Near a City

National Parks Near San Francisco, CA

7 national parks within driving distance of San Francisco, CA -- from quick day trips to extended road-trip destinations.

Updated

Weekend Getaway (2.5 to 5 hours)

Light falling on tree

Pinnacles

CA

Moderate CrowdsHidden Gem

146 mi -- about 2.6 hr drive
Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring

Yosemite

CA

Comfortable

203 mi -- about 3.7 hr drive
Golden grasses edge a pond reflecting a snow-dusted peak

Lassen Volcanic

CA

ComfortableHidden Gem

254 mi -- about 4.6 hr drive

Extended Drive (5+ hours)

A steep granite slope leads from forest to a bare alpine landscape

Sequoia & Kings Canyons

CA

Comfortable

290 mi -- about 5.3 hr drive
Redwood trees line a narrow dirt road.

Redwood National and State Parks

CA

ComfortableHidden Gem

342 mi -- about 6.2 hr drive
Yellow flowers in foreground extending out along a rocky coastline to a natural arch.

Channel Islands

CA

ComfortableHidden Gem

386 mi -- about 7 hr drive
Morning light on the badlands below Zabriskie Point.

Death Valley

CA, NV

Moderate CrowdsDark Sky

396 mi -- about 7.2 hr drive