5 Affordable Bay Area Road Trips to Take This 4th of July Weekend

Among the perks of leaving San Francisco over the 4th of July weekend: sunlight, fireworks that aren’t swallowed by fog, and bodies of water you actually want to swim in. Nothing says America like a good old-fashioned road trip. Here are some affordable options to satisfy your wanderlust.

Russian River, Guerneville
Distance from SF: 2.5 hours

Cheap lodging, great beer, and the weirdest hodgepodge of people outside Haight-Ashbury await in Guerneville. This eclectic town boasts a mixture of tourists, hippies and a vibrant LGBTQ community. While it’s tempting to spend the day people-watching at the town’s only Safeway, most people go there for the Russian River. Raft and swim all day for free, hike through the redwoods, and then head to the town plaza and iconic bridge to watch the fireworks show at night. If you’re really on a tight budget, find a designated driver and make it a day trip; it’s less than three hours from San Francisco.

Nevada City
Distance from SF: 3.5 hours

Don’t let the name fool you; Nevada City is not in Nevada. The former miners’ town is in California, about an hour closer than Tahoe and just as gorgeous. Better yet, it’s more affordable. Plenty of lodges, hotels, and Airbnb listings offer rooms for under $200. Though you can normally cool off at the South Yuba River, that’s not advised this year. But you can enjoy homemade ice cream at Treats, and stare in wonder as your bartender at the Mine Shaft Saloon informs you that one gin and tonic costs as much as a piece of toast back home.

American River, Sacramento
Distance from SF: 2.5 hours

If you’re looking to sit by a river and drink beers with the governor, your best chance is at the American River. Just a short drive from downtown Sacramento, the river is filled with tattooed bros and tipsy locals. It’s less scenic than the Russian River, but with cheap hotels, motels and Airbnb options nearby, it’s just as affordable. Plus, you’re guaranteed to get a tan; the average high in July is 92 degrees! Though swimming in the river is not advised this year, you can watch the fireworks from River Cats Stadium in Old Sacramento and grab cheap beer specials from a number of local bars.

Santa Cruz
Distance from SF: Less than 2 hours

You’ve had that Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk jingle stuck in your head too long. It’s time you soaked up some warm California sun. Unlike San Francisco, this seaside town actually gets warm in July, with average highs reaching the mid-70s. The food and drinks are affordable, the people are weird and there’s a ton of free or cheap entertainment available. Take a sunset stroll along the ocean, hike through nearby Big Basin Redwoods State Park and ride the historic Giant Dipper wooden coaster at the admission-free Boardwalk. Then, top it off with a fireworks show right on the beach.

Big Sur
Distance from SF: 3.5 to 6 hours, depending on the route

Driving down the Pacific Coast Highway (a.k.a. Hwy. 1) is a rite of passage for anyone who lives in California. And while it’s tempting to stop at that fancy beachside Taco Bell in Pacifica and call it a day, you owe it to yourself to spend a weekend in Big Sur. Get there fast by shooting down 101 and cutting over to PCH once you pass through Gilroy. Or, if you’d rather take the scenic route, stick to Hwy. 1 all the way down the coast, stopping in Half Moon Bay, Monterey, and Carmel along the way. There are a ton of camping options, though most are on a first-come, first-serve basis, so get there early, enjoy stunning views of the Pacific and keep your hands on the wheel.