Living in Union City places you at the heart of Northern California’s most iconic destinations. Whether you're craving coastal views, redwood forests, or cultural excursions, there's a wealth of nearby day trips to satisfy every interest. Here are seven standout destinations perfect for when you’re needing a quick getaway.
1. Santa Cruz – Surf, Sun, and Seaside Charm
Distance: ~55 miles / 1-hour drive
Just about an hour’s drive from Union City, Santa Cruz delivers the perfect mix of laid-back surf culture and natural beauty. The iconic Beach Boardwalk brings nostalgic charm with its retro rides and seaside arcade, while nearby beaches offer space to sunbathe, surf, or simply stroll along the shore. Inland, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park provides a peaceful change of pace with towering redwoods and shaded hiking trails. Add in a visit to the Surfing Museum or a meal at a local taqueria, and you’ve got a full day that feels like a true getaway—no passport required.
Just about an hour’s drive from Union City, Santa Cruz delivers the perfect mix of laid-back surf culture and natural beauty. The iconic Beach Boardwalk brings nostalgic charm with its retro rides and seaside arcade, while nearby beaches offer space to sunbathe, surf, or simply stroll along the shore. Inland, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park provides a peaceful change of pace with towering redwoods and shaded hiking trails. Add in a visit to the Surfing Museum or a meal at a local taqueria, and you’ve got a full day that feels like a true getaway—no passport required.
2. Lodi Wine Country – A Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers
Distance: ~80 miles / 2-hour drive
For those looking to sip and unwind, Lodi is a fantastic wine region that’s just far enough from Union City to feel like an escape. Unlike the crowds of Napa or Sonoma, Lodi offers a more relaxed, personal tasting experience across over 60 family-owned wineries. Known especially for its Zinfandels, the region is also making a name for sustainable and small-batch wines. Start at the Lodi Wine Visitor Center to sample a curated selection, then head out to boutique vineyards with sweeping views and casual picnic settings. It’s wine country, without the hustle.
For those looking to sip and unwind, Lodi is a fantastic wine region that’s just far enough from Union City to feel like an escape. Unlike the crowds of Napa or Sonoma, Lodi offers a more relaxed, personal tasting experience across over 60 family-owned wineries. Known especially for its Zinfandels, the region is also making a name for sustainable and small-batch wines. Start at the Lodi Wine Visitor Center to sample a curated selection, then head out to boutique vineyards with sweeping views and casual picnic settings. It’s wine country, without the hustle.
3. Point Reyes National Seashore – Coastal Beauty and Culinary Delights
Distance: ~60 miles / 1.5-hour drive
Rugged, beautiful, and refreshingly quiet, Point Reyes feels like a hidden world just under two hours from Union City. This stunning stretch of protected coastline is a dream for hikers, wildlife watchers, and food lovers alike. Explore dramatic cliffs, windswept beaches, and historic sites like the Point Reyes Lighthouse, where you might even spot migrating whales. Tomales Bay is perfect for a peaceful paddle or shoreline walk. And when hunger strikes, The Marshall Store delivers fresh shellfish in a rustic setting that’s quintessentially Northern California. This is one of those day trips you’ll want to revisit every season.
Rugged, beautiful, and refreshingly quiet, Point Reyes feels like a hidden world just under two hours from Union City. This stunning stretch of protected coastline is a dream for hikers, wildlife watchers, and food lovers alike. Explore dramatic cliffs, windswept beaches, and historic sites like the Point Reyes Lighthouse, where you might even spot migrating whales. Tomales Bay is perfect for a peaceful paddle or shoreline walk. And when hunger strikes, The Marshall Store delivers fresh shellfish in a rustic setting that’s quintessentially Northern California. This is one of those day trips you’ll want to revisit every season.
4. Healdsburg – Sophistication in Sonoma Wine Country
Distance: ~100 miles / 2-hour drive
If your idea of a day trip includes fine wine, local art, and a bit of indulgence, Healdsburg is well worth the two-hour drive. Tucked into Sonoma County where three wine valleys meet, this charming town is all about elegance without pretense. The walkable downtown offers tasting rooms, chef-led restaurants, and stylish boutiques. A scenic bike ride through Dry Creek Valley gives you a chance to soak in vineyard views between sips of Zinfandel and Chardonnay. Healdsburg feels curated and intimate, making it a go-to choice for couples or small groups seeking a memorable day away from city life.
