FAQ: Where are the Coastal Redwoods in California (added Oct 2013). 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. Please post your review to earn 100 points. Nowadays, B&Bs seem to be mostly listed on TripAdvisor under B&Bs -- not so much under Specialty Lodging any longer. . Driving From San Francisco To Napa Valley. Meet awesome people! They can head to the city of Napa next or follow this road for wine tasting. $1399. Read their Top Questions and any relevant threads (just 'lurk' on other threads; don't add your questions.) 16 San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. This amazing experience kicks off in the city by the bay; San Francisco. Day 8: Napa Valley. Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California is one of the western United States' most famous and popular tourist spots. Is lodging in the valley really that bad? 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. There is travel time involved as well. Its amazing architecture has made it popular for weddings and photography. Springtime temperatures hover around a pleasant 70 . Yosemite in a Day Tour From San Francisco. By 1853, it was one of the largest cities in California. One hundred years after flooding Hetch Hetchy Valley, central Californias water struggles have only intensified. The 1-hour ride travels through logging country in a restored historic train. Best Alcatraz Tours combined with San Francisco, Napa, Silicon Valley & Redwoods. Yay, we in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Tucked along Hwy. * Please note the Tour Map is subject to change. 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. Get off at El Cerrito del Norte Station and transfer to the number 29 Redwood Park and Ride Vine Bus, which will take you up to Napa. Need advice on California Road Trip 20 days Itinerary. It is the second largest university in the U.S.. Airlines. Overview. There will be a sign reading "121 Napa/Calistoga." Meanwhile, 2910 Spring Mountain Road includes 30 acres, of which . This hike starts at Yosemite Falls and takes a nice long stroll along the Merced River. The previous record was 40 degrees on Feb. 24 in 1891. $25 $20 $15 $10 $5 30 20 10 0. 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. Typically one needs 2-3 days in SF and at least 2 in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This itinerary includes three stops intended to show you a few interesting things along the way that you otherwise may have missed. If you are craving Italian food, you can visit Bistro Don Giovanni. Well You may want to chose what you want to do and see in that short a time. With the diverse natural landscapes in the region, you could easily spend 3-4 days (or a lifetime) exploring the trails, rock climbs, and attractions. Same as other wineries, a visit to this place requires reservations, and they close at 5 PM. Distance: 176 mi / 283 km Time: 4 hours The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. You can drive yourself up to Glacier Point, which is a lovely, popular overlook in the park.. FAQ: What is a good route to travel to Yosemite (or to San Francisco) from Las Vegas? California Dreaming: From Yosemite National Park to Napa and Sonoma Valley. 5:30 p.m. WB I-80 closed due . Guests should meet our tour guide in front of the Information Center at Terminal 2 for transfer to the hotel. There are ten day hikes, swimming, scenic viewpoints and three National Park sponsored tours. We arrive at SFO at 2pm on Wednesday, May 8 and leave SFO at 2pm on Sunday, May 12. Train operators. When you make it to Yosemite, be sure to visit the Hetch Hetchy area, where less than 1% of park visitors ever venture. 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. Today Napa Valley has over 400 wineries (particularly prized for Cabernet Sauvignon). We will alert you when your requested tour becomes available! 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 Napa Valley is a scenic stop when travelling between San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. May 3, 2022 Mikaela Ruland. FAQ: Yanks drive on the wrong side of the road. But consider taking a beat and doing the San Francisco to Yosemite road trip at a slower pace. Many companies also offer Napa Valley tours from San Francisco, some with side trips to Muir Woods or other places. Coastal Redwood forest stroll. 120 on the way to Yosemite, Oakdale holds its heritage close. The top can also be reached by taking a hiking trail out of Yosemite Valley. Hopefully your return flight is late in the day! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Best Napa Valley day tours to experience Castello di Amorosa, Sausalito, Napa Factory Outlets and enjoy wine tasting at Napa wineries. Also, will the weather be unpleasant this time of year? Vernal & Nevada Falls trail: 4-10 miles. Length: 10 hours. 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. 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. Its understandable if you want to drive straight there from San Francisco so that you can start exploring without delay. www.outdoorsy.com. Bus fare for a one-way trip to Calistoga is as low as $3. 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. You will receive a confirmation email (e-ticket) after your order is processed. Yosemite Valley Loop Trail: 11 miles (full loop), 7 miles (half-loop). 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 . One of the things to consider is the season, but there is always something to do in Napa Valley any month of the year. 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. 45 Minutes, Ask a Question Trade Wheels for Rails Take the Amtrak San Joaquins Train Experience the best of Yosemite whiletraveling sustainablyby eating locally grown food, staying at eco-friendly lodges and hiking on gorgeous trails. Thanks! That's when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $14 - the lowest of the year. Take advantage of all of them for some sensational views. Alcatraz & Muir Woods Tour Package . 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46693821', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rent a car and at least see the city and Napa Valley. From there, you can ride the shuttle to many attractions and trailheads in the park. Yosemite has three giant sequoia groves within the park boundaries. The South Bay consists of Silicon Valley cities like Santa Clara, San . 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. 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! Spring is also an excellent time of year to visit neighboring wine country and sip some vino. If you take the US-101, the total distance will be around 200 miles and 4 hours of driving. 2-5 Days. This breathtaking stretch of coastline along California's Monterey Peninsula takes visitors through a maze of beautiful scenery, unique wildlife, and amazing mansions. We booked a room at the Inn on Randolph! 60 miles (97 km) from San Francisco, 1 hour 10-minute drive. On your Yosemite adventure,listen to an entertaining guide in your car. 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. . They will then follow the Interstate 80 - Berkeley/ Sacramento signs. But the Parks Service also offers aguided bus tourto Glacier Point. 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. 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. It reads "37 Napa/Novato - Auto Mall Columbus Parkway" and exits on the right. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. People can enjoy the iconic and breathtaking views as they cross the historic bridge. $(obj).not(".hasDatepicker").datepick({minDate: new Date(), showTrigger: false, constrainWidth: false}); Can I adjust? Which ones have you tried? Include specific info about your trip. Aunindita Bhatia is a professional content writer based in India. My husband and I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Do a tasting at one or two of the nine wineries on thewine trail map. Each entrance has its own unique character and special points of interest along the way. a Gray Line customer. Jess Lander joined the food and wine team at The San Francisco Chronicle as wine reporter in 2022. Here's what to know about each of the two options. Downtown Napa is 50 miles from San Francisco, but Napa Valley stretches beyond just the city of Napa. To do a trip to Yosemite-- wow that is 8 plus hours of driving and too little time to actually see the amazing valley. 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. Convenient SF hotel pickup and drop off. Daily temperature check for all passengers including driver and tour guide. 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). This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Jelly Belly Factory Tour. Upload Photos Go early to get a parking spot or take the shuttle, which runs four times per day. You'll tour three of the regions noteworthy wineries with a stop for lunch in Calistoga (lunch not included in the price). 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. This place is famous for its laid-back atmosphere as well as its great outdoor area. Any other places we should try to visit? This tiny snowflake, and unfathomable numbers of its companions, water two-thirds of California. With only three full days in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Check Major Road Closures in CA via this official Map. This is oneCalifornias most scenic drivesand our guide will help you find additional stops along the way from San Francisco to Yosemite which feature Californias Native American culture, gold rush history, cool hikes and culinary tourism. 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. 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. From the Tunnel View vantage point, tourists can see some of the park's most famous areas in the Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. See complete details at the, Free upgrade to bus first 3 rows seating, subject to availability, All domestic ground transportation via air-conditioned vehicle. Each section suggests four things to do. 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. Please do not book airline tickets until you receive the confirmation. 4-Day San Francisco/Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend and Grand Canyon East Rim/South Rim Tour (Airport Pickup) $498.00 $483.06. The cheapest way to get from Napa to Yosemite National Park costs only $42, and the quickest way takes just 4 hours. }); From the Golden City, wind your way through unpretentious wine country, orchards and historic towns on this San Francisco to Yosemite road trip. From there, we'll head to Yosemite for 2 days . south of San Francisco, around Santa Barbara, and lots more. The routes from San Francisco to Yosemite's valley floor takes you through California's Central Valley and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. There are various options to reach Napa Valley from San Francisco. Please see " Departures and Returns" for more info. Day 2 : San Francisco - Napa. It seems that options are all over the place. Estimated Price: $259*. From San Franciscos shores, decide whether to visit Yosemite by rail or car. Tour bus will be fully sanitize after each day of service. One minute later, people will see a sign to Napa for Highway 29, where they should take a right and stay for around 10 minutes on Highway 29/12. The tour includes El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View, and Glacier Point. All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. Ride Amtrak to Yosemite to avoid traffic, travel sustainably and enter the park for free. We will mark (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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? South Bay - the tech capital! 