Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula
The Quintessential NorCal Experience: All in One Place
The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit. From there, discover the California dream: rugged coastline, redwood groves, sublime beaches, and historic downtowns where globally inspired cuisine reflects the diversity of the communities.
The Quintessential NorCal Experience: All in One Place
“Gooooalllll” If you’ve scored tickets to a World Cup match, congratulations. Now score again by making The San Francisco Peninsula your home base for convenient access to sporting events and iconic Golden State experiences—no hotel hopping needed.
Coasting Through Redwoods and Oceanfront Towns
Get the most out of the coast with Pacific beaches, scenic drives, and oceanfront hiking, all paired with charming stops in small coastal towns.
Take the exit and head west, where Highway 1 becomes a ribbon of road tracing the Pacific. Wander sun- and salt-kissed stretches of Half Moon Bay State Beach, then go tidepooling for starfish and other colorful sea creatures at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
See the famed Mavericks wave break while hiking one of the Peninsula’s marquee bluff-hugging trails. Pillar Point Bluffs is pure coastal drama. Stop at nearby Moss Beach Distillery and try the Coastside Crabcakes and The Blue Lady signature cocktail.
On the Peninsula, outdoor adventure is never far from city life. The San Francisco Bay Trail is a classic for birding, biking, and blissful bayside serenity.
Ride through three cities from Coyote Point to Redwood Shores on the mostly paved Bay Trail, where shorebirds bring the surrounding wetlands to life.
Combine art and culture with wildlife sightings at Palo Alto’s Baylands Nature Preserve. A loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations, where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.
Witness the beauty and quiet power of majestic redwood groves in nearby parks and preserves. In the upscale-rustic enclave of Woodside, Wunderlich Park puts redwoods on parade amid mixed evergreen woodland.
Small Towns, Big Flavor
The San Francisco Peninsula is a tapestry of diverse communities, and that richness shines through in its food and culture. Fresh-from-California cuisine and globally influenced flavors fill historic downtowns and friendly neighborhoods.
Stroll Half Moon Bay’s Victorian Main Street, explore Burlingame’s old-school charm, or visit San Mateo’s tranquil Japanese Tea Garden. Don’t miss the legendary olallieberry pie at Duarte’s Tavern in Pescadero.
Whether you’re a devoted wine fan or just along for the sip, the Peninsula delivers vineyard views, relaxed tastings, and plenty of pours close to San Francisco.
When it comes to dining, expect everything from casual gems to Michelin-acclaimed splurges.
BONUS: Get into the spirit at Whiskies of the World in August, one of the country’s premier whiskey-tasting events.
Guide to San Francisco Peninsula Food & Drinks
Build Your Own San Francisco Peninsula Adventure
Find curated itineraries and inspiration with The San Francisco Peninsula’s Mindtrip guides. These helpful planning tools make it easy to pinpoint your ideal explorations and discoveries. Go beyond the freeway with carefully curated ideas for outdoor adventures, flavorful food experiences, and memory-making moments across the Peninsula.
