Ride Amtrak to Yosemite to avoid traffic, travel sustainably and enter the park for free. If you want to visit some wineries . Look for Cathedral Beach, Housekeeping Camp, Swinging Beach, Devils Elbow and Sentinel Beach. This property is listed at $17.5 million. It is considered one of the top scientific schools in the world. These services are mostly used by workday commuters and the number of trips they make per day is fewer on weekends, especially on Sundays. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a4e44061edd6cc9e94ca29cff754da9d" );document.getElementById("bdd8f95227").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are a participant in the various affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The relatively low elevation of Hetch Hetchy means that it offers a long hiking season. The region is a popular daytrip from the Bay Area, but it doesn't have just one destination. Visitors can stroll through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels featuring over 20,000 marine animals. For the Gold Country part of the itinerary, we recommend the Historic National Hotel in Jamestown or the Lazy Z Resort in Twain Harte. When springs warm sun turns winter snows to water, that snowflake takes a circuitous route, through mountain streams winding across wildflower dotted meadows, through tributaries like the American and Tuolumne rivers and eventually ends up in either the Sacramento or the San Joaquin rivers, flowing through a giant expanse of wetlands known as the Bay-Delta. Stay at Evergreen Lodge just a mile from the parks Hetch Hetchy Entrance or Rush Creek Lodge less than a mile from the Big Oak Flat Entrance. What makes a vacation memorable is not only the destination but also the trip along the way. (And the next one on this list about visiting the Giant Redwoods too). 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. Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Original Poster . Based in Napa Valley, Jess has extensively covered California wine country for numerous national . We booked a room at the Inn on Randolph! Three Sonoma and Napa valley tastings. There is a ton to do in Yosemite valley. This San Francisco to Yosemite road trip itinerary will take you from the Bay Area to the park in one day, stops included. From the Golden Gate Bridge, you have two options. Start your trip with a visit to the world-famous, Yosemite National Park. Want more redwoods? You can also stop by Oakville Wine Merchant and get some wine per glass. Before saying goodbye to Napa, you can stop by numerous restaurants to have dinner. Go on Thursday, not on the weekend. There is also an alternative wine trail called theYosemite Sierra trail. Stay at the Holiday Inn Express Oakdale Check out our Web Storiesfor more inspiration. Day 9: Napa Valley/ Sonoma OR Muir Woods. Trips. Yosemites natural wonders make it a very popular park, for both Californians and visitors. Nowadays, B&Bs seem to be mostly listed on TripAdvisor under B&Bs -- not so much under Specialty Lodging any longer. 13 Gems in Mariposa Countys Gold Rush Towns Take advantage of all of them for some sensational views. Visit before July if you want to see the waterfalls in their full glory from the snowmelt. A trip to Napa Valley is a breath of fresh air from the busy streets of San Francisco, and luckily, it's not a far distance to cover. 14 San Francisco: Muir Woods Redwoods and Wine Country Tour. A popular loop is SF - Yosemite - Monterey/Carmel.Nine days is a reasonable length of time for this itinerary. Napa Valley is one of the world's top wine-growing regions and rivals the traditional regions of France and Italy. From San Francisco, California's wine-famous Napa Valley is 60 miles to the north. If you are looking for an overnight stop I would recommend one of two options. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-43240801', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite - Monterey/Carmel. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. They have a down home friendly vibe, award winning wines and stunning views. We reserve the right to edit or reject questions that include inappropriate content, profanity, references to other retailers, pricing, or personal information. People have two options if they want to drive from San Francisco to Napa Valley. It was also a thriving gold town during the mid 1800s. The trail to the grove is a 3 mile round trip with 520 feet of elevation gain. Check the Forest Service site before you go as there are occasional closures due to weather and downed trees. Day 5: Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Public transport like trains or buses have no routes for Napa Valley, and your only affordable option is to book a guided tour. The region houses one of the most important reservoirs storing and serving drinking water to northern California. Besides enjoying the valley's wine, gastronomy, and hospitality, there are a number of attractions that may be interesting if you're looking for something else to do. You can purchase some groceries and ready-to-eat items and enjoy them on the stores patio. Coastal Redwood forest stroll. var obj = document.getElementById("2527080060dates_range_start"); 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. 5. 