They lived in this area for 8,000 years and used the site as a meeting place. That surpassed a record of 36 inches for Feb. 28, set in 1969, spokesperson Scott Gediman confirmed to the San Francisco . 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. This place is famous for its laid-back atmosphere as well as its great outdoor area. Typically one needs 2-3 days in SF and at least 2 in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Nile House, Nile Street, Brighton, BN1 1HW, United Kingdom, Exc. 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. 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. 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). Departing from San Francisco, you can look forward to nature-rich hikes through majestic Yosemite, renowned for its . Take this itinerary north from, Or just hang out in SF and visit a few of the local. Springtime temperatures hover around a pleasant 70 . If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Tuolumnes Top 8 on the Edge of Yosemite Explore Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay Head over to the Napa valley. youll turn into the park and drive through to the western edge where youll check into your hotel for three nights. Napa Valley is one of the world's top wine-growing regions and rivals the traditional regions of France and Italy. Thread Tools Search this Thread Jun 23rd, 2009, 06:29 PM #1 ncsuchemist2002. SF requires at least 3 nights. National Park Tour. Day 8: Napa Valley. Newly Built Modern Estate Compound In Napa Valley: $14M. The Napa Valley is a scenic stop when travelling between San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. 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. During the summer months, there are four entrances to Yosemite National Park. And fall has lovely color and is quieter, but no waterfalls. It is also the oldest, having been founded in 1868. On arrival in San Francisco you will make your own way into the city and check into your hotel for one night. From the Golden City, wind your way through unpretentious wine country, orchards and historic towns on this San Francisco to Yosemite road trip. After the side trips, you can head directly to St. Helena for your very first wine tasting at V. Sattui. Which ones have you tried? 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. FAQ: Where are the Coastal Redwoods in California (added Oct 2013). Monthly average prices. Accommodations planning: 2 nights in San Francisco, 2 nights in Monterey, 2 nights in . Go early to get a parking spot or take the shuttle, which runs four times per day. 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. For the Gold Country part of the itinerary, we recommend the Historic National Hotel in Jamestown or the Lazy Z Resort in Twain Harte. That, in itself is stretching SF very thin, but if you really want to see the Napa Valley, then so be it. 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. Yosemite has deep snowfall in the winter with many roads closed for the season while summer sees blue skies and lots of tourists. Similar Tours. If you want to grab a bite, you can go to Ariscault Bakery and get their popular Chocolate Almond Croissant. Read what other travelers think about this tour. The trail to the grove is a 3 mile round trip with 520 feet of elevation gain. Oct 05 2022. To do a trip to Yosemite -- wow that is 8 plus hours of driving and too little time to actually see the amazing valley. 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. 13 Gems in Mariposa Countys Gold Rush Towns Aerial view of hot air balloon flying over green Napa Valley, San Francisco To Napa Valley: How To Plan The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary, The Trip From San Francisco To Napa Valley, What Driving From San Francisco To Napa Valley Is All About, Why Napa Valley Is Such A Famous Eco-Destination, your proximity to places like Napa Valley, The 10 Best Napa Wineries For First-Timers To Visit, Check Out These Hidden Gems In Napa Valley, It is branded as one of the best California tasting sites, wineries of Napa Valley rival the Old World wine regions, something to do in Napa Valley any month of the year. How long is the drive from Napa to Yosemite National Park?. 5 Famous Viewpoints Close to the Road in Yosemite My husband and I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Tucked along Hwy. (This article contains affiliate links. The National Weather Service says San Francisco's low of 39 degrees on Friday is a new record low for this day. Distance: 176 mi / 283 km Time: 4 hours How long you spend in the Napa Valley really depends on your interest in wine. 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. The road trip map below recommends a more circuitous routing that only adds about two extra hours of drive time. Wineries in Napa Valley open at 10 AM. That being said, the most convenient way to travel to wine country is by renting or driving your vehicle. The tour includes El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View, and Glacier Point. Monterey was the capital of Alta California under both Spain and Mexico. 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. South Bay - the tech capital! Even those living next door in the Bay Area should consider spending the night in accommodation surrounded by vineyards. Before you start planning for your itinerary, it would be good to do a little research about your destination. If you're driving, it takes between four and seven hours, depending on the route you choose and the traffic intensity. People have two options if they want to drive from San Francisco to Napa Valley. Alcatraz & San Francisco Combo Tour. Yosemites natural wonders make it a very popular park, for both Californians and visitors. - From either location, you can avoid summer traffic hassle in Yosemite valley by catching theYarts busright from town. 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. Aunindita Bhatia is a professional content writer based in India. 14 San Francisco: Muir Woods Redwoods and Wine Country Tour. 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. 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. The Yosemite 1-day private tour is limited to the Yosemite Valley sights and attractions, which represent only 1% of the Yosemite National Park . The fastest way to get from SF to Yosemite is out I580 through Tracy, connecting with Highway 120 in Manteca. 5. 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. Sign Me Up. Reply Apr 24th . Spring has the best waterfalls, but will also still have snow on the ground. Five stars: The wines and vineyards were excellent--a wonderful introduction to Napa and Sonoma wine country--but Greg, our driver and tour guide, made the tour exceptional. Napa Valley tours & tour packages to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone, Antelope Canyon. Nowadays, B&Bs seem to be mostly listed on TripAdvisor under B&Bs -- not so much under Specialty Lodging any longer. Joshua - secluded in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? With a day to enjoy Napa Valley, you need to get stuck right into the wonderful food and wine of the region. Day 5: Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea. (And the next one on this list about visiting the Giant Redwoods too). 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. Multi-Day Yosemite Tours - Tent Cabin Stay. There are lodging suggestions for these towns in the article. The status of Napa Valley as a premier wine-tasting destination is fairly new. If you are planning a day trip to Napa Valley, this itinerary will help you get the most out of your time going to and arriving at wine country. 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. Health monitoring within 14 days from the tour end for all passengers including driver and tour guide. Daily temperature check for all passengers including driver and tour guide. It was the only port of entry for taxable goods in California. Based in Napa Valley, Jess has extensively covered California wine country for numerous national . It covers an area of 35 square kilometers. However, if you think that you have already had your fill of wine for the day, you can go to Oakville for your next stop and drop by the Oakville Grocery. Any other places we should try to visit? Tracy Barbutes/Special to The Chronicle Show More Show . 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. Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco Photo: Getty Images. 4-Day San Francisco to Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Barstow Outlet and Yosemite National Park Tour - LA OUT $725.00 $688.75. 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. Amtrak. 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. 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. Leave San Francisco at 8am to reach Yosemite by noon. 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. FAQ: RVing in California: Is it Right for you? Heres how it works. Yosemite National Park has nearly 1,200 square miles of towering granite, alpine lakes and ancient sequoia trees. 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). Original Poster . The routes from San Francisco to Yosemite's valley floor takes you through California's Central Valley and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. They also have French food, and the ambiance gives you that warm, rustic Italian vibe. You can usually find more choice and less expensive room inventory just outside of the valley. 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. 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. This granite cliff on the north side of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park is world-famous as a challenge for rock climbers. It is known for its moderate climate, natural environment, coastline, redwood forests, alternative community lifestyles and socially liberal leanings. Can I adjust? This article was expanded with more information about Napa Valley and suggestions to make more of a day trip of visiting Napa Valley. 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. A one-way adult ticket on the ferry costs about $15, but there are discounts for children and senior citizens age 65 and up. 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. If you can snag a camp spot or lodge reservation inside Yosemite Valley, go for it. Wine taste in Napa & Sonoma with an excursion in the giant sequoias of Muir Woods, San Francisco's stunning Coastal Redwood Forest. 7 nights from 3,499 per person. Signing up for a guided tour is usually the lowest-priced way to tour Napa Valley, but you may be stuck in a crowd of 30 people or more and won't have any choices about where you go or when you stop. Guests should meet our tour guide in front of the Information Center at Terminal 2 for transfer to the hotel. The 1-hour ride travels through logging country in a restored historic train. 