. There is travel time involved as well. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46693821', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rent a car and at least see the city and Napa Valley. We have 7 days and would like to stay in Napa for a few days and maybe visit Yosemite and Carmel. 13 From San Francisco: Napa & Sonoma Valley Full-Day Wine Trip. Even today, there are still cultural ceremonies held there. Napa Valley Winery Tours From San Fransisco Reviews. Upload Photos This morning youll drive south to Yosemite National Park. She has written for Thethings, Babygaga, Thetravel, and Therichest. Suggested Overnights: Crescent City, Eureka, Benbow, Mendocino, Santa Rosa. We are considering a day trip to Yosemite (long day but understand it is worth it). If you want to visit some wineries along the way, stick to the ones along Highway 29 and contact the winery directly to ask where the nearest bus stop is. What they loved, what they liked and Similar Tours. Go early to get a parking spot or take the shuttle, which runs four times per day. You will receive a confirmation email (e-ticket) after your order is processed. There are numerous pull-outs on the southern side of the road. Check out some impressive numbers of Napa Valley: More than 400 wineries; Home to more than 150 restaurants; More Michelin stars per capita than any other wine region in the world FUN FACT: For all its (worthy) success, only 4% of California's wine comes from Napa Valley. We booked a room at the Inn on Randolph! http://www.weather.com has weather info. If you can still hold your alcohol for one more tasting before returning to San Francisco, you can make a quick stop in Napa to visit Darioush. There are also working stores selling authentic-ish goods like sarsaparilla soda, gold rush candies, soaps and more. If 7 days is 6 nights you might even think about cutting it down to two areas. Aunindita Bhatia is a professional content writer based in India. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. People can enjoy the iconic and breathtaking views as they cross the historic bridge. Text Us. This means that you can take off late or meander on the way and still make it to Yosemite at a reasonable time that same day. Stop #3: Bodega Bay. People have two options if they want to drive from San Francisco to Napa Valley. Nine days is a reasonable length of time for this itinerary. 5 Things that Are Greatand 1 That Isnt, 12 National Parks Near San Francisco (Under 3 Hours of Drive-time), The Best Time to Visit Big Sur: Season by Season Guide. It is the second largest university in the U.S.. A trip through wine country will take you through the valley's many quaint towns like Napa, Yountville, and Calistoga, any of which would make a lovely place to stay. With the diverse natural landscapes in the region, you could easily spend 3-4 days (or a lifetime) exploring the trails, rock climbs, and attractions. Napa Valley is roughly considered to be the area from American Canyon to Calistoga at the northernmost point, with the city of Napa located near the southern part of the valley. Five stars: The wines and vineyards were excellent--a wonderful introduction to Napa and Sonoma wine country--but Greg, our driver and tour guide, made the tour exceptional. Many companies also offer Napa Valley tours from San Francisco, some with side trips to Muir Woods or other places. Which ones have you tried? They operated a ferry until 1852, and then they built the bridge, which is the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi. FAQ: Where are the Coastal Redwoods in California (added Oct 2013). You can usually find more choice and less expensive room inventory just outside of the valley. Highways 120 West, 140, 41 and 120 East/Tioga Road. Napa is about ten minutes from 121 north. Suggested Days: 4-6. During the summer months, there are four entrances to Yosemite National Park. We will alert you when your requested tour becomes available! If anyone has syndrome of COVID-19 will be informed people who are get in touch with and also The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From San Franciscos shores, decide whether to visit Yosemite by rail or car. Napa Valley is a little . Head over to the Napa valley. With a day to enjoy Napa Valley, you need to get stuck right into the wonderful food and wine of the region. . Do a tasting at one or two of the nine wineries on thewine trail map. Another option is to enjoy a bit of the coast north of . Spring has the best waterfalls, but will also still have snow on the ground. Jelly Belly Factory Tour. 120 on the way to Yosemite, Oakdale holds its heritage close. We've been offering travelers a safe, eco-friendly, reliable way to connect with nature since 1993. The Giving Trees Knowledgeable, friendly, attentive to individuals, and focused on making the experience . Luxury Hotels on Northern Pacific Ca Coast or Or coast, Car Rental Las Vegas to Los Angeles - Help. Each entrance has its own unique character and special points of interest along the way. The falls process the most water during the springtime. Today youll say goodbye to Yosemite National Park and drive back to San Francisco Airport where youll drop off your rental car in time to catch your onward flight. Re: San Francisco - Napa Valley - Yosemite? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46729650', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the B&B industry seem to have F-I-N-A-L-L-Y gotten THAT fixed with TA. (And the next one on this list about visiting the Giant Redwoods too). Santa Cruz is situated on the northern edge of Monterey Bay, about 32 mi (51 km) south of San Jose and 75 mi (120 km) south of San Francisco. Sonoma and Sonoma County - a more affordable, more down-to-earth version of Napa Valley. you have 7 days to see 4 places and you want to add more? This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Breathe in the sweet pine-scented air and dangle your toes in playful mountain rivers. But youll want to book these lodgings way in advance. HomepageAboutBlog ArchiveWork with UsPrivacy PolicyContact Us. Start in San Francisco where youll have time to soak up the best of the city before driving out to Napa Valley, one of the most famous wine regions in the country. Yosemite has three giant sequoia groves within the park boundaries. If you are planning a day trip to Napa Valley, this itinerary will help you get the most out of your time going to and arriving at wine country. Or course, you could also skip the ferry and travel from San Francisco to Vallejo along the BART Train or along another bus route, depending on where in the Bay Area you're coming from. Original Poster . Before you start planning for your itinerary, it would be good to do a little research about your destination. 120 on the way to Yosemite, Oakdale holds its heritage close. Learn More. If you are craving Italian food, you can visit Bistro Don Giovanni. Hopefully your return flight is late in the day!. Trade Wheels for Rails Take the Amtrak San Joaquins Train A park ranger vehicle sits near the Big Oak Flat entrance into Yosemite National Park along Hwy 120, on Thursday, February 23, 2023. This lovely Italian-style vineyard is located up in the hills just west of Sonora. Going to Napa Valley from San Francisco can be enjoyable from the trip to the destination if you do a little research, book your schedules, study the routes and traffic situations and plan your time. The road trip map below recommends a more circuitous routing that only adds about two extra hours of drive time. It hits up some lovely backroads and tackles both the northern and southern areas of Yosemite. $25 $20 $15 $10 $5 M A M J J A S O N D J F. If you are trying to decide when to travel from Napa to San Francisco by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for February. Book Now. With world class wine comes top notch food The French Laundry Restaurant has been voted best in the world many times and while youll struggle to get a table here without booking months ahead, there are plenty of other excellent eateries to pair your new favourite wines with. Dont be in a hurry to drive back from Yosemite to San Francisco, because there are some cool stops to make along the route home. Maybe I will actually break down and become *a fan* of TA one of these days! As you make your way towards the coast, consider that little snowflake and its incredible journey. Take advantage of all of them for some sensational views. You can drive yourself up to Glacier Point, which is a lovely, popular overlook in the park.. If you are from out of the areas, check out this advice for finding theclosest airport to Yosemite. The Mariposa grove is the largest in the park and is conveniently located just 10 miles from Fish Camp. Dear irene, yes, the total fee is around $600 per person and it doesn't include your own air ticket, meals and any private expenses. To reach Napa, you need to get around the north end of the Bay. Please see " Departures and Returns" for more info. These services are mostly used by workday commuters and the number of trips they make per day is fewer on weekends, especially on Sundays. This granite cliff on the north side of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park is world-famous as a challenge for rock climbers. If you are lovin those views, you may want to consider coming back to Tioga Pass as an entryway to our scenicHighway 395 drivedown the Eastern Sierras. Today Napa Valley has over 400 wineries (particularly prized for Cabernet Sauvignon). TOUR DESCRIPTION. 2 Hours, Opening Hours: Closed on 1/1/18, 2/23, 2/24, 4/26-4/28, 5/11-5/13, 6/14-6/17, 9/1, 9/8, 9/15, 9/18-9/23, 10/6, 10/25-10/28, 11/10, 11/22, 12/25, Admission (Optional): Adult $39; Child (6-12 yrs) $25; Senior (Over 65 yrs) $36, Admission (Optional): Adult $42; Child (5-11 yrs) $28|Opening Hours: Closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day|Duration: Approx. Day 8: Napa Valley. Day 3: San Francisco, Big Basin OR Monterey. Guests can enjoy the scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Angel Island. It is located near the geographical center of the Nevada mountain range. Distance: 176 mi / 283 km Time: 4 hours Day 10: Depart from San Francisco. Stop in Modesto, half way between Yosemite and San Francisco, for a much-needed break from the car and grab a bite to eat, visit a farm stand or see a show. One minute later, people will see a sign to Napa for Highway 29, where they should take a right and stay for around 10 minutes on Highway 29/12. Your first stop is at Muir Woods National Monument, aka the Forest Moon of Endor, for a hike among the redwoods. But consider taking a beat and doing the San Francisco to Yosemite road trip at a slower pace. Look at lodging reviews; B&Bs are usually under Specialty Lodging. What is your budget? Patch - Maggie Fusek 6h. From Vallejo, connect to the Napa Valley VINE bus system Route 10, which can take you all the way to Calistoga. Ten minutes in, they will turn right, where there will be a sign reading " State Route 121/Napa/Sonoma." Depending on what time your flight arrives you could get out and explore, so why not head to the harbour for a bowl of . Stop #4: Jenner. California Wine Country: The Complete Guide, How to Travel From San Francisco to Lake Tahoe By Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel from Sacramento to San Francisco by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From San Francisco to Yosemite by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The 9 Best Day Trips From Napa and Sonoma, How to Travel From San Francisco to Las Vegas by Bus, Car, and Plane, Getting Around the San Francisco Bay Area: A Public Transit Guide, How to Travel From San Diego to San Francisco by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From San Francisco to New York by Plane, Train, Car, or Bus, How to Travel From Cancun to Cozumel by Bus, Car, Ferry, and Plane. Distance: 195 mi / 314 km Time:4-5 hours Take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) into Yosemite National Park. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Post a request for finding a partner to share the tour! Explore the Mission District with its colourful murals and famous burritos before renting a bike and cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge for iconic views back over the city. Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity John Muir (get more Muir quotes here). This place requires reservations, so you should plan accordingly. Be aware that the time of year makes a big difference in Yosemite. 17 San Francisco: Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket. Let's Chat. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. The state park is really fun for families as they offer docents in period attire, stagecoach rides and panning for gold. For ages 21-35. Eventually, the snowflake flows into the San Francisco Bay and passes under the Golden Gate Bridge to reach the Pacific Ocean. If you like how this itinerary adds the Sonora Gold Country, then do the itinerary in reverse and stay in Sonora or the cute town of Twain Harte a bit further east. California Dreaming: From Yosemite National Park to Napa and Sonoma Valley. With the drive being as short as it is (at least, in California terms, where we don't call a drive long until . Tuolumnes Top 8 on the Edge of Yosemite The status of Napa Valley as a premier wine-tasting destination is fairly new. Next, they will see another sign with two options for Napa. Summer is awesome, but busy. Estimated Price: $259*. Napa Valley tours & tour packages to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone, Antelope Canyon. Stop #1: Marin Headlands & Mount Tamalpais State Park. 1. Napa Valley is renowned for quality wine and excellent food and is always worth a stop. The 34-acre property features a main home, guest house and studio all centered around a generous-sized pool and elevated terraces. Can I adjust? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46693958', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Napa valley, I think that would be fine. 5:30 p.m. WB I-80 closed due . Health monitoring within 14 days from the tour end for all passengers including driver and tour guide. Thanks for all of the great information! This breathtaking stretch of coastline along California's Monterey Peninsula takes visitors through a maze of beautiful scenery, unique wildlife, and amazing mansions. Pick several places and dive deep. There is a ton to do in Yosemite valley. In 1846 the U.S. flag was raised over the Customs House, and California became part of the United States after the ensuing Mexican-American War. That being said, the most convenient way to travel to wine country is by renting or driving your vehicle. You'll tour three of the regions noteworthy wineries with a stop for lunch in Calistoga (lunch not included in the price). The road trip map below recommends a more circuitous routing that only adds about two extra hours of drive time. South Bay - the tech capital! See, touch, discover, and learn about the fascinating marine life of the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters. Depending on what time your flight arrives you could get out and explore, so why not head to the harbour for a bowl of clam chowder as the sun goes down the perfect start to a Californian adventure! This is one of the most dramatic scenic drives in California. United States - Yosemite to San Fran or Napa Valley - After leaving Yosemite , we are headed towards Napa Valley . Travelers will then start seeing vineyards and wineries on the rolling hills after passing the Sonoma Raceway. It hits up some lovely backroads and tackles both the northern and southern areas of Yosemite. $(obj).not(".hasDatepicker").datepick({onSelect: function(dateText, inst) {$(this).blur();} , minDate: new Date(), showTrigger: false, constrainWidth: false}); One that allows them to stay on Highway 29 and takes them to the region's western side, and another that will take them along the valley's eastern end on Highway 121 Napa. Thanks! Get a free Yosemite National Park trip planner with inspiring itineraries and essential information. From San Francisco to Yosemite by Bus Yosemite Valley. Muir woods is a 30 mins drive from SF and you leave SF early see it for an hour or two and drive to Napa. Most would suggest 3-4 full days to see SF so if want to add a day trip to Napa valley, I think that would be fine. Thanks for all of the input! Costa Rica. Hike up to Nevada Falls to get a sense of the wonderful hiking that you can experience here. If you are craving more wine in the afternoon, you can go straight to the Round Pond Estate Winery along Rutherford. Your time here will fly by and by the time you leave youll most likely be planning your next trip! It reads "37 Napa/Novato - Auto Mall Columbus Parkway" and exits on the right. Thread Tools Search this Thread Jun 23rd, 2009, 06:29 PM #1 ncsuchemist2002. Consider staying in either Fish Camp (which is near the Mariposa sequoia grove) or around Midpine and Mariposa (which is a lovely drive into the valley along the Merced river). San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Sequoia NP, Yosemite NP Lake Tahoe & Napa Valley Explore the best of California on this Northern Cali Loop . For its part, Yosemite Valley tallied 40 inches of snow Tuesday alone. Visitors can tour many of the more than four hundred vineyards and wineries that dot the area. My husband and I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The fastest way to get from SF to Yosemite is out I580 through Tracy, connecting with Highway 120 in Manteca. . On your Yosemite adventure,listen to an entertaining guide in your car. Youll probably approach from the east driving past the bizarre Mono Lake, a soda lake full of strange salt formations. With only 7 days & 6 nights, I think that the best use of time for your choices is SF (3 nights, get car when you leave) - Napa / Sonoma (2 nights) - Carmel / Monterey (1 night.) Is lodging in the valley really that bad? Find Western Heritage in Oakdale Arrive in Napa Valley and enjoy an included wine tasting, before having lunch at Napa's Oxbow Public Market. San Jose is the central city in the Silicon Valley region of California's Bay Area, which is world-famous for its technological innovations and successful startups. Tour Yosemite Like a Local with Gypsy Guide The area is home to Ghirardelli Square, a wax museum, shopping centers, an aquarium, and much more. Spend the afternoon uncovering the rest of the city - why not browse City Lights Bookstore for a glimpse into Beat Poetry history before strolling into Chinatown for some dumplings. FAQ: When to Tip and How much? Best Napa Valley day tours to experience Castello di Amorosa, Sausalito, Napa Factory Outlets and enjoy wine tasting at Napa wineries. Driving along Conzelman Road provides a shorter scenic detour. Even those living next door in the Bay Area should consider spending the night in accommodation surrounded by vineyards. That's when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $14 - the lowest of the year. The park isnt large and you can make a quick cultural stop by visiting the traditional round house. It veers off of Highway 41 onto Route 200 and has an additional three wineries. Or check out Destination Delivery: Have an RV delivered directly to a campground or parking site to camp in style without having to get behind the wheel. Vacation Packages: San Francisco - Napa Valley - Yosemite National Park - Monterey (Self Drive), USA Vacations, Build Custom Vacation Packages with Airfare, best vacation deals, online bookings. (Updated Jan. 2015). Bus fare for a one-way trip to Calistoga is as low as $3. This property is listed at $17.5 million. Few valleys are as famous around the world as Napa Valley, with its stunning setting and Mediterranean climate. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-43241286', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Napa-Monterey is plenty for 7 days; leave Yosemite for the next trip. Prices as travel date approaches. I would also recommend that if visiting the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? To do a trip to Yosemite -- wow that is 8 plus hours of driving and too little time to actually see the amazing valley. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Northern Yosemite is the higher elevation portion of the park and there are yet more stunning hikes and views in this part of the park. Theres a reason why so many songs have been written about San Francisco. SF requires at least 3 nights. The distance depends upon the season and whether or not you want to cover both falls. We reserve the right to edit or reject questions that include inappropriate content, profanity, references to other retailers, pricing, or personal information. This small group tour takes you from San Francisco to the famed Napa Valley. Day 2: Drive from San Francisco to Yosemite (200 miles/5 hours) With a head full of art and science and a belly full of gourmet food, head to Yosemite. Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, is included on your e-ticket. $(function() { Accommodations planning: 2 nights in San Francisco, 2 nights in Monterey, 2 nights in . Mandatory Fee (pay the fee in cash to the tour guide): $115 per passenger including Cable Car, San Francisco in-depth tour, Berkeley University, Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley/17 Miles/Stanford University transportation fee and fuel surcharge. From the Tunnel View vantage point, tourists can see some of the park's most famous areas in the Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Read what other travelers think about this tour. Learn more about each of these scenic routes into Yosemite, and get some ideas for things to do along the way. Until Highway 121 dead ends, travelers shall turn left to drive towards the Napa wineries on the highway. Start your second day with some morning exploration taking you from Fisherman's Wharf to stylish Union Square. Hand sanitizer and sanitize wipes will be provided on tour bus. This is where they will find a sign on 101 on the highway that will tell them to take the route for both Napa and Sonoma. This place is famous for its laid-back atmosphere as well as its great outdoor area. Consider these tips for making your Yosemite trip from San Francisco as smooth as possible. Its amazing architecture has made it popular for weddings and photography. Sign Me Up. When you make it to Yosemite, be sure to visit the Hetch Hetchy area, where less than 1% of park visitors ever venture. Try the Angele Restaurant and Bar, a bistro at the riverfront in a timeworn boathouse that serves French food. Best Alcatraz Tours combined with San Francisco, Napa, Silicon Valley & Redwoods. Here are four fun stops to make along the route: Historic Sonora is named after the miners from Sonora Mexico who settled the city in 1848. First stop will be the valley, where the visitor centre and a couple of hotels sit in the imposing shadow of El Capitan, a favourite of rock climbers from all over the world. This means that if you choose to purchase, Ill make a small commission.). Weekends are more crowded. A Tale of Two Lodges, Evergreen and Rush Creek $1399. Nowadays, B&Bs seem to be mostly listed on TripAdvisor under B&Bs -- not so much under Specialty Lodging any longer. Joshua - secluded in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Alternatively, look into shuttle companies that service Napa Valley from San Francisco Airport (SFO) like Evans Transportation or California Wine Tours. what they think could be improved, it's all here to help you make the most of your next Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park, Cruise to Alcatraz Island, the infamous prison in San Francisco Bay. Most would suggest 3-4 full days to see SF so if want to add a day trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Leave San Francisco early by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County. However, if you think that you have already had your fill of wine for the day, you can go to Oakville for your next stop and drop by the Oakville Grocery. Read their Top Questions and any relevant threads (just 'lurk' on other threads; don't add your questions.) This is where they will have reached Napa Valley's southern edge. If you want to maximize your road trip to Napa Valley, the best route would be via the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands. Wine taste in Napa & Sonoma with an excursion in the giant sequoias of Muir Woods, San Francisco's stunning Coastal Redwood Forest. Downtown Napa is 50 miles from San Francisco, but Napa Valley stretches beyond just the city of Napa. * Please note the Tour Map is subject to change. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. SF-(ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In the winter, Tioga Pass and other high elevation sites are closed. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-43239749', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco in November.