Arrive in Napa Valley and enjoy an included wine tasting, before having lunch at Napa's Oxbow Public Market. Jess Lander joined the food and wine team at The San Francisco Chronicle as wine reporter in 2022. Tucked along Hwy. 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. These services are mostly used by workday commuters and the number of trips they make per day is fewer on weekends, especially on Sundays. What they loved, what they liked and There are lodging suggestions for these towns in the article. Napa Valley is renowned for quality wine and excellent food and is always worth a stop. FAQ: Where are the California Traveler Articles, Written for Travelers by Travelers? Today Napa Valley has over 400 wineries (particularly prized for Cabernet Sauvignon). Coming northwest out of Yosemite puts you smack into California gold rush country. On your Yosemite adventure,listen to an entertaining guide in your car. It was the only port of entry for taxable goods in California. Where to see Superbloom Sunday (March 5th) near Los Angeles? They can either head north across the Golden Gate Bridge out of the city, or they can go first across the Bay Bridge to the east and then continue north. - The well-preserved downtown core has a county history museum, tons of cute antique and apparel shops and the Iron Door Saloon, which is the oldest operating saloon in California. 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. 5:30 p.m. WB I-80 closed due . Goes to Mirror Lake and then continues along a flat-ish loop back into the valley. Sacramento. That's when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $14 - the lowest of the year. Located in northwestern Silicon Valley, this famous research institution is not just one of the best schools in the United States, but one of the top universities in the world. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The distance on the drive to Yosemite from San Francisco is about 170 miles and 3.5 hours driving time if you take the I-80 E out of the city. The cheapest way to get from San Francisco to Yosemite is by a series of buses and a train. Getting from San Francisco to Yosemite Valley-where a lot of the magic and action takes place-will take about 3 hours and 45 minutes (186 miles). A fabulous place to be explored in its own right, it's also a base to the Californian wine region Napa, and an epic drive from Yosemite National Park and the Big Sur. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Original Poster . Napa Valley symbolizes California's wine country and is considered one of the world's premier wine regions. San Francisco sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean giving it a changeable climate, where you can experience summer and winter in the same day. From local artisan producers and farmers to Western culture, The bridge at Wapama Falls in Yosemites Hetch Hetchy Valley, Photo by Kim Carroll Photography courtesy of Everygreen Lodge, Alcatraz Island is a National Park Service site, down-to-earth wine, beer, ice cream and caffeine tasting scene, this town is a great place to spend some time on the way to the park, www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/oakdale/oklca/hoteldetail, listen to an entertaining guide in your car, plus ten more things to do in this charming historic county, Stay in a Modern Airstream at AutoCamp Yosemite. Why not spend your day here kayaking on the water? Another option is to enjoy a bit of the coast north of . Day 3: San Francisco, Big Basin OR Monterey. Whatever you end up doing, we know youll love your time in Lake Tahoe. It is branded as one of the best California tasting sites, with huge palm trees leading you to a magnificent building that overlooks the breathtaking vineyards. The National Weather Service says San Francisco's low of 39 degrees on Friday is a new record low for this day. The 34-acre property features a main home, guest house and studio all centered around a generous-sized pool and elevated terraces. From San Franciscos shores, decide whether to visit Yosemite by rail or car. However, Napa's true appeal is in exploring the vineyards along the way. This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream American road trip. San Francisco is the most popular city on the route it's 4 hours from Yosemite National Park and less than an hour from Napa. SF to Yosemite via Highway 120 E. Travel Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes. Witness the stunning scenes of California's Wine Country as you travel past sun-dappled fields . Purchases are tracked automatically. Start your second day with some morning exploration taking you from Fisherman's Wharf to stylish Union Square. Heres how it works. 