Beyond the Bay: Daytrips that start at BART
Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean in Pacifica, California. Photo courtesy of Marabella Lane.
Ready for an adventure beyond the Bay? With a little planning and a Clipper card, you can explore far and wide. From wine country and the state capital to scenic coastal towns and epic shopping centers, here are some of the best day trips that start with a BART ride.
Use BART’s Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.
Dine, drink, shop and sightsee in wine country! Photo courtesy of Napa Valley.
1. Head up north to Napa and enjoy everything the quaint city has to offer
Downtown Napa is cute, quaint and full of fun things to do. Start your day at the Oxford Public Market. Here, you can grab a Ritual Coffee and a bite to eat before exploring the CIA at Copia. The Culinary Institute of America is a food and beverage hub in Napa and is definitely worth a visit for its unique dining experiences, hands-on cooking classes, culinary arts museum, marketplace and culinary garden. Next, head to First Street, where you'll find dozens of stores, such as Copperfield’s Books and Anthropologie. When you’re ready for a drink, visit Fieldwork Brewing Company or pop into one of Napa’s many wine-tasting rooms. To see more of the valley, hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Try the Gourmet Express Lunch aboard a 1915 Pullman rail car for a 3-hour journey to St. Helena and back again. To get to Napa via BART, exit at the El Cerrito Del Norte Station. The Vine Transit Route 29 leaves directly from the station. The bus ride is about an hour long and drops riders off in the charming streets of downtown Napa.
Step back in time in Old Town, Sacramento. Photo courtesy of California.com.
2. Visit California's Capitol, Sacramento, from the Coliseum Station
Sacramento offers a unique mix of Gold Rush history, vibrant art, diverse cuisine and museums. To start your journey, hop on BART and exit at Coliseum Station. Follow the signs to the adjacent Capitol Corridor Amtrak and board the train. The two-hour trip to Sacramento is scenic as you whizz past rolling hills, farms and suburban neighborhoods. Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself near the California State Capitol, where you can explore exhibits, visit the gardens and learn more about the Capitol’s history, architecture and the workings of California government. Next, head to Old Sacramento to experience the charming waterfront, have a bite to eat or hop on a river cruise. Train lovers shouldn’t miss the California State Railroad Museum, and art enthusiasts should visit the Crocker Art Museum. Be sure to purchase Amtrak tickets in advance and check the schedule to plan the perfect day trip to Sacramento on BART.
Enjoy the rides at the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Photo courtesy of Visit California.
3. Visit one of the many attractions under the sun in Santa Cruz
Hosting visitors since 1907, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers plenty of attractions and games for the young and young at heart. Ride a historic wooden rollercoaster. Play arcade games. Challenge friends at laser tag, mini golf and bowling, or test your luck at carnival stalls. Who knows? You might just leave the boardwalk with a big, fluffy stuffed animal. After the excitement of the rides and games, relax on the big and beautiful Santa Cruz Main Beach, located right in front of the boardwalk. Downtown Santa Cruz is also worth a visit with its eclectic shopping, dining and vibrant arts scene. To get to Santa Cruz, take BART to Berryessa/North San Jose and hop on the Rapid 500 to Caltrain’s San Jose Diridon. Then, transfer to the Highway 17 Express bus, which takes you across the Santa Cruz Mountains to Santa Cruz. The total travel time from Berryessa/North San Jose to Santa Cruz is approximately 1.5 hours.
There's plenty to do on a day trip to Santa Clara. Photo courtesy of Discover Santa Clara.
4. California's Great America is fun for all ages
There are a lot of reasons to go to Santa Clara. One major draw, especially for thrill seekers, is California’s Great America. The park has over 50 attractions, including crazy high-speed roller coasters, drop towers, a kid-sized Planet Snoopy with character meet-and-greets, and the ever-popular South Bay Shores waterpark, which is an added bonus as it's included with the admission price. On a hot day, there’s nothing better than cooling off on the waterpark's slides, relaxing on the lazy river, and splashing around in the play areas. Beyond the rides and the waterpark, Great America offers a variety of food options, cute shops and live shows, including full-size productions with fun music and the Peanuts gang. Another top attraction in Santa Clara is Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers and a top music venue for concerts. Check out the busy event schedule here. BART riders can travel to Santa Clara by exiting at Coliseum, then hopping on the Capital Corridor Amtrak and heading south toward Santa Clara. The ride is about 45 minutes.
