Everybody is aware of the world-class metropolis of San Francisco and the high-tech hub Silicon Valley, however many miss the treasures in between. The San Francisco Peninsula is only a few miles south of town, flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the SF Bay, with beautiful mountains working up the center. Whereas it has a bunch of charming cities, San Mateo County and its many outside advocates had the foresight to guard 42% of its land, from seashore coves to redwood groves.
That steadiness of city sophistication and wilderness is what makes this area so particular. We might catch just a few waves within the morning, observe it with a Michelin-star lunch, hike in a state park within the afternoon, and absorb an out of doors live performance at a historic mansion within the night. And on the subject of meals, the San Francisco Peninsula takes its farm-to-table delicacies very critically. They treasure their 50 native farms (many family-run, natural, and regenerative) and profit from the culinary expertise pool at their doorstep.
We’ll admit we’ve been to San Francisco a dozen instances and brought a number of Pacific Coast Freeway highway journeys, however we didn’t give the peninsula practically sufficient time. There’s a ton packed into this 450-square-mile space, so whether or not you’re planning a metropolis journey or a fast weekend getaway from the Bay Space, you don’t should journey far to have a trip, with each outside journey and tradition. Observe our San Francisco Peninsula highway journey information for one of the best issues to do in San Mateo County, from the bayside to the coastside.
San Francisco Highway Journey Itinerary
Drive simply 12 miles south of town and also you’ll attain the coastal city of Pacifica. Cruise down the Pacific Coast Freeway, stopping at as many vista factors as attainable in your method to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and Half Moon Bay. Reducing inland up the scenic Freeway 92, you’ll get a style of the peninsula’s many household farms, earlier than zigzagging your approach up the Santa Cruz Mountains. From right here, you’ll rise above the marine layer and get views of the ocean and bay, plus the gorgeous Higher Crystal Springs Reservoir. Subsequent cease is Filoli Property, a mansion on the Nationwide Historic Register and a nature protect providing common cultural occasions.
Proceed to Woodside, one of many wealthiest however most understated cities within the nation, with numerous historical past and nature to discover. When you have a hankering for extra cosmopolitan recreation, you possibly can simply head to the Bayside cities like Redwood Metropolis or Palo Alto. If the good outdoor nonetheless calls, zigzag your approach by means of the assorted nature reserves again to the Coastside. Head south on the PCH in direction of Pescadero and make this area your base for small-town allure and a myriad of coastal adventures. In your return journey north, know that Pescadero is barely 37 miles from SFO airport, so you possibly can meander again, return a rental automobile, and nonetheless catch a day flight.
PACIFICA
Leaving busy Freeway 280 for the PCH, we felt the seashore vibes coming our approach. We noticed a number of exits for Pacifica, which made us understand this little city is break up into three sections, as a result of the rugged shoreline and dense forest hold it from steady improvement. Love this place already. Northern Pacifica has an excellent little major avenue (Palmetto Ave) and an intensive pier filled with fishermen in motion.
The center part is sort of pure nature, with incredible coastal hikes and seashore coves, and Southern Pacifica is the place town’s surfers stay and play, with an excellent brewery, espresso store (mmm Soul Grind), and one of many nation’s few Taco Bells with a bar. It’s additionally residence to the World Canine Browsing Competitors, so even canines are catching waves right here.
Although Pacifica is greater than only a seashore city, it holds a major piece of California historical past with three Golden Gate Recreation Websites, together with the Ohlone-Portola Heritage Website, the place the San Francisco Bay was first found by Europeans in 1796. So whether or not you’re searching for tradition, surf, or tacos, Pacifica is a superb place to begin your SF Peninsula highway journey.
Issues to Do in Pacifica, CA
Sánchez Adobe Park & Artwork Heart
Sánchez Adobe showcases the primary three intervals of California Historical past: Native American, Spanish, and Mexican. Benefit from the historic structure and informative show, then proceed a half mile up the highway to the Sanchez Artwork Heart for a style of recent Pacifica. This community-run nonprofit gallery has lovely works and enjoyable receptions on First Fridays.
Hike Mori Level
This 2.6-mile loop path in central Pacifica is a incredible method to get the complete perspective in town and its pure magnificence. Seeking to the north, you possibly can see the pier and even the Golden Gate Bridge on a transparent day, and the ocean cliffs are beautiful. Make sure you linger on the level and peer by means of the neighborhood binoculars; there are all the time seabirds on the rocky islets, and we noticed 4 humpback whales! Tip: When you’re brief on time, park on Fairway Drive and do Mori Level as a brief out-and-back hike.
