Escape the Fog: 7 Drivable Warm-Weather Getaways from San Francisco

Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash

Look, we all love us some Karl, but by the time Fogust rolls around, sometimes we need a little sunshine to warm the bones. Lucky for us, you can find it starting from the moment you cross a bridge or the county line. California teems with amazing, accessible getaways drenched in summer sun. Here’s a few of our favorites.

1. Russian River Located just 90 minutes north of San Francisco, the Russian River is the Bay Area’s OG nature escape. It’s been a popular destination since the late 1800s, and Guerneville specifically became a major vacation spot for the gay community in the 1970s and 1980s. The juxtaposition of river and redwoods is pure California gold.
   
   Highlights:

   1. Gape in awe at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, featuring old-growth trees that were spared massive logging due to the boom in construction following the 1906 earthquake and fires.

   2. Rent a kayak or standup paddleboard from King’s Sport & Tackle and paddle down the river, go fishing, or simply relax on one of the many beaches.

   3. Enjoy a meal at boon eat + drink or sister restaurant/mezcal lounge El Barrio.
      

2. Alexander Valley Napa and Sonoma Valleys get all the shine, but we favor the more off-the-beaten-track wine country spots. Alexander Valley stretches from Geyserville to Boonville, offering fewer crowds and world-class pinot noirs.
   
   Highlights:

   1. Take a leisurely drive along the Alexander Valley Wine Road, stopping at wineries to taste award-winning wines and soak in the stunning vineyard views. Our favorite is Lichen Estate, producer of extraordinary Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris, both still and sparkling. Don’t miss their white Pinot Noir!

   2. Pop into the quaint town of Boonville, once so isolated it developed its own dialect known as Boontling.

   3. Stop by Pennyroyal Farm for elegant wines and delicious goat and sheep milk cheeses, all named after Boontling terms. We love the Laychee, a very mild, creamy chèvre.
      

3. California Delta Just 90 minutes from San Francisco, the Delta is something of a well-kept secret. This vast network of waterways and islands is a haven for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. The area has a laid-back vibe that feels reminiscent of the Louisiana bayou (without the crocs).
   
   Highights:

   1. Drive the Delta Loop and up Highway 160, admiring the serene views and popping into charming, quirky towns like Walnut Grove, Rio Vista, and Locke Historic District, the largest, most complete example of a rural, agricultural Chinese American community in the United States. Drop by Courtland the last Sunday of July for the Courtland Pear Fair.

   2. Rent a houseboat or a pontoon and explore the maze-like channels, stopping at riverside restaurants and waterfront wineries along the way.

   3. Visit one of the bird sanctuaries and observe a myriad of feathered friends.
      

4. Gold Country Located in the foothills west of the Sierra Nevada, this region is dotted with charming towns that once boomed during the gold rush. Today, historic town centers bustle with modern restaurants and boutiques. Temps can routinely get into the triple digits here; no fog to be found anywhere.
   
   Highlights:

   1. Explore the streets of Auburn, Nevada City, and Grass Valley, where you'll find beautifully preserved Victorian buildings, shops, and art galleries.

   2. Visit Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma, where gold was first discovered in 1848, and try your hand at gold panning.

   3. Head to Apple Hill for harvest festivals, you-pick orchards, and plenty of cider, wine, and beer.
      

5. Lake Tahoe Famous for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain scenery, Lake Tahoe is California’s preeminent winter ski destination, but it has much to offer in the warmer months as well, with plenty of opportunities to take in nature.
   
   Highlights:

   1. Hike Eagle Falls to Eagle Lake for sweeping views over Emerald Bay, and of course the majestic falls themselves.

   2. There’s no shortage of beaches, but Sugar Pine Point stands out for its sandy shore and sparkling waters.

   3. Take a boat cruise to get a 360° perspective on the entire lake ringed by mountains and forests.
      

6. Yosemite One of America's most iconic national parks is just a few hours away. Of course you’ll see the famous landmarks, such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, but there’s plenty more to do. The valley is always a hot destination, so we suggest entering the park early in the morning to secure parking. Then, be sure to take the shuttle bus around the valley to take in the views and avoid contributing to the traffic and congestion.
   
   Highlights:

   1. Take the Four Mile Trail (which is actually closer to 5 miles one-way) for a grueling but rewarding hike to the top of Glacier Point, full of endless switchbacks but beyond-belief vistas. Starting early means hiking up in the cool of the day with the trail mostly to yourself.

   2. Head to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in the park’s northwest and visit the water coming soon to a faucet near you.

   3. The Ansel Adams Gallery highights works by America’s most famous landscape photographer, many of whose most notable works are of Yosemite.
      

7. Los Alamos About four hours south in northern Santa Barbara county, this speck of a town makes for a charming getaway or layover when driving to SoCal. One main road threads together an eclectic collection of businesses, making this town a microcosm of other bigger touristic regions in the state and a quieter alternative to nearby Los Olivos.
   
   Highlights:

   1. Bob’s Well Bread makes hardy, rustic loaves as well as sophisticated, elegant laminated pastries. A must-stop.

   2. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at Plenty on Bell, Pico, and Full of Life Flatbreads.

   3. Sample local, small-batch, independent wines, including two from women winemakers: Casa Dumetz and Lumen Wines.