California rewards spontaneous detours. Some of the best experiences in the state are an hour or two outside the major cities — a morning in Muir Woods, an afternoon at Hearst Castle, a wander through wine country. These are a few worth building a day around.
Hearst Castle in San Simeon
About 230 miles south of San Francisco, William Randolph Hearst's 165-room hilltop palace is outlandish and fascinating in equal measure. Five guided tours cover different parts of the estate — book in advance. Afterwards, pull over a few miles north to watch elephant seals hauled out on the beach. They're there year-round and spectacularly indifferent to visitors.
Muir Woods
Just across the Golden Gate Bridge and down a winding mountain road, Muir Woods offers an hour or a full afternoon among old-growth coast redwoods. The main valley trail is flat and paved; connecting trails climb into the hills above for longer loops. Parking fills up fast on weekends — book a timed entry reservation ahead of time.
Wine Country
Napa and Sonoma valleys are 90 minutes north of San Francisco and easy to do as a day trip, though most people who come once end up staying overnight. Sonoma tends to be less formal and more affordable than Napa. Either way, book tastings in advance at the wineries you most want to visit — walk-ins are increasingly rare.