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. The top cities between Yosemite National Park and Napa are San Francisco, San Jose, Mill Valley, Palo Alto, Oakland, Santa Clara, Berkeley, and Sausalito. From the Golden City, wind your way through unpretentious wine country, orchards and historic towns on this San Francisco to Yosemite road trip. Best Napa Valley day tours to experience Castello di Amorosa, Sausalito, Napa Factory Outlets and enjoy wine tasting at Napa wineries. 5. Experience the best of Yosemite whiletraveling sustainablyby eating locally grown food, staying at eco-friendly lodges and hiking on gorgeous trails. It veers off of Highway 41 onto Route 200 and has an additional three wineries. 7 nights from 3,499 per person. We do enjoy wine so would definately like to take advantage of Napa. Day 4: Big Sur. 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. Each entrance has its own unique character and special points of interest along the way. From the San Francisco Airport to Yosemite National Park is about 200 miles. Try the Angele Restaurant and Bar, a bistro at the riverfront in a timeworn boathouse that serves French food. It was the only port of entry for taxable goods in California. Ten minutes in, they will turn right, where there will be a sign reading " State Route 121/Napa/Sonoma." Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park, Cruise to Alcatraz Island, the infamous prison in San Francisco Bay. 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. After exiting the Oakland side of the Bay Bridge, travelers will head north. Theres a gorgeous, historic lodge to stay in nearby and you can hike around the reservoir and discover its history. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. If so, do some price comparison shopping atRentalcars.com. The biggest "issue" this forum has is people trying to bite off more than they can chew. This property is listed at $17.5 million. South Bay - the tech capital! 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. It outlines specific things to do in colder weather, including hikes, scenic viewpoints and tours. Yosemites natural wonders make it a very popular park, for both Californians and visitors. In addition to being the tallest waterfall in North America, the Yosemite Falls are the seventh-tallest in the world. Nile House, Nile Street, Brighton, BN1 1HW, United Kingdom, Exc. If you are short on time, this itinerary is the best option for you. Learn more about each of these scenic routes into Yosemite, and get some ideas for things to do along the way. She loves to travel, read novels, and watch old classes movies. Are there any suggestions for an itinerary? Health monitoring within 14 days from the tour end for all passengers including driver and tour guide. Day 9: Napa Valley/ Sonoma OR Muir Woods. Highways 120 West, 140, 41 and 120 East/Tioga Road. The 45-acre estate including the acclaimed Juslyn Vineyards is for sale for $35 million. FAQ: Where are the Coastal Redwoods in California (added Oct 2013). San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Sequoia NP, Yosemite NP Lake Tahoe & Napa Valley Explore the best of California on this Northern Cali Loop . The distance depends upon the season and whether or not you want to cover both falls. San Francisco Known as 'the city' by the locals, San Francisco is a diverse and captivating metropolis with an artistic heart and diversity running through its veins. Its best tobook aheadfor the train. This is one of the most dramatic scenic drives in California. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Hopefully your return flight is late in the day! For out-of-town visitors, the process can be painstakingly complicated, so you're really better off booking a guided tour or renting a car and driving. 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. Find Western Heritage in Oakdale Which ones have you tried? You will receive a confirmation email (e-ticket) after your order is processed. FAQ: RVing in California: Is it Right for you? Next, they will see another sign with two options for Napa. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. 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. She has written for Thethings, Babygaga, Thetravel, and Therichest. It is the home of Vista Point, the Marine Mammal Center, and beautiful views of San Francisco Bay. . Let's Chat. Monthly average prices. 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 . RELATED: The 10 Best Napa Wineries For First-Timers To Visit. 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 want to visit some wineries . Nowadays, B&Bs seem to be mostly listed on TripAdvisor under B&Bs -- not so much under Specialty Lodging any longer. There will be a sign reading "121 Napa/Calistoga." You climb through pine forest into the craggy granite tippy top of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 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. Discover a down-to-earth wine, beer, ice cream and caffeine tasting scene and sun you can count on, 45 minutes from San Franciscos Fishermans Wharf. 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. Get Ready to Leave Your Heart 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. Suggested Overnights: Crescent City, Eureka, Benbow, Mendocino, Santa Rosa. 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. This option will take one on Highway 101 North across the Golden Gate Bridge. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-43239963', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite. But the Parks Service also offers aguided bus tourto Glacier Point. Each section suggests four things to do. Take the ferry from Vallejo Ferry Terminal to San Francisco Ferry Building . Hand sanitizer and sanitize wipes will be provided on tour bus. 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. a Gray Line customer. Her contributions reflects her special interest in travel, women health and celebrities. Yosemite Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in North America. Napa, as well as Oak Knoll and Yountville. 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. 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. If you go to Yosemite, stay at least a night. Reply Apr 24th . Even those living next door in the Bay Area should consider spending the night in accommodation surrounded by vineyards. Knowledgeable, friendly, attentive to individuals, and focused on making the experience . SF requires at least 3 nights. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Convenient SF hotel pickup and drop off. If you are craving Italian food, you can visit Bistro Don Giovanni. There are very few options to visit Napa from San Francisco. In the winter this is Californias most popular ski resort but in the summer it is a great place to enjoy the lake. Moving north through San Rafael, travelers will reach Highway 37 by heading east. One of the things to consider is the season, but there is always something to do in Napa Valley any month of the year. 