National Parks near San Francisco. There’s so much more to this beautiful state than the city by the bay. In this article, we’ll familiarize you with the incredible national park sites that are within a six hour drive of San Francisco.
There are 8 national park sites for you to see on your next visit to the Golden State.
To be clear, this list includes national park sites (as in sites managed by the National Park Service) as well as full-fledged national parks. To learn more about the difference between the various National Park Service designations check out our article that explains everything!
If you’re planning a trip to the Golden State then one book I highly recommend is: California Bucket List Adventure Guide & Journal: Explore 50 Natural Wonders You Must See & Log Your Experience!
Now let’s go ahead with 8 reasons why you’ll want to make a drive of six hours (or less) from San Francisco to one of these amazing places.
Table Of Contents: National Parks Near San Francisco
- Why Trust Us About National Parks Near San Francisco?
- Meet The Parks Brothers
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- John Muir National Historic Site
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Point Reyes National Sea Shore
- Redwood National Park
- Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park
- San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
- Map Of National Park Sites Near San Francisco
- Further Reading
Why Trust Us About National Parks Near San Francisco?
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. My sons have spent their entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
As for me, I’m a retired lifelong educator and a proud dad of these two wonderful guys who are hopelessly obsessed with the national parks. I taught history for over a quarter of a century. Now I enjoy researching and writing articles for More Than Just Parks. I’m always on the hunt for topics where nature and history intersect so please feel free to share any ideas that you might have with me.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Meet The Parks Brothers
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below!
Best National Parks Near San Francisco
1. Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Distance from San Francisco: 0 minutes (it’s basically in the city)
Resources: Where to Stay
I retired as a full-time history teacher so that I could join my two sons on an incredible adventure bringing America’s national treasures to life.
Starting with the closest national park to San Francisco, this national park site is located within sight of San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate National Recreation Area chronicles two hundred years of history.
From the Native American culture to the Spanish Empire and the Mexican Republic to maritime history and the California Gold Rush, you’ll learn about the historical forces which fueled the growth of urban San Francisco.
As a retired history teacher who went to school in the great state of California, I’m thrilled to report that the history you’ll experience at this fascinating place includes California’s indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, the Mexican Republic, U.S. military expansion and the growth of San Francisco. It’s all there!
Not only that, but this amazing place also supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species. While you’re there, you can go for a hike, enjoy a vista, have a picnic or learn about the centuries of overlapping history.
While You’re There Check Out the Big Lockup, Alcatraz
The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States, is an exciting new exhibit which examines Alcatraz Island as a military prison and federal penitentiary within the context of incarceration in the U.S. where currently 2.3 million people are behind bars, more than any other country in the world.
The exhibit takes a look at the disproportionate number of people of color, low literacy and those born into poverty that are in jail and prison. It looks at who is harmed, who bears the costs and how we can deter and prevent people from being put back into the system. Finally, The Big Lockup asks: Is there a better way? (Source: NPS)
CHECK OUT: 15 MUST-SEE Historic Sites In California
2. John Muir National Historic Site
Distance from San Francisco: 45 minutes
Resources: John Muir Facts | Hetch Hetchy Battle
John Muir National Historic Site is located in the Alhambra Valley, just 2 miles south of Martinez, California.
As the National Park Service notes, John Muir is America’s most famous naturalist and conservationist. During his storied lifetime, he fought to protect the wild places he loved.
His writings convinced the U.S. government to protect Yosemite, Sequoia, Grand Canyon and Mt. Rainier as national parks. John Muir is appropriately known as the “Father of America’s National Parks.”
There is no entrance fee and you can tour the Muir’s historic home seven days a week. I recommend beginning your exploration of John Muir’s life and legacy at the visitor center, which is located at 4202 Alhambra Avenue in Martinez, California.
To learn more about John Muir check out 10+ GREAT John Muir Facts.
3. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Distance from San Francisco: 4 hours
Resources: Where to Stay
Lassen Volcanic National Park is approximately 235 miles from San Francisco. It you take the I-5 South it’s an estimated drive time of three hours and 51 minutes. It’s well worth the trip, however, especially if you enjoy examining the effects of volcanoes from roiling fumaroles to dramatic jagged peaks.
Visitors to the park can find all four types of volcanoes (shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome) within the boundaries of the more than 100,000-acre park.
While you’re there be sure to check out Boiling Springs Lake. It’s one of the largest hot water lakes in the world. The sea green lake is heated to a hot 125 degrees by steam vents so don’t get too close.
If you’re more comfortable travelling by car than by foot than there’s a 30-mile park highway known as Lassen Volcanic National Highway. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenery without ever having to leave your vehicle.
