12 National Parks Within Driving Distance of San Francisco
Looking for an outdoor escape with plenty of room to roam and no shortage of spectacular scenery? You’re in luck. From San Francisco, you’re within driving distance of 12 national parks, monuments and museums. Check out our list, from closest to farthest from downtown SF, and get ready to hit the road.
Editor’s Note: Wildfires have threatened (and continue to threaten) many of California’s national parks. Always check the latest updates from the National Park Service about affected areas and closures before you plan your trip.
1. ALCATRAZ ISLAND
- Distance from SF: 15-minute ferry ride
- Why We Recommend It: educational, views
- Where to Stay: Mission Statement (sleeps 7), Rosehips Palms (sleeps 4)
2. THE PRESIDIO
- Distance from SF: 20-minute drive from downtown
- Why We Recommend It: free, hiking and walking trails, art, views
- Where to Stay: Lodge at the Presidio
3. ROSIE THE RIVETER NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK
- Distance from SF: 25 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: free, educational, hidden gem
- Where to Stay: The Claremont
4. GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
- Distance from SF: 30 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: free, views, hiking and walking trails
- Where to Stay: Cavallo Point
5. MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT
- Distance from SF: 40 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: great outdoors, natural wonders, hiking and walking trails
- Where to Stay: The Pelican Inn
6. POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE
- Distance from SF: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: free, water activities, wildlife, beaches, seafood, views
- Where to Stay: Olema House
It’s no secret that Point Reyes is a favorite weekend jaunt for San Franciscans. Whether you’re in the mood for slurping oysters at Hog Island and window shopping at Point Reyes Station or kayaking on Tomales Bay and searching for elephant seals at Drake’s Beach, the Point Reyes National Seashore has no shortage of ways to while away the afternoon. The lighthouse is a long trek (but worth checking out at least once) and the cypress tree tunnel is not to be missed. Admission: free
7. PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK
- Distance from SF: 2 hours
- Why We Recommend It: adventure activities, hiking and walking trails, wildlife
- Where to Stay: Pinnacles Campground
8. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
- Distance from SF: 3 hours, 30 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: hiking and walking trails, great outdoors, wildlife
- Where to Stay: The Ahwahnee, A-Frame Cabin (sleeps 6), Starlight Lodges (sleeps 14)
9. KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK
- Distance from SF: 3 hours, 45 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: great outdoors, scenic drive, fishing, horseback riding
- Where to Stay: John Muir Lodge
Editor’s Note: The recent KNP Complex Fire threatened some of our great giants, and many parts of Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and surrounding forests remain closed. But the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon is back open for day use! Always check the latest news about weather alerts and closures from the National Park Service before you plan your trip.
10. SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
- Distance from SF: 4 hours
- Why We Recommend It: natural wonders, great outdoors, hiking and walking paths,
- Where to Stay: Cedar Grove Lodge (re-opening May 2022)
Editor’s Note: The recent KNP Complex Fire threatened some of our great giants, and many parts of Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and surrounding forests remain closed. Always check the latest news about weather alerts and closures from the National Park Service before you plan your trip.
11. LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK
- Distance from SF: 4 hours
- Why We Recommend It: less traveled, hiking trails, water activities, natural wonders
- Where to Stay: Highlands Ranch Resort
Editor’s Note: While 2021’s Dixie Fire damaged the east and southeast portions of the park, most of the highlights and attractions are expected to be open for the summer/fall 2022 season. Check for the latest updates here before you plan your trip.
12. REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK
- Distance from SF: 5 hours, 30 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: free, scenic drive, natural wonders, hiking and walking trails
- Where to Stay: Trinidad Bay Bed & Breakfast, Garage House (sleeps 2), Crow’s Nest (sleeps 4)
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