Living in Santa Rosa puts you in a prime spot to explore some of Northern California’s most scenic and varied destinations. Whether you're chasing ocean views, looking for a mountain retreat, or interested in exploring nearby cities, there's no shortage of weekend escapes that are just a short drive away. With options ranging from historic towns to modern cultural hubs, planning a getaway doesn’t require a long flight or complicated itinerary. These weekend trips from Santa Rosa, CA, deliver memorable experiences without the travel hassle.
San Francisco, CA: Urban Energy Meets Historic Charm
Roughly 55 miles south of Santa Rosa, San Francisco is an easy and rewarding weekend trip. With its iconic landmarks, world-class dining, and vibrant neighborhoods, there's always something new to explore, even if you've been there countless times before.
You can start your visit with a walk through Golden Gate Park, home to gardens, museums, and quiet trails. From there, check out the de Young Museum or California Academy of Sciences before heading over to the Haight for vintage shopping and local eats. In the evening, enjoy dinner in North Beach or the Mission, followed by a performance at the SFJazz Center or a comedy show in the Marina.
For those who prefer the outdoors, a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge or a visit to Lands End offers panoramic views and a break from city noise. And if you want to skip driving altogether, taking the SMART train to Larkspur and catching the ferry into San Francisco is a scenic and relaxing alternative.
You can start your visit with a walk through Golden Gate Park, home to gardens, museums, and quiet trails. From there, check out the de Young Museum or California Academy of Sciences before heading over to the Haight for vintage shopping and local eats. In the evening, enjoy dinner in North Beach or the Mission, followed by a performance at the SFJazz Center or a comedy show in the Marina.
For those who prefer the outdoors, a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge or a visit to Lands End offers panoramic views and a break from city noise. And if you want to skip driving altogether, taking the SMART train to Larkspur and catching the ferry into San Francisco is a scenic and relaxing alternative.
Monterey, CA: Coastal Vibes and Ocean Discovery
Monterey makes for a great weekend escape, offering a mix of marine attractions, historic sites, and coastal charm. Located about three hours from Santa Rosa, this Central Coast destination is well worth the drive, especially if you take the scenic route along Highway 1.
The world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is the town’s main draw, but there’s plenty more to see beyond the tanks. Cannery Row, once the heart of the sardine-packing industry, is now lined with shops and restaurants perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Nearby, Pacific Grove offers quiet beaches and tide pools, while the 17-Mile Drive between Monterey and Carmel showcases stunning ocean views, golf courses, and Cypress-lined cliffs.
Food lovers will appreciate the abundance of fresh seafood, particularly along Fisherman’s Wharf, while wine enthusiasts can visit tasting rooms that spotlight Central Coast vintages. For a quieter retreat, consider staying just outside town in Carmel Valley or Pebble Beach, where things move at a slower pace but views are no less impressive.
The world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is the town’s main draw, but there’s plenty more to see beyond the tanks. Cannery Row, once the heart of the sardine-packing industry, is now lined with shops and restaurants perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Nearby, Pacific Grove offers quiet beaches and tide pools, while the 17-Mile Drive between Monterey and Carmel showcases stunning ocean views, golf courses, and Cypress-lined cliffs.
Food lovers will appreciate the abundance of fresh seafood, particularly along Fisherman’s Wharf, while wine enthusiasts can visit tasting rooms that spotlight Central Coast vintages. For a quieter retreat, consider staying just outside town in Carmel Valley or Pebble Beach, where things move at a slower pace but views are no less impressive.
South Lake Tahoe, CA: Outdoor Adventure All Year Long
South Lake Tahoe is a fantastic option if you're in the mood for fresh mountain air and a complete change of scenery. About a four-hour drive from Santa Rosa, this destination offers year-round activities and unbeatable natural beauty.
In the winter, Tahoe becomes a snowy playground for skiers and snowboarders, with resorts like Heavenly and Sierra-at-Tahoe offering a variety of terrain. When the snow melts, the area transforms into a summer haven for hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, and beach time along the lake’s crystal-clear shoreline.
Emerald Bay State Park is a must-see, with its panoramic viewpoints and historic Vikingsholm mansion. If you're into biking, the Tahoe East Shore Trail offers lakeside views you won’t forget. And after a day outdoors, South Lake Tahoe’s mix of restaurants, breweries, and lakeside lounges offers plenty of options for unwinding.
Whether you prefer rustic cabins or resort amenities, you’ll find accommodations to suit your style, making it easy to customize your perfect weekend escape.
