San Francisco and the Bay area are an intriguing and fascinating place to explore. Discovering San Francisco and the area through these trips is great way to see what this part of California offers. These 12 incredible trips showcase some of the most amazing parts around San Francisco. Get ready to go on a new adventure and explore because you haven’t lived until you’ve experienced every one of these splendid trips.

1. Discover the oldest general store with a fascinating history.

The Knights Ferry General Store has been around since 1852. It is locally owned and sells organic produce, sandwiches, grocery items, and cupcakes and includes a bar, restaurant, and performance venue.

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2. Play in the snow without the fuss at Snowplay.

Snowplay is an excitement-filled park that will absolutely thrill you. This is a place for sledding and snow fun and not skiing, so fuss-free and no hassles.

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3. Stroll the Bay Area Ridge Trail​ and dazzle at the awesomeness of the Spire.

There is spot in the city that feels like you’re in a surreal place. In the Presidio, the Spire by Andy Goldsworthy on the Bay Area Ridge Trail is a dazzling.

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4. Take a winter horseback riding trail that’s pure magic.

Gallop into the new year with a thrilling horseback ride along the marvelous coast of San Francisco. The horseback riding trail begins at Mar Vista and ends near Fort Funston at Ocean Beach.

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5. Take an Amtrak train trip for a day.

Amtrak offers trips around the area starting from Emeryville, and there are train trips in Napa too.

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6. Eat Cheese from a farm and ride a goat.

Visit Harley Farms, a restored 1910 dairy farm in Pescadero, you can play with the goats, take a farm tour, and sample and buy their freshly made goat cheese.

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7. Walk the 1 mile Lobos Creek Valley Trail.

The Lobos Creek Valley Trail features sand dunes, and could be the easiest and least crowded hike in the city. If you want to do a quick easy hike during the winter then this is perfect and easily accessible!

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8. Visit one of the coolest small towns in California, let alone the U.S.A.

Sebastopol is chockfull of surprises and a wide variety of attractions, including local art, food, shops, and nature. Take a day trip to Sebastopol and learn what makes this unique town anything but ordinary.

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9. Visit an Artistic Park and do a variety of things.

Cayuga Park is an 11-acre park featuring wooden sculptures, totems, hand-carved signs, benches, and more.

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10. Discover a canyon hike in San Francisco.

Instead of trekking out of town, you can find this mini canyon adventure hike right here in San Francisco. This is a day adventure that will thrill at anytime of the year.

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11. Relax at this resort near San Francisco to get away from it all.

Esalen is a perfect place to relax and truly feel like you're away from it all. The main draw of Esalen is the hot springs, massage, do yoga, and more.

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12. Explore a quiet fishing town that seems frozen in time.

Take a wonderful day trip along the historic 101 to Bodega Bay. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the fishing opportunities in Bodega Bay, as well as the beauty, uniqueness, and culture—which all feels refreshingly frozen in time. And if you’re a Hitchcock fan, this town is definitely worthwhile.

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Let us know if you have been on any of these trips. If you're curious about trips in the history of the city then check out Things They Don’t Teach You About San Francisco In School.