Top 7 Cool Summer Getaways Within 2 Hours of San Francisco

When the summer heat rises, Bay Area residents are always on the lookout for places that offer a cool breeze without the tourist buzz. While destinations like Napa, Monterey, or Yosemite tend to get packed, there’s a wealth of under-the-radar gems just a short drive away. 

Within a two-hour drive from San Francisco, you’ll find tranquil escapes tucked into redwood forests, scattered along the misty coast, or hidden in peaceful vineyard valleys. These places aren’t just about cool weather—they’re rich with things to do: hiking, kayaking, wine tasting, hot springs, and more. 

Here are 7 refreshingly quiet spots to explore this summer. 

Bay Area Cool Summer Getaways

1. Mendocino 

Though it slightly exceeds the 2-hour mark, Mendocino is worth every extra minute. This Northern California coastal village pairs stunning seaside cliffs with lush redwood groves. The air is misty, the mood is peaceful, and boutique lodges like Stanford Inn and Heritage House Resort are seamlessly integrated into the landscape. 

What to Do: 

• Wander through the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens 

• Climb the Point Arena Lighthouse for sweeping ocean views 

• Join yoga and dine at the organic Stanford Inn 

• Go whale watching or photograph the dramatic coast 

• Picnic or hike at Russian Gulch or Glass Beach 

2. Napa’s Hidden Corners: Carneros, Yountville & Calistoga 

Napa Valley is typically overrun in summer—but zoom in on these three subregions and you’ll find space to breathe. Carneros is cooler and more rural. Yountville offers European charm without the crowds. Calistoga mixes mountain breezes with geothermal hot springs. 

What to Do: 

• Bike through Carneros’ Chardonnay vineyards 

• Stroll the shaded streets and French cafés of Yountville 

• Soak in Calistoga’s volcanic mud baths 

• Cruise the Napa Valley Vine Trail by bike 

• Enjoy private tastings at boutique wineries 

3. Guerneville 

Just 1.5 hours north of the city along the Russian River, Guerneville is perfect for a “float-and-forest” combo. Cool water, towering redwoods, and art-deco cabins make it a chill spot for summer solitude. 

What to Do: 

• Rent a kayak or tube and drift down the Russian River 

• Swim or sunbathe at Mother’s Beach 

• Hike among giants at Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve 

• Browse vintage shops and cozy cafés 

• Sip local brews at riverside restaurants 

4. Point Reyes National Seashore 

This national seashore offers wind-swept cliffs, meadows, and a sense of complete escape. Its breezy, often foggy summer days make it an ideal break from inland heat. Spot wild tule elk, hike dramatic trails, or just relax in raw coastal beauty. 

What to Do: 

• Visit Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock Trail 

• Stroll Drake’s Beach and snap sunset shots 

• Take a whale or seal-watching boat tour 

• Spot elk on the Cypress Grove Trail 

• Grab coffee and farm-fresh bites in Olema 

5. Santa Cruz (Natural Bridges Area) 

Skip the crowded Boardwalk and head west to Natural Bridges State Beach, where natural rock arches and breezy beaches invite a quieter experience. The temps are just right, and the surf’s soft soundtrack calms the mind. 

What to Do: 

• Photograph rock formations at Natural Bridges 

• Bike or picnic along West Cliff Drive 

• Enjoy classic rides at a less-crowded Boardwalk 

• Browse downtown indie bookstores and art markets 

• Sail at sunset from the Santa Cruz Harbor 

6. Felton 

Tucked into the redwood-covered hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Felton is pure woodland magic. Roaring Camp’s vintage steam trains offer a timeless way to tour the towering trees. With fewer crowds than other redwood parks, it’s a hidden haven. 

What to Do: 

• Ride the Roaring Camp Railroad into the forest 

• Hike Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 

• Photograph and picnic at the Felton Covered Bridge 

• Sip coffee and shop locally-made crafts in town 

• Join outdoor movie nights or campfire evenings 

7. Healdsburg 

Located in northern Sonoma County, Healdsburg is a quieter, cooler, and just-as-elegant alternative to Napa. Vineyards surround a boutique town square lined with galleries, wine bars, and farm-to-table spots. It's a retreat for foodies and aesthetes alike. 

What to Do: 

• Enjoy espresso and art galleries around Healdsburg Plaza 

• Bike through Dry Creek Valley vineyards 

• Picnic by the Russian River 

• Reserve a private tasting at family-run wineries 

• Dine on local summer produce at acclaimed restaurants 

Cool Off, Wind Down — Without Leaving the Bay 

When summer crowds swarm popular spots like Napa or Yosemite, true rest lies in the less-traveled, cooler corners of Northern California. The best part? You don’t need to go far. Within a two-hour drive of San Francisco, you can immerse yourself in coastal breezes, redwood forests, quiet riversides, or laid-back wine country afternoons. 

These 7 destinations strike the perfect balance between refreshing temperatures and low foot traffic, offering space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with nature. Whether you're craving a foggy coastal morning, a peaceful forest hike, or a spa soak with vineyard views, these escapes provide everything you need to reset your pace and refresh your summer. 

So this year, instead of chasing packed tourist trails, take the scenic route close to home—your perfect local summer getaways are closer (and cooler) than you think.