If you prefer walking to driving Lassen boasts 150 miles of trails. Hikers can see waterfalls, a bubbling lake, and lava beds. There’s something for everyone.
You can take a leisurely stroll along the half-mile Devastated Area Interpretive Trail or, if you’re looking for more of a challenge, take the Brokeoff Mountain Trail. It’s a 7.4-mile strenuous that leads to fabulous views at the top of the mountain.
RELATED: 25 BEST West Coast National Parks
RELATED: All 9 EPIC California National Parks Ranked
4. Muir Woods National Monument
Distance from San Francisco: 45 minutes
Resources: Where to Stay | National Monuments Ranked
Muir Woods National Monument is located 16 miles from San Francisco. It’s a driving time of approximately 45 minutes along U.S. Highway 101.
If you like the great Redwoods of California then you’ll love exploring Muir Woods. The park contains 6 miles of trails. There is a 1/2 hour loop, a 1 hour loop, and a 1 1/2 hour loop as well as longer hikes on trails that extend into surrounding Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Situated just off California’s coastline and named for the legendary conservationist, Muir Woods National Monument is home to some of the most beautiful stands of old-growth redwoods on the planet.
Now, I must say, compared to the redwoods you’ll find in Redwood National & State Parks, or the Sequoias you’ll see at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, these specimens leave something to be desired. However, they’re still worth a visit, especially for nearby San-Franciscans.
Getting into the national monument requires advance reservation so be sure to check in prior to visiting. Once you’re there just follow the Main Trail (yes, that’s its name) which takes hikers through the grove.
Along the way you’ll see bridges which cross to the other side of the loop allowing hikers to do a .5, 1, or 2 mile loop.
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
-John Muir
5. Point Reyes National Seashore
Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 20 minutes
Resources: Where to Stay
When it comes to national seashores, there are few places in the world which compare to California and what it has to offer. Point Reyes National Seashore is a case in point.
It’s located 38 miles from San Francisco with a drive time of 1 hour and 20 minutes. To get there you take the Sir Francis Drake Blvd. and U.S. Highway 101.
Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 species of plants and animals to discover. You’ll also experience ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges.
I recommend beginning your visit at the Bear Valley Visitor Center where you’ll be treated to several ecological and historical museum exhibits, along with a weather station.
You should also check out the Point Reyes Lighthouse. And don’t forget to take a stroll along the Woodpecker Trail where you’ll experience beautiful local forest and meadows.
RELATED: 7 EPIC National Parks Near Los Angeles You’ll Love
Top 10 National Parks Near San Francisco
6. Redwood National Park
Distance from San Francisco: 6 hours
Resources: Things to Do / Guide / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay
The 337-mile drive from San Francisco to Redwood National Park will take you around 6 hours. The fastest route is by taking the US-101 all the way there. It’s doable in a day, but splitting it into 2 days will let you make some stops along the way.
Redwood National Park is home to the tallest trees in the world, the mighty Redwood, which can reach staggering heights of over 360 foot and weigh more than 500 tons.
At Redwood, you’ll experience magical forests, miles of spectacular beaches, stunning overlooks, and one of the largest herds of Roosevelt elk on the planet.
People travel from all over the world to experience the magic that takes place in this park every single day.
Watch Our Award-Winning Redwood Video
If you’re visiting the park be sure to check out our full Redwood National Park Guide!
7. Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park
Distance from San Francisco: 40 minutes (19 miles)
Resources: Where to Stay
Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park is located 19 miles from San Francisco. It’s a 40 minute drive along I-80 West.
The Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park honors the efforts and sacrifices of American civilians on the World War II home front.
At the Visitor Education Center there are a variety of educational and interactive exhibits. It’s a wonderful place to learn about how the contributions of men and women on the home front helped America to win World War Two. This National Park was established in 2000.
While you’re there, places that you should see include the Ford Assembly Plant, Rosie The Riveter Memorial, Shipyard #3, the SS Red Oak Victory Ship and the Richmond Museum of History.
It was none other than Winston Churchill who said, “Give us the tools and we will finish the job.” Visitors can learn the stories and see the places where the tools which helped to win the war were actually made.
RELATED: 6 AMAZING National Parks Near San Diego You’ll Love
“We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire. Neither the sudden shock of battle, nor the long-drawn trials of vigilance and exertion will wear us down. Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.”
-Prime Minister Winston Churchill
Rosie The Riveter Meets Betty Reid Soskin
Betty Reid Soskin graduated from Castlemont High School in Oakland during the World’s Fair at Treasure Island.