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. Few valleys are as famous around the world as Napa Valley, with its stunning setting and Mediterranean climate. Never having been there before; would it be best to spend two days in The Napa Valley and the remaining time catching a few sites in SF? Is lodging in the valley really that bad? Getting to Yosemite From the West and North San Francisco/Bay area. After spending the day enjoying San Francisco, youll drive to Napa Valley, just an hour out of the city where you will check into your hotel for two nights. It has been speculated that it is the most photographed bridge in the world; it's certainly one of the most picturesque. Thoughts on a few great places to consider? 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). Break for Modesto 01244 435 806. On this road trip, youll trace the snowflakes route backwards. For the best views of Half Dome, drive to Glacier Point where you can take photos of the mountain and down into the lush valley you were previously exploring. Can I adjust? youll turn into the park and drive through to the western edge where youll check into your hotel for three nights. Please note that the Tioga Pass doesnt get plowed and is closed in the winter. We booked a room at the Inn on Randolph! The point offers a superb view . For ages 21-35. 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. Youll probably approach from the east driving past the bizarre Mono Lake, a soda lake full of strange salt formations. We are extremely excited for our first visit to the valley! The Mariposa grove is the largest in the park and is conveniently located just 10 miles from Fish Camp. As you make your way towards the coast, consider that little snowflake and its incredible journey. 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. It all comes down to preference, but it is recommended that you start all the way north so that going back to San Francisco will be a shorter trip. 7 nights from 3,499 per person. Reply Subscribe . But youll want to book these lodgings way in advance. International flights (per person, based on 2 sharing), Explore the eclectic neighbourhoods of San Francisco, Taste your way through the vineyards of Napa Valley, Admire the views over Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay, Hike your way through the lush mountains in Yosemite National Park. Call US 7 days a week from 8AM to Midnight ET 1-800-430-0484; Visit San Francisco and camp in Yosemite National Park. If you do that, your train ticket to Napa from San Francisco will be about $4.94 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute. Head over to the Napa valley. Start your trip with a visit to the world-famous, Yosemite National Park. Day 8: Napa Valley. From the San Francisco Airport to Yosemite National Park is about 200 miles. This granite cliff on the north side of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park is world-famous as a challenge for rock climbers. Be aware that the time of year makes a big difference in Yosemite. With only three full days in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thanks for your input! The region is a popular daytrip from the Bay Area, but it doesn't have just one destination. When you make it to Yosemite, be sure to visit the Hetch Hetchy area, where less than 1% of park visitors ever venture. The area is home to Ghirardelli Square, a wax museum, shopping centers, an aquarium, and much more. The South Bay consists of Silicon Valley cities like Santa Clara, San . If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. You may have to stay outside the park. Now that you've set your multi-destination itinerary, I suggest you go to the city/destination forum page. We are considering a day trip to Yosemite (long day but understand it is worth it). If you want to do this drive in the winter, then check out our Yosemite winter guide. The cheapest way to get from Napa Valley Wine Train to Yosemite National Park costs only $42, and the quickest way takes just 4 hours. Alcatraz & Muir Woods Tour Package . Maybe I will actually break down and become *a fan* of TA one of these days! Travelers can choose from stopping at the Yosemite Valley Lodge or the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. From the Golden City, wind your way through unpretentious wine country, orchards and historic towns on this San Francisco to Yosemite road trip. Napa, as well as Oak Knoll and Yountville. It hits up some lovely backroads and tackles both the northern and southern areas of Yosemite. Prices as travel date approaches. Leave San Francisco early by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County. This lovely Italian-style vineyard is located up in the hills just west of Sonora. Take a boat ride around one of the most famous and historical bays in the United States, the famous San Francisco Bay. The road trip map below recommends a more circuitous routing that only adds about two extra hours of drive time. Theres a gorgeous, historic lodge to stay in nearby and you can hike around the reservoir and discover its history. Top 4 Ways to get from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park: San Francisco To Yosemite Road Trip. Trips. Any and all suggestions are appreciated. 