Surf Lesson at Pacifica State Seashore
The light waves of this sweeping cove make it an excellent newbie’s seashore, and there are many strong surf colleges to select from, like Journey Out and Surf Camp Pacifica. Even should you’re a land lubber, this seashore is effectively value a stroll to look at the surfers and admire the quirky coastal cabins that stack the hillside.
Margaritas at Taco Bell?
Of the 8,000 Taco Bells within the USA, there is just one that’s beachfront with a bar. As vegans, Taco Bell is among the few chain eating places the place we are able to get a good plant-based meal, and while you add a margarita and ocean view, it tastes twice nearly as good. Seize a seat on the patio and watch the surfers trip in for chulupas and cervezas.
Tidepool at JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Inside the Monterey Bay Nationwide Marine Sanctuary, this exceptionally biodiverse part of shoreline is a tidepooler’s paradise. Actually, in our “Finest-in-Class Seashores” part of our Nat Geo e book, we featured Moss Seashore as our #1 choose for tidepooling! Once we went this August, it was filled with new child harbor seals, so the seashore was closed, however recognizing these cuties from the cliffs was nonetheless value it. Whereas simply down the highway, Ross Cove has incredible tidepools, teeming with sea anemones, starfish, hermit crabs, and colourful kelp. Simply be aware of the place you step on this fragile habitat and go away no hint.
The place to Keep Pacifica
Anchor Inn
We beloved our keep in these modern tiny homes. With a full kitchen, ethereal front room, and wrap-around porch overlooking Pacifica State Seashore, Anchor Inn had every thing we would have liked in our studio, and we beloved that it was only a 5-minute stroll to the seashore, brewery, and the greatest espresso store on the town.
HALF MOON BAY
Cruising down the Pacific Coast Freeway, simply 10 miles south of Pacifica, is among the oldest and quaintest communities in San Mateo County. The Ohlone Native Individuals lived right here for 14,000 years, then Spain’s colony of Mexico established the city as San Benito. When the Gold Rush hit, it grew to become referred to as Half Moon Bay, and its ports and railways have been pivotal in supporting California’s booming financial system. Strolling Fundamental Road in the present day, Nineteenth-century buildings home charming boutiques and eating places, and lots of of their partitions are adorned with murals.
See the Francis Constructing for a painted depiction of the city’s historical past, and don’t miss the homage to Mavericks, a HMB surf break with 100-foot-tall waves and residential to the world’s preeminent massive wave surf contest. Past the Previous City, Pillar Level Harbor is one other hub of exercise with watersport leases, breweries, and eating places. Go inland, and also you’ll discover beautiful household farms that welcome guests with recent produce and agrotourism actions galore, particularly within the fall.
Issues to Do in Half Moon Bay
Store Fundamental Road HMB
There are such a lot of native makers and purveyors on Fundamental Road. Make sure you store shops like Fish Spouse for sweets, Residence City for stylish decor, and Cruiser Clothes for distinctive, domestically designed surfwear and Freeway 1 souvenirs.
Kayak Pillar Level Harbor
We nearly let a little bit of rain and fog hold us from heading out with Half Moon Bay Kayak, however seems it’s all the time an excellent day to paddle at Pillar Level Harbor. Heading out to the jetty, we actually noticed 1,000+ pelicans diving, preening, and huddling up on the rocks. That wildlife expertise alone is well worth the journey, however proceed north into the outer harbor and also you’ll discover a sunken World Warfare II period tugboat you possibly can splash round. And if in case you have our luck, chances are you’ll even end up in the course of a colourful regatta.
Prepare-car Eating at Dad’s Luncheonette
Michelin-starred chef and creator of the brand new Coastal Cookbook brings tremendous eating high quality to basic American fare with the nostalgic Dad’s Luchonette. Set in a century-old caboose, this lunch-only restaurant (open Thursday-Sunday) is an area treasure.
Sundown Drinks at The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
We wouldn’t usually advocate the Ritz, however the resort’s spot on sea cliffs and sundown views is effectively value it. Costume up, arrive an hour earlier than sundown to safe a great spot on the balcony, and toast to a wonderful day in Half Moon Bay.
The place to Keep in Half Moon Bay
Nantucket Whale Inn
Situated simply off Fundamental Road in a Victorian farmhouse, this seven-room inn is so stylish and welcoming. With facilities like included breakfast, dependable wifi, an out of doors front room, a complimentary night wine bar, and downtown proper out your entrance door, you’ll be completely located at this award-winning boutique lodge.
HIGHWAY 92
Whereas it’s tempting to maintain cruising the jaw-dropping Pacific Coast Freeway, it’s value ducking into the Santa Cruz Mountains for the massive image on the San Francisco Peninsula. Beginning up Freeway 92, you’ll be surrounded by quaint household farms (come fall, this place is pumpkin mania!). Hop out at Pastorino’s for a sequence of farmstands and boutiques from Freeway 92 Succulents to the aromatic Half Moon Bay Lavender.
