Friday Five

Now that we’re nearing almost 100 days being sheltered in place, it’s only normal if you’re feeling a little (or a lot of) cabin fever. You’ve explored all the grocery stores in your neighborhood, taken some socially distanced walks with your quaranteam, and maybe eaten outdoors at a reopened restaurant without a full-on panic attack. Yet you find yourself still itching to get out beyond your own neighborhood, even though you are not ready to hop on a plane or take on a Kerouacian road trip out of the state just yet.

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Luckily, there’s plenty you can see without jumping on a plane and within a few hours of driving. You live in the beautiful state of California, after all. To help you explore this summer, we’ve compiled a list of underrated and unique destinations to road trip to, but never too far that you’d need an Airbnb to stay overnight.

1. Stop and smell the wildflowers at Montara State Beach

Sometimes, you just want to stop and smell the flowers. With everything going on, we totally understand. From San Francisco, take the 30-minute drive down to Montara State Beach from the city and go on this seven-mile wildflower hike. The hike features a wide variety of flora still in bloom, including California poppies, blue-eyed grass, Indian paintbrush, hound’s tongue, and sky lupine. Not to mention, you’ll also be able to get classic California coastal views along the way. Set a towel down at the beach at the end of your hike and listen to the waves. Free therapy.

2. See bonkers rock formations at Pinnacles National Park

Yosemite has reopened, but not all of us are enough of a planner to get a permit in time. If you’re looking for a more underrated, and also beautiful, adventure, check out Pinnacles National Park. Just two and a half hours south of the city, this national park is perfect for one of those Saturdays you wake up and feel like going on a hike a little longer than Lands End. This gem features accessible trails for all-level hikers and you’re more likely to avoid crowd than Yosemite. The site of ancient volcano remains, the national park boasts unreal rock formations reaching as tall as 1,200 feet. If you’re considering a visit later in the summer, you may even be able to peek at the park’s rare talus caves filled with gigantic toppled boulders. Visiting Pinnacles is an experience that makes you feel small — in a good way. Don’t forget to pack a picnic, and you’re set for a day out in the mountains.

3. Pick summer berries at farms around the Bay Area

Go beyond your weekly walk to the farmer’s market and head on a day trip to a berry farm to pick your own fruit. Farms across Northern California are now offering time slots you can reserve ahead of time to safely pick fruits in season. A 30-minute drive from the city, Webb Ranch in Portola Valley grows varieties of raspberries and blackberries. If you’re feeling more like driving out to the East Bay, Chan’s Fruit Stand in Brentwood is an hour away from San Francisco and is available for strawberry and blackberry picking as well. You can also drive up an hour up north from the city to Sebastopol to pick some blueberries at Duckworth Family Farms —masks are required here (and we recommend them everywhere) so don’t forget to bring one. And last note: Don’t eat everything you picked in the car, if you can help it. Check opening times; many are limited to hours on the weekends.

4. Drive from Woodside to Pescadero to get both mountain and coastal views

This two-hour drive south of San Francisco has always been a favorite of mine because you get a glimpse of both the mountains and the sea. If you’re starting from the city, head south for about 30 minutes to Woodside, then west on Highway 84 toward La Honda, where you’ll find yourself on a winding road lined with mighty redwoods. Soon, you’ll enter Skyline Boulevard. If you’re feeling hungry, stop by bikers’ favorite Alice’s (now open with limited outdoor seating) for a burger.

As you continue driving toward La Honda, drive with the windows down and blare some songs you can sing aloud during this portion of the trip. I can personally attest to this being highly therapeutic. You’ll reach Highway 1 soon, so stop by Pigeon Point Lighthouse for a gorgeous coastal view. Don’t forget to get some freshly baked strawberry treats at Swanton’s Farm Stand afterward.

5. Take a historic field trip to the Mission San Juan Bautista

This one’s for those of you who had a vacation booked and then canceled a trip to Spain this summer. Treat yourself to a field trip to see Mediterranean architecture just two hours outside of the city. The largest Spanish mission church in California, Mission San Juan Bautista has offered daily mass since 1797 —prior to shelter-in-place restrictions of course. While that’s no longer happening, visitors can enjoy the rose garden in the courtyard and indulge in all the mosaic until your heart’s content. The Mission is also located within a state park, and faces a 19th-century style plaza that includes a hotel, stable, and two adobe mansions — buildings built in the 1800s. When you’re finished strolling, indulge in an apricot treat, as apricots are grown in neighboring town Hollister. Local favorites include apricot margaritas at Jardines de San Juan Bautista or apricot turnover at San Juan Bakery.