Betty worked in a segregated Union hall, Boilermaker’s A-36, during World War Two as a file clerk. In 1945, Betty and her husband, Mel Reid, founded one of the first black-owned music stores — Reid’s Records, which closed in the fall of 2019.
Betty went on to hold positions as staff assistant to a Berkeley city council member and as a field representative serving West Contra Costa County for two members of the California State Assembly: former Assemblywoman Dion Aroner and Senator Loni Hancock.
America’s Oldest Park Ranger
In the early 2000s, Betty participated in meetings with the City of Richmond and the National Park Service to develop the general management plan for Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park.
She worked with the NPS on a grant funded by PG&E to uncover untold stories of African-Americans on the Home Front during WWII, which led to a temporary position working with the NPS at the age of 84.
In 2007, Betty became a permanent NPS employee and has been leading public programs and sharing her personal remembrances and observations at the park visitor center.
In early 2019, a film produced by the Rosie the Riveter Trust, “No Time To Waste: The Urgent Mission of Betty Reid Soskin,” was released.
This documentary tells the story of Betty’s involvement with Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historic Park and the influence she has had on the NPS in telling untold stories, and in sharing her history in ways that inspire and challenge current social norms. (Source: NPS)
RELATED: A Brief (& Informative) History Of America’s National Park Rangers
8. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Distance From San Francisco: It’s in San Francisco!
Resources: Where to Stay
The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located in San Francisco, California. The park includes a fleet of historic vessels, a visitor center, a maritime museum, and a library/research facility.
The park headquarters and Maritime Research Center are located in Fort Mason, some 10 minutes walk to the west of the other sites.
The Beach and Hyde Street terminal of the San Francisco cable car system adjoins the main site, while the Jones Street terminal of the F Market historic streetcar line is some 5 minutes walk to the east.
9. Yosemite National Park
Distance From San Francisco: 3 hours (167 miles)
Resources: Map / Guidebook / Facts / Where to Stay
John Muir’s “grandest of all temples of nature” is a true marvel and one of the most spectacular places on earth. Here you’ll find the epic grandeur of Yosemite Valley, the ancient wonders of the Mariposa Grove, towering waterfalls like Yosemite Falls, and so much more.
Once there you’ll realize just why the park is one of the most popular in the US. Despite the summer crowds, the valley and the park are truly one of the natural wonders of the world.
The immense beauty found here is overwhelming and has a tendency to make one feel small in the most humbling way.
We recommend visiting in the off-season for the best experience.
10 & 11. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Distance from San Francisco: 5 hours 30 minutes
Sequoia Resources: Map / Guidebook / Facts / Where to Stay
Kings Canyon Resources: Facts
About these National Parks Near San Francisco
These parks had over a million visitors last year.
Sequoia National Park was established on September 25, 1890, making it our country’s second oldest national park.
Kings Canyon was established fifty years later on March 4, 1940.
Together, these two parks offer a truly unique experience for travelers looking to experience some of America’s most amazing natural wonders.
The Largest Trees In The World
Of course, you’re going to want to be sure to visit the two stars of these two parks. The General Sherman Tree is the world’s largest tree, measured by volume. It stands 275 feet (83 m) tall, and is over 36 feet (11 m) in diameter at the base. It’s located in Sequoia National Park.
The General Grant Tree is located in Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park. The General Grant Tree is the second-largest tree in the world, standing 267 feet tall, and nearly 29 feet wide at the base.
RELATED: General Grant Tree: Everything You Need To Know About The World’s Second Tallest Tree
Of course, these two iconic two trees are named after the two victorious Civil War Generals Ulysses S. Grant and William T. Sherman.
RELATED: General Sherman Tree: Everything You Need To Know About The World’s Largest Tree
Summary Of National Parks Near San Francisco
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- John Muir National Historic Site
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Point Reyes National Sea Shore
- Redwood National Park
- Rosie The Riveter National Historical Park
- San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Pinnacles National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Kings Canyon National Park
Map Of National Parks Near San Francisco
Further Reading
- 9 EPIC CALIFORNIA NATIONAL PARKS (Beautiful Photos + Video)
- 15 (STUNNING) Things to Do in Redwood National Park
- An Expert Guide to REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK (Epic Video + Photos)
- 10 [EPIC] Things to Do at Pinnacles National Park (Expert Guide)
- JOSHUA TREE National Park: A (Very) Helpful Guide with Photos + Video
- 20 (BEST) West Coast National Parks – Ranked by Experts
- Why DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK is Worth the Trip (Photos + Video)
- 15 EPIC HIKES in JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK (+ Photos)
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below!
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