Proceed up the switchbacks into the sunshine, and also you’ll get glimpses of the San Francisco Bay and its string of Bayside cities. Freeway 92 turns into Cañada Highway and hugs the gorgeous Higher Crystal Springs Reservoir. It was so fairly, we hopped out for a number of picture ops of this huge water supply on our method to Woodside.
WOODSIDE
Residence to lots of Silicon Valley’s CEOs and executives, Woodside is among the many wealthiest small cities in America. However you wouldn’t understand it while you move the Gold-Rush-era saloon, see cowboys driving on horseback, hike the redwoods of Purisima Open House, and eat at Buck’s greasy spoon. Woodside additionally neighbors Stanford College, nevertheless it’s so serene right here that you simply additionally wouldn’t know there was a school campus close by. Clearly, Woodside took us without warning, and we have been so glad we added it to our route…significantly with one among our favourite stops on our San Francisco Peninsula Highway journey, Filoli Property!
Issues to Do in Woodside
Poke round The Historic Woodside Retailer
The city’s 1850s mercantile and submit workplace is on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations for being a major instance of California’s early American settlement. Head into their free museum to study Woodside’s days as a lumber mill city that helped develop the Bay Space through the Gold Rush. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, it has restricted hours, however poking across the redwood buildings and peering into the mercantile continues to be value a cease any day of the week.
Eat like a Silicon Valley Mogul at Buck’s
Regardless of its kitschy decor, this diner is the place lots of Silicon Valley’s pivotal enterprise capital conferences have taken place, from Netscape to Tesla. Along with serving grub ok for Warren Buffett and Yahoo’s cofounders, Buck’s is a mini museum to Silicon Valley and the restaurant proprietor’s wild creativeness, displaying every thing from a 1976 Apple 1 pc to a 300-piece assortment of Cracker Jack prizes, all below a ceiling of dangling astronauts and alligators driving a surfboard.
Forest Bathing at Purisima Creek Redwoods
Drive six miles up the forested Kings Mountain Highway, with curves that hug the redwoods, and also you’ll attain this 4,471-acre open house protect. With the assistance of its rich neighbors, Save The Redwoods League raised 2 million {dollars} to guard this grove and develop trails and picnic areas to breathe within the bushes and take in the sounds of the creek. Hikes vary from 1-10 miles, so choose your distance and forest bathe.
Filoli Property & Nature Protect
@honeytrek Hidden within the mountains of the San Francisco Peninsula, the Filoli historic property on 600+ acres with formal gardens and redwood groves is beautiful and a lot enjoyable! We went for his or her Summer season Nights live performance sequence and “Trolls: Save the People” exhibit, by one of many world’s premier recycle artists. Watch the magic of Filoli. @Filoli Historic Home & Backyard @The San Francisco Peninsula #companion @Thomas Dambo #filoli #sfpeninsula ♬ Little Sparrow – Paul Alan Morris
Historic properties can really feel staged and stuffy—not Filoli. This 54,000-square-foot Georgian Revival mansion will not be solely lovely, with its fresco-clad ballroom and 16 acres of English gardens, nevertheless it’s additionally a sturdy nature protect and cultural middle. Totalling 654 rolling acres, the formal gardens fade into wilderness with intensive trails, enhanced by artwork displays and music performances.
We went for Filoli Summer season Nights, which featured two music levels, meals vehicles, garden video games, and guided sundown hikes. Whereas Summer season Nights is wrapping up for the season, fall has tons of cultural packages, together with the unimaginable “Trolls: Save the People” exhibit by the world’s premier recycle artist, Thomas Dambo. Till November 10, 2025, six of those big reclaimed wooden sculptures are scattered across the property, every telling a narrative about conservation by means of whimsy and wonderment. Watch our TikTok for a touch of Filoli’s magic.
The place to Keep in Woodside
Canyon Ranch Woodside
Keep just like the wealthy and well-known with a restorative getaway at Canyon Ranch Woodside. This famend, five-star well being resort is costly, however its spa providers, farm-to-table delicacies, and wellness workshops will make you’re feeling like one million bucks.
HIGHWAY 84
The SF Peninsula highway journey continues alongside Freeway 84 to the coast. Benefit from the mountain trip and stretch your legs at La Honda Creek Open House Protect or Sam McDonald, an 850-acre reserve with its two distinct ecosystems of redwood grove and grassy knolls, with views to the Pacific. If you return to Freeway 1, grasp a left towards Pescadero.