Take a day trip to Muir Woods for the ultimate adventure. Photo courtesy of Golden Gate Park National Conservatory.
5. Trek amongst the trees in Muir Woods
For a truly unique experience in nature, head to Muir Woods. The park is home to some of the Bay Area’s oldest redwood trees, some over 800 years old and up to 250 feet tall. It’s a great spot for hiking and spotting wildlife (think birds and reptiles) and offers educational opportunities with ranger-led walks and educational programs. Strolling the wooden boardwalks and dirt trails can be as easy or adventurous as you’d like. Stick to the Main Trail Loop or head into the hills for a more strenuous trek. To get to Muir Woods via BART, exit at Embarcadero and walk 0.3 miles to the San Francisco Ferry Building. Hop aboard the Larkspur Ferry, which takes you to Larkspur Landing in 30 minutes. From here, you can ride the Muir Woods Shuttle on weekends and holidays from April through October to your final destination.
Photo courtesy of Premium Outlets.
6. Shop 'til you drop in Livermore
There’s no better place for designer brands at discounted prices than the San Francisco Premium Outlets in Livermore. As Northern California’s largest luxury outlet, you’ll find over 180 stores and 17 eateries. Expect everything from Adidas and The North Face to Gucci and Prada. There are also plenty of restaurants so shoppers can refuel during their busy day trip in the East Bay. To get to the San Francisco Premium Outlets, hop on BART and exit at Dublin/Pleasanton. Then, transfer to the Wheels Bus Route 14. The ride only takes about 15 minutes. Enjoy your day of shopping and dining!
Photo courtesy of Visit California.
7. Enjoy lunch with a view or a beachfront hike in Pacifica
Pacifica sits on the coast, just south of San Francisco. It's the perfect day trip for outdoor enthusiasts. Full of natural coastal beauty and laid-back charm, visitors can explore the area’s scenic hiking trails. One popular route is the Devil’s Slide Trail, a former section of Highway 1 turned pedestrian path. It's generally considered an easy 2.8-mile out-and-back trail with stunning coastal views. More popular routes include Mori Point and San Pedro Valley Park. For rest and relaxation in Pacifica, grab a coffee from Soul Grind and sink your toes into the sandy beach. Dining options include the world’s prettiest Taco Bell and local favorite Nick’s Rockaway. Whether you’re hiking, sitting beachside, or dining with a view, Pacifica is a town worth exploring. To get to Pacifica via BART, exit at Daly City Station and hop on the SamTrans 110 to Pacifica. You’ll arrive at Linda Mar Park and Ride (just minutes from the beach) in about 45 minutes.
Palo Alto is home to Stanford University, cute boutiques and other small businesses. Photo courtesy of Palo Alto Online.
8. Experience the college life near Stanford in Palo Alto
It’s easy to spend the day in Downtown Palo Alto. First, head to University Avenue, the main thoroughfare, to find independent boutiques, national retailers, cozy cafes, and upscale eateries lining the street. Then, visit the Stanford Theatre to catch classic films inside the beautifully restored 1925 building. Alternatively, art lovers will appreciate the Pacific Art League for art classes and rotating exhibitions in the heart of downtown. Another alternative? The Museum of American Heritage, the perfect place for history buffs, showcases technological innovations from 1750 to 1950, including an early 20th-century kitchen and a 1920s general store. On Saturdays, the Downtown Palo Alto Farmers’ Market is the place to be for fresh produce and live music. While here, also make time to visit Stanford University and the Stanford Shopping Center. To enjoy a fun-filled day trip in Palo Alto, exit BART at Millbrae Station and transfer to a southbound Caltrain. BART and Caltrain have a cross-platform connection at Millbrae, making the transfer relatively seamless. View BART and Caltrain transfers to plan your trip.
Where is your favorite destination beyond the Bay?
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