1. Yosemite

The ultimate escape is just four hours southeast of San Francisco. Don’t miss Yosemite National Park, one of the crown jewels of America’s national park system. One of the first wilderness parks in the United States, Yosemite National Park rises dramatically east of the flat, fertile Central Valley.

http://www.yosemitepark.com/

2. Lake Tahoe

Alpine coolness, fresh-air forests and sparkling blue water distinguish Lake Tahoe, nestled in the Sierra Nevada range. Swimming, boating, fishing and gaming are on the menu at the restaurants, lodges, hotels and casinos of South Lake Tahoe and Incline Village, NV. In winter, the area is a powdery playground for skiers and snowboarders.

Directions: From the Bay Bridge, take I-80 east to Sacramento, the Sierra and Lake Tahoe.

3. Napa Valley

Come experience The Legendary Napa Valley – where world-class wines, Michelin-star dining, a vibrant arts community, healing hot-spring waters and luxurious spa resorts invite you to relax, savor, and restore. You’ll want to stay a little longer. Visit Napa Valley.

4. Mendocino County

Expect a rugged coastline, breathtaking beaches, picturesque villages, majestic redwood forests and America's Greenest Wine Region beckon you to escape to a slower pace. Take a drive to enjoy the Pacific Ocean lining the county, Redwood forests, wineries, microbrews and coastal towns. Mendocino is a great place to escape, relax and maybe even catch a glimpse of migrating whales from the porch of a unique bed and breakfast. Serenity and wilderness plus indulgence and enjoyment all await you, just a couple hours north of the San Francisco Bay Area where you can feel so far away from it all. Take the 75 mile drives from Cloverdale (Sonoma Conty) To Fort Bragg (Mendocino County), Mendocino Village (Mendocino County) To Benbow (Humboldt County), try the inland route from Hopland (Mendocino County) To Leggett (Mendocino County) or Gualala To Westport (The Mendocino County Coastal Route).

5. Sacramento

The Golden State’s capital city was the western terminus of the transcontinental railroad of pioneer days, and parts of the city still have an Old West ambiance. Old Sacramento preserves lovingly restored 19th century saloons and shops. The renovated, copper-domed Capitol Building is an elegant showcase for state government.

Amtrak’s Sacramento bound Capitol Corridor trains connect via shuttle from the Ferry Building to the depot in Emeryville.

6. Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay and Pacifica

Due south of The City, California Highway 1 links a string of beach towns, each with its own eco-system of surf shops, bait-and-tackle stands, restaurants-with-a-view, and spots to fill the cooler with ice. At the northern end are Pacifica, Montara and Moss Beach. Head farther south to Half Moon Bay, a beloved artists , or Santa Cruz, with its century-old amusement park, featuring the thrilling 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster.

Directions: Take California 1 south from San Francisco for the most picturesque drive, or take Highway 101 and pick up a connector road west to the sea.

7. Monterey, Carmel and Pebble Beach

Two hours from San Francisco, follow Highway 1 south down a stretch of road that has justly earned its title as the most scenic drive in America. Anchored by the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, the famous fishing town of Monterey is one of the most historic cities in California. Visit storied Cannery Row, downtown’s historic adobes and Fisherman’s Wharf. Right next door is Carmel’s sugary white sand, the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links and the picturesque 17-Mile Drive.

Directions: Head south on Highway 280, take 17 through the Santa Cruz Mountains and connect with California 1 to Monterey and Carmel.