If your idea of a day trip includes fine wine, local art, and a bit of indulgence, Healdsburg is well worth the two-hour drive. Tucked into Sonoma County where three wine valleys meet, this charming town is all about elegance without pretense. The walkable downtown offers tasting rooms, chef-led restaurants, and stylish boutiques. A scenic bike ride through Dry Creek Valley gives you a chance to soak in vineyard views between sips of Zinfandel and Chardonnay. Healdsburg feels curated and intimate, making it a go-to choice for couples or small groups seeking a memorable day away from city life.
5. Petaluma – A Step Back in Time
Distance: ~60 miles / 1.5-hour drive
About 90 minutes from Union City, Petaluma combines early California history with a relaxed, modern vibe. Its downtown district is lined with beautifully preserved buildings from the 1800s, now home to antique stores, artisan shops, and cozy cafes. The Petaluma River adds a picturesque backdrop, perfect for a waterfront stroll or a quick paddle. Farm-to-table restaurants showcase the area's agricultural roots, and events like the annual Butter & Egg Days Parade bring the community together with festive flair. Whether you're in the mood for window shopping, great food, or a walk through history, Petaluma offers it all, without the crowds.
About 90 minutes from Union City, Petaluma combines early California history with a relaxed, modern vibe. Its downtown district is lined with beautifully preserved buildings from the 1800s, now home to antique stores, artisan shops, and cozy cafes. The Petaluma River adds a picturesque backdrop, perfect for a waterfront stroll or a quick paddle. Farm-to-table restaurants showcase the area's agricultural roots, and events like the annual Butter & Egg Days Parade bring the community together with festive flair. Whether you're in the mood for window shopping, great food, or a walk through history, Petaluma offers it all, without the crowds.
6. Mount Diablo State Park – Panoramic Views and Outdoor Adventure
Distance: ~40 miles / 1-hour drive
When you need a nature fix and don’t want to drive far, Mount Diablo is a standout choice. Just an hour from Union City, this state park offers sweeping views that span across the Bay Area and, on clear days, all the way to the Sierra Nevada. The summit road is a scenic drive in itself, but the park truly shines for hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Dozens of trails crisscross the park, ranging from easy loops to more rugged climbs. Wildlife is abundant, and spring brings bursts of wildflowers. For a day of fresh air and panoramic beauty, Mount Diablo delivers.
When you need a nature fix and don’t want to drive far, Mount Diablo is a standout choice. Just an hour from Union City, this state park offers sweeping views that span across the Bay Area and, on clear days, all the way to the Sierra Nevada. The summit road is a scenic drive in itself, but the park truly shines for hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Dozens of trails crisscross the park, ranging from easy loops to more rugged climbs. Wildlife is abundant, and spring brings bursts of wildflowers. For a day of fresh air and panoramic beauty, Mount Diablo delivers.
7. Niles Canyon Railway – A Journey Through History
Distance: ~10 miles / 20-minute drive
Just a short 20-minute trip from Union City, Niles Canyon Railway offers a unique journey into California’s past. This historic railway features lovingly restored steam and diesel trains that travel through a picturesque canyon lined with oaks and rolling hills. It’s a great outing for families, history buffs, or anyone looking for something a little different. Special themed rides—like holiday trains and wine excursions—keep things fresh throughout the year. Best of all, it’s a low-effort day trip that still feels like an adventure. It’s one of the closest and most charming excursions from Union City.
Just a short 20-minute trip from Union City, Niles Canyon Railway offers a unique journey into California’s past. This historic railway features lovingly restored steam and diesel trains that travel through a picturesque canyon lined with oaks and rolling hills. It’s a great outing for families, history buffs, or anyone looking for something a little different. Special themed rides—like holiday trains and wine excursions—keep things fresh throughout the year. Best of all, it’s a low-effort day trip that still feels like an adventure. It’s one of the closest and most charming excursions from Union City.
Find Your Home Base with The Joe Schembri Real Estate Team
The beauty of living in Union City lies in its unbeatable location—you're just a short drive away from beaches, vineyards, redwoods, and history-rich towns. Each of these destinations offers a unique way to experience Northern California, all within a day’s reach.
If you're considering putting down roots in the area, working with a trusted local expert makes all the difference. The Joe Schembri Real Estate Team knows Union City inside and out and can help you find the perfect home base for your next adventure. Reach out to The Joe Schembri Real Estate Team today to start your journey.
If you're considering putting down roots in the area, working with a trusted local expert makes all the difference. The Joe Schembri Real Estate Team knows Union City inside and out and can help you find the perfect home base for your next adventure. Reach out to The Joe Schembri Real Estate Team today to start your journey.
