A Guide to Spring Weekend Getaways in the San Francisco Bay Area
Spring is almost here, and it’s a great time of year for a weekend getaway to the San Francisco Bay area. With the cool from winter easing, and the sun shining a little brighter everyday, you're going to want to capitalize and enjoy everything the city has to offer. To help guide you, we created this list of recommendations for an ideal weekend trip around the San Francisco Bay area this spring.
1. Book a Room in Menlo Park
Staying directly in San Francisco can bring its own set of challenges, while booking a room a short drive away in Menlo Park can provide access to all the great activities in the Bay Area. The airy, light-filled guest rooms at Hotel Nia will bring an air of comfort and relaxation to your trip, especially after long days exploring this region.
2. Head To San Francisco’s Downtown Area
For central access to the city’s most noteworthy sites and buzzing neighborhoods, kick off your weekend getaway by heading to the downtown area. From there you can find scenic hangouts at Maritime Plaza and at the piers adjacent to the Ferry Building. It’s also a great setting-off point for exploring areas like: The East Cut, Union Square, Jackson Square, and a couple of our favorite areas to eat in.
3. Save Room for Eats in Fisherman’s Wharf & Chinatown
When you head from Menlo Park into the city for your weekend adventures, you’re going to want to make time for some staples. Eating at Fisherman’s Wharf favorites like the Franciscan Crab Restaurant and the Fog Harbor Fish House can add a quintessentially local touch to your itinerary. For some more iconic eats, check out Chinatown favorites like the Hong Kong Clay Pot Restaurant and Z & Y Restaurant.
4. Mix in Coastal Hiking & Exploring
The San Francisco Bay area has an exceptional selection of parks, beaches, and hiking trails that are perfect for a spring getaway. While Golden Gate Park is a must, the Golden Gate Recreation Area also offers a wealth of must-visits, many of which are connected by the Coastal Trail. Head here for breathtaking views and visits to places like Point Lobos, the Sutro Baths, and Mile Rock Beach. South of the city, closer to Menlo Park, the outdoor attractions continue with: Coyote Point Recreation Area, San Andreas Lake, Bair Island, Half Moon Bay, and so many similarly beautiful outdoor destinations.
5. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge
Whether you want to drive it or walk it, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge is a staple of San Francisco Bay area travel. It’s also an easy addition to any weekend itinerary that can be tacked onto any of the aforementioned hikes or restaurant visits. Be sure to have your camera ready and your phone’s photo library cleared (to a degree) because the views are spectacular. On the other side of the bridge from the city, you can explore more Bay area highlights including: Golden Gate View Point, Rodeo Beach, and the Bay Area Discovery Museum.
6. Add Some Culture to Your Adventure
This is a massive, sprawling, and historically rich city that beckons weekend trip after weekend trip for countless travelers. When filling out this next visit, be sure to include some of the area’s many remarkable artistic institutions. Swing by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the de Young Museum, or the Asian Art Museum. You could also catch a spring concert like: Iggy Pop at the SF Masonic Auditorium on April 22nd, the San Francisco Symphony at Louse M. Davies Symphony Hall on May 11th, or Kali Uchis at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on May 26th.