Experience the best of Yosemite whiletraveling sustainablyby eating locally grown food, staying at eco-friendly lodges and hiking on gorgeous trails. Its just a matter of picking your distance. Day 6: Yosemite National Park. Hello! There are a ton of hiking trails that start in or near Tuolumne Meadows. Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California is one of the western United States' most famous and popular tourist spots. These services are mostly used by workday commuters and the number of trips they make per day is fewer on weekends, especially on Sundays. Northern Cali Loop |The American Road Trip Company Take advantage of all of them for some sensational views. Go, Admission (Optional): Adult $40; Child (Under 21 yrs, without Wine Tasting) $40|Duration: Approx. Let's Chat. 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. Ages 12+. The place is constructed to be like Persepolis, and French wine is the inspiration for their spirits. 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. 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. Yosemite Valley Loop Trail: 11 miles (full loop), 7 miles (half-loop). 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. 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. It was one of the countrys most infamous federal prisons. Once home to Al Scarface Capone and other notorious criminals, Alcatraz Island is a National Park Service site located 1.25 miles offshore. $(obj).not(".hasDatepicker").datepick({onSelect: function(dateText, inst) {$(this).blur();} , minDate: new Date(), showTrigger: false, constrainWidth: false}); California road trip: from San Francisco to Yosemite and the Big Sur We have been looking at hotels and B&B's. 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. 3 Day Yosemite Camping Adventure From San Francisco. You can purchase some groceries and ready-to-eat items and enjoy them on the stores patio. Top 4 Ways to Get From San Francisco to Yosemite National Park Travelers can choose from stopping at the Yosemite Valley Lodge or the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. . Sausalito is north across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. 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. 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. Visitors can tour many of the more than four hundred vineyards and wineries that dot the area. This means that if you choose to purchase, Ill make a small commission.). Yosemite breaks snow record; park closed indefinitely Newly Built Modern Estate Compound In Napa Valley: $14M. Here are four top things for you to add to your must-do list. The Ultimate 10 Day California Road Trip Itinerary - More Than Main Street ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-43239749', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco in November. 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. http://www.weather.com has weather info. Need advice on California Road Trip 20 days Itinerary. From there, you can ride the shuttle to many attractions and trailheads in the park. From San Francisco, California's wine-famous Napa Valley is 60 miles to the north. 16 San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran. Merced is Yosemites smallest grove of giant sequoia, but its also the most secluded and its worth putting in the effort to visit. It is also the oldest, having been founded in 1868. Thanks for all of the great information! 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. Betsy has been writing about California for nearly more than two decades as TripSavvy's expert on the state. All of our holidays are tailor-made to your requirements by an expert Travel Specialist. Airlines. 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. From either location, you can avoid summer traffic hassle in Yosemite valley by catching theYarts busright from town. Please post your review to earn 100 points. Few valleys are as famous around the world as Napa Valley, with its stunning setting and Mediterranean climate. 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. Post a request for finding a partner to share the tour! Tuolumnes Top 8 on the Edge of Yosemite There are many picnic spots, beaches and swimming holes dotting the river. Stop #4: Jenner. 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. A popular loop is SF - Yosemite - Monterey/Carmel.Nine days is a reasonable length of time for this itinerary. Where to see Superbloom Sunday (March 5th) near Los Angeles? The biggest "issue" this forum has is people trying to bite off more than they can chew. 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. Castello di Amorosa, a 13th century Tuscan-styled castle and winery, is the only authentic medieval castle in the United States. Do a tasting at one or two of the nine wineries on thewine trail map. 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. Looking to recharge? 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. Alternatively, look into shuttle companies that service Napa Valley from San Francisco Airport (SFO) like Evans Transportation or California Wine Tours. www.outdoorsy.com. If you are making this a 6-7 day road trip, you can probably do all of them. 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. After Yosemite, wind your way back through beautiful farmlands and orchards, stopping in Modesto where youll find a sea of lovely white blossoms in the spring, thanks to the citys groves of almond trees. 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. Yosemite snow totals smash 54-year-old record That being said, the most convenient way to travel to wine country is by renting or driving your vehicle. Ten minutes in, they will turn right, where there will be a sign reading " State Route 121/Napa/Sonoma." Please note that the Tioga Pass doesnt get plowed and is closed in the winter. 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. RELATED: Check Out These Hidden Gems In Napa Valley. If you are living in or are visiting San Francisco, one of the benefits is your proximity to places like Napa 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). How to Get From San Francisco to Yosemite National Park - TripSavvy Best Budget Tour: Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour from San Francisco. Accommodations planning: 2 nights in San Francisco, 2 nights in Monterey, 2 nights in . Hi. 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. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Visit before July if you want to see the waterfalls in their full glory from the snowmelt. These days over 4.5 million people visit Napa Valley every year, making it one of the most popular destinations in California. Each section suggests four things to do. In addition to touring the castle interior, visitors can taste a wide selection of fine Napa Valley wine which is made on premises and not sold elsewhere. 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. 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! Suggested Overnights: Crescent City, Eureka, Benbow, Mendocino, Santa Rosa. The state park is really fun for families as they offer docents in period attire, stagecoach rides and panning for gold. The region is a popular daytrip from the Bay Area, but it doesn't have just one destination. 13h 14m . Pick Your Perfect Yosemite Activities Climb, Raft, Bike, Ski, Hike From San Franciscos shores, decide whether to visit Yosemite by rail or car. 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. trip. You can use public transportation to get to Yosemite all year. (Updated Jan. 2015). We offer two to five-day experiences! If you are craving more wine in the afternoon, you can go straight to the Round Pond Estate Winery along Rutherford. Even today, there are still cultural ceremonies held there. Its understandable if you want to drive straight there from San Francisco so that you can start exploring without delay. Read their Top Questions and any relevant threads (just 'lurk' on other threads; don't add your questions.) To see Napa from a different perspective, try a horseback riding tour or hop aboard a hot air balloon. 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. This tiny snowflake, and unfathomable numbers of its companions, water two-thirds of California. By car, journey through towns like Livermore where youll find a laidback wine region, with grapes nourished by that snowflake. Explore the city at your own pace before heading across the Golden Gate Bridge on the way to Napa Valley. Sonoma and Sonoma County - a more affordable, more down-to-earth version of Napa Valley. The Greyhound bus journey takes over nine hours and includes several stops plus a transfer in Merced. more. It began operation way back in 1881, so Oakville Grocery is known to be the oldest Californian grocery store in operation. Park hotels already sold out in July -Next best alternative? California Dreaming: From Yosemite National Park to Napa and Sonoma Valley. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park, Cruise to Alcatraz Island, the infamous prison in San Francisco Bay. 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. RELATED: The 10 Best Napa Wineries For First-Timers To Visit. It is known for its moderate climate, natural environment, coastline, redwood forests, alternative community lifestyles and socially liberal leanings. Thank you! Based in Napa Valley, Jess has extensively covered California wine country for numerous national . A park ranger vehicle sits near the Big Oak Flat entrance into Yosemite National Park along Hwy 120, on Thursday, February 23, 2023. 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. Driving Directions - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) 14 San Francisco: Muir Woods Redwoods and Wine Country Tour. 13 Gems in Mariposa Countys Gold Rush Towns more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. You will receive a confirmation email (e-ticket) after your order is processed. Private Wine Tour of Napa and Sonoma, up to 14 people There is also an alternative wine trail called theYosemite Sierra trail. Departing from San Francisco, you can look forward to nature-rich hikes through majestic Yosemite, renowned for its . Eight days in San Francisco, Yosemite NP, Napa Valley and Carmel/Big Sur. The Madera area also grows wine grapes and its a secret spot that is far less crowded than Napa or Paso. Be aware that the time of year makes a big difference in Yosemite. What is best way to fit Yosemite into San Francisco to Las Vegas drive (i am planning to complete the 7 day trip on this site to get from SF to LV including Bridgeport and Death Valley but not sure best way to include Yosemite into the trip). Dont assume that youll have mobile coverage, so cache maps, trail maps and this article. 