san francisco to napa valley to yosemite

Luxury Hotels on Northern Pacific Ca Coast or Or coast, Car Rental Las Vegas to Los Angeles - Help. Based in Napa Valley, Jess has extensively covered California wine country for numerous national . What they loved, what they liked and Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Please post your review to earn 100 points. 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. Learn More. Highlights of San Francisco, Napa Valley and Yosemite. 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. Nine days is a reasonable length of time for this itinerary. People can enjoy the iconic and breathtaking views as they cross the historic bridge. From San Francisco, California's wine-famous Napa Valley is 60 miles to the north. SF to Yosemite via Highway 120 E. Travel Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes. That surpassed a record of 36 inches for Feb. 28, set in 1969, spokesperson Scott Gediman confirmed to the San Francisco . 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. Highways 120 West, 140, 41 and 120 East/Tioga Road. Prices vary, depending on where they go and how big the tour group is. 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. Yosemite Valley Loop Trail: 11 miles (full loop), 7 miles (half-loop). A popular loop is SF - (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Looking to recharge? All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. It is known for its moderate climate, natural environment, coastline, redwood forests, alternative community lifestyles and socially liberal leanings. 10 Hour excursion. If you are flying into San Francisco and staying in Napa Valley, your hotel may offer a shuttle from the airport. Where to see Superbloom Sunday (March 5th) near Los Angeles? Nowadays, B&Bs seem to be mostly listed on TripAdvisor under B&Bs -- not so much under Specialty Lodging any longer. There is a lot to explore in the Napa Valley with its hundreds of wineries, fantastic restaurants, and many lovely inns and resorts to choose from. FAQ: Where are the California Traveler Articles, Written for Travelers by Travelers? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Coastal Redwood forest stroll. Health monitoring within 14 days from the tour end for all passengers including driver and tour guide. 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. 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. Thanks for all of the input! When she's not writing, she spends time with her two beautiful and naughty sons. Consider these tips for making your Yosemite trip from San Francisco as smooth as possible. Tour the famous landmarks of San Francisco, cross the bay to Muir Woods, and spend a day tasting wine in the Napa and Sonoma . Best Budget Tour: Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour from San Francisco. 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. Start your second day with some morning exploration taking you from Fisherman's Wharf to stylish Union Square. Alternatively, look into shuttle companies that service Napa Valley from San Francisco Airport (SFO) like Evans Transportation or California Wine Tours. 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. Visit San Francisco and camp in Yosemite National Park. - A fabulous place to be explored in its own right, it's also a base to the Californian wine region Napa, and an epic drive from Yosemite National Park and the Big Sur. Text Us. 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. 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. Reply Apr 24th . Driving From San Francisco To Napa Valley. To see Napa from a different perspective, try a horseback riding tour or hop aboard a hot air balloon. Vernal & Nevada Falls trail: 4-10 miles. 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. SF-(ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Napa Valley symbolizes California's wine country and is considered one of the world's premier wine regions. Check the Forest Service site before you go as there are occasional closures due to weather and downed trees. There are also working stores selling authentic-ish goods like sarsaparilla soda, gold rush candies, soaps and more. It was the only port of entry for taxable goods in California. On your second day, youll have time to venture further away from the crowds wander through the Tuolumne Meadows, hike a section of the Clouds Rest Trail, take a swim in Tenaya Lake or drive north to Hetch Hetchy Valley. We are considering a day trip to Yosemite (long day but understand it is worth it). For the Gold Country part of the itinerary, we recommend the Historic National Hotel in Jamestown or the Lazy Z Resort in Twain Harte. 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. Napa Valley is a little . Better to do fewer things more slowly and savor your experience, than rush around, barely scratching the surface. Continue through wine country . 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. Alternatively, you may use. Buses to Napa Valley from San Francisco. The Greyhound Bus service from San Francisco to Yosemite appeals to budget-conscious travelers. Another option is to enjoy a bit of the coast north of . They have a down home friendly vibe, award winning wines and stunning views. 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. I would also recommend that if visiting the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Suggested Overnights: Crescent City, Eureka, Benbow, Mendocino, Santa Rosa. 15 San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard GoCar Tour. 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. We booked a room at the Inn on Randolph! ThisCalifornia state parkshares the ancient customs of the Sierra Miwok people. Each section suggests four things to do. We reserve the right to edit or reject questions that include inappropriate content, profanity, references to other retailers, pricing, or personal information. Tuolumnes Top 8 on the Edge of Yosemite True that John. 