Hi. San Francisco to Napa Valley [BEST Ways to Get There] We will mark (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Yosemite National Park is enormous so with two days to explore youre never going to see all of it, which means you need to plan wisely. This trip is a great way to experience California at its best! 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. 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. Nine days is a reasonable length of time for this itinerary. Another option is to enjoy a bit of the coast north of . From the Golden Gate Bridge, you have two options. Hello! Before saying goodbye to Napa, you can stop by numerous restaurants to have dinner. This itinerary includes three stops intended to show you a few interesting things along the way that you otherwise may have missed. 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. 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. Stop #1: Marin Headlands & Mount Tamalpais State Park. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-43239749', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Francisco in November. In addition to being the tallest waterfall in North America, the Yosemite Falls are the seventh-tallest in the world. Sign Me Up. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park, Cruise to Alcatraz Island, the infamous prison in San Francisco Bay. Consider these tips for making your Yosemite trip from San Francisco as smooth as possible. Route. California National Parks Road Trip Itinerary | Yosemite Road Trip Napa Valley comprises several regions, and the notable wine places are Napa, Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, and Yountville. Why The Napa Valley Is One Of The World's Premier Wine Regions. 13 Gems in Mariposa Countys Gold Rush Towns Yosemite National Park is stunning covered in snow 15 San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard GoCar Tour. Whether you're looking for private charter services, a fun family vacation . Just north of Sonora is the historic Columbia mining town. This tiny snowflake, and unfathomable numbers of its companions, water two-thirds of California. It is also the oldest, having been founded in 1868. In fact, if you tried that, you'd probably end up in the San Francisco Bay. This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream American road trip. RELATED: The 10 Best Napa Wineries For First-Timers To Visit. You can drive yourself up to Glacier Point, which is a lovely, popular overlook in the park.. There are various options to reach Napa Valley from San Francisco. FAQ: Yanks drive on the wrong side of the road. A park ranger vehicle sits near the Big Oak Flat entrance into Yosemite National Park along Hwy 120, on Thursday, February 23, 2023. 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. Monterey was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. 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 into the Valley meanders along the Merced River. AirBorrn Aviation / Yosemite Airways offers affordable scenic flights with views of El Capitan, Half Dome and more. Driving From San Francisco To Napa Valley. When you make it to Yosemite, be sure to visit the Hetch Hetchy area, where less than 1% of park visitors ever venture. The Napa Valley is a scenic stop when travelling between San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. High up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a snowflake falls. It has been speculated that it is the most photographed bridge in the world; it's certainly one of the most picturesque. The Giving Trees Until Highway 121 dead ends, travelers shall turn left to drive towards the Napa wineries on the highway. From either location, you can avoid summer traffic hassle in Yosemite valley by catching theYarts busright from town. Read their Top Questions and any relevant threads (just 'lurk' on other threads; don't add your questions.) Let's Chat. 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. We've been offering travelers a safe, eco-friendly, reliable way to connect with nature since 1993. How To Get To Yosemite | Getting To Yosemite Mariposa County We arrive at SFO at 2pm on Wednesday, May 8 and leave SFO at 2pm on Sunday, May 12. There are lodging suggestions for these towns in the article. The state park is really fun for families as they offer docents in period attire, stagecoach rides and panning for gold. The region houses one of the most important reservoirs storing and serving drinking water to northern California. 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. Find more about her work at www.auninditabhatia.com. 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. Ten minutes on Highway 37, they will head north on Highway 121. For its part, Yosemite Valley tallied 40 inches of snow Tuesday alone. Even those living next door in the Bay Area should consider spending the night in accommodation surrounded by vineyards. 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 . you have 7 days to see 4 places and you want to add more? 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. http://www.weather.com has weather info. A Tale of Two Lodges, Evergreen and Rush Creek Napa to Yosemite Valley - 6 ways to travel via train, night - Rome2rio It was one of the countrys most infamous federal prisons. Meet awesome people! Driving along Conzelman Road provides a shorter scenic detour. Please note that the Tioga Pass doesnt get plowed and is closed in the winter. Spring has the best waterfalls, but will also still have snow on the ground. Explore the city at your own pace before heading across the Golden Gate Bridge on the way to Napa Valley. FAQ: Where are the California Traveler Articles, Written for Travelers by Travelers? This granite cliff on the north side of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park is world-famous as a challenge for rock climbers. The Perfect San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip 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. Length: 10 hours. Whatever you end up doing, we know youll love your time in Lake Tahoe. 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. 