Spring is nearly here, and usually, that means San Franciscans start hopping into rented Zipcars and heading for hiking or wine tasting adventures in the farther reaches of the Bay Area. But not this year, because, holy shit — the gas prices! The cost of a gallon of fuel is above $6 at many places around the Bay, which is the highest level ever.
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Not to fear, though. You can still get out of San Francisco and enjoy an awesome day trip without setting foot in a single-family car. There are plenty of San Francisco day trips that don’t require a car, which is good news for your wallet in the short run. (And good news if you never bothered to get a driver’s license). In the longer run, they’re better for the climate, too, since using public transit cuts your carbon footprint dramatically.
Here are three great day trips you can take from San Francisco with no car.
Take the Ferry to Larkspur
Nothing says “classy” like cruising around the Bay on a boat. Okay, granted — the Golden Gate Ferry’s commuter craft isn’t exactly private yachts. Still, they’re a wonderful, unique, and eco-friendly way to get out of San Francisco and get out on the water.
Check the current ferry schedule (which changes sometimes due to Covid-19) and then head over to the Ferry Building. Yes, it’s still used for ferries. Hop on the Golden Gate Ferry to Larkspur. The crossing takes about 35 minutes, and you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the city from the ferry deck. Bring sunblock. Fares are $8.50, and you can use your Clipper card. Children under 4 ride free.
The ferry will drop you off at Larkspur Landing. Walk across the street to the Marin Country Mart, a classic North Bay outdoor shopping center. There’s a great farmer’s market with food trucks here on the weekends (again, check the ferry schedule to ensure they’re offering weekend service). I recommend visiting the Cousins Maine Lobster truck if they’re at the market and getting their decadent lobster tots.
You can also pay a visit to Sushi Ko for delicious, classic sushi or head to Rustic Bakery for a quick bite. For dessert, check out Johnny Donuts, which has delicious, massive, cakey, yeasty donuts as well as Strauss Family Creamery soft serve. Browse at the independent Copperfield’s books, and grab a novel to enjoy at Marin Country Mart’s outdoor tables.
After some eating and lounging, check out the Larkspur Loop, an 8-mile walking and biking trail that picks up near the ferry landing and takes you all the way to downtown Larkspur, or along the waters of the Corte Madera creek. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you can hop on the Smart Train for a ride to points farther north. At the end of the day, catch the ferry back to SF, and enjoy another peaceful ride on the Bay.
Ride Amtrak to the California State Railroad Museum
The California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento is a must-see for anyone with even a passing interest in trains or in California history. The massive museum includes lovingly-restored locomotives and historic California rail cars you can walk through, as well as a large exhibit on model trains with train tables and play areas for kids.
There’s no more appropriate way to arrive at a train museum than via a train. Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor will take you to the Sacramento Valley Amtrak Station, which is a short walk from the museum. Amtrak doesn’t serve San Francisco directly, but you can transfer from BART. Take BART to Richmond, and then board an Amtrak train heading North. (You’ll want to buy tickets in advance on the Amtrak website.) The ride takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, and costs around $30 each way. You’ll enjoy beautiful views, and there’s a cafe car so you can snack as you ride.
Once you arrive, walk to the museum and check out the historic trains. The museum is located in Old Sacramento, which also features many Gold Rush era historic buildings, as well as dining options. It’s a cool place to take a walk and feels like you’ve been transported back to the Wild West. At the end of your day, hop back on the train for a return trip to Richmond and then on to SF.
Bike to Sausalito
For a classic San Francisco day trip (and a favorite for people who want to feel like tourists in their own city), try biking over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. According to Our Sausalito, it’s about an 8-mile ride from Fisherman’s Wharf, which takes about 2–3 hours to complete. That’s nothing for avid cyclists, and is manageable for amateurs, too. You’ll have spectacular views from the bridge, and the cross-bridge route has recently been upgraded to make it safer.
If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one from numerous tourist-oriented shops near Fisherman’s Wharf and the Presidio. (Check out Blazing Saddles, which has the inestimable benefit of featuring a Mel Brooks pun in its name). Our Sausalito has detailed instructions for making the crossing safely and as easily as possible. Once you’re in Sausalito, make sure to follow local rules about locking up your bike in designated areas so it doesn’t get impounded.
Once you’re on the other side, take a stroll around the quaint downtown in Sausalito. For lunch or dinner, I love Copita, which has one of the best margaritas in the Bay Area. (Don’t drink and bike, though). Scoma’s and the Spinnaker offer the quintessential on-the-water Sausalito dining experience (be prepared to wait) and Poggio has excellent Italian food in a classy setting. Check out Lappert’s Ice Cream for a scoop after lunch.
At the end of the day, you can either be brave and bike back over the bridge, or take the ferry home from Sausalito for an easier return. Several bike rental companies allow you to drop off your bike in Sausalito for a one-way trip, so you don’t need to schlep it back on the ferry.
Yes, you might need to get a bit more creative — or use a bit more muscle power — to manage an awesome day trip from San Francisco without a car. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, there are some amazing things you can access from the city without any driving required. That’s great during our current period of insane gas prices, but it’s also important to keep in mind for the long term since using public transit is an excellent way to cut your carbon footprint.
Board a train or boat — or start peddling — and enjoy a car-free day trip from downtown San Francisco.
Thomas Smith is a writer and photographer based in the Bay Area. He covers Bay Area food and travel.
