Silicon Valley: Day Trips and Tours from San Francisco

Just south of San Francisco, California, sits a mind-boggling concentration of genius and innovation. The brains that have contributed to much of the world’s tech are found in the stretch between the San Francisco Peninsula and the Santa Clara Valley, otherwise known as Silicon Valley.

Company campuses, museums, tech-industry landmarks and one of the United States’ most prestigious universities sizzle with intellectual energy at the edges of San Francisco Bay. Take a Silicon Valley day trip from San Francisco to explore the epicenter of American technological creation.

Here's all you need to know about Silicon Valley, one of the most exciting day trips from San Francisco.

Where is Silicon Valley and how do I get there from San Francisco?

Silicon Valley is about 65 kilometers south of San Francisco, California. The drive takes about an hour.

From San Francisco to Silicon Valley by car

From San Francisco, take US-101/Central Freeway. Continue for about 55 kilometers, and take exit 398B for CA-85 S toward Santa Cruz. Continue for about 3 kilometers. Take exit 22B to CA-82 S and merge onto CA-89 N for less than 1 kilometer. Take exit 22 C to CA-237 E until you reach your destination.

From San Francisco to Silicon Valley by public transport

There is a variety of combinations of bus and rail travel that can get you to Silicon Valley in about 1.5 hours. Starting from San Francisco Station, take the L5 bus to the Mountain View Transit Center and take the Orange Line to Whisman, about a 10-minute walk from your destination.

You may also take the L5 bus to the Sunnyvale Transit Station, where you’ll board bus line 53 to the Bernardo and Washington Stop. Walk about 1.1 kilometers until you reach your destination.

Guided tour to Silicon Valley from San Francisco

Enjoy the luxury of someone else doing the driving and of no complicated transfers with public transportation. A group or private guided tour to Silicon Valley from San Francisco takes away the worry of navigation, parking as well as choosing the best sites in the Valley.

What will I do on a Silicon Valley day trip from SF?

Full-day group tours generally start with a pickup from your San Francisco lodging in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Take in the Bay Area sights as you roll south to Silicon Valley.

Head toward the Valley around 8:30 AM, making stops at the Apple Visitor Center, Googleplex and the Computer History Museum. You’ll also pause for photos at the Facebook “like” sign and other must-see landmarks.

Private tours, which last 4 to 9 hours, allow you to customize your itinerary. Enjoy the flexibility of visiting places like the Aviation Museum and NASA Ames Visitor Center or go hiking in SF's Redwood Forests.

You may have a chance to drive by the former home of Steve Jobs and the “Birth of Silicon Valley” historical marker outside the garage where Hewlett Packard got its start.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Silicon Valley?

Guided tours to Silicon Valley from San Francisco

Leave the driving and the itinerary to professionals on full-day guided tours to California’s tech capital. Relax with round-trip transportation from San Francisco to the many destinations like the Computer History Museum, the Apple Park Visitor Center and much more.

Some group tours also head to the Pacific Coast Highway and stop at Half-Moon Bay for some kayaking or surfing. These tours also pass by the San Andreas Fault and Crystal Springs Reservoir.

Private tour to Silicon Valley from San Francisco

Let a guide curate a day in Silicon Valley that meets your every interest. Or, sit back and take in all the must-see sights in this fascinating corner of the Golden State. See attractions like the Facebook “like” sign, Google’s Android Statue Garden and Stanford University’s campus.

For a more personal experience, plan a stop at the Aviation Museum or a visit to Stanford’s campus. Along the way, you can pass by highlights like the 49ers Stadium and the Winchester Mystery House, or pause for some shopping in Palo Alto.

How much does a day trip to Silicon Valley from San Francisco cost?

A full-day group tour to Silicon Valley costs around US$160 per person. These 9-hour outings provide transportation, tickets to the Computer History Museum, free time at the Google and Facebook campuses and time at the Apple Park Visitor Center.

For a private day trip to Silicon Valley from San Francisco, expect to pay US$85 to US$125 per person for a 4-hour outing, while full-day private tours cost US$170 to US$565 per person, depending on group size. While tolls and transportation are covered, entrance fees to museums are not included.  

What will you see and do there?

Googleplex

Witness what’s become a world leader in workplace innovation at Google’s campus. While you won’t be able to enter the office areas, see how the company looks out for their employees’ wellbeing. The campus boasts outdoor work spaces and lush landscaping meant to foster their workers’ creativity.

Try one of their over 30 on-site restaurants, glimpse the sand volleyball court and giant chessboard, and even get a haircut at the Google salon. While you’re at it, you can hop on one of the free multicolored bikes parked around the campus to help employees travel among the buildings in an earth-friendly way.

Apple Park Visitor Center

Apple’s US$5 billion headquarters in Cupertino are a marvel of modernity. Walk into the Apple Park Visitor Center to get an overview of this tech superpower. The center boasts a store with Apple basics as well as products only available on-site. Check out the café, training spaces and an observation terrace outfitted with shaded tables for sipping coffee.

The center’s neighbor, the “Spaceship,” is the innovative office building where the genius happens. While you won’t be able to tour the “Spaceship,” the visitor center’s observation deck affords views of the ring-shaped building. Peek into off-limits buildings with the center’s augmented reality installment that shows you the heart of the action.

Stanford University

It’s no coincidence that Stanford University lies within the hallowed grounds of Silicon Valley. As one of the United States’ most selective universities, Stanford has nurtured the imaginations of some of the country’s most brilliant creators. Thanks to Stanford grads, Silicon Valley is home to the headquarters of Google, PayPal, Cisco and more.

Computer History Museum

This museum’s straightforward name does little to advertise the wonders within its walls. The Computer History Museum chronicles more than 40 years of computer history. Interactive exhibits let you learn and play at the same time, no matter your age. Try out music software, investigate the origins of emojis, and relive the 1980s with vintage video games.

When is the best time to visit Silicon Valley?

The best time to visit Silicon Valley is during spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). These periods offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall, ideal for exploring the tech landmarks and enjoying outdoor activities. Additionally, these seasons tend to be less crowded compared to the summer.

Travel tips

• Silicon Valley has a casual vibe. Wear comfortable shoes, as some campuses are vast and may involve walking.
• Many tech campuses are private property. Stick to visitor areas, and don’t trespass or disturb employees.
• If time permits, visit the nearby Shoreline Park or Rancho San Antonio Preserve for a touch of nature.
• Aim to head back to San Francisco before or after the evening rush hour to avoid heavy traffic.