PESCADERO
The Spanish phrase for fishing place, Pescadero, would possibly make you assume it’s on the ocean. As an alternative, these intelligent Nineteenth-century fisherfolk went somewhat inland for hotter climate and gentler winds. Established in 1856, Pescadero has lots of its historic buildings, just like the Victorian Neighborhood Church and the Dickerman Barn, each listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. This 500-person city continues to be a fishing, farming, and ranching neighborhood, now with a contact of hipster and plenty of native delight.
Issues to Do in Pescadero
Nibble Down Stage Highway
Pescadero’s major avenue is small however mighty, with retailers like Sunshine Coastal Farm Store promoting every thing from pickling spices to vinyl data. Seize an excellent cup of espresso from their espresso bar, then proceed down the block to the historic Arcangeli Grocery for his or her well-known artichoke bread and home made spreads. End off your strolling smorgasbord with dinner and cocktails at Duarte’s Tavern, “the place pals meet, est.1894”
Farmstead Cheese Tour at Harley Farms
On the outskirts of Pescadero is a 1910 dairy farm, with 200 alpine goats and the loveliest house owners. We went contained in the Harleys’ farm store and chatted with Dee (a Brit who married into this fourth-generation Pescadero household) for an hour about their current gold medal on the World Cheese Present and her aspirations to supply glamping lodging. Be a part of their weekend Farmstead Cheese Tour, the place you possibly can watch the method of their conventional cheese making and even milk a goat, and test their calendar of occasions for his or her famed hayloft dinners and Hallowed Eve celebration.
Pigeon Level Lighthouse
Whether or not driving the PCH or crusing the Pacific, you possibly can see the 115-foot-tall Pigeon Level Lighthouse for miles; it has guided vacationers to (or away from) its shores since 1872. Stroll to the purpose to take pleasure in America’s third-tallest lighthouse, its informative museum, and sweeping views up the coast. To actually commune with this piece of historical past, you possibly can keep the evening. Hosteling Worldwide affords personal rooms and a cliffside sizzling tub on Pigeon Level’s bluffs!
Wildlife Watch at Año Nuevo State Park
That is one among our favourite California State Parks! Beginning at Año Nuevo’s fantastic customer middle, in a Nineteenth-century dairy barn, study every thing from the coastal homesteaders to the ten,000 elephant seals that decision this park residence. December-March is primetime to see their breeding rituals and when the reserve leads guided walks, and it’s all the time well worth the 3-mile RT hike to Año Nuevo Level, since there’s all the time at the least just a few 5,000-pounders mendacity round or battling it out on the seashore. We’d additionally extremely advocate the Franklin Level Path to see the park’s vary of ecosystems from coastal terrace prairie, wetland marshes, dune fields, and beautiful seashore coves.
Work Day and Barn Dance at Pie Ranch
With far greater aspirations than broccoli and baked items, Pie Ranch cultivates a wholesome and simply meals system by means of its teen academic packages, land for BIPOC farmers, native plant program stewarded by the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, and so many enjoyable occasions. Cease in for a slice of pie and an academic stroll across the farm, and should you can time your go to with the third Saturday Work Day & Barn Dance, you’ll have a perma(tradition) smile in your face.
Lend the farmers a hand within the Native Backyard for just a few hours, then get discounted entry to their square-dance spectacular. We’re not nice at dancing, however with their skilled caller, bluegrass band, and the fun-loving vibes of Pie Ranchers, we have been do-si-doeing with one of the best of them!
The place to Keep in Pescadero
Costanoa
With over 100 acres overlooking Año Nuevo State Park and the Santa Cruz Mountains, this glampground is in a coveted location and makes essentially the most of it. Select from their wide selection of lodging (lodge rooms, cabins, glamping tents, or RV park), and settle into the village with its two eating places, a rustic retailer, spa, sturdy exercise middle, and path community. We thought Costanoa was beautiful as is, however somewhat birdy advised us they’re about to do a serious renovation of the lodge and restaurant for a good higher getaway.
Finish of the San Francisco Peninsula Highway Journey
We hope you’ve gotten a blast on this highway journey, and should you’re searching for extra nice stops on a return journey north, be sure you hit Martin’s Seashore for its dramatic sea stacks and Bean Hole State Seashore for our favourite picnic spot. Earlier than you allow the peninsula, deal with your self to 1 final farm-to-table meal (we beloved the plant-based Twelevemonth in Burlingame) and lift a glass to an excellent San Francisco Peninsula Highway Journey!
Word: Many due to the San Francisco Peninsula tourism board for inviting us to discover their area (take a look at their calendar for upcoming occasions). As all the time, all opinions are our personal, and we solely share what we actually love with you guys. See you on the highway!