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. If 7 days is 6 nights you might even think about cutting it down to two areas. 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. Most would suggest 3-4 full days to see SF so if want to add a day trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Which ones have you tried? There are ten day hikes, swimming, scenic viewpoints and three National Park sponsored tours. When its running, you can reach the lower falls from a fairly easy loop trail. Breathe in the sweet pine-scented air and dangle your toes in playful mountain rivers. 45 Minutes, Ask a Question The Giving Trees Here are 4 ways to get to Yosemite from San Francisco that involve a car rental or transportation and tour by a local operator. Route. Heres how it works. I will admit that this Travel Forum is good. RELATED: Check Out These Hidden Gems In Napa Valley. Affiliated to the Alameda County, Berkeley is home to UC Berkeley, which is the world's most famous institutions of higher learning. Arrive in Napa Valley and enjoy an included wine tasting, before having lunch at Napa's Oxbow Public Market. The status of Napa Valley as a premier wine-tasting destination is fairly new. Now that you've set your multi-destination itinerary, I suggest you go to the city/destination forum page. On arrival in San Francisco you will make your own way into the city and check into your hotel for one night. Monthly average prices. In the winter, Tioga Pass and other high elevation sites are closed. From there, you can ride the shuttle to many attractions and trailheads in the park. These services are mostly used by workday commuters and the number of trips they make per day is fewer on weekends, especially on Sundays. The fastest way to get from SF to Yosemite is out I580 through Tracy, connecting with Highway 120 in Manteca. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. 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. Best 2-Day Eco-Friendly Yosemite Vacation Itinerary 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. Coastal Redwoods Road Trip. 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. 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. The 45-acre estate including the acclaimed Juslyn Vineyards is for sale for $35 million. 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. Dr Knight realized that this stretch of the Stanislaus river made for a favorable crossing serving gold rush towns like Columbia and Sonora. Stop #2: Point Reyes National Seashore. It is located on the south wall of Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 7214 ft, 3200 ft above Half Dome Village. Learn more about each of these scenic routes into Yosemite, and get some ideas for things to do along the way. Travelers can choose from stopping at the Yosemite Valley Lodge or the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Visitors can tour many of the more than four hundred vineyards and wineries that dot the area. The top cities between Yosemite National Park and Napa are San Francisco, San Jose, Mill Valley, Palo Alto, Oakland, Santa Clara, Berkeley, and Sausalito. 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. If you want to grab a bite, you can go to Ariscault Bakery and get their popular Chocolate Almond Croissant. 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. Napa Valley is one of the world's top wine-growing regions and rivals the traditional regions of France and Italy. You will receive a confirmation email (e-ticket) after your order is processed. 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 traveling with kids, or you are simply a train nerd, the Sugar Pine Railroad is a fun stop to make on the way from SF to Yosemite. We are extremely excited for our first visit to the valley! Ten minutes in, they will turn right, where there will be a sign reading " State Route 121/Napa/Sonoma." Amtrak. Happy trails! Napa Valley comprises several regions, and the notable wine places are Napa, Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, and Yountville. Airlines. Yosemite & Napa Valley. Hot Tip: Do you need a rental car for your San Francisco to Yosemite road trip? Northern California Adventure. You can use public transportation to get to Yosemite all year. Read More: If you are keen on mining history, check out this article onCalifornia ghost towns. 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. 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. Hike up to Nevada Falls to get a sense of the wonderful hiking that you can experience here. 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. Meanwhile, 2910 Spring Mountain Road includes 30 acres, of which . To do a trip to Yosemite -- wow that is 8 plus hours of driving and too little time to actually see the amazing valley. 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. Day 8: Napa Valley. Check out our Web Storiesfor more inspiration. Thoughts on a few great places to consider? Is the Avenue of the Giants Worth It After Redwood NP? 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." 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. $1399. Excellent tour, the best way to know Napa valley. Day 4: Big Sur. It is located near the geographical center of the Nevada mountain range. Depending on what time your flight arrives you could get out and explore, so why not head to the harbour for a bowl of . 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. For dinner drop in to the Oxbow Public Market, a . Please note that the Tioga Pass doesnt get plowed and is closed in the winter. We do enjoy wine so would definately like to take advantage of Napa. Explore San Francisco before heading inland to sample Northern California's amazing food and wines on this epic adventure en route to Yosemite. From there, we'll head to Yosemite for 2 days . . It veers off of Highway 41 onto Route 200 and has an additional three wineries. 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. I recently published an extended guide to planning Redwoods road trips that includes this itinerary in greater detail. This means that if you choose to purchase, Ill make a small commission.). One hundred years after flooding Hetch Hetchy Valley, central Californias water struggles have only intensified. It is the second largest university in the U.S.. 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. Yosemite National Park has nearly 1,200 square miles of towering granite, alpine lakes and ancient sequoia trees. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park, Cruise to Alcatraz Island, the infamous prison in San Francisco Bay. By 1853, it was one of the largest cities in California. In 1986, the Tunnel View became a National Historic Place. Eight days in San Francisco, Yosemite NP, Napa Valley and Carmel/Big Sur. The Mariposa grove is the largest in the park and is conveniently located just 10 miles from Fish Camp. Just north of Sonora is the historic Columbia mining town. Joshua - secluded in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. The kids will love the tour and tasting afterwards. The park isnt large and you can make a quick cultural stop by visiting the traditional round house. Yosemite has three giant sequoia groves within the park boundaries. All of our holidays are tailor-made to your requirements by an expert Travel Specialist. The routes from San Francisco to Yosemite's valley floor takes you through California's Central Valley and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 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. FAQ: RVing in California: Is it Right for you? Its understandable if you want to drive straight there from San Francisco so that you can start exploring without delay. My husband and I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? From the Golden Gate Bridge, you have two options. If you are lovin those views, you may want to consider coming back to Tioga Pass as an entryway to our scenicHighway 395 drivedown the Eastern Sierras. Consider staying in either Fish Camp (which is near the Mariposa sequoia grove) or around Midpine and Mariposa (which is a lovely drive into the valley along the Merced river). Want more redwoods? They can head to the city of Napa next or follow this road for wine tasting. 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. Read their Top Questions and any relevant threads (just 'lurk' on other threads; don't add your questions.) Monterey was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. This San Francisco to Yosemite road trip itinerary will take you from the Bay Area to the park in one day, stops included. Take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) from San Francisco on the Richmond line. Park your car in a Yosemite gateway town and take the YARTS bus into Yosemite Valley. The cheapest way to get from Napa to Yosemite National Park costs only $42, and the quickest way takes just 4 hours. . Get Ready to Leave Your Heart If you can snag a camp spot or lodge reservation inside Yosemite Valley, go for it. Take the ferry from Vallejo Ferry Terminal to San Francisco Ferry Building . 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. $(obj).not(".hasDatepicker").datepick({minDate: new Date(), showTrigger: false, constrainWidth: false}); For ages 21-35. Before you start planning for your itinerary, it would be good to do a little research about your destination. Go, Admission (Optional): Adult $40; Child (Under 21 yrs, without Wine Tasting) $40|Duration: Approx. Sacramento. Alcatraz & San Francisco Combo Tour. From San Francisco to Yosemite by Bus Yosemite Valley. 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. Day 10: Depart from San Francisco. With the drive being as short as it is (at least, in California terms, where we don't call a drive long until . Spring is also an excellent time of year to visit neighboring wine country and sip some vino. you have 7 days to see 4 places and you want to add more? (And the next one on this list about visiting the Giant Redwoods too). Tracy Barbutes/Special to The Chronicle Show More Show . Park hotels already sold out in July -Next best alternative? Time is not an issue so happy to spend additional 4 days to include Yosemite, if needed? This winery is built by an Iranian and is Persian-inspired. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Napa Valley Winery Tours From San Fransisco Reviews. If you're driving, it takes between four and seven hours, depending on the route you choose and the traffic intensity. There are a ton of hiking trails that start in or near Tuolumne Meadows. 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. 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? This tiny snowflake, and unfathomable numbers of its companions, water two-thirds of California. . If so, do some price comparison shopping atRentalcars.com. SF requires at least 3 nights. What is your budget? It hits up some lovely backroads and tackles both the northern and southern areas of Yosemite. (* Last name will not be published). Nile House, Nile Street, Brighton, BN1 1HW, United Kingdom, Exc. Let's Chat. Springtime temperatures hover around a pleasant 70 . It seems that options are all over the place. 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. 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. If you go to Yosemite, stay at least a night. Any other places we should try to visit? This article was updated to detail the process and several options for driving from San Francisco to Napa Valley, either across the Golden Gate Bridge or across the Bay Bridge. Today Napa Valley has over 400 wineries (particularly prized for Cabernet Sauvignon). Top 4 Ways to get from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park: San Francisco To Yosemite Road Trip. Oct 05 2022. 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. The state park is really fun for families as they offer docents in period attire, stagecoach rides and panning for gold. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-43240801', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite - Monterey/Carmel. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests.