trails and bike paths that weave through redwood forests. After hitting the beach, dine at one of Half Moon Bay’s many great seafood restaurants, such as award-winning Sam’s Chowder House, crowd-pleasing Flying Fish Bar & Grill or the effortlessly chic Sushi Main Street.

To get to Stinson Beach from San Francisco, head north on the picturesque California 1 Highway. Once you arrive in town, go straight to the beach and dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean. With Siren Canteen, there’s no need to leave the beach for shrimp tacos, or you can venture to Breakers Café for one of its tasty breakfast specials, such as the Mt Tam Paleo with poached eggs, avocado, bacon and spinach. If you’re looking for adventure, hit the trails and hike up Mount Tam.

San Franciscans tend to give expensive Napa Valley a wide berth in favor of the fabulous wine tastings of Sonoma County, which also has restful spa getaways and boutique galleries to explore. While the 2019 wildfires had a devastating impact on Sonoma, visitors shouldn’t stay away – sensitive tourism is crucial to help the community get back on its feet. With shaded outdoor tables and a history dating to the 19th century, Buena Vista Winery is an excellent choice.

Point Reyes National Seashore is a protected area that is home to many different plants and animals. One of the most popular spots in Point Reyes is the Phillip Burton Wilderness, an area with 33,373 acres (13,506 hectares) of magnificent California coastline named after a congressman who dedicated much of his life to creating the National Park System. This rocky and often stormy area has a dark side as well and was the final resting place for over 50 shipwrecks.

Known for big waves, striking rock formations and charming cafés, Santa Cruz is another laid-back beach town located about an hour and a half outside San Francisco. With dozens of great surf spots along its beautiful coastline, Santa Cruz is the perfect town for adventurists; get up on that board with a little help from Club Ed. For a spooky insight into the past, Evergreen Cemetery is the resting place of Santa Cruz’s gold-rush pioneers.

Monterey is touristy, but it’s the kind of guilty pleasure in which even residents indulge. The world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is excellent. When you’ve worked up an appetite, Old Fisherman’s Grotto is a stalwart of Monterey’s food scene, a 1950-established purveyor of creamy clam chowder and seasonal dungeness crab. Dessert has to be Revival Ice Cream, which offers a spectacular array of frozen desserts made from locally sourced ingredients.