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-46694221', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Napa Valley. Trips. Alcatraz & San Francisco Combo Tour. FAQ: Where are the California Traveler Articles, Written for Travelers by Travelers? 4-Day San Francisco to Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Barstow Outlet and Yosemite National Park Tour - LA OUT $725.00 $688.75. 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. Thanks! Castello di Amorosa, a 13th century Tuscan-styled castle and winery, is the only authentic medieval castle in the United States. Whatever you end up doing, we know youll love your time in Lake Tahoe. We are considering a day trip to Yosemite (long day but understand it is worth it). $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. That's when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $14 - the lowest of the year. Continue through wine country . Coming northwest out of Yosemite puts you smack into California gold rush country. Dr Knight realized that this stretch of the Stanislaus river made for a favorable crossing serving gold rush towns like Columbia and Sonora. Read More: If you are keen on mining history, check out this article onCalifornia ghost towns. 1. On arrival in San Francisco you will make your own way into the city and check into your hotel for one night. You can explore Emerald Bay, a beautiful section of the southern shore before having lunch at a beach bar and taking the cable car up the mountain for stunning views over the lake. Go, Admission (Optional): Adult $40; Child (Under 21 yrs, without Wine Tasting) $40|Duration: Approx. Yosemite has deep snowfall in the winter with many roads closed for the season while summer sees blue skies and lots of tourists. If you are flying into San Francisco and staying in Napa Valley, your hotel may offer a shuttle from the airport. Its amazing architecture has made it popular for weddings and photography. Most would suggest 3-4 full days to see SF so if want to add a day trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Napa Valley has plenty of luxurious resorts, spas, and top-rated restaurants. Alternatively, look into shuttle companies that service Napa Valley from San Francisco Airport (SFO) like Evans Transportation or California Wine Tours. Sign Me Up. 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). People can enjoy the iconic and breathtaking views as they cross the historic bridge. Vernal & Nevada Falls trail: 4-10 miles. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. They lived in this area for 8,000 years and used the site as a meeting place. Go early to get a parking spot or take the shuttle, which runs four times per day. Also known as wine country, a trip to Napa Valley is a breath of fresh air from the busy streets of San Francisco. The place is constructed to be like Persepolis, and French wine is the inspiration for their spirits. 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. They operated a ferry until 1852, and then they built the bridge, which is the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi. It is known for its moderate climate, natural environment, coastline, redwood forests, alternative community lifestyles and socially liberal leanings. Include specific info about your trip. From Vallejo, connect to the Napa Valley VINE bus system Route 10, which can take you all the way to Calistoga. Find more about her work at www.auninditabhatia.com. (note that the Glacier Point road will be closed for repaving during the 2022 season). 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 One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. If you are living in or are visiting San Francisco, one of the benefits is your proximity to places like Napa Valley. Hikes range from the easy Big Trees accessible loop trail (.3 miles) to the more strenuous Mariposa Grove trail (7 miles), which covers four famous trees, more groves and a panoramic overlook. Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour from San Francisco at a Glance: Departure Point: 478 Post St. or 2805 Leavenworth St. Departure Time: 8:40 AM - 9:00 AM. 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. Enjoy shopping and dining along the way in addition to taking in the vistas. Enjoy a multi-day tour of the stunning attractions in Yosemite that includes accommodation in our cozy tent cabins! trip. Go on Thursday, not on the weekend. 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. Hetch Hetchy is in the far northwest corner of the park and its less popular (and therefore less crowded) than other parts of the park. 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. On your Yosemite adventure,listen to an entertaining guide in your car. A popular loop is SF - (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ThisCalifornia state parkshares the ancient customs of the Sierra Miwok people. 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. 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. Supermarket recommendations in Santa Monica? The trail to the grove is a 3 mile round trip with 520 feet of elevation gain. 13 Gems in Mariposa Countys Gold Rush Towns 1 Hour 30 Minutes, Admission (Optional): Adult $28; Child (3-9 yrs) $18|Duration: Approx. By car, journey through towns like Livermore where youll find a laidback wine region, with grapes nourished by that snowflake. 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. From its creative food scene and colorful Victorian buildings to its cultural offerings, its nearly impossible to experience it all in one trip. Moderate. This San Francisco to Yosemite road trip itinerary will take you from the Bay Area to the park in one day, stops included. Better to do fewer things more slowly and savor your experience, than rush around, barely scratching the surface. Hike up to Nevada Falls to get a sense of the wonderful hiking that you can experience here. On arrival in San Francisco you will make your own way into the city and check into your hotel for one night. 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. There is also an alternative wine trail called theYosemite Sierra trail. 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. Napa Valley tours & tour packages to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone, Antelope Canyon. The tour includes El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View, and Glacier Point. Signing up for a guided tour is usually the lowest-priced way to tour Napa Valley, but you may be stuck in a crowd of 30 people or more and won't have any choices about where you go or when you stop. Text Us. Start: San Francisco. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-43239749', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco in November. 10 Hour excursion. The top can also be reached by taking a hiking trail out of Yosemite Valley. 