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 just some miles south of the 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 seaside coves to redwood groves.
That stability of city sophistication and wilderness is what makes this area so particular. We may catch just a few waves within the morning, comply with it with a Michelin-star lunch, hike in a state park within the afternoon, and soak up an out of doors live performance at a historic mansion within the night. And in terms of meals, the San Francisco Peninsula takes its farm-to-table delicacies very significantly. They treasure their 50 native farms (many family-run, natural, and regenerative) and profit from the culinary expertise pool at their doorstep.
We are going to 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 almost sufficient time. There’s a ton packed into this 450-square-mile space, so whether or not you might be planning a metropolis journey or a fast weekend getaway from the Bay Space, you don’t must journey far to have a trip, with each outside journey and tradition. Comply with our San Francisco Peninsula highway journey information for the most effective issues to do in San Mateo County, from the bayside to the coastside.
San Francisco Highway Journey Itinerary
Drive simply 12 miles south of the town and also you’ll attain the coastal city of Pacifica. Cruise down the Pacific Coast Freeway, stopping at as many vista factors as doable in your solution to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and Half Moon Bay. Chopping inland up the scenic Freeway 92, you’ll get a style of the peninsula’s many household farms, earlier than zigzagging your means 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 a lot of historical past and nature to discover. You probably have a hankering for extra cosmopolitan recreation, you may simply head to the Bayside cities like Redwood Metropolis or Palo Alto. If the good open air nonetheless calls, zigzag your means by the assorted nature reserves again to the Coastside. Head south on the PCH in the 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 simply 37 miles from SFO airport, so you may meander again, return a rental automobile, and nonetheless catch a day flight.
PACIFICA
Leaving busy Freeway 280 for the PCH, we felt the seaside vibes coming our means. 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 a fantastic little essential avenue (Palmetto Ave) and an intensive pier full of fishermen in motion.
The center part is sort of pure nature, with implausible coastal hikes and seaside coves, and Southern Pacifica is the place the town’s surfers stay and play, with a fantastic brewery, espresso store (mmm Soul Grind), and one of many nation’s few Taco Bells with a bar. It’s additionally dwelling to the World Canine Browsing Competitors, so even canines are catching waves right here.
Although Pacifica is greater than only a seaside 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 good place to start out 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 implausible solution to get the complete perspective in town and its pure magnificence. Trying to the north, you may see the pier and even the Golden Gate Bridge on a transparent day, and the ocean cliffs are beautiful. Be sure you linger on the level and peer by the group binoculars; there are all the time seabirds on the rocky islets, and we noticed 4 humpback whales! Tip: For those who’re brief on time, park on Fairway Drive and do Mori Level as a brief out-and-back hike.
Surf Lesson at Pacifica State Seaside
The mild waves of this sweeping cove make it a fantastic newbie’s seaside, 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 seaside is properly price 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 pretty much as good. Seize a seat on the patio and watch the surfers trip in for chulupas and cervezas.
Tidepool at JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Throughout the Monterey Bay Nationwide Marine Sanctuary, this exceptionally biodiverse part of shoreline is a tidepooler’s paradise. The truth is, in our “Finest-in-Class Seashores” part of our Nat Geo guide, we featured Moss Seaside as our #1 choose for tidepooling! After we went this August, it was filled with new child harbor seals, so the seaside was closed, however recognizing these cuties from the cliffs was nonetheless price it. Whereas simply down the highway, Ross Cove has implausible 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 lounge, and wrap-around porch overlooking Pacifica State Seaside, Anchor Inn had the whole lot we wanted in our studio, and we beloved that it was only a 5-minute stroll to the seaside, 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 People 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 turned generally known as Half Moon Bay, and its ports and railways have been pivotal in supporting California’s booming financial system. Strolling Primary Road right this moment, 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 pretty household farms that welcome guests with recent produce and agrotourism actions galore, particularly within the fall.
Issues to Do in Half Moon Bay
Store Primary Road HMB
There are such a lot of native makers and purveyors on Primary Road. Be sure you store shops like Fish Spouse for sweets, House City for stylish decor, and Cruiser Clothes for distinctive, regionally 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, but it surely seems it’s all the time a fantastic 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 definitely worth the journey, however proceed north into the outer harbor and also you’ll discover a sunken World Conflict II period tugboat you may splash round. And in case you have our luck, chances are you’ll even end up in the midst of a colourful regatta.
Practice-car Eating at Dad’s Luncheonette
Michelin-starred chef and creator of the brand new Coastal Cookbook brings high-quality 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 are properly price it. Costume up, arrive an hour earlier than sundown to safe a great place 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 Primary 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 lounge, a complimentary night wine bar, and downtown proper out your entrance door, you’ll be completely located at this award-winning boutique resort.
HIGHWAY 92
Whereas it’s tempting to maintain cruising the jaw-dropping Pacific Coast Freeway, it’s price 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 collection 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 photograph ops of this huge water supply on our solution to Woodside.
WOODSIDE
House to a lot 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 using on horseback, hike the redwoods of Purisima Open House, and eat at Buck’s greasy spoon. Woodside additionally neighbors Stanford College, but it surely’s so serene right here that you just additionally wouldn’t know there was a school campus close by. Clearly, Woodside took us abruptly, and we have been so glad we added it to our route…notably 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 find out about 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 price 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 a lot 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 the whole lot from a 1976 Apple 1 pc to a 300-piece assortment of Cracker Jack prizes, all below a ceiling of dangling astronauts and alligators using 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 area 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 absorb 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 time Nights live performance collection 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 houses can really feel staged and stuffy—not Filoli. This 54,000-square-foot Georgian Revival mansion shouldn’t be solely lovely, with its fresco-clad ballroom and 16 acres of English gardens, but it surely’s additionally a sturdy nature protect and cultural middle. Totalling 654 rolling acres, the formal gardens fade into wilderness with in depth trails, enhanced by artwork displays and music performances.
We went for Filoli Summer time Nights, which featured two music phases, meals vehicles, garden video games, and guided sundown hikes. Whereas Summer time Nights is wrapping up for the season, fall has tons of cultural applications, 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 large reclaimed wooden sculptures are scattered across the property, every telling a narrative about conservation by whimsy and wonderment. Watch our TikTok for a splash 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 companies, farm-to-table delicacies, and wellness workshops will make you are 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, hold a left towards Pescadero.
PESCADERO
The Spanish phrase for fishing place, Pescadero, would possibly make you suppose it’s on the ocean. As a substitute, these intelligent Nineteenth-century fisherfolk went a bit of inland for hotter climate and gentler winds. Established in 1856, Pescadero boasts many historic buildings, together with the Victorian Neighborhood Church and the Dickerman Barn, each of that are listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. This 500-person city continues to be a fishing, farming, and ranching group, now with a contact of hipster and plenty of native pleasure.
Issues to Do in Pescadero
Nibble Down Stage Highway
Pescadero’s essential avenue is small however mighty, with purveyors like Sunshine Coastal Farm Store promoting the whole lot from pickling spices to vinyl data. Seize a fantastic 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 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 latest 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 may watch the method of their conventional cheese making and even milk a goat, and examine their calendar of occasions for his or her famed hayloft dinners and Hallowed Eve social gathering.
Pigeon Level Lighthouse
Whether or not driving the PCH or crusing the Pacific, you may 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 get pleasure from America’s third-tallest lighthouse, its informative museum, and sweeping views up the coast. To actually commune with this piece of historical past, you may keep the evening. Hosteling Worldwide affords personal rooms and a cliffside scorching 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 great customer middle, in a Nineteenth-century dairy barn, find out about the whole lot from the coastal homesteaders to the ten,000 elephant seals that decision this park dwelling. December-March is primetime to see their breeding rituals and when the reserve leads guided walks, and it’s all the time definitely worth the 3-mile RT hike to Año Nuevo Level, since there’s all the time at the very least just a few 5,000-pounders mendacity round or battling it out on the seaside. 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 lovely seaside 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 its teen instructional applications, 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 knowledgeable caller, bluegrass band, and the fun-loving vibes of Pie Ranchers, we have been do-si-doeing with the most effective 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 big selection of lodging (resort rooms, cabins, glamping tents, or RV park), and settle into the village with its two eating places, a rustic retailer, spa, strong exercise middle, and path community. We thought Costanoa was pretty as is, however a bit of birdy informed us they’re about to do a serious renovation of the lodge and restaurant for an excellent higher getaway.
Finish of the San Francisco Peninsula Highway Journey
We hope you’ve got a blast on this highway journey, and should you’re searching for extra nice stops on a return journey north, make sure you hit Martin’s Seaside for its dramatic sea stacks and Bean Hole State Seaside for our favourite picnic spot, and take a look at the area’s calendar of occasions. 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 a fantastic San Francisco Peninsula Highway Journey!
Observe: Many because of the San Francisco Peninsula Tourism Board for inviting us to discover their area. As all the time, all opinions are our personal, and we solely share what we really love with you guys. See you on the highway!
