We all need a change of scenery now and then, and Silicon Valley is surrounded by hidden gems perfect for a day trip. In this guide, I've curated some of my favorite off-the-beaten-path adventures that you might not have considered before. You won't find the usual suspects like the Monterey Bay Aquarium or Napa Valley wine tours here. Instead, these unique excursions offer a fresh perspective on our beautiful region.
With our sunny weather, most of these trips are enjoyable year-round. Some outings may require a bit of planning, so I've included all the essential details to ensure your adventure is a success. If you can't spare a full day, check out my Upcoming Events page for exciting activities around the Bay Area that won't take up your entire day.
Hearst Castle
A trip to Hearst Castle—roughly 4 hours from San Jose—makes for a long but unforgettable day trip from the Bay Area. Hearst Castle was the home of art collector and newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the village of San Simeon, Hearst named it “La Cuesta Encantada,” Spanish for The Enchanted Hill. The castle offers breathtaking views of California’s coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
Now a museum, the castle complex includes a twin-towered main building, three exquisite guest cottages, and 127 acres of terraced gardens, fountains, and opulent pools. A small herd of zebras, remnants of the property's former zoo, still roam the grounds.
As you tour the castle, remember the celebrities, politicians, journalists, and entertainers who have walked these hallowed grounds, including Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Hedda Hopper, Winston Churchill, and Charles Lindbergh, to name just a few.
There are approximately 12 tours to choose from, each offering a unique perspective on the castle’s opulent interiors and breathtaking exteriors. If you’re a first-time visitor, the Grand Rooms Tour is an excellent starting point, taking you through the main building, Casa Grande, where Hearst resided. From there, you can purchase additional tickets for tours of the charming guest cottages, as well as grand spaces like the Assembly Room, Refectory, and Theater, each showcasing Hearst's extensive art collection and ornate decor. Additionally, outdoor tours highlight the beautiful gardens, expansive terraces, and the famous Neptune and Roman Pools.
- Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452
- Date: Open daily from 9:00 AM
- Tickets: Reservations are recommended and can be made 60 days in advance online, or by calling (800) 444-4445.
Año Nuevo Coastal Natural Preserve
Breeding season is the best time to view the elephant seals at Año Nuevo Coast Natural Preserve. This is when male elephant seals engage in dramatic battles on the beaches for the right to mate. It's quite the sight! As the season progresses, female elephant seals give birth to their pups on the dunes. By early March, only the weaned pups remain as the season comes to an end.
During breeding season, you can only view the elephant seals in their natural habitat through guided tours with volunteer docent naturalists. This ensures both your safety and the preservation of the park. The highly trained docents are knowledgeable about the park and the elephant seals, providing fascinating insights into these remarkable creatures.
Outside of breeding season, guided tours are not required to see the seals. Instead, you walk out to the viewing areas on your own on the Año Point Trail. At each of the viewing areas, there is a docent to explain what you’re seeing and answer questions.
The elephant seal viewing areas are a 3-4 mile roundtrip walk from the parking lot. It's recommended to wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing, and to bring water along with protection against rain, wind, and sun.
Año Nuevo State Park offers more than just the Natural Preserve. The Marine Education Center features a natural history exhibit, bookstore, and theater, and provides a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment and its inhabitants.
The exact dates for the breeding season vary from year to year, so be sure to visit the Año Nuevo State Park website for the most current information.
- Address: Año Nuevo State Park, 1 New Years Creek Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060
- Date: Open daily from 8:30 AM to sunset
- Tickets: Reservations for the guided tours can be made online or by calling (650) 879-2025. Elephant seal viewing is self-guided from April to November. No reservation or guided tour is needed.
Mount Diablo State Park
Mount Diablo, just a 1.5-hour drive from Silicon Valley, offers some of the best views in the San Francisco Bay Area regardless of the season. Despite its modest elevation of 3,849 feet, the summit provides panoramic vistas that can stretch up to 200 miles on clear days. From this vantage point, you can see landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge to the west, the James Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton to the southeast, and Lassen Peak in the Cascade Range to the north. However, the most breathtaking sight is the view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains' peaks to the east.
Mount Diablo is more than just its stunning views. The park is a year-round destination offering a variety of activities and natural wonders. In spring, the hillsides are adorned with beautiful wildflowers, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors. The extensive trail system caters to hikers, bikers, and equestrians of all levels, with paths winding through diverse habitats and offering unique geological formations.
The mountain is also home to fascinating wildlife, including deer, bobcats, and a wide variety of bird species, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts. The distinctive rock formations, such as the massive granite outcroppings, provide both a visual spectacle and a glimpse into the area’s geological history.
For those interested in learning more about the mountain's natural and cultural history, the Summit Visitor Center features exhibits and knowledgeable staff. Whether you're interested in hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying the scenic drive, Mount Diablo has something to offer every nature lover.
- Address: 96 Mitchell Canyon Rd, Clayton, CA 94517
- Date: Open daily from 8:00 AM to sunset
- Tickets: For more information, see the Mt Diablo State Park website or call (925) 837-6129.
Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Tasting
When you think of wine tasting, Napa Valley or Sonoma might come to mind. However, the Santa Cruz Mountains, right in our backyard, boast dozens of exceptional wineries. These local vineyards offer not only outstanding wines but also breathtaking drives with stunning views of the ocean and Redwood forests.
The wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains form a scenic loop that stretches from San Francisco down the Peninsula to Gilroy, over to Watsonville and Monterey Bay, and back up to Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. This expansive area offers a diverse range of wineries, each with its unique charm and varietals. To make the most of your wine tasting adventure, it’s a good idea to plan your trip based on geography or the wineries’ hours of operation.
From boutique family-owned wineries to larger estates, the Santa Cruz Mountains provide a rich and varied wine tasting experience. You can enjoy intimate tastings, tour beautiful vineyards, and meet passionate winemakers eager to share their craft. The region is known for its exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon, among other varietals.
For those interested in pairing their wine tasting with outdoor activities, many wineries offer picnic areas, hiking trails, and breathtaking vistas perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Some also host special events, such as live music, food pairings, and seasonal festivals, making your visit even more memorable.
To help you plan your trip, check out the wineries on the Santa Cruz Winegrowers Association website. This resource provides detailed information on winery locations, hours, and events, ensuring you have all the details you need for an unforgettable wine tasting experience.
California Missions
To establish their presence in the New World, Spain built a series of 21 missions along the length of California, from San Diego to Sonoma. The first mission was established in 1769, and construction continued until 1834. These missions were strategically built approximately 30 miles apart, corresponding to about a day's journey by horseback. Today, all 21 missions are part of the California State Park system and are open to visitors, offering a fascinating glimpse into the early history of California.
Each mission has its own unique features and stories, making them worthwhile destinations for history enthusiasts. The associated museums at these sites provide an in-depth look at the mission era, showcasing artifacts, historical documents, and exhibits that tell the story of California's early days. Visiting these missions is an excellent way to learn about the Spanish influence on California's culture, architecture, and development.
For those interested in exploring the missions, there are at least eight located in Northern California, starting with Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo in Carmel and extending northward. Organizing your trip geographically allows you to visit several missions in one day, making for a rich and educational experience. Some of the missions in Northern California include Mission San Juan Bautista, Mission Santa Clara de Asís, and Mission Dolores in San Francisco.
The missions are not only historical landmarks but also architectural treasures, featuring beautiful churches, gardens, and courtyards. Many of them still hold regular services and events, blending their historical significance with contemporary community life.
To learn more about each mission and what makes them unique, visit the California Missions Foundation website. This resource provides detailed information on the history, features, and visitor information for each mission, helping you plan your trip effectively.
Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique day trip, the California missions offer a journey through time and a deeper understanding of the state's rich heritage.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz is one of the most famous prisons in the world, yet many Bay Area residents have never visited. Alcatraz Island, colloquially known as “The Rock,” initially served as a military prison before becoming a federal penitentiary, operating from August 11, 1934, until March 21, 1963. Today, Alcatraz is managed by the National Park Service, which offers daily tours of the island, the prison, and the apartment block where guards and their families once lived.
Alcatraz housed some of the most notorious prisoners, including Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (the “Birdman of Alcatraz”), George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Whitey Bulger. It’s said that no one successfully escaped from the island due to the treacherous currents, but some believe Frank Morris, along with brothers John and Clarence Anglin, may have managed a successful escape in June 1962. During the tour, you’ll learn about the prison and its infamous inmates through a captivating narration by former inmates and guards who experienced life on Alcatraz firsthand.
Tours of the island can be reserved through Alcatraz Cruises. The experience begins with a 15-minute ferry ride from Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33, near the intersection of The Embarcadero and Bay Streets.
- Address: Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing, San Francisco, CA 94111
- Date: First ferry starts at 8:45 AM
- Tickets: Prices start at $45 for adults. Choose from day, night, or combination tours with Angel Island. Book in advance here as tickets often sell out or call 415.981.ROCK (7625)
Exploring the rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique attractions around Silicon Valley offers a refreshing escape from the daily grind. Whether you're marveling at the architectural beauty of Hearst Castle, immersing yourself in the vibrant wine culture of the Santa Cruz Mountains, tracing the historic path of California's missions, or delving into the intriguing past of Alcatraz Island, each destination provides a unique adventure. So, pack your bags, plan your route, and set off on a journey to discover the hidden gems that make Northern California a truly remarkable place to explore. Happy travels!