In the winter, Tahoe becomes a snowy playground for skiers and snowboarders, with resorts like Heavenly and Sierra-at-Tahoe offering a variety of terrain. When the snow melts, the area transforms into a summer haven for hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, and beach time along the lake’s crystal-clear shoreline.
Emerald Bay State Park is a must-see, with its panoramic viewpoints and historic Vikingsholm mansion. If you're into biking, the Tahoe East Shore Trail offers lakeside views you won’t forget. And after a day outdoors, South Lake Tahoe’s mix of restaurants, breweries, and lakeside lounges offers plenty of options for unwinding.
Whether you prefer rustic cabins or resort amenities, you’ll find accommodations to suit your style, making it easy to customize your perfect weekend escape.
Wine Country: Right Next Door, Always Worth a Visit
When you live in Santa Rosa, you’re already in the heart of Wine Country, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a weekend to explore it like a guest. Nearby towns like Napa, Yountville, and Sonoma offer distinct experiences that feel just far enough from home to make for a true getaway.
Napa is known for its bold cabernets and polished tasting rooms, along with a dining scene that includes high-profile names and inventive seasonal menus. Take the Napa Valley Wine Train for a unique perspective, or unwind at one of the area’s many spas after a day of tastings.
Yountville adds a boutique feel with luxury inns, art galleries, and some of the region’s most notable restaurants, including The French Laundry. The town’s walkability makes it perfect for a car-free weekend where you can explore entirely on foot.
In Sonoma, the pace slows down a bit. The town square is lined with shops, tasting rooms, and casual eateries, while the surrounding countryside offers a mix of established wineries and under-the-radar gems. Sonoma’s relaxed vibe is a nice counterpoint to Napa’s sleek appeal, and the scenic drive between the two adds to the experience.
Napa is known for its bold cabernets and polished tasting rooms, along with a dining scene that includes high-profile names and inventive seasonal menus. Take the Napa Valley Wine Train for a unique perspective, or unwind at one of the area’s many spas after a day of tastings.
Yountville adds a boutique feel with luxury inns, art galleries, and some of the region’s most notable restaurants, including The French Laundry. The town’s walkability makes it perfect for a car-free weekend where you can explore entirely on foot.
In Sonoma, the pace slows down a bit. The town square is lined with shops, tasting rooms, and casual eateries, while the surrounding countryside offers a mix of established wineries and under-the-radar gems. Sonoma’s relaxed vibe is a nice counterpoint to Napa’s sleek appeal, and the scenic drive between the two adds to the experience.
San Jose, CA: Innovation and Culture in the South Bay
Often overlooked as a weekend destination, San Jose has grown into a vibrant city with a lot to offer. About two hours from Santa Rosa, it makes a great trip for anyone interested in tech, art, or international cuisine.
The Tech Interactive in downtown San Jose is both educational and engaging, especially for families or anyone with an interest in innovation. Just down the road, the San Jose Museum of Art showcases a rotating selection of modern and contemporary works. History fans can dive into the Winchester Mystery House or explore the preserved buildings of History Park.
San Jose’s Japantown and Little Portugal neighborhoods offer authentic food and cultural insight, while the city’s diversity is reflected in its variety of restaurants—delicious Vietnamese, Indian, and Mexican options are especially strong.
If you're into shopping, Santana Row combines retail with dining and entertainment, all in a pleasant, open-air setting. San Jose’s blend of modern energy and cultural depth makes it a great destination for a weekend packed with discovery.
The Tech Interactive in downtown San Jose is both educational and engaging, especially for families or anyone with an interest in innovation. Just down the road, the San Jose Museum of Art showcases a rotating selection of modern and contemporary works. History fans can dive into the Winchester Mystery House or explore the preserved buildings of History Park.
San Jose’s Japantown and Little Portugal neighborhoods offer authentic food and cultural insight, while the city’s diversity is reflected in its variety of restaurants—delicious Vietnamese, Indian, and Mexican options are especially strong.
If you're into shopping, Santana Row combines retail with dining and entertainment, all in a pleasant, open-air setting. San Jose’s blend of modern energy and cultural depth makes it a great destination for a weekend packed with discovery.
Explore More with a Home Base You Love
When your weekends are this full of options, it’s important to have a home that supports your lifestyle year-round. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or just starting your search, working with someone who understands Santa Rosa inside and out can make all the difference. Randy Waller brings deep knowledge of the local real estate market, helping clients find homes that are not only beautiful but also practical for the way they live. Randy ensures your real estate decisions match your goals, from helping you choose the right neighborhood to guiding you through every step.
*Header image courtesy of Pexels
*Header image courtesy of Pexels
