This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Thanks for your input! My husband and I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Once home to Al Scarface Capone and other notorious criminals, Alcatraz Island is a National Park Service site located 1.25 miles offshore. --, I would suggest not having a car for SF but renting it for the day to go to Napa Valley. 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. Jelly Belly Factory Tour. One of the things to consider is the season, but there is always something to do in Napa Valley any month of the year. From San Francisco to Yosemite by Bus Yosemite Valley. On this road trip, youll trace the snowflakes route backwards. The distance depends upon the season and whether or not you want to cover both falls. FAQ: RVing in California: Is it Right for you? 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. This is where they will have reached Napa Valley's southern edge. Day 2 : San Francisco - Napa. I would cut one place out . This property is listed at $17.5 million. 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. (* Last name will not be published). Hot Tip: Do you need a rental car for your San Francisco to Yosemite road trip? Find Western Heritage in Oakdale Experience the best of Yosemite whiletraveling sustainablyby eating locally grown food, staying at eco-friendly lodges and hiking on gorgeous trails. The National Weather Service says San Francisco's low of 39 degrees on Friday is a new record low for this day. Nine days is a reasonable length of time for this itinerary. The drive to the Big Oak Flat entrance takes at least four hours; however, traffic, especially in summer and on weekends, can make it much . To see Napa from a different perspective, try a horseback riding tour or hop aboard a hot air balloon. Read what other travelers think about this tour. Specialties: Incredible Adventures is an outdoor travel company that specializes in sightseeing and adventure tours from San Francisco to Yosemite, Napa & Sonoma Wine Country, Silicon Valley, Tahoe and Whitewater Rafting! Start: San Francisco. 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. After that, they will witness the sign for Highway 37, which is for Exit 33. Call US 7 days a week from 8AM to Midnight ET 1-800-430-0484; However, Napa's true appeal is in exploring the vineyards along the way. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Yosemite to San Fran or Napa Valley - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 1. Coastal Redwood forest stroll. Time is not an issue so happy to spend additional 4 days to include Yosemite, if needed? Winery and estate hit the market in Napa Valley for $35 million 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. 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. If you are making this a 6-7 day road trip, you can probably do all of them. Find more information at www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/oakdale/oklca/hoteldetail, Highway 120 (Big Oak and Hetch Hetchy entrances). You can usually find more choice and less expensive room inventory just outside of the valley. from. RELATED: Check Out These Hidden Gems In Napa Valley. After the side trips, you can head directly to St. Helena for your very first wine tasting at V. Sattui. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46694221', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Napa Valley. 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. 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. Why not spend your day here kayaking on the water? From there, we'll head to Yosemite for 2 days . More than 15-feet of snow has already fallen at the park, and 40 inches of snow fell on the valley floor - elevation 4,000 feet - on Tuesday alone, surpassing the old record of 36 inches for . Better to do fewer things more slowly and savor your experience, than rush around, barely scratching the surface. The options are endless well (limited with time restrictions I suppose) we plan to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Stop #2: Point Reyes National Seashore. youll turn into the park and drive through to the western edge where youll check into your hotel for three nights. 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. a Gray Line customer. 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. 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. 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! SF requires at least 3 nights. United Airlines. However, this is the slowest option. San Francisco & Yosemite Vacation Package Try the Angele Restaurant and Bar, a bistro at the riverfront in a timeworn boathouse that serves French food. Go early to get a parking spot or take the shuttle, which runs four times per day. It was the only port of entry for taxable goods in California. The trail to the grove is a 3 mile round trip with 520 feet of elevation gain. Leave San Francisco at 8am to reach Yosemite by noon. 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. Daily temperature check for all passengers including driver and tour guide. If you are living in or are visiting San Francisco, one of the benefits is your proximity to places like Napa Valley. Here are 4 ways to get to Yosemite from San Francisco that involve a car rental or transportation and tour by a local operator. She loves to travel, read novels, and watch old classes movies. Day 5: Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Purchases are tracked automatically. This region between San Francisco and Sacremento is internationally famous for its wines, which are considered among the best in the world. more. Affiliated to the Alameda County, Berkeley is home to UC Berkeley, which is the world's most famous institutions of higher learning. It has been speculated that it is the most photographed bridge in the world; it's certainly one of the most picturesque. Costa Rica. Leave San Francisco early by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County. It covers an area of 35 square kilometers. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 5. Discover the top eight things to do in these quaint towns from boating to Gold Rush-era experiences. It veers off of Highway 41 onto Route 200 and has an additional three wineries. 13h 14m . Tucked along Hwy. Travelers will then start seeing vineyards and wineries on the rolling hills after passing the Sonoma Raceway. How to Get From San Francisco to Napa Valley: 7 Easy Ways to Visit Wine Its amazing architecture has made it popular for weddings and photography. For you to maximize your day, leave early and work back your travel itinerary so that you can enjoy some quick stops along the way. . Pick several places and dive deep. To reach Napa, you need to get around the north end of the Bay. 7 nights from 3,499 per person. You can purchase some groceries and ready-to-eat items and enjoy them on the stores patio. All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. 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. 60 miles (97 km) from San Francisco, 1 hour 10-minute drive. 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. Looking to recharge? 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. 5 Famous Viewpoints Close to the Road in Yosemite Are there any suggestions for an itinerary? Best Alcatraz Tours combined with San Francisco, Napa, Silicon Valley & Redwoods. (Updated Jan. 2015). With a day to enjoy Napa Valley, you need to get stuck right into the wonderful food and wine of the region. Yosemite has three giant sequoia groves within the park boundaries. 120 on the way to Yosemite, Oakdale holds its heritage close. 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 . There are many picnic spots, beaches and swimming holes dotting the river. Let's Chat. That, in itself is stretching SF very thin, but if you really want to see the Napa Valley, then so be it. Best Way to Get to Napa Valley from San Francisco You can also stop by Oakville Wine Merchant and get some wine per glass. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-43239963', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite. That being said, the most convenient way to travel to wine country is by renting or driving your vehicle. 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. 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. It was also a thriving gold town during the mid 1800s. Breathe in the sweet pine-scented air and dangle your toes in playful mountain rivers. Get Ready to Leave Your Heart From the Golden City, wind your way through unpretentious wine country, orchards and historic towns on this San Francisco to Yosemite road trip. Arrive in Napa Valley and enjoy an included wine tasting, before having lunch at Napa's Oxbow Public Market. For dinner drop in to the Oxbow Public Market, a . San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Sequoia NP, Yosemite NP Lake Tahoe & Napa Valley Explore the best of California on this Northern Cali Loop . Yosemite in a Day Tour From San Francisco. A park ranger vehicle sits near the Big Oak Flat entrance into Yosemite National Park along Hwy 120, on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Dr Knight realized that this stretch of the Stanislaus river made for a favorable crossing serving gold rush towns like Columbia and Sonora. Northern California 7 Days Itinerary from San Francisco - Ocean California Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Reply Subscribe . Please do not book airline tickets until you receive the confirmation. May 3, 2022 Mikaela Ruland. Ages 12+. From there, you can ride the shuttle to many attractions and trailheads in the park. Departing from San Francisco, you can look forward to nature-rich hikes through majestic Yosemite, renowned for its . Before you start planning for your itinerary, it would be good to do a little research about your destination. If you are craving more wine in the afternoon, you can go straight to the Round Pond Estate Winery along Rutherford. Napa Valley symbolizes California's wine country and is considered one of the world's premier wine regions. Afterwards drive to Napa and visit the town. AirBorrn Aviation / Yosemite Airways offers affordable scenic flights with views of El Capitan, Half Dome and more. San Francisco to Napa Valley [BEST Ways to Get There] Explore Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay Maybe I will actually break down and become *a fan* of TA one of these days! Do a tasting at one or two of the nine wineries on thewine trail map. Many companies also offer Napa Valley tours from San Francisco, some with side trips to Muir Woods or other places. The cheapest way to get from San Francisco to Yosemite is by a series of buses and a train. Thanks for all of the great information! Thank you! Patch - Maggie Fusek 6h. (This article contains affiliate links. Any other places we should try to visit? Trips. # of Tastings: Up to 3 stops and wine tastings included in the price. 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. However, if you can hold your hunger and want to have your breakfast in downtown Napa, you can visit The Model Bakery and get the English muffin Oprahs favorite. This breathtaking stretch of coastline along California's Monterey Peninsula takes visitors through a maze of beautiful scenery, unique wildlife, and amazing mansions. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Highlights of San Francisco, Napa Valley and Yosemite Take advantage of the shuttle buses to get around the valley floor. Well You may want to chose what you want to do and see in that short a time. This itinerary includes three stops intended to show you a few interesting things along the way that you otherwise may have missed. National Park Tour. Tour Yosemite Like a Local with Gypsy Guide The biggest "issue" this forum has is people trying to bite off more than they can chew. Multi-Day Yosemite Tours - Tent Cabin Stay. Please see " Departures and Returns" for more info. Thoughts on a few great places to consider? There are very few options to visit Napa from San Francisco. 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. Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California is one of the western United States' most famous and popular tourist spots. People have two options if they want to drive from San Francisco to Napa Valley. If you can snag a camp spot or lodge reservation inside Yosemite Valley, go for it. 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. 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: Where are the California Traveler Articles, Written for Travelers by Travelers? Please note on day 2 there are two optional tours so the fee will be different. Re: San Francisco - Napa Valley - Yosemite? 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. Enquire Now. Northern California: Napa, Lake Tahoe to Yosemite | Travel Nation Need advice on California Road Trip 20 days Itinerary. What was once a lush valley is now a reservoir holding water for the city of San Francisco. But the Parks Service also offers aguided bus tourto Glacier Point. Stay at the Holiday Inn Express Oakdale Hopefully your return flight is late in the day! Yay, we in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Alternatively, you may use. 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. The Napa Valley is a scenic stop when travelling between San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. Nowadays, B&Bs seem to be mostly listed on TripAdvisor under B&Bs -- not so much under Specialty Lodging any longer. Tour the famous landmarks of San Francisco, cross the bay to Muir Woods, and spend a day tasting wine in the Napa and Sonoma . 5:30 p.m. WB I-80 closed due . The fastest way to get from SF to Yosemite is out I580 through Tracy, connecting with Highway 120 in Manteca. We booked a room at the Inn on Randolph! 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. This itinerary is purely a suggestion, and can be tailor-made to your requirements, so please contact us with your dates and requests and well put together a bespoke quotation for you. Northern California Adventure. Learn more about each of these scenic routes into Yosemite, and get some ideas for things to do along the way. NAPA VALLEY, CA . Day 3: San Francisco, Big Basin OR Monterey. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-43240801', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite - Monterey/Carmel. 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. They can either head north across the Golden Gate Bridge out of the city, or they can go first across the Bay Bridge to the east and then continue north. 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). And fall has lovely color and is quieter, but no waterfalls. 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. Whether you're looking for private charter services, a fun family vacation . This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. In addition, there is a food truck stationed by the garden where you can have lunch, but note that they only serve small bites. Joshua - secluded in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Private Wine Tour of Napa and Sonoma, up to 14 people 16 San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran. Is the Avenue of the Giants Worth It After Redwood NP? Or check out Destination Delivery: Have an RV delivered directly to a campground or parking site to camp in style without having to get behind the wheel. There are ten day hikes, swimming, scenic viewpoints and three National Park sponsored tours. Most would suggest 3-4 full days to see SF so if want to add a day trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Yosemite is one of the wonders of Nature. Rent an RV with Outdoorsy Best 2-Day Eco-Friendly Yosemite Vacation Itinerary This morning youll drive south to Yosemite National Park. You can use public transportation to get to Yosemite all year. 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. Be aware that the time of year makes a big difference in Yosemite. Hi. You have 3 full days and about 2 half days. The place is constructed to be like Persepolis, and French wine is the inspiration for their spirits. San Francisco Wine Tour | United States | Gray Line Day 4 from San Francisco to Sonoma and Napa. Three Sonoma and Napa valley tastings. 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. The road trip map below recommends a more circuitous routing that only adds about two extra hours of drive time. Your time here will fly by and by the time you leave youll most likely be planning your next trip! Just north of Sonora is the historic Columbia mining town. Few valleys are as famous around the world as Napa Valley, with its stunning setting and Mediterranean climate. 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. It was one of the countrys most infamous federal prisons. Head over to the Napa valley. 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. 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. Check out our Web Storiesfor more inspiration. It hits up some lovely backroads and tackles both the northern and southern areas of Yosemite. There are also working stores selling authentic-ish goods like sarsaparilla soda, gold rush candies, soaps and more. SF to Yosemite via Highway 120 E. Travel Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes. Best Napa Valley day tours to experience Castello di Amorosa, Sausalito, Napa Factory Outlets and enjoy wine tasting at Napa wineries. 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. City of Berkeley, referred to as Berkeley for short, it's a hilly city on the east coast of the San Francisco bay area. Visit before July if you want to see the waterfalls in their full glory from the snowmelt. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park, Cruise to Alcatraz Island, the infamous prison in San Francisco Bay. Now that you've set your multi-destination itinerary, I suggest you go to the city/destination forum page. If you want to grab a bite, you can go to Ariscault Bakery and get their popular Chocolate Almond Croissant. How to Get From San Francisco to Yosemite National Park - TripSavvy Visit Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley, Cable Car, Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf & more! For the Gold Country part of the itinerary, we recommend the Historic National Hotel in Jamestown or the Lazy Z Resort in Twain Harte. Distance: 176 mi / 283 km Time: 4 hours It is located on the south wall of Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 7214 ft, 3200 ft above Half Dome Village. 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). Napa Valley Wine Train to Yosemite National Park - Rome2rio $(function() { Book Now. 9 Best Stops on a San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip Then post a new question on that forum. It is also the oldest, having been founded in 1868. Next, they will see another sign with two options for Napa. 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. 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. In total, this route takes about two hours. Weekends are more crowded. When its running, you can reach the lower falls from a fairly easy loop trail. Sausalito is north across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. This small group tour takes you from San Francisco to the famed Napa Valley. To do a trip to Yosemite-- wow that is 8 plus hours of driving and too little time to actually see the amazing valley. Explore San Francisco before heading inland to sample Northern California's amazing food and wines on this epic adventure en route to Yosemite. Go, Admission (Optional): Adult $40; Child (Under 21 yrs, without Wine Tasting) $40|Duration: Approx. 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. Suggested Overnights: Crescent City, Eureka, Benbow, Mendocino, Santa Rosa. The Yosemite Falls tumble down in three separate sections. It never quite became a ghost town, which is why some of the on-site buildings managed to survive. Meet awesome people! 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. Top 4 Ways to get from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park: San Francisco To Yosemite Road Trip. The American Society of Civil Engineers considers the Golden Gate Bridge one of the wonders of the modern world. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Take this itinerary north from, Or just hang out in SF and visit a few of the local.