60 miles (97 km) from San Francisco, 1 hour 10-minute drive. Is lodging in the valley really that bad? National Park Tour. $(function() { 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. Here are four top things for you to add to your must-do list. Your time here will fly by and by the time you leave youll most likely be planning your next trip! 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. This means that if you choose to purchase, Ill make a small commission.). 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. In the winter, Tioga Pass and other high elevation sites are closed. It hits up some lovely backroads and tackles both the northern and southern areas of Yosemite. 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." It is the second largest university in the U.S.. Jelly Belly Factory Tour. Travelers will then start seeing vineyards and wineries on the rolling hills after passing the Sonoma Raceway. If not Yosemite, we are considering Muir Woods Any insight would be greatly appreciated! 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. Want to Avoid Traffic and Parking inside Yosemite? Take advantage of all of them for some sensational views. Spring is also an excellent time of year to visit neighboring wine country and sip some vino. There is travel time involved as well. We will alert you when your requested tour becomes available! Napa Valley is a little . Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. www.outdoorsy.com. Here's what to know about each of the two options. The fastest way to get from SF to Yosemite is out I580 through Tracy, connecting with Highway 120 in Manteca. 12-15 People. 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. One hundred years after flooding Hetch Hetchy Valley, central Californias water struggles have only intensified. 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. To do a trip to Yosemite-- wow that is 8 plus hours of driving and too little time to actually see the amazing valley. 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 either location, you can avoid summer traffic hassle in Yosemite valley by catching theYarts busright from town. Our San Francisco and Yosemite Vacation package includes five nights accommodations and multiple guided group tours. Alcatraz & Muir Woods Tour Package . Tucked along Hwy. The cheapest way to get from Napa to Yosemite National Park costs only $42, and the quickest way takes just 4 hours. 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). As you make your way towards the coast, consider that little snowflake and its incredible journey. Witness the stunning scenes of California's Wine Country as you travel past sun-dappled fields . Need advice on California Road Trip 20 days Itinerary. 120 on the way to Yosemite, Oakdale holds its heritage close. The falls process the most water during the springtime. The park isnt large and you can make a quick cultural stop by visiting the traditional round house. Getting to Yosemite From the West and North San Francisco/Bay area. var obj = document.getElementById("2527080060dates_range_end"); 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. The Madera area also grows wine grapes and its a secret spot that is far less crowded than Napa or Paso. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46696545', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco, the maximum amount of time I would take for the Napa Valley is a day tour there an back. Daily temperature check for all passengers including driver and tour guide. Another option is to enjoy a bit of the coast north of San Francisco rather than going south, or maybe just making a day trip to Napa from San Francisco. Thoughts on a few great places to consider? A few San Francisco tour companies offer a personalized way to get to Napa Valley from San Francisco, taking small groups on adventures planned just for them. If you are keen to do primarily Yosemite, then I would recommend an overnight in either Mariposa (a bit closer to SF) or Fish Camp (closer to the Mariposa Grove). 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. You can use public transportation to get to Yosemite all year. Driving along Conzelman Road provides a shorter scenic detour. Now, if you think that you have had too much to drink and need to spend the night in Napa, you can visit Andaz Napa or Archer Hotel Napa, which are both located downtown. Prices vary, depending on where they go and how big the tour group is. 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. is that all im gonna pay? The 34-acre property features a main home, guest house and studio all centered around a generous-sized pool and elevated terraces. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. 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. 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.) Book Now. Be aware that the time of year makes a big difference in Yosemite. Take advantage of the shuttle buses to get around the valley floor. However, this is the slowest option. We have 7 days and would like to stay in Napa for a few days and maybe visit Yosemite and Carmel. Dont assume that youll have mobile coverage, so cache maps, trail maps and this article. The South Bay consists of Silicon Valley cities like Santa Clara, San . Many companies also offer Napa Valley tours from San Francisco, some with side trips to Muir Woods or other places. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. 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. Tucked along Hwy. Distance: 176 mi / 283 km Time: 4 hours It sits over the Stanislaus river and there are some nice hiking trails on the north side and tons of picnic tables on the south side. United Airlines. 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? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46730033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Napa Valley usually means expensive. The Yosemite 1-day private tour is limited to the Yosemite Valley sights and attractions, which represent only 1% of the Yosemite National Park . 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.. That being said, the most convenient way to travel to wine country is by renting or driving your vehicle. You must print the e-tickets and take them along on your trip; they are your proof of purchase. We reserve the right to edit or reject questions that include inappropriate content, profanity, references to other retailers, pricing, or personal information. If anyone's temperature is unusual will be terminate for participating the tour. Tour the famous landmarks of San Francisco, cross the bay to Muir Woods, and spend a day tasting wine in the Napa and Sonoma . 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. The Sunny Side of the Bay The Winchester Mystery House is a mansion in San Jose, California, that was once the personal residence of Sarah Winchester, the widow of firearm magnate William Wirt Winchester.