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. Which means one spot is getting one night which isn't much time when you consider what time you might arrive and the time you have to leave the next day. From San Francisco to Yosemite: 5 Best Ways to Get There Moderate. 45 Minutes, Ask a Question Yosemite & Napa Valley. Merced is Yosemites smallest grove of giant sequoia, but its also the most secluded and its worth putting in the effort to visit. Can I adjust? 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. Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, is included on your e-ticket. If you take the train inland, youll pass through one of the countrys most productive agricultural regions. 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. Tucked along Hwy. A trip through wine country will take you through the valley's many quaint towns like Napa, Yountville, and Calistoga, any of which would make a lovely place to stay. Napa, as well as Oak Knoll and Yountville. Napa Valley Wine Train to Yosemite National Park - Rome2rio Most would suggest 3-4 full days to see SF so if want to add a day trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can purchase some groceries and ready-to-eat items and enjoy them on the stores patio. Take the bus from Merced Transpo to Yosemite Valley Visitors Center. They operated a ferry until 1852, and then they built the bridge, which is the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi. 4-Day Los Angeles to Universal Studio Hollywood, Seaworld . Historic Sonoma Plaza lunch break. If you are looking for an overnight stop I would recommend one of two options. Hand sanitizer and sanitize wipes will be provided on tour bus. The Mariposa grove is the largest in the park and is conveniently located just 10 miles from Fish Camp. 13h 14m . The point offers a superb view . Distance: 176 mi / 283 km Time: 4 hours 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. 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. 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. Re: San Francisco - Napa Valley - Yosemite? This breathtaking stretch of coastline along California's Monterey Peninsula takes visitors through a maze of beautiful scenery, unique wildlife, and amazing mansions. 12-15 People. Suggested Days: 4-6. Supermarket recommendations in Santa Monica? Stop #4: Jenner. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Try the Angele Restaurant and Bar, a bistro at the riverfront in a timeworn boathouse that serves French food. When its running, you can reach the lower falls from a fairly easy loop trail. San Francisco, Yosemite, & Napa. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. This means that if you choose to purchase, Ill make a small commission.). www.outdoorsy.com. Today we will gather in San Francisco. 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. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. Stop #3: Bodega Bay. It is located on the south wall of Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 7214 ft, 3200 ft above Half Dome Village. Happy trails! Napa to Yosemite National Park - 6 ways to travel via train - Rome2rio 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. Convenient SF hotel pickup and drop off. var obj = document.getElementById("2527080060dates_range_end"); 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. The biggest "issue" this forum has is people trying to bite off more than they can chew. See, touch, discover, and learn about the fascinating marine life of the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters. With a day to enjoy Napa Valley, you need to get stuck right into the wonderful food and wine of the region. 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. Stanford University is recognized as one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions. The cheapest way to get from San Francisco to Yosemite is by a series of buses and a train. Tracy Barbutes/Special to The Chronicle Show More Show . What was once a lush valley is now a reservoir holding water for the city of San Francisco. FAQ: When to Tip and How much? When she's not writing, she spends time with her two beautiful and naughty sons. Travelers can choose from stopping at the Yosemite Valley Lodge or the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. San Francisco To Napa Valley: How To Plan The Perfect Day - TheTravel You can usually find more choice and less expensive room inventory just outside of the valley. Health monitoring within 14 days from the tour end for all passengers including driver and tour guide. What makes a vacation memorable is not only the destination but also the trip along the way. Continue north through wine country stopping in Healdsburg for wine tasting and a meal. Daily temperature check for all passengers including driver and tour guide. Hopefully your return flight is late in the day!. I would cut one place out . It began operation way back in 1881, so Oakville Grocery is known to be the oldest Californian grocery store in operation. These services are mostly used by workday commuters and the number of trips they make per day is fewer on weekends, especially on Sundays. Looking to recharge? 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. Prices vary, depending on where they go and how big the tour group is. Thanks for all of the great information! Next, they should continue their drive over a second bridge on Interstate 80 and through Vallejo. - Many companies also offer Napa Valley tours from San Francisco, some with side trips to Muir Woods or other places. youll turn into the park and drive through to the western edge where youll check into your hotel for three nights. Now that you've set your multi-destination itinerary, I suggest you go to the city/destination forum page. People have two options if they want to drive from San Francisco to Napa Valley. Where to see Superbloom Sunday (March 5th) near Los Angeles? Heres how it works. Napa Valley tours & tour packages to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone, Antelope Canyon. 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. A mass of shimmering blue-green water, Lake Tahoe is a highlight of any trip to Northern California. California Dreaming: From Yosemite National Park to Napa and Sonoma Valley. But consider taking a beat and doing the San Francisco to Yosemite road trip at a slower pace.