If you’re getting sick of the city then head out of town for a day or more. The Bay area has lots of smaller towns that offer any number of different things to do. If you want to stay close to the city then check out Tiburon or Montana for a day. If you’re up for a longer drive, then head to towns like St. Helena or Placerville. Either way, it will be a breath of fresh air to visit and explore these friendly and quaint small towns near San Francisco. Let’s check these towns out!

1. Montara
Montara, CA, USA
JP J/Yelp
Montara is a small community that feels like what you would expect from a beautiful and remote coastal town. And, Montara is only a 20-mile trek south of San Francisco!
2. Bolinas
Bolinas, CA 94924, USA
Creative Commons - Wikipedia
Marin County's hippie enclave of Bolinas has a small-town feel with accessible hikes nearby too. It's a perfect way to explore the rural areas outside San Francisco.
3. Tiburon
Tiburon, CA, USA
Creative Commons - Wikipedia
The ferry ride from San Francisco is stunning, and the town of Tiburon itself is quaint and small enough to easily walk. Tiburon has numerous small boutiques and restaurants for everyone to enjoy.
4. El Granada
El Granada, CA, USA
Crystal M/Yelp
El Granada, CA, is a sleepy residential community about four miles north of historic Half Moon Bay and 25 miles south of San Francisco.
5. St. Helena
St. Helena, St Helena, CA 94574, USA
Creative Commons - Wikipedia
St. Helena is a smaller wine town with friendly shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and lots of green space.
6. Pescadero
Pescadero, CA, USA
Candice G/Yelp
Pescadero is a small town two miles east of Pescadero Beach with few shops and a DIY mentality. This historic little town was established in 1856.
7. Aptos
Aptos, CA 95003, USA
Mel K/Yelp
Aptos is the gateway to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. This is a charming town with beautiful beaches and slower pace of life.
8. Placerville
Placerville, CA 95667, USA
Creative Commons - Wikipedia
Placerville is worth the drive for the Gold Rush history, artisanal shops, and cool vibe. It's a great charming town outside San Francisco.
9. Healdsburg
Healdsburg, CA 95448, USA
Lianne K/Yelp
Heraldsburg is a town full of great wine, charm, and beautiful green spaces.
10. Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay, CA, USA
Victoria E/Yelp
Only 40 minutes away from the city, but much more relaxed and intimate, Half Moon Bay is a popular rural town near San Francisco on the weekends.
11. Nevada City
Nevada City, CA 95959, USA
S.S/Yelp
If you're up for the drive more outside San Francisco, then check out Nevada City, a cozy town with Gold Rush history. This is a popular weekend getaway for outdoor recreation, history, and art!

Have you been to any of these towns? Let us know. If you’re interested in Placerville then read more about this
Little City Near San Francisco That Just May Be The Most Unique City In The World.

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More to Explore

Quaint Towns Near San Francisco

Danielle Schwartz | September 16, 2022

What are the most charming small towns in Northern California?

You might automatically think of San Francisco and Palo Alto when you think of Northern California, and you'd be surprised to know that it's actually home to lots of much smaller places as well. There are plenty of charming small towns in Northern California, and we're here to recommend you some of the very best of them. Lakeport is a pretty little town that's right by Clear Lake, so if you love water features, this is the spot for you. Sutter Creek is a great choice for Gold Rush history, and its retro feel will make for a nice and special getaway. Another cool miner town is Jackson, where you'll get to feel like you're back in the exciting days when you might have found gold at any time!

What is the oldest town in Northern California?

Marysville is the oldest town in Northern California, and it's a great place to visit when you're feeling like you want a fun weekend away. It's been around since 1843, and there's plenty of history to learn about while you're here. Head to Historic D Street for some shopping and lunch. Look for the gorgeous Chinese architecture and the Bok Kai Temple, where you can take a tour and fully experience it. You also can have some quality outdoor time here at Ellis Lake, which is a fantastic place to take a scenic walk with the family. The walk is nice and easy, so your kids can keep up easily and have a nice time, too.

Are there any hidden gems in Northern California?

There are definitely hidden gems in Northern California that you'll want to explore. Looking for a trip that allows you to get some fresh air and see some beautiful views? Make your way to Fern Canyon in the gorgeous Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, where you'll get to see incredible greenery everywhere. It's such a peaceful place to be that you'll want to stay all day long. Another place for enjoying the great outdoors is Battery Point Lighthouse, where you'll get to walk through a historical museum and virtually live the life of a lighthouse keeper.

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