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). Travelers can choose from stopping at the Yosemite Valley Lodge or the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. It was the only port of entry for taxable goods in California. Theres a reason why so many songs have been written about San Francisco. This winery also requires reservations, so make sure you book ahead of time. 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. Enjoy shopping and dining along the way in addition to taking in the vistas. If 7 days is 6 nights you might even think about cutting it down to two areas. Try the Angele Restaurant and Bar, a bistro at the riverfront in a timeworn boathouse that serves French food. In the winter this is Californias most popular ski resort but in the summer it is a great place to enjoy the lake. 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). Over 800 5-star reviews. 5 Famous Viewpoints Close to the Road in Yosemite Top 4 Ways to get from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park: San Francisco To Yosemite Road Trip. Happy trails! Hopefully your return flight is late in the day!. 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.) We offer two to five-day experiences! 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.. Napa Valley symbolizes California's wine country and is considered one of the world's premier wine regions. Leave San Francisco at 8am to reach Yosemite by noon. Take a boat ride around one of the most famous and historical bays in the United States, the famous San Francisco Bay. 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. Let's Chat. TOP 5 POPULAR MUST-SEE Learn More . Park your car in a Yosemite gateway town and take the YARTS bus into Yosemite Valley. If so, do some price comparison shopping atRentalcars.com. 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. Witness the stunning scenes of California's Wine Country as you travel past sun-dappled fields . 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. 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. The Greyhound bus journey takes over nine hours and includes several stops plus a transfer in Merced. is that all im gonna pay? Find more about her work at www.auninditabhatia.com. The ultimate guide to activities inside Yosemite National Park. Maybe I will actually break down and become *a fan* of TA one of these days! Stop #4: Jenner. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. SF requires at least 3 nights. 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.) Three Sonoma and Napa valley tastings. 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. 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. Coastal Redwoods Road Trip. 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. Be aware that the time of year makes a big difference in Yosemite. I would also recommend that if visiting the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What is your budget? Pick Your Perfect Yosemite Activities Climb, Raft, Bike, Ski, Hike 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. 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. Stop #3: Bodega Bay. The biggest "issue" this forum has is people trying to bite off more than they can chew. However, this is the slowest option. Your Scenic San Francisco to Death Valley Road Trip, Your Highway 395 Road Trip Itinerary: Everything You Need to, The Essential Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary, Is Big Sur Worth Visiting? It hits up some lovely backroads and tackles both the northern and southern areas of Yosemite. These services are mostly used by workday commuters and the number of trips they make per day is fewer on weekends, especially on Sundays. We do enjoy wine so would definately like to take advantage of Napa. In addition, there is a food truck stationed by the garden where you can have lunch, but note that they only serve small bites. 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. Visitors to the park wont want to miss any ofthese following heart-stopping vistas, all easily accessible from paved roads throughout the park. Beautiful weather and waterfront views await visitors as well! 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. 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. Note: This question will be posted on a public forum. Also known as wine country, a trip to Napa Valley is a breath of fresh air from the busy streets of San Francisco. (This article contains affiliate links. 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. To do a trip to Yosemite -- wow that is 8 plus hours of driving and too little time to actually see the amazing valley. Learn more about each of these scenic routes into Yosemite, and get some ideas for things to do along the way. This will just add about 15 minutes from your total travel time, so you can adjust your itinerary accordingly, but the breathtaking vistas are worth it.