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.) Theres a reason why so many songs have been written about San Francisco. 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. 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. They operated a ferry until 1852, and then they built the bridge, which is the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46712157', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Napa seem to be nice, we would really like to be a bit more secluded (possibly in a vineyard). On arrival in San Francisco you will make your own way into the city and check into your hotel for one night. $(function() { I recently published an extended guide to planning Redwoods road trips that includes this itinerary in greater detail. Route. Consider these tips for making your Yosemite trip from San Francisco as smooth as possible. 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. You can usually find more choice and less expensive room inventory just outside of the valley. Health monitoring within 14 days from the tour end for all passengers including driver and tour guide. 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. Thank you! More than 15-feet of snow has already fallen at the park, and 40 inches of snow fell on the valley floor - elevation 4,000 feet - on Tuesday alone, surpassing the old record of 36 inches for . Ten minutes on Highway 37, they will head north on Highway 121. Castello di Amorosa, a 13th century Tuscan-styled castle and winery, is the only authentic medieval castle in the United States. Hop between vineyards tasting the different wines Cabernet Sauvignon is the speciality here but there are lots of others to choose from including Merlot, Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. It never quite became a ghost town, which is why some of the on-site buildings managed to survive. We have 7 days and would like to stay in Napa for a few days and maybe visit Yosemite and Carmel. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46694122', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite off the list. maybe next time! 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. The Napa Valley is a scenic stop when travelling between San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. is that all im gonna pay? Sonoma and Sonoma County - a more affordable, more down-to-earth version of Napa Valley. All passengers above age of 16 who want to join the tour need to be fully vaccinated with vaccination record card proven. $1399. She has written for Thethings, Babygaga, Thetravel, and Therichest. Same as other wineries, a visit to this place requires reservations, and they close at 5 PM. There is also an alternative wine trail called theYosemite Sierra trail. Find the largest alpaca farm in the state, stay in a classic Airstream trailer, take a scenic flight over the park plus ten more things to do in this charming historic county. This means that if you choose to purchase, Ill make a small commission.). This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We have been looking at hotels and B&B's. Better to do fewer things more slowly and savor your experience, than rush around, barely scratching the surface. The place is constructed to be like Persepolis, and French wine is the inspiration for their spirits. Three Sonoma and Napa valley tastings. Supermarket recommendations in Santa Monica? SF-(ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In addition, there is a food truck stationed by the garden where you can have lunch, but note that they only serve small bites. The kids will love the tour and tasting afterwards. For the trip itself, driving from San Francisco to Napa Valley takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic, and add a bit more if you are going to take the scenic route along the way. The state park is really fun for families as they offer docents in period attire, stagecoach rides and panning for gold. FAQ: When to Tip and How much? Multi-Day Yosemite Tours - Tent Cabin Stay. (And the next one on this list about visiting the Giant Redwoods too). This tiny snowflake, and unfathomable numbers of its companions, water two-thirds of California. Yosemite has deep snowfall in the winter with many roads closed for the season while summer sees blue skies and lots of tourists. Share them with the rest of the community and you can, Standard Hotel: Marriot / Holiday Inn SFO / Beverly Heritage /Days Inn / Super 8 or similar, Choose 1 from Napa Valley+Sausalito or Redwood Forest+Monterey or Stanford+San Jose, Standard Hotel: Holiday Inn SFO, Park Pointe Hotel or Similar, Standard Hotel: Quality inn Merced or Similar, Modesto - Yosemite National Park - California Central Valley - Los Angeles. Bus fare for a one-way trip to Calistoga is as low as $3. The top cities between Yosemite National Park and Napa are San Francisco, San Jose, Mill Valley, Palo Alto, Oakland, Santa Clara, Berkeley, and Sausalito. (note that the Glacier Point road will be closed for repaving during the 2022 season). That surpassed a record of 36 inches for Feb. 28, set in 1969, spokesperson Scott Gediman confirmed to the 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. The ultimate guide to activities inside Yosemite National Park. This in-depth tour of the city allows guests time at more of the famous Bay Area sights like Cable Car, Lombard Street, City Hall, St. Mary's Cathedral, and Chinatown. Take the bus from Merced Transpo to Yosemite Valley Visitors Center. 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. From its creative food scene and colorful Victorian buildings to its cultural offerings, its nearly impossible to experience it all in one trip. In the winter this is Californias most popular ski resort but in the summer it is a great place to enjoy the lake. 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. The fastest way to get from SF to Yosemite is out I580 through Tracy, connecting with Highway 120 in Manteca. San Francisco, the heart of central California's Bay Area, is famous for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, its unique culture, and its position at the forefront of technological innovation. On your second day, youll have time to venture further away from the crowds wander through the Tuolumne Meadows, hike a section of the Clouds Rest Trail, take a swim in Tenaya Lake or drive north to Hetch Hetchy Valley. Best 2-Day Eco-Friendly Yosemite Vacation Itinerary The steam trains that run along Roaring Camp Railroads' lines are authentic, dating back to 1867 and the protection of an area of redwoods known as the "Big Trees." Get a Birds Eye View of Yosemite on a Scenic Flight Oct 05 2022. This place is famous for its laid-back atmosphere as well as its great outdoor area. I would also recommend that if visiting the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. On the return trip, you can take the faster route, Highway 101, and pass through Sonoma County, one of the best wine regions in the United States. This itinerary includes three stops intended to show you a few interesting things along the way that you otherwise may have missed. It is the home of Vista Point, the Marine Mammal Center, and beautiful views of San Francisco Bay. The first section of the drive starts from wherever you are in the Bay Area and ends in Fish Camp. The Napa Valley shouldn't be missed if you're in the area, although since it is filled with vineyards and if you're planning on tasting wine, we'd suggest spending the night (or . Patch - Maggie Fusek 6h. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. That, in itself is stretching SF very thin, but if you really want to see the Napa Valley, then so be it. Monthly average prices. Are there any suggestions for an itinerary? RELATED: The 10 Best Napa Wineries For First-Timers To Visit. Specialties: Incredible Adventures is an outdoor travel company that specializes in sightseeing and adventure tours from San Francisco to Yosemite, Napa & Sonoma Wine Country, Silicon Valley, Tahoe and Whitewater Rafting! Share this San Francisco to Yosemite road trip with your friends: Where is a good place to stop approximately halfway between between San Francisco and Yosemite? Coastal Redwood forest stroll. Yosemite Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in North America. Trade Wheels for Rails Take the Amtrak San Joaquins Train For a longer one, from the Golden Gate Bridge, drive along Highway 1 to Stinson Beach, where you can enjoy the scenic route of the coastline. a Gray Line customer. Airlines. From the Golden City, wind your way through unpretentious wine country, orchards and historic towns on this San Francisco to Yosemite road trip. Day 9: Napa Valley/ Sonoma OR Muir Woods. Meet awesome people! I also have noticed a change in at least one of their alogrithms for lodging reviews which helps to make the overall rating of a property more realistic. After a day swimming and kayaking through the lake, drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park hiking, climbing and looking out for wildlife that roams the hills. 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. See complete details at the, Free upgrade to bus first 3 rows seating, subject to availability, All domestic ground transportation via air-conditioned vehicle. The 45-acre estate including the acclaimed Juslyn Vineyards is for sale for $35 million. City of Berkeley, referred to as Berkeley for short, it's a hilly city on the east coast of the San Francisco bay area. Estimated Price: $259*. Notable Stops: Jamestown (Gold Rush Town) Suggested Gas Stop: Oakdale (Shell, Quik Stop, 76) Highway 120 is the most straightforward way to get to Yosemite from San Francisco, and it will take about 3 hours and 45 minutes to get there. var obj = document.getElementById("2527080060dates_range_start"); There are many picnic spots, beaches and swimming holes dotting the river. WHat if i opted to pay all the the Admission fee amounting to $135 and the $100 (cable cars, etc..) and the Tour guide fee of $9/day total of $27that is a grand total $262 so in addition to the $338 tour , i have to add the $262, totalling to $600. www.outdoorsy.com. This winery is built by an Iranian and is Persian-inspired. The top can also be reached by taking a hiking trail out of Yosemite Valley. While there's no way to get from San Francisco to the Napa Valley by train, you could sign up for a tour on the Napa Valley Wine Train, which will take you from Napa to Helena and back in a day and includes winery stops and meals enjoyed on-board. Need advice on California Road Trip 20 days Itinerary. 1 of 2. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Convenient SF hotel pickup and drop off. This property is listed at $17.5 million. When its running, you can reach the lower falls from a fairly easy loop trail. Affiliated to the Alameda County, Berkeley is home to UC Berkeley, which is the world's most famous institutions of higher learning. How long you spend in the Napa Valley really depends on your interest in wine. Its also a great spot to do some fishing or hiking although a lot of visitors end up relaxing on the tiny beaches that hug the shoreline. Nine days is a reasonable length of time for this itinerary. The Yosemite Falls tumble down in three separate sections. FAQ: Where are the Coastal Redwoods in California (added Oct 2013). While wine has been growing there since the nineteenth century (and Prohibition didn't help), premium wine production only started in the 1960s, and it only really took off in the 80s and 90s. 13h 14m . Text Us. After a quiet morning in Napa recovering from a day of indulgence yesterday, youll drive north into the Sierra Nevada Mountains where youll find Lake Tahoe, a blue gem high up in the mountains. 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. Wineries in Napa Valley open at 10 AM. Visitors to the park wont want to miss any ofthese following heart-stopping vistas, all easily accessible from paved roads throughout the park. It is the second largest university in the U.S.. Similar Tours. }); To reach Napa, you need to get around the north end of the Bay. I will admit that this Travel Forum is good. Enjoy this relaxing stop on Hwy 120 on the way to Yosemite National Park with modern, clean rooms and amenities such as complimentary breakfast, high speed internet and an outdoor pool. (Updated Jan. 2015). Best Alcatraz Tours combined with San Francisco, Napa, Silicon Valley & Redwoods. One day is not enough to really experience Napa Valley, and visitors should consider staying in accommodation for a night or two surrounded by the vineyards. Knowledgeable, friendly, attentive to individuals, and focused on making the experience . Yosemite is one of the wonders of Nature. You can purchase some groceries and ready-to-eat items and enjoy them on the stores patio. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Look for Cathedral Beach, Housekeeping Camp, Swinging Beach, Devils Elbow and Sentinel Beach. Yosemite Valley Loop Trail: 11 miles (full loop), 7 miles (half-loop). 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. Find more information at www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/oakdale/oklca/hoteldetail, Highway 120 (Big Oak and Hetch Hetchy entrances). What makes a vacation memorable is not only the destination but also the trip along the way. Visitors can tour many of the more than four hundred vineyards and wineries that dot the area. You climb through pine forest into the craggy granite tippy top of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Tour the famous landmarks of San Francisco, cross the bay to Muir Woods, and spend a day tasting wine in the Napa and Sonoma . 120 on the way to Yosemite, Oakdale holds its heritage close. Jelly Belly Factory Tour. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. This place requires reservations, so you should plan accordingly. Alternatively, you may use. Want to Avoid Traffic and Parking inside Yosemite? Security Statement | Private Policy | User Agreement. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-43240801', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite - Monterey/Carmel. Spring has the best waterfalls, but will also still have snow on the ground. People can enjoy the iconic and breathtaking views as they cross the historic bridge. The city is also home to many public parks, gardens, and hiking trails. It is located near the geographical center of the Nevada mountain range. There are numerous pull-outs on the southern side of the road. If you're in the mood for a little rest and relaxation, Napa Valley is also home to many of the best spas in California and it's here where you can get an authentic Calistoga mud bath. * Please note the Tour Map is subject to change.