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. October 13-16, 2022 . 15 San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard GoCar Tour. Jess Lander joined the food and wine team at The San Francisco Chronicle as wine reporter in 2022. It is the second largest university in the U.S.. Yosemite has three giant sequoia groves within the park boundaries. SF requires at least 3 nights. 9 Best Stops on a San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip The road into the Valley meanders along the Merced River. If you take the train inland, youll pass through one of the countrys most productive agricultural regions. Luxury Hotels on Northern Pacific Ca Coast or Or coast, Car Rental Las Vegas to Los Angeles - Help. Youll probably approach from the east driving past the bizarre Mono Lake, a soda lake full of strange salt formations. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. From Vallejo, connect to the Napa Valley VINE bus system Route 10, which can take you all the way to Calistoga. 7 nights from 3,499 per person. Today Napa Valley has over 400 wineries (particularly prized for Cabernet Sauvignon). Northern California: Napa, Lake Tahoe to Yosemite | Travel Nation Public transport like trains or buses have no routes for Napa Valley, and your only affordable option is to book a guided tour. The road trip map below recommends a more circuitous routing that only adds about two extra hours of drive time. Check Major Road Closures in CA via this official Map. Affiliated to the Alameda County, Berkeley is home to UC Berkeley, which is the world's most famous institutions of higher learning. 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 to Yosemite Road Trip | GetJerry.com Happy trails! See the Most Controversial Spot in Yosemite near the Hetch Hetchy Entrance 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. Yosemite National Park has nearly 1,200 square miles of towering granite, alpine lakes and ancient sequoia trees. Get answers to your questions about California, FAQ: What you need to know about California Before you Visit, FAQ: What you Need to Know Before you drive here, FAQ: California Itineraries and Trip Reports, Driving from SF to LA or vice Versa -- Please read this, FAQ: How to drive the Coastal Highway in Southern California. From $277.00. United Airlines. Day 9: Napa Valley/ Sonoma OR Muir Woods. From local artisan producers and farmers to Western culture, this town is a great place to spend some time on the way to the park. One Week Itinerary from San Francisco to Sonoma and Napa Visit San Francisco and camp in Yosemite National Park. $1399. Thread Tools Search this Thread Jun 23rd, 2009, 06:29 PM #1 ncsuchemist2002. 5. We will mark (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We've been offering travelers a safe, eco-friendly, reliable way to connect with nature since 1993. Each entrance has its own unique character and special points of interest along the way. I recently published an extended guide to planning Redwoods road trips that includes this itinerary in greater detail. Now that you've set your multi-destination itinerary, I suggest you go to the city/destination forum page. Find more information at www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/oakdale/oklca/hoteldetail, Highway 120 (Big Oak and Hetch Hetchy entrances). You'll tour three of the regions noteworthy wineries with a stop for lunch in Calistoga (lunch not included in the price). Wineries in Napa Valley open at 10 AM. The tour includes El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View, and Glacier Point. Is the Avenue of the Giants Worth It After Redwood NP? 13 From San Francisco: Napa & Sonoma Valley Full-Day Wine Trip. We reserve the right to edit or reject questions that include inappropriate content, profanity, references to other retailers, pricing, or personal information. 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. This region between San Francisco and Sacremento is internationally famous for its wines, which are considered among the best in the world. Theyre growing more than almonds and peaches in the Central Valley (although if you do this drive in the spring, be sure to stop for thelovely almond blossoms). If you take the US-101, the total distance will be around 200 miles and 4 hours of driving. You may have to stay outside the park. Take a boat ride around one of the most famous and historical bays in the United States, the famous San Francisco Bay. Afterwards drive to Napa and visit the town. 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. 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 you have kids, make a slight detour to the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield and take the tour. 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). If you are a hardy hiker, you can purchase a 1-way ticket and then take your pick of either a 5 or 8 mile hike back down to Yosemite Valley. Napa to San Francisco Train - Amtrak Tickets $15 | Wanderu Tour bus will be fully sanitize after each day of service. Three Sonoma and Napa valley tastings. 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. Spring is also an excellent time of year to visit neighboring wine country and sip some vino. Wine Country & Muir Woods Wine Tour | Extranomical Tours The top can also be reached by taking a hiking trail out of Yosemite Valley. 