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. 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. 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. Accommodations planning: 2 nights in San Francisco, 2 nights in Monterey, 2 nights in . HomepageAboutBlog ArchiveWork with UsPrivacy PolicyContact Us. Highlights of San Francisco, Napa Valley and Yosemite. Sonoma and Sonoma County - a more affordable, more down-to-earth version of Napa Valley. Heres how it works. Day 8: Napa Valley. This itinerary includes three stops intended to show you a few interesting things along the way that you otherwise may have missed. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The place is constructed to be like Persepolis, and French wine is the inspiration for their spirits. FAQ: What is a good route to travel to Yosemite (or to San Francisco) from Las Vegas? Suggested Days: 4-6. Route. Please see " Departures and Returns" for more info. True that John. Napa Valley Winery Tours From San Fransisco Reviews. And fall has lovely color and is quieter, but no waterfalls. If you have kids, make a slight detour to the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield and take the tour. Day 7: Yosemite National Park. 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. You'll tour three of the regions noteworthy wineries with a stop for lunch in Calistoga (lunch not included in the price). 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. Break for Modesto Public transportation is a slow way to get to Napa and is not designed for tourists who want to see the sights and visit some wineries. 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? In 1986, the Tunnel View became a National Historic Place. 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. 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). Start: San Francisco. 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). 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. Napa is about ten minutes from 121 north. Your first stop is at Muir Woods National Monument, aka the Forest Moon of Endor, for a hike among the redwoods. Ten minutes on Highway 37, they will head north on Highway 121. Mandatory Fee (pay the fee in cash to the tour guide) is $100 per passenger, for optional activity you can choose to join or not. In the winter, Tioga Pass and other high elevation sites are closed. If you're driving, it takes between four and seven hours, depending on the route you choose and the traffic intensity. The Mariposa grove is the largest in the park and is conveniently located just 10 miles from Fish Camp. In fact, if you tried that, you'd probably end up in the San Francisco Bay. Alternatively, look into shuttle companies that service Napa Valley from San Francisco Airport (SFO) like Evans Transportation or California Wine Tours. This tiny snowflake, and unfathomable numbers of its companions, water two-thirds of California. Where to see Superbloom Sunday (March 5th) near Los Angeles? The 34-acre property features a main home, guest house and studio all centered around a generous-sized pool and elevated terraces. Park hotels already sold out in July -Next best alternative? All of our holidays are tailor-made to your requirements by an expert Travel Specialist. Arrive in Napa Valley and enjoy an included wine tasting, before having lunch at Napa's Oxbow Public Market. It reads "37 Napa/Novato - Auto Mall Columbus Parkway" and exits on the right. This breathtaking stretch of coastline along California's Monterey Peninsula takes visitors through a maze of beautiful scenery, unique wildlife, and amazing mansions. Hopefully your return flight is late in the day!. Which ones have you tried? United Airlines. Merced is Yosemites smallest grove of giant sequoia, but its also the most secluded and its worth putting in the effort to visit. Why not spend your day here kayaking on the water? 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. Security Statement | Private Policy | User Agreement. Book Now. 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. --, I would suggest not having a car for SF but renting it for the day to go to Napa Valley. 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. Oct 05 2022. Yosemite is one of the wonders of Nature. If you drive to Napa on your own, you may be able to see all of it in a single day or plan a longer trip. Spring has the best waterfalls, but will also still have snow on the ground. Stanford University is recognized as one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions. You can do that on the east or west side of the body of water, but many prefer the western route because it's more scenic, even if it does take a little longer: The easiest way to get from San Francisco to Napa using public transportation is to take the San Francisco Bay Ferry from the San Francisco Ferry Building or Fisherman's Wharf Pier 41 to Vallejo. If 7 days is 6 nights you might even think about cutting it down to two areas. The grandiosely-named Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, California is a huge, ornate outdoor structure that is part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Our advice: dont try to do it all. Best Napa Valley day tours to experience Castello di Amorosa, Sausalito, Napa Factory Outlets and enjoy wine tasting at Napa wineries. 12-15 People. Stop #3: Bodega Bay. This winery is built by an Iranian and is Persian-inspired. This means that if you choose to purchase, Ill make a small commission.). Day 6: Yosemite National Park. Even those living next door in the Bay Area should consider spending the night in accommodation surrounded by vineyards. The road trip map below recommends a more circuitous routing that only adds about two extra hours of drive time. It's not exactly cheap and, surprisingly, wine is not included unless you opt for a special package, but it is a luxury experience and the only way to see Napa by rail. Top 4 Ways to get from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park: San Francisco To Yosemite Road Trip. 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. We have 7 days and would like to stay in Napa for a few days and maybe visit Yosemite and Carmel. Read More: If you are keen on mining history, check out this article onCalifornia ghost towns. Be aware that the time of year makes a big difference in Yosemite. Her contributions reflects her special interest in travel, women health and celebrities. Coastal Redwoods Road Trip. Newly Built Modern Estate Compound In Napa Valley: $14M. . The tour includes El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View, and Glacier Point. This granite cliff on the north side of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park is world-famous as a challenge for rock climbers. Knowledgeable, friendly, attentive to individuals, and focused on making the experience . 120 on the way to Yosemite, Oakdale holds its heritage close. Over 800 5-star reviews. Wine taste in Napa & Sonoma with an excursion in the giant sequoias of Muir Woods, San Francisco's stunning Coastal Redwood Forest. 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. It hits up some lovely backroads and tackles both the northern and southern areas of Yosemite. This morning youll drive south to Yosemite National Park. If you are short on time, this itinerary is the best option for you. The direct drive from Napa to Yosemite National Park is 213 mi (343 km), and should have a drive time of 4 hrs 34 mins in normal traffic.. Theres a gorgeous, historic lodge to stay in nearby and you can hike around the reservoir and discover its history. 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. Convenient SF hotel pickup and drop off. Napa Valley is more or less due north of San Francisco, but you can't just start driving north from the middle of town and get there. Discover the top eight things to do in these quaint towns from boating to Gold Rush-era experiences. Shed your weary, nerve-shaken bones and let the mountains guide you on your Yosemite road trip. There are ten day hikes, swimming, scenic viewpoints and three National Park sponsored tours. Trade Wheels for Rails Take the Amtrak San Joaquins Train Daily temperature check for all passengers including driver and tour guide. Day 3: San Francisco, Big Basin OR Monterey. The distance depends upon the season and whether or not you want to cover both falls. 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. Do a tasting at one or two of the nine wineries on thewine trail map. Coastal breezes keep the city cool and huge fog drifts can sweep over the Golden Gate Bridge during the summer meaning winter is usually more reliable with clear days and moderate temperatures. Most would suggest 3-4 full days to see SF so if want to add a day trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? All that personal attention means you might pay more than you would for a big group bus tour, but if you're traveling with several other people, the price difference grows smaller. Its amazing architecture has made it popular for weddings and photography. It is located on the south wall of Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 7214 ft, 3200 ft above Half Dome Village. . Enjoy a day in San Francisco. It never quite became a ghost town, which is why some of the on-site buildings managed to survive. Towering granite rocks, mighty waterfalls and placid valleys give Yosemite all the aspects of a "land of the gods". more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Any other places we should try to visit? Alcatraz & Muir Woods Tour Package . From there, we'll head to Yosemite for 2 days . $(obj).not(".hasDatepicker").datepick({minDate: new Date(), showTrigger: false, constrainWidth: false}); Experience the best of Yosemite whiletraveling sustainablyby eating locally grown food, staying at eco-friendly lodges and hiking on gorgeous trails. That surpassed a record of 36 inches for Feb. 28, set in 1969, spokesperson Scott Gediman confirmed to the San Francisco . The Napa Valley is a scenic stop when travelling between San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. Hike up to Nevada Falls to get a sense of the wonderful hiking that you can experience here. The Greyhound Bus service from San Francisco to Yosemite appeals to budget-conscious travelers. 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. San Francisco International Film Festival: April 13 - 23 ; Earth Day San Francisco: April 22 ; Art Market San Francisco: April 20 - 23 ; Bay Area National Dance Week: April 21 - 30 ; Napa Valley. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. I would also recommend that if visiting the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you are from out of the areas, check out this advice for finding theclosest airport to Yosemite. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Suggested Overnights: Crescent City, Eureka, Benbow, Mendocino, Santa Rosa. 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. If you are craving more wine in the afternoon, you can go straight to the Round Pond Estate Winery along Rutherford. TOP 5 POPULAR MUST-SEE Learn More . You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. To see Napa from a different perspective, try a horseback riding tour or hop aboard a hot air balloon. 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. 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. Day 10: Depart from San Francisco. Ages 12+. 45 Minutes, Ask a Question May 3, 2022 Mikaela Ruland. Theres a reason why so many songs have been written about San Francisco. Nine days is a reasonable length of time for this itinerary. Weekends are more crowded. Northern California Adventure. The top cities between Yosemite National Park and Napa are San Francisco, San Jose, Mill Valley, Palo Alto, Oakland, Santa Clara, Berkeley, and Sausalito. To do a trip to Yosemite-- wow that is 8 plus hours of driving and too little time to actually see the amazing valley. $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. Hot Tip: Do you need a rental car for your San Francisco to Yosemite road trip? In Oakdale, explore Gold Rush history and a delicious culinary scene before continuing to towns like Pinecrest, where you can paddle on a peaceful, snowmelt-fed lake or Tuolumne where youll find apple orchards producing cider. 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. The area is home to Ghirardelli Square, a wax museum, shopping centers, an aquarium, and much more. Find more information at www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/oakdale/oklca/hoteldetail, Highway 120 (Big Oak and Hetch Hetchy entrances). Yosemite National Park is enormous so with two days to explore youre never going to see all of it, which means you need to plan wisely. You can use public transportation to get to Yosemite all year. Take advantage of the shuttle buses to get around the valley floor. What they loved, what they liked and In total, this route takes about two hours. Best Budget Tour: Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour from San Francisco. 13 From San Francisco: Napa & Sonoma Valley Full-Day Wine Trip. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. With the drive being as short as it is (at least, in California terms, where we don't call a drive long until . Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream American road trip. Driving along Conzelman Road provides a shorter scenic detour. Napa Valley is a little . A popular loop is SF - (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? From its creative food scene and colorful Victorian buildings to its cultural offerings, its nearly impossible to experience it all in one trip. For you to maximize your day, leave early and work back your travel itinerary so that you can enjoy some quick stops along the way. Please do not book airline tickets until you receive the confirmation. Day 2 : San Francisco - Napa. Check Major Road Closures in CA via this official Map. Coming northwest out of Yosemite puts you smack into California gold rush country. Let's Chat. you have 7 days to see 4 places and you want to add more? Yosemite National Park has nearly 1,200 square miles of towering granite, alpine lakes and ancient sequoia trees. a Gray Line customer. It is also the oldest, having been founded in 1868. You can take a bus from Napa to Yosemite Valley via El Cerrito Del Norte BART Station, El Cerrito Del Norte, Hayward, Hayward, Merced Bus Stop, and Merced Transpo in around 9h 19m. 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. 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. Aerial view of hot air balloon flying over green Napa Valley, San Francisco To Napa Valley: How To Plan The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary, The Trip From San Francisco To Napa Valley, What Driving From San Francisco To Napa Valley Is All About, Why Napa Valley Is Such A Famous Eco-Destination, your proximity to places like Napa Valley, The 10 Best Napa Wineries For First-Timers To Visit, Check Out These Hidden Gems In Napa Valley, It is branded as one of the best California tasting sites, wineries of Napa Valley rival the Old World wine regions, something to do in Napa Valley any month of the year. Please post your review to earn 100 points. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The 1-hour ride travels through logging country in a restored historic train. If you want to do this drive in the winter, then check out our Yosemite winter guide. 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. It outlines specific things to do in colder weather, including hikes, scenic viewpoints and tours. You must print the e-tickets and take them along on your trip; they are your proof of purchase. Yosemite in a Day Tour From San Francisco. The city is also home to many public parks, gardens, and hiking trails.