The top can also be reached by taking a hiking trail out of Yosemite Valley. Take advantage of the shuttle buses to get around the valley floor. The tour includes El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View, and Glacier Point. Its just a matter of picking your distance. $(function() { Explore San Francisco before heading inland to sample Northern California's amazing food and wines on this epic adventure en route to Yosemite. Discover the top eight things to do in these quaint towns from boating to Gold Rush-era experiences. There are many picnic spots, beaches and swimming holes dotting the river. You can drive yourself up to Glacier Point, which is a lovely, popular overlook in the park.. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Today youll say goodbye to Yosemite National Park and drive back to San Francisco Airport where youll drop off your rental car in time to catch your onward flight. My husband and I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Airlines. Typically one needs 2-3 days in SF and at least 2 in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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). However, this is the slowest option. Wine taste in Napa & Sonoma with an excursion in the giant sequoias of Muir Woods, San Francisco's stunning Coastal Redwood Forest. The National Weather Service says San Francisco's low of 39 degrees on Friday is a new record low for this day. Prices are subject to change without prior notice. Check out our Web Storiesfor more inspiration. Yosemite & Napa Valley. 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). Once home to Al Scarface Capone and other notorious criminals, Alcatraz Island is a National Park Service site located 1.25 miles offshore. Nine days is a reasonable length of time for this itinerary. One hundred years after flooding Hetch Hetchy Valley, central Californias water struggles have only intensified. 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. But the Parks Service also offers aguided bus tourto Glacier Point. AirBorrn Aviation / Yosemite Airways offers affordable scenic flights with views of El Capitan, Half Dome and more. Hop between sunlit vineyards and gourmet restaurants and then head to the mountains, where Lake Tahoe sits in the middle of the Sierra Nevada. To reach Napa, you need to get around the north end of the Bay. 1 night San Francisco; 2 nights Napa Valley; 2 nights Lake Tahoe; 3 nights Yosemite Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco. It is also the oldest, having been founded in 1868. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46693821', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rent a car and at least see the city and Napa Valley. With only 7 days & 6 nights, I think that the best use of time for your choices is SF (3 nights, get car when you leave) - Napa / Sonoma (2 nights) - Carmel / Monterey (1 night.) You'll experience exquisite vineyards, enchanting forests and gigantic redwoods . Estimated Price: $259*. 10 Hour excursion. Find more about her work at www.auninditabhatia.com. True that John. Supermarket recommendations in Santa Monica? 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. 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. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. Eight days in San Francisco, Yosemite NP, Napa Valley and Carmel/Big Sur. (And the next one on this list about visiting the Giant Redwoods too). Ages 12+. 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: When to Tip and How much? 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. An A+ company rated by BBB; Chat with us! Well You may want to chose what you want to do and see in that short a time. The Yosemite Falls tumble down in three separate sections. Here's what to know about each of the two options. Take the ferry from Vallejo Ferry Terminal to San Francisco Ferry Building . The routes from San Francisco to Yosemite's valley floor takes you through California's Central Valley and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The distance depends upon the season and whether or not you want to cover both falls. 13h 14m . FAQ: Where are the California Traveler Articles, Written for Travelers by Travelers? With the drive being as short as it is (at least, in California terms, where we don't call a drive long until . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46730033', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Napa Valley usually means expensive. 5. The point offers a superb view . Accommodations planning: 2 nights in San Francisco, 2 nights in Monterey, 2 nights in . 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. If anyone's temperature is unusual will be terminate for participating the tour. Suggested Overnights: Crescent City, Eureka, Benbow, Mendocino, Santa Rosa. It is the home of Vista Point, the Marine Mammal Center, and beautiful views of San Francisco Bay. 15 San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard GoCar Tour. 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. 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. There are numerous pull-outs on the southern side of the road. From Vallejo, connect to the Napa Valley VINE bus system Route 10, which can take you all the way to Calistoga . Share this San Francisco to Yosemite road trip with your friends: Where is a good place to stop approximately halfway between between San Francisco and Yosemite? http://www.weather.com has weather info. We do enjoy wine so would definately like to take advantage of Napa. Hot Tip: Do you need a rental car for your San Francisco to Yosemite road trip? In the winter this is Californias most popular ski resort but in the summer it is a great place to enjoy the lake. We offer two to five-day experiences! Meet awesome people! From there, you can walk to the Iron Horse Parkway bus stop and catch the SmaRT BART . For its part, Yosemite Valley tallied 40 inches of snow Tuesday alone. 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. Where to see Superbloom Sunday (March 5th) near Los Angeles? 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 boutique vineyards and the premium wines combine with the dramatic views of the valley to form a truly idyllic setting just on the doorstep of San Francisco. --, I would suggest not having a car for SF but renting it for the day to go to Napa Valley. Let's Chat. 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. more. Yosemite has three giant sequoia groves within the park boundaries. 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. Betsy has been writing about California for nearly more than two decades as TripSavvy's expert on the state. 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. That being said, the most convenient way to travel to wine country is by renting or driving your vehicle. Thread Tools Search this Thread Jun 23rd, 2009, 06:29 PM #1 ncsuchemist2002. 1. Another option is to enjoy a bit of the coast north of . Want more redwoods? The University of California at Berkeley is the flagship branch of the University of California system. 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. 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. Bus fare for a one-way trip to Calistoga is as low as $3. V. Sattui is a family-owned winery, and its wines are only sold on-site, so it is not available anywhere else. They can head to the city of Napa next or follow this road for wine tasting. In total, this route takes about two hours. 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. This winery also requires reservations, so make sure you book ahead of time. Thanks! Text Us. # of Tastings: Up to 3 stops and wine tastings included in the price. Northern California Adventure. In 1986, the Tunnel View became a National Historic Place. . Day 6: Yosemite National Park. What makes a vacation memorable is not only the destination but also the trip along the way. Going to Napa Valley from San Francisco can be enjoyable from the trip to the destination if you do a little research, book your schedules, study the routes and traffic situations and plan your time. 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. Hello! 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. 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. From either location, you can avoid summer traffic hassle in Yosemite valley by catching theYarts busright from town. Learn before you go by checking out our article on. Take advantage of all of them for some sensational views. The Napa Valley is a scenic stop when travelling between San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. This trip is a great way to experience California at its best! 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 has nearly 1,200 square miles of towering granite, alpine lakes and ancient sequoia trees. WHat if i opted to pay all the the Admission fee amounting to $135 and the $100 (cable cars, etc..) and the Tour guide fee of $9/day total of $27that is a grand total $262 so in addition to the $338 tour , i have to add the $262, totalling to $600. Try the Angele Restaurant and Bar, a bistro at the riverfront in a timeworn boathouse that serves French food. FAQ: Yanks drive on the wrong side of the road. City of Berkeley, referred to as Berkeley for short, it's a hilly city on the east coast of the San Francisco bay area. 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). RELATED: Check Out These Hidden Gems In Napa Valley. Yay, we in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Continue through wine country . Nowadays, B&Bs seem to be mostly listed on TripAdvisor under B&Bs -- not so much under Specialty Lodging any longer. They will then follow the Interstate 80 - Berkeley/ Sacramento signs. Coastal Redwood forest stroll. That surpassed a record of 36 inches for Feb. 28, set in 1969, spokesperson Scott Gediman confirmed to the San Francisco . The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Sausalito is north across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. There are lodging suggestions for these towns in the article. Each section suggests four things to do. If not Yosemite, we are considering Muir Woods Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Even those living next door in the Bay Area should consider spending the night in accommodation surrounded by vineyards. Arrive in Napa Valley and enjoy an included wine tasting, before having lunch at Napa's Oxbow Public Market. From the Golden City, wind your way through unpretentious wine country, orchards and historic towns on this San Francisco to Yosemite road trip. There is mobile service on the valley floor, but it may be spotty elsewhere in the park, like on Tioga Pass. Her contributions reflects her special interest in travel, women health and celebrities. The region houses one of the most important reservoirs storing and serving drinking water to northern California. 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. Alcatraz & San Francisco Combo Tour. Alternatively, look into shuttle companies that service Napa Valley from San Francisco Airport (SFO) like Evans Transportation or California Wine Tours. 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. HomepageAboutBlog ArchiveWork with UsPrivacy PolicyContact Us. Take this itinerary north from, Or just hang out in SF and visit a few of the local. United States - Yosemite to San Fran or Napa Valley - After leaving Yosemite , we are headed towards Napa Valley . Yosemite in a Day Tour From San Francisco. 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. From the San Francisco Airport to Yosemite National Park is about 200 miles. * Please note the Tour Map is subject to change. There is also an alternative wine trail called theYosemite Sierra trail. Find Western Heritage in Oakdale $25 $20 $15 $10 $5 M A M J J A S O N D J F. If you are trying to decide when to travel from Napa to San Francisco by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for February. Rent an RV with Outdoorsy Trade Wheels for Rails Take the Amtrak San Joaquins Train Then post a new question on that forum. You'll tour three of the regions noteworthy wineries with a stop for lunch in Calistoga (lunch not included in the price). 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. 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. The fastest way to get from SF to Yosemite is out I580 through Tracy, connecting with Highway 120 in Manteca. All the wine youve sipped, streams youve hiked along and produce youve eaten along the way are all thanks to Sierra Nevada snowmelt. Thanks for all of the great information! 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. Security Statement | Private Policy | User Agreement. Original Poster . Our advice: dont try to do it all. (* Last name will not be published). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46729650', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the B&B industry seem to have F-I-N-A-L-L-Y gotten THAT fixed with TA. 5 Famous Viewpoints Close to the Road in Yosemite 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. Merced is Yosemites smallest grove of giant sequoia, but its also the most secluded and its worth putting in the effort to visit. There is travel time involved as well. 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. Witness the stunning scenes of California's Wine Country as you travel past sun-dappled fields . Visitors can tour many of the more than four hundred vineyards and wineries that dot the area. 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. Hand sanitizer and sanitize wipes will be provided on tour bus. If you take the train inland, youll pass through one of the countrys most productive agricultural regions. By car, journey through towns like Livermore where youll find a laidback wine region, with grapes nourished by that snowflake. Re: San Francisco - Napa Valley - Yosemite? 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. Travelers can choose from stopping at the Yosemite Valley Lodge or the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. It all comes down to preference, but it is recommended that you start all the way north so that going back to San Francisco will be a shorter trip. This itinerary includes three stops intended to show you a few interesting things along the way that you otherwise may have missed. Spring has the best waterfalls, but will also still have snow on the ground. 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. Also known as wine country, a trip to Napa Valley is a breath of fresh air from the busy streets of San Francisco. They lived in this area for 8,000 years and used the site as a meeting place. 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. A mass of shimmering blue-green water, Lake Tahoe is a highlight of any trip to Northern California. Costa Rica. You will receive a confirmation email (e-ticket) after your order is processed. 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. You can use public transportation to get to Yosemite all year. A Tale of Two Lodges, Evergreen and Rush Creek It is known for its moderate climate, natural environment, coastline, redwood forests, alternative community lifestyles and socially liberal leanings. This granite cliff on the north side of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park is world-famous as a challenge for rock climbers. I recently published an extended guide to planning Redwoods road trips that includes this itinerary in greater detail. Length: 10 hours. Best Budget Tour: Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour from San Francisco. They operated a ferry until 1852, and then they built the bridge, which is the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi. A popular loop is SF - Yosemite - Monterey/Carmel.Nine days is a reasonable length of time for this itinerary. Tucked along Hwy. 13 Gems in Mariposa Countys Gold Rush Towns 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. 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. Time is not an issue so happy to spend additional 4 days to include Yosemite, if needed? But consider taking a beat and doing the San Francisco to Yosemite road trip at a slower pace. Enjoy a day in San Francisco. Any other places we should try to visit? 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? Please note that the Tioga Pass doesnt get plowed and is closed in the winter. Goes to Mirror Lake and then continues along a flat-ish loop back into the valley. Best 2-Day Eco-Friendly Yosemite Vacation Itinerary Though the options in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Health monitoring within 14 days from the tour end for all passengers including driver and tour guide. San Francisco, Yosemite, & Napa. Napa is about ten minutes from 121 north. Go early to get a parking spot or take the shuttle, which runs four times per day. 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. Start your trip with a visit to the world-famous, Yosemite National Park. 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. It is considered one of the top scientific schools in the world. Distance: 176 mi / 283 km Time: 4 hours Day 5: Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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. 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. Nile House, Nile Street, Brighton, BN1 1HW, United Kingdom, Exc. Three Sonoma and Napa valley tastings. Enter your target tour date range and email address below. 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. 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 . Hi. On arrival in San Francisco you will make your own way into the city and check into your hotel for one night. www.outdoorsy.com. Read their Top Questions and any relevant threads (just 'lurk' on other threads; don't add your questions.) It covers an area of 35 square kilometers. Check Major Road Closures in CA via this official Map. This small group tour takes you from San Francisco to the famed Napa Valley. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-43239963', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Yosemite. The ultimate guide to activities inside Yosemite National Park. Napa, as well as Oak Knoll and Yountville. The Sunny Side of the Bay Now that you've set your multi-destination itinerary, I suggest you go to the city/destination forum page. 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. Beautiful weather and waterfront views await visitors as well! Moving north through San Rafael, travelers will reach Highway 37 by heading east. Same as other wineries, a visit to this place requires reservations, and they close at 5 PM. One of the things to consider is the season, but there is always something to do in Napa Valley any month of the year. Stop #4: Jenner. United Airlines. Hopefully your return flight is late in the day!. From $277.00. from. If you are living in or are visiting San Francisco, one of the benefits is your proximity to places like Napa Valley. I would cut one place out . This morning youll drive south to Yosemite National Park. 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. You climb through pine forest into the craggy granite tippy top of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It has been speculated that it is the most photographed bridge in the world; it's certainly one of the most picturesque. The trail to the grove is a 3 mile round trip with 520 feet of elevation gain. Happy trails! 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. south of San Francisco, around Santa Barbara, and lots more. 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. This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream American road trip. From there, you can ride the shuttle to many attractions and trailheads in the park. The kids will love the tour and tasting afterwards. 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. A popular loop is SF - (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Weekends are more crowded. . Before saying goodbye to Napa, you can stop by numerous restaurants to have dinner. Patch - Maggie Fusek 6h. 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. Tour Yosemite Like a Local with Gypsy Guide 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. 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. The biggest "issue" this forum has is people trying to bite off more than they can chew. Leave San Francisco early by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County. The Madera area also grows wine grapes and its a secret spot that is far less crowded than Napa or Paso. 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. Please do not book airline tickets until you receive the confirmation.