5 Famous Viewpoints Close to the Road in Yosemite Discover the top eight things to do in these quaint towns from boating to Gold Rush-era experiences. 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. San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Sequoia NP, Yosemite NP Lake Tahoe & Napa Valley Explore the best of California on this Northern Cali Loop . Take this itinerary north from, Or just hang out in SF and visit a few of the local. Stop #3: Bodega Bay. If you are looking for an overnight stop I would recommend one of two options. Highlights of San Francisco, Napa Valley and Yosemite. Coming northwest out of Yosemite puts you smack into California gold rush country. San Francisco to Yosemite National Park: Best Ways to Get There Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Rent an RV with Outdoorsy When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Also known as wine country, a trip to Napa Valley is a breath of fresh air from the busy streets of San Francisco. Similar Tours. 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. First, you can take the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train from Civic Center/UN Plaza Station to Dublin/Pleasanton Station, a 50-minute ride that costs about $7.10. It was the only port of entry for taxable goods in California. Daily temperature check for all passengers including driver and tour guide. Explore Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay Alternatively, you may use. Live Bay Area weather updates: Massive trees fall onto homes in Santa 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. However, this is the slowest option. 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. What makes a vacation memorable is not only the destination but also the trip along the way. Napa Valley symbolizes California's wine country and is considered one of the world's premier wine regions. Whether you're looking for private charter services, a fun family vacation . Excellent tour, the best way to know Napa valley. Stop #1: Marin Headlands & Mount Tamalpais State Park. 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. Tracy Barbutes/Special to The Chronicle Show More Show . Estimated Price: $259*. By 1853, it was one of the largest cities in California. Is lodging in the valley really that bad? Costa Rica. It never quite became a ghost town, which is why some of the on-site buildings managed to survive. Day 3: San Francisco, Big Basin OR Monterey. What they loved, what they liked and Route. 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. Take the ferry from Vallejo Ferry Terminal to San Francisco Ferry Building Gate E. Take the bus from San Francisco to Merced. Want more redwoods? In the winter, Tioga Pass and other high elevation sites are closed. Awesome California National Parks Road Trip You Need to Do - 2TravelDads 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. }); Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. It has been speculated that it is the most photographed bridge in the world; it's certainly one of the most picturesque. 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? Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Hopefully your return flight is late in the day! Day 4: Big Sur. FAQ: Yanks drive on the wrong side of the road. With only three full days in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? NAPA VALLEY, CA . It outlines specific things to do in colder weather, including hikes, scenic viewpoints and tours. Purchases are tracked automatically. Getting from San Francisco to Yosemite [by Bus, Tour, Train, Car & more] The distance depends upon the season and whether or not you want to cover both falls. Breathe in the sweet pine-scented air and dangle your toes in playful mountain rivers. 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. Getting to Yosemite From the West and North San Francisco/Bay area. Tour Yosemite Like a Local with Gypsy Guide This guide is organized around four major sections of the drive: SF to Yosemites southern reaches, Yosemite Valley, Northern Yosemite and the return from Yosemite to San Francisco. Trade Wheels for Rails Take the Amtrak San Joaquins Train 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. Before you start planning for your itinerary, it would be good to do a little research about your destination. Napa's Cakebread Cellars is betting on Carneros What is your budget? San Francisco To Napa Valley: How To Plan The Perfect Day - TheTravel Yosemite is one of the wonders of Nature. On this road trip, youll trace the snowflakes route backwards. Vacation Package: San Francisco - Napa Valley - Yosemite - Tripmasters --, I would suggest not having a car for SF but renting it for the day to go to Napa Valley. We are extremely excited for our first visit to the valley! (This article contains affiliate links. Napa, as well as Oak Knoll and Yountville. Bus fare for a one-way trip to Calistoga is as low as $3. Northern California 7 Days Itinerary from San Francisco - Ocean California 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. Beautiful weather and waterfront views await visitors as well! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Typically one needs 2-3 days in SF and at least 2 in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ?