http://www.weather.com has weather info. Day 4 from San Francisco to Sonoma and Napa. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Tour Yosemite Like a Local with Gypsy Guide Here are four top things for you to add to your must-do list. Besides enjoying the valley's wine, gastronomy, and hospitality, there are a number of attractions that may be interesting if you're looking for something else to do. }); A Tale of Two Lodges, Evergreen and Rush Creek (This article contains affiliate links. 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. 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. Discover the top eight things to do in these quaint towns from boating to Gold Rush-era experiences. Take the bus from Merced Transpo to Yosemite Valley Visitors Center. Break for Modesto 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. It is located near the geographical center of the Nevada mountain range. 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. 14 San Francisco: Muir Woods Redwoods and Wine Country Tour. 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. The status of Napa Valley as a premier wine-tasting destination is fairly new. Check the Forest Service site before you go as there are occasional closures due to weather and downed trees. Train operators. You'll tour three of the regions noteworthy wineries with a stop for lunch in Calistoga (lunch not included in the price). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Witness the stunning scenes of California's Wine Country as you travel past sun-dappled fields . Day 2 : San Francisco - Napa. The relatively low elevation of Hetch Hetchy means that it offers a long hiking season. The American Society of Civil Engineers considers the Golden Gate Bridge one of the wonders of the modern world. Go on Thursday, not on the weekend. more. Thanks for all of the input! Well You may want to chose what you want to do and see in that short a time. Prices are subject to change without prior notice. On arrival in San Francisco you will make your own way into the city and check into your hotel for one night. 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. # of Tastings: Up to 3 stops and wine tastings included in the price. Stop #4: Jenner. Getting from San Francisco to Yosemite Valley-where a lot of the magic and action takes place-will take about 3 hours and 45 minutes (186 miles). Be aware that the time of year makes a big difference in Yosemite. On this road trip, youll trace the snowflakes route backwards. Best 2-Day Eco-Friendly Yosemite Vacation Itinerary Oct 05 2022. Day 10: Depart from San Francisco. Public transport like trains or buses have no routes for Napa Valley, and your only affordable option is to book a guided tour. For dinner drop in to the Oxbow Public Market, a . Our advice: dont try to do it all. This morning youll drive south to Yosemite National Park. Driving From San Francisco To Napa Valley. After spending the day enjoying San Francisco, youll drive to Napa Valley, just an hour out of the city where you will check into your hotel for two nights. How long you spend in the Napa Valley really depends on your interest in wine. Visitors can stroll through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels featuring over 20,000 marine animals. 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. SF-(ta && ta.queueForLoad ? SF to Yosemite via Highway 120 E. Travel Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes. Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, is included on your e-ticket. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. 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? Make sure you take the cable car down to visit the sea-lions at Pier 39 on Fishermans Wharf before jumping on a boat over to Alcatraz Island where you can learn about the prisons history. Dont leave Yosemite without visiting theMariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. If you are looking for an overnight stop I would recommend one of two options. Monterey was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. Dont assume that youll have mobile coverage, so cache maps, trail maps and this article. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Enjoy a multi-day tour of the stunning attractions in Yosemite that includes accommodation in our cozy tent cabins! Here are 4 ways to get to Yosemite from San Francisco that involve a car rental or transportation and tour by a local operator. Aunindita Bhatia is a professional content writer based in India. Stop #3: Bodega Bay. The options are endless well (limited with time restrictions I suppose) we plan to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Expert guides. Any other places we should try to visit? Typically one needs 2-3 days in SF and at least 2 in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 13h 14m . It was the only port of entry for taxable goods in California. Most would suggest 3-4 full days to see SF so if want to add a day trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Just north of Sonora is the historic Columbia mining town. On this trip, you'll head into the wilderness of Yosemite National Park before a vino-tasting tour through the finest fine wine country in the US. Take advantage of the shuttle buses to get around the valley floor. Costa Rica. Want more redwoods? An A+ company rated by BBB; Chat with us! Visitors can tour many of the more than four hundred vineyards and wineries that dot the area. A park ranger vehicle sits near the Big Oak Flat entrance into Yosemite National Park along Hwy 120, on Thursday, February 23, 2023. 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. My wife and I are planning a quick stop in this region. The region houses one of the most important reservoirs storing and serving drinking water to northern California. From the San Francisco Airport to Yosemite National Park is about 200 miles. Learn More. Learn more about each of these scenic routes into Yosemite, and get some ideas for things to do along the way. 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. Napa proper tends to be extremely crowded in peak season, and that . Newly Built Modern Estate Compound In Napa Valley: $14M. You can also stop by Oakville Wine Merchant and get some wine per glass. 3 Day Yosemite Camping Adventure From San Francisco. 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. Check Major Road Closures in CA via this official Map. United Airlines. Travelers can choose from stopping at the Yosemite Valley Lodge or the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Mirror Lake Trail Loop: 5 miles. They will then follow the Interstate 80 - Berkeley/ Sacramento signs. But the Parks Service also offers aguided bus tourto Glacier Point. - A mass of shimmering blue-green water, Lake Tahoe is a highlight of any trip to Northern California. Tour bus will be fully sanitize after each day of service. 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. Napa Valley is one of the world's top wine-growing regions and rivals the traditional regions of France and Italy. a Gray Line customer. From Vallejo, connect to the Napa Valley VINE bus system Route 10, which can take you all the way to Calistoga. When you make it to Yosemite, be sure to visit the Hetch Hetchy area, where less than 1% of park visitors ever venture. . First stop will be the valley, where the visitor centre and a couple of hotels sit in the imposing shadow of El Capitan, a favourite of rock climbers from all over the world. United States - Yosemite to San Fran or Napa Valley - After leaving Yosemite , we are headed towards Napa Valley . From there, you can ride the shuttle to many attractions and trailheads in the park. Take advantage of all of them for some sensational views. Enjoy a day in San Francisco. This region between San Francisco and Sacremento is internationally famous for its wines, which are considered among the best in the world. If you can snag a camp spot or lodge reservation inside Yosemite Valley, go for it. There is also an alternative wine trail called theYosemite Sierra trail. There are ten day hikes, swimming, scenic viewpoints and three National Park sponsored tours. Go early to get a parking spot or take the shuttle, which runs four times per day. Based in Napa Valley, Jess has extensively covered California wine country for numerous national . They lived in this area for 8,000 years and used the site as a meeting place. The University of California at Berkeley is the flagship branch of the University of California system. This granite cliff on the north side of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park is world-famous as a challenge for rock climbers. There are numerous pull-outs on the southern side of the road. Meanwhile, 2910 Spring Mountain Road includes 30 acres, of which . One that allows them to stay on Highway 29 and takes them to the region's western side, and another that will take them along the valley's eastern end on Highway 121 Napa. Check out our Web Storiesfor more inspiration. If so, do some price comparison shopping atRentalcars.com. There is, of course, the town of Napa, as well as Oak Knoll and Yountville, all of which provide lively social centers with shops and attractions. To see Napa from a different perspective, try a horseback riding tour or hop aboard a hot air balloon. These services are mostly used by workday commuters and the number of trips they make per day is fewer on weekends, especially on Sundays. Your first stop is at Muir Woods National Monument, aka the Forest Moon of Endor, for a hike among the redwoods. The previous record was 40 degrees on Feb. 24 in 1891. This is one of the most dramatic scenic drives in California. Purchases are tracked automatically. AirBorrn Aviation / Yosemite Airways offers affordable scenic flights with views of El Capitan, Half Dome and more. Suggested Overnights: Crescent City, Eureka, Benbow, Mendocino, Santa Rosa. Enquire Now. If you can still hold your alcohol for one more tasting before returning to San Francisco, you can make a quick stop in Napa to visit Darioush. The Greyhound Bus service from San Francisco to Yosemite appeals to budget-conscious travelers. They can head to the city of Napa next or follow this road for wine tasting. She has written for Thethings, Babygaga, Thetravel, and Therichest. Nowadays, B&Bs seem to be mostly listed on TripAdvisor under B&Bs -- not so much under Specialty Lodging any longer. Enjoy shopping and dining along the way in addition to taking in the vistas. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The grandiosely-named Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, California is a huge, ornate outdoor structure that is part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. 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). It's not exactly cheap and, surprisingly, wine is not included unless you opt for a special package, but it is a luxury experience and the only way to see Napa by rail. You can usually find more choice and less expensive room inventory just outside of the valley. The 1-hour ride travels through logging country in a restored historic train. V. Sattui is a family-owned winery, and its wines are only sold on-site, so it is not available anywhere else. It hits up some lovely backroads and tackles both the northern and southern areas of Yosemite. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. I will admit that this Travel Forum is good. Alcatraz & Muir Woods Tour Package . They operated a ferry until 1852, and then they built the bridge, which is the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi. 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. Rent an RV with Outdoorsy Please see " Departures and Returns" for more info. Bus fare for a one-way trip to Calistoga is as low as $3. The drive to Yosemite from San Francisco is only about 3 hours and 20 minutes. If you are craving more wine in the afternoon, you can go straight to the Round Pond Estate Winery along Rutherford. One day is not enough to really experience Napa Valley, and visitors should consider staying in accommodation for a night or two surrounded by the vineyards. Please post your review to earn 100 points. If you have kids, make a slight detour to the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield and take the tour. 1 of 2. From $277.00. 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. Napa Valley is renowned for quality wine and excellent food and is always worth a stop. The falls process the most water during the springtime. Stanford University is recognized as one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions. People can enjoy the iconic and breathtaking views as they cross the historic bridge. In 1986, the Tunnel View became a National Historic Place. 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. Before saying goodbye to Napa, you can stop by numerous restaurants to have dinner. Vernal & Nevada Falls trail: 4-10 miles. Napa Valley tours & tour packages to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone, Antelope Canyon. When she's not writing, she spends time with her two beautiful and naughty sons. The Sunny Side of the Bay Park your car in a Yosemite gateway town and take the YARTS bus into Yosemite Valley. Convenient SF hotel pickup and drop off. Stop #2: Point Reyes National Seashore. south of San Francisco, around Santa Barbara, and lots more. RELATED: Check Out These Hidden Gems In Napa Valley. Thank you! Tracy Barbutes/Special to The Chronicle Show More Show . 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. The place is constructed to be like Persepolis, and French wine is the inspiration for their spirits. The Yosemite Falls tumble down in three separate sections. Rent a bike and cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge for iconic views, Discover world class wines in the Napa Valley, Drive past the bizarre Mono Lake - a soda lake full of strange salt formations, Lake Tahoe is a highlight of any trip to Northern California, Plan your Yosemite National Park visit wisely. If you're in the mood for a little rest and relaxation, Napa Valley is also home to many of the best spas in California and it's here where you can get an authentic Calistoga mud bath. 45 Minutes, Ask a Question Take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) from San Francisco on the Richmond line. 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. Take this itinerary north from, Or just hang out in SF and visit a few of the local. 1 night San Francisco; 2 nights Napa Valley; 2 nights Lake Tahoe; 3 nights Yosemite Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco. See complete details at the, Free upgrade to bus first 3 rows seating, subject to availability, All domestic ground transportation via air-conditioned vehicle. Three Sonoma and Napa valley tastings. Route. $25 $20 $15 $10 $5 30 20 10 0. The region is a popular daytrip from the Bay Area, but it doesn't have just one destination. 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. --, I would suggest not having a car for SF but renting it for the day to go to Napa Valley. 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. Also, will the weather be unpleasant this time of year? Over 800 5-star reviews. This lovely Italian-style vineyard is located up in the hills just west of Sonora. 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. You'll experience exquisite vineyards, enchanting forests and gigantic redwoods . To do a trip to Yosemite-- wow that is 8 plus hours of driving and too little time to actually see the amazing valley. Leave San Francisco at 8am to reach Yosemite by noon. 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. 5. Any and all suggestions are appreciated. you have 7 days to see 4 places and you want to add more? Happy trails! 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 . There are lodging suggestions for these towns in the article. From San Franciscos shores, decide whether to visit Yosemite by rail or car. There is travel time involved as well. 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. 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. Depending on what time your flight arrives you could get out and explore, so why not head to the harbour for a bowl of . Here's what to know about each of the two options. Wineries in Napa Valley open at 10 AM. Highlights of San Francisco, Napa Valley and Yosemite. 120 on the way to Yosemite, Oakdale holds its heritage close.