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. When she's not writing, she spends time with her two beautiful and naughty sons. On this road trip, youll trace the snowflakes route backwards. Looking to recharge? Though the options in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are also working stores selling authentic-ish goods like sarsaparilla soda, gold rush candies, soaps and more. 13h 14m . 12-15 People. (* Last name will not be published). 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. 17 San Francisco: Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket. Napa Valley consists of five different towns and cities. What is best way to fit Yosemite into San Francisco to Las Vegas drive (i am planning to complete the 7 day trip on this site to get from SF to LV including Bridgeport and Death Valley but not sure best way to include Yosemite into the trip). But the Parks Service also offers aguided bus tourto Glacier Point. V. Sattui is a family-owned winery, and its wines are only sold on-site, so it is not available anywhere else. I recently published an extended guide to planning Redwoods road trips that includes this itinerary in greater detail. . Sacramento. Witness the stunning scenes of California's Wine Country as you travel past sun-dappled fields . Dont leave Yosemite without visiting theMariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. See the Most Controversial Spot in Yosemite near the Hetch Hetchy Entrance By car, journey through towns like Livermore where youll find a laidback wine region, with grapes nourished by that snowflake. We arrive at SFO at 2pm on Wednesday, May 8 and leave SFO at 2pm on Sunday, May 12. That being said, the most convenient way to travel to wine country is by renting or driving your vehicle. You can drive yourself up to Glacier Point, which is a lovely, popular overlook in the park.. 1 Hour, Admission (Optional): Adult $32; Child (2-12 yrs) $25; Senior (Over 65 yrs) Free|Duration: Approx. . 1 night San Francisco; 2 nights Napa Valley; 2 nights Lake Tahoe; 3 nights Yosemite Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco. Find more information at www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/oakdale/oklca/hoteldetail, Highway 120 (Big Oak and Hetch Hetchy entrances). Enjoy a day in San Francisco. From there, you can walk to the Iron Horse Parkway bus stop and catch the SmaRT BART . Coastal Redwood forest stroll. Mandatory Fee (pay the fee in cash to the tour guide): $115 per passenger including Cable Car, San Francisco in-depth tour, Berkeley University, Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley/17 Miles/Stanford University transportation fee and fuel surcharge. 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'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. The Yosemite Falls tumble down in three separate sections. We will mark (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A mass of shimmering blue-green water, Lake Tahoe is a highlight of any trip to Northern California. You climb through pine forest into the craggy granite tippy top of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite is one of the wonders of Nature. Visitors can tour many of the more than four hundred vineyards and wineries that dot the area. Stop #4: Jenner. The Mariposa grove is the largest in the park and is conveniently located just 10 miles from Fish Camp. 15 San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard GoCar Tour. Ten minutes in, they will turn right, where there will be a sign reading " State Route 121/Napa/Sonoma." This breathtaking stretch of coastline along California's Monterey Peninsula takes visitors through a maze of beautiful scenery, unique wildlife, and amazing mansions. Check Major Road Closures in CA via this official Map. NAPA VALLEY, CA . 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. 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. Read More: If you are keen on mining history, check out this article onCalifornia ghost towns. Want to Avoid Traffic and Parking inside Yosemite? Best Napa Valley day tours to experience Castello di Amorosa, Sausalito, Napa Factory Outlets and enjoy wine tasting at Napa wineries. Expert guides. 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're going on a road trip from Napa to Yosemite National Park, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with San Francisco, San Jose, the Mill Valley, Palo . 120 on the way to Yosemite, Oakdale holds its heritage close. SF-(ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Get a free Yosemite National Park trip planner with inspiring itineraries and essential information. Visit before July if you want to see the waterfalls in their full glory from the snowmelt. Public transport like trains or buses have no routes for Napa Valley, and your only affordable option is to book a guided tour. 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. It outlines specific things to do in colder weather, including hikes, scenic viewpoints and tours. Prices as travel date approaches. FAQ: Yanks drive on the wrong side of the road. Our San Francisco and Yosemite Vacation package includes five nights accommodations and multiple guided group tours. In the winter this is Californias most popular ski resort but in the summer it is a great place to enjoy the lake. If you are from out of the areas, check out this advice for finding theclosest airport to Yosemite. It is the home of Vista Point, the Marine Mammal Center, and beautiful views of San Francisco Bay. 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. Families traveling with kids may enjoy kid-friendly activities like Safari West, a wildlife compound, and Castello di Amorosa, a big castle with a spooky dungeon that kids will get a kick out of. That's when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $14 - the lowest of the year. Each section suggests four things to do. But if you are trying to do the drive in 4 days, youll need to prioritize whats important to you. Goes to Mirror Lake and then continues along a flat-ish loop back into the valley. Now that you've set your multi-destination itinerary, I suggest you go to the city/destination forum page. Text Us. This place requires reservations, so you should plan accordingly. Better to do fewer things more slowly and savor your experience, than rush around, barely scratching the surface. The distance depends upon the season and whether or not you want to cover both falls. Do this road trip in a rental RV to stay close to nature. Start your trip with a visit to the world-famous, Yosemite National Park. Take advantage of the shuttle buses to get around the valley floor. Continue north through wine country stopping in Healdsburg for wine tasting and a meal. Ages 12+. Next, they should continue their drive over a second bridge on Interstate 80 and through Vallejo. My wife and I are planning a quick stop in this region. Happy trails! 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. United States - Yosemite to San Fran or Napa Valley - After leaving Yosemite , we are headed towards Napa Valley . a Gray Line customer. Weekends are more crowded. Pick several places and dive deep. Start: San Francisco. The University of California at Berkeley is the flagship branch of the University of California system. Take the bus from Merced Transpo to Yosemite Valley Visitors Center. Visit Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley, Cable Car, Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf & more! Day 1: San Francisco to Wine Country. People can enjoy the iconic and breathtaking views as they cross the historic bridge. Call US 7 days a week from 8AM to Midnight ET 1-800-430-0484; ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-43240801', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite - Monterey/Carmel. $25 $20 $15 $10 $5 30 20 10 0. All passengers above age of 16 who want to join the tour need to be fully vaccinated with vaccination record card proven. From there, you can ride the shuttle to many attractions and trailheads in the park. Best Budget Tour: Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour from San Francisco. From San Francisco to Yosemite by Bus Yosemite Valley. Where to see Superbloom Sunday (March 5th) near Los Angeles? 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. . Are there any suggestions for an itinerary? Thanks for all of the great information! On your Yosemite adventure,listen to an entertaining guide in your car. All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. Prices vary, depending on where they go and how big the tour group is. The state park is really fun for families as they offer docents in period attire, stagecoach rides and panning for gold. 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. Afterwards drive to Napa and visit the town. The latter will allow travelers to drive the Silverado Trail and witness various wineries such as Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Clos du Val, and Silverado Vineyards. The previous record was 40 degrees on Feb. 24 in 1891. This is one of the most dramatic scenic drives in California. 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. Its best tobook aheadfor the train. Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Coastal Redwoods Road Trip. HomepageAboutBlog ArchiveWork with UsPrivacy PolicyContact Us. 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. Please post your review to earn 100 points. This amazing experience kicks off in the city by the bay; San Francisco. In total, this route takes about two hours. If not Yosemite, we are considering Muir Woods Any insight would be greatly appreciated! 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. United Airlines. Enquire Now. San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Sequoia NP, Yosemite NP Lake Tahoe & Napa Valley Explore the best of California on this Northern Cali Loop . It seems that options are all over the place. 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. One hundred years after flooding Hetch Hetchy Valley, central Californias water struggles have only intensified. Learn before you go by checking out our article on. 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. There is a ton to do in Yosemite valley. Depending on what time your flight arrives you could get out and explore, so why not head to the harbour for a bowl of . Trips. 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. Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. 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. She has written for Thethings, Babygaga, Thetravel, and Therichest. $(function() { It sits over the Stanislaus river and there are some nice hiking trails on the north side and tons of picnic tables on the south side. Spring is also an excellent time of year to visit neighboring wine country and sip some vino. For dinner drop in to the Oxbow Public Market, a . Convenient SF hotel pickup and drop off. 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. But youll want to book these lodgings way in advance. You can get from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park in around 3 to 3 hours and 30 minutes, and the two most conventional routes cover 165 and 200 miles, respectively.