As the fog recedes and Spring finally comes to thaw our frozen fingers, it’s time to escape from the endless Sproul rush and your friends in People’s Park to discover why NorCal is unarguably the best Cal. A day trip is the perfect excuse to break out of the Berkeley bubble, and all you need is a car, a friend or two, and your tightest-fitting pair of shorts.

Born and raised in the Bay Area, I fancy myself somewhat of an expert when it comes to seeking out the most adventurous, most exciting, and yummiest day trip locales. Below are my recommendations that will quench your thirst for a leisurely afternoon in the sunshine:

Sonoma County: For those of us 21 and older, skip touristy Napa for the more rustic side of wine country. There’s wine, kayaking, boutiques, and plenty of rolling hills to clear your mind (or fog it up, wink wink).

Drive Time: 1 hour

To Do: Search for hermit crabs and anemones in the tidepools at Bowling Ball Beach

To Shop: Vintage treasures at Sisters Consignment Couture

To Eat: Salted caramel chocolate chip cookies and brown butter cake from Crisp Bake Shop

Santa Cruz: The quirky locals are what makes Santa Cruz truly stand out – they really know how to embody the beach bum lifestyle. Life here moves slowly and revolves around sandy beaches, surfing, and spontaneity. Embrace the funky urban downtown or revel in the kitschy boardwalk and crowded beaches.

Drive Time: 1½ hours

To Do: Ride the wooden coaster and munch a deep-fried Twinkie (not at the same time) at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

To Shop: Cozy knit afghans and funky jewelry at Indie Free Spirited Clothing

To Eat: A fat slice of pizza and an eponymous t-shirt for only five bucks

Sausalito: Park your car at Jack London Square in Oakland and take a windy ferry ride or start in San Francisco and bike your way to this cliffside town just outside the hustle and bustle of the big city. On foggy days, locals flock to cafes for warming espresso and sea lion spotting. You won’t even notice all the tourists with the sun shining and the salty sea wind blowing on your face.

Drive Time: 40 minutes

To Do: Socialize with sea lions and seals at the Marine Mammal Center

To Shop: The bowls and mugs that are equal parts artsy and practical at Heath Ceramics

To Eat: The crab eggs benedict at Bayside Cafe

Walnut Creek: When the grunge of Berkeley’s got you down, take a short breather in this bustling suburb. The streets are wide, clean, and dotted with manicured greenery; you’ll finally feel like you can breathe. It’s also the least-crowded and closest destination for the best shopping outside of SF. Here, you’ll find everything from Nordstrom to Macy’s to Brandy Melville and Forever 21.

Drive Time: 20 minutes

To Do: Catch a ballet or theater performance at the sprawling Lesher Center for the Arts

To Shop: The unique jewelry and Buddhist goods at Ming Quong

To Eat: The “6 ½” sandwich – pesto, balsamic vinaigrette, mozarella on ciabatta – at Morucci’s

Half Moon Bay: Bundle up and head for the beaches NorCal does best: foggy and pebbled. Half Moon Bay embodies small town charm, and its agricultural-based economy allows you to experience farm-to-table in the most literal sense. Once you’ve fed your belly, feed your soul by strolling through one of the many galleries downtown.

Drive Time: 1 hour

To Do: Watch for whales from your preferred distance: the shore, a boat trip, or on a kayak

To Shop: The fresh fruits and veggies at any of the stands that dot the main road

To Eat: The just-caught clam chowder at Barbara’s Fish Trap

Trending Articles: