She loves to travel, read novels, and watch old classes movies. Coming northwest out of Yosemite puts you smack into California gold rush country. United Airlines. I will admit that this Travel Forum is good. The steam trains that run along Roaring Camp Railroads' lines are authentic, dating back to 1867 and the protection of an area of redwoods known as the "Big Trees." Over 800 5-star reviews. 16 San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran. Visit before July if you want to see the waterfalls in their full glory from the snowmelt. Enjoy shopping and dining along the way in addition to taking in the vistas. 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. California Wine Country: The Complete Guide, How to Travel From San Francisco to Lake Tahoe By Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel from Sacramento to San Francisco by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From San Francisco to Yosemite by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The 9 Best Day Trips From Napa and Sonoma, How to Travel From San Francisco to Las Vegas by Bus, Car, and Plane, Getting Around the San Francisco Bay Area: A Public Transit Guide, How to Travel From San Diego to San Francisco by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From San Francisco to New York by Plane, Train, Car, or Bus, How to Travel From Cancun to Cozumel by Bus, Car, Ferry, and Plane. 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. Take this itinerary north from, Or just hang out in SF and visit a few of the local. 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. Pick several places and dive deep. 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. The Napa Valley is a scenic stop when travelling between San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. 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. Heres how it works. Looking to recharge? My husband and I are planning a trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? They will then follow the Interstate 80 - Berkeley/ Sacramento signs. $1399. 5. SF to Yosemite via Highway 120 E. Travel Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes. Towering granite rocks, mighty waterfalls and placid valleys give Yosemite all the aspects of a "land of the gods". Take the bus from Merced Transpo to Yosemite Valley Visitors Center. Thanks for all of the input! Travelers can choose from stopping at the Yosemite Valley Lodge or the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. And fall has lovely color and is quieter, but no waterfalls. 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. (note that the Glacier Point road will be closed for repaving during the 2022 season). Sausalito is north across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. you have 7 days to see 4 places and you want to add more? Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. When you make it to Yosemite, be sure to visit the Hetch Hetchy area, where less than 1% of park visitors ever venture. Yosemite & Napa Valley. 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. 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. 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. Thanks for your input! 12-15 People. You'll tour three of the regions noteworthy wineries with a stop for lunch in Calistoga (lunch not included in the price). Trips. All the wine youve sipped, streams youve hiked along and produce youve eaten along the way are all thanks to Sierra Nevada snowmelt. 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. Read More: If you are keen on mining history, check out this article onCalifornia ghost towns. Call US 7 days a week from 8AM to Midnight ET 1-800-430-0484; Hopefully your return flight is late in the day! The first section of the drive starts from wherever you are in the Bay Area and ends in Fish Camp. Even those living next door in the Bay Area should consider spending the night in accommodation surrounded by vineyards. We have 7 days and would like to stay in Napa for a few days and maybe visit Yosemite and Carmel. 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. From there, we'll head to Yosemite for 2 days . See complete details at the, Free upgrade to bus first 3 rows seating, subject to availability, All domestic ground transportation via air-conditioned vehicle. Luxury Hotels on Northern Pacific Ca Coast or Or coast, Car Rental Las Vegas to Los Angeles - Help. It is considered one of the top scientific schools in the world. FAQ: Where are the California Traveler Articles, Written for Travelers by Travelers? Napa Valley Winery Tours From San Fransisco Reviews. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. The biggest "issue" this forum has is people trying to bite off more than they can chew. Depending on what time your flight arrives you could get out and explore, so why not head to the harbour for a bowl of . $25 $20 $15 $10 $5 30 20 10 0. It was also a thriving gold town during the mid 1800s. After exiting the Oakland side of the Bay Bridge, travelers will head north. Start your second day with some morning exploration taking you from Fisherman's Wharf to stylish Union Square. After Yosemite, wind your way back through beautiful farmlands and orchards, stopping in Modesto where youll find a sea of lovely white blossoms in the spring, thanks to the citys groves of almond trees. City of Berkeley, referred to as Berkeley for short, it's a hilly city on the east coast of the San Francisco bay area. Its also a great spot to do some fishing or hiking although a lot of visitors end up relaxing on the tiny beaches that hug the shoreline. Stop #2: Point Reyes National Seashore. Jess Lander joined the food and wine team at The San Francisco Chronicle as wine reporter in 2022. var obj = document.getElementById("2527080060dates_range_end"); This morning youll drive south to Yosemite National Park. (And the next one on this list about visiting the Giant Redwoods too). Departing from San Francisco, you can look forward to nature-rich hikes through majestic Yosemite, renowned for its . 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? 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. There are very few options to visit Napa from San Francisco. If you go to Yosemite, stay at least a night. Dont leave Yosemite without visiting theMariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. This trip is a great way to experience California at its best! If you take the US-101, the total distance will be around 200 miles and 4 hours of driving. A mass of shimmering blue-green water, Lake Tahoe is a highlight of any trip to Northern California. San Francisco is the most popular city on the route it's 4 hours from Yosemite National Park and less than an hour from Napa. Driving along Conzelman Road provides a shorter scenic detour. Suggested Overnights: Crescent City, Eureka, Benbow, Mendocino, Santa Rosa. 01244 435 806. 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 can drive yourself up to Glacier Point, which is a lovely, popular overlook in the park.. You will receive a confirmation email (e-ticket) after your order is processed. 1 Hour 30 Minutes, Admission (Optional): Adult $28; Child (3-9 yrs) $18|Duration: Approx. You climb through pine forest into the craggy granite tippy top of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Go on Thursday, not on the weekend. A Tale of Two Lodges, Evergreen and Rush Creek Which ones have you tried? This region between San Francisco and Sacremento is internationally famous for its wines, which are considered among the best in the world. 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). RELATED: The 10 Best Napa Wineries For First-Timers To Visit. May 3, 2022 Mikaela Ruland. (Updated Jan. 2015). Eventually, the snowflake flows into the San Francisco Bay and passes under the Golden Gate Bridge to reach the Pacific Ocean. It was the only port of entry for taxable goods in California. 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. - It began operation way back in 1881, so Oakville Grocery is known to be the oldest Californian grocery store in operation. You can do that on the east or west side of the body of water, but many prefer the western route because it's more scenic, even if it does take a little longer: 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. Continue through wine country . Better to do fewer things more slowly and savor your experience, than rush around, barely scratching the surface. 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. . From the Golden City, wind your way through unpretentious wine country, orchards and historic towns on this San Francisco to Yosemite road trip. Enquire Now. Afterwards drive to Napa and visit the town. Top 4 Ways to get from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park: San Francisco To Yosemite Road Trip. Before you start planning for your itinerary, it would be good to do a little research about your destination. Nine days is a reasonable length of time for this itinerary. Arrive in Napa Valley and enjoy an included wine tasting, before having lunch at Napa's Oxbow Public Market. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. FAQ: What is a good route to travel to Yosemite (or to San Francisco) from Las Vegas? You can use public transportation to get to Yosemite all year. Stay at the Holiday Inn Express Oakdale 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. In the winter, Tioga Pass and other high elevation sites are closed. Sacramento. 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. Terms and Conditions. }); The Greyhound bus journey takes over nine hours and includes several stops plus a transfer in Merced. Well You may want to chose what you want to do and see in that short a time. Similar Tours. Moderate. San Francisco sits on the edge of the Pacific Ocean giving it a changeable climate, where you can experience summer and winter in the same day. Whether you're looking for private charter services, a fun family vacation . Stop #1: Marin Headlands & Mount Tamalpais State Park. Prices vary, depending on where they go and how big the tour group is. The top cities between Yosemite National Park and Napa are San Francisco, San Jose, Mill Valley, Palo Alto, Oakland, Santa Clara, Berkeley, and Sausalito. That surpassed a record of 36 inches for Feb. 28, set in 1969, spokesperson Scott Gediman confirmed to the San Francisco . Estimated Price: $259*. 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. If you can snag a camp spot or lodge reservation inside Yosemite Valley, go for it. The road trip map below recommends a more circuitous routing that only adds about two extra hours of drive time. TOP 5 POPULAR MUST-SEE Learn More . $(function() { Learn more about each of these scenic routes into Yosemite, and get some ideas for things to do along the way. Day 6: Yosemite National Park. Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, is included on your e-ticket. If you are lovin those views, you may want to consider coming back to Tioga Pass as an entryway to our scenicHighway 395 drivedown the Eastern Sierras. Happy trails! Any other places we should try to visit? 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. 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. Park hotels already sold out in July -Next best alternative? The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Tucked along Hwy. The 45-acre estate including the acclaimed Juslyn Vineyards is for sale for $35 million. }); Is the Avenue of the Giants Worth It After Redwood NP? It seems that options are all over the place. 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! If you are craving more wine in the afternoon, you can go straight to the Round Pond Estate Winery along Rutherford. Explore the city at your own pace before heading across the Golden Gate Bridge on the way to Napa Valley. If you want to visit some wineries along the way, stick to the ones along Highway 29 and contact the winery directly to ask where the nearest bus stop is. Read what other travelers think about this tour. Book Now. They can head to the city of Napa next or follow this road for wine tasting. 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. Whatever you end up doing, we know youll love your time in Lake Tahoe. Its just a matter of picking your distance. After the side trips, you can head directly to St. Helena for your very first wine tasting at V. Sattui. Napa, as well as Oak Knoll and Yountville. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park, Cruise to Alcatraz Island, the infamous prison in San Francisco Bay. Break for Modesto 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. This property is listed at $17.5 million. Pick Your Perfect Yosemite Activities Climb, Raft, Bike, Ski, Hike I would also recommend that if visiting the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Guests should meet our tour guide in front of the Information Center at Terminal 2 for transfer to the hotel. The place is constructed to be like Persepolis, and French wine is the inspiration for their spirits. For its part, Yosemite Valley tallied 40 inches of snow Tuesday alone. 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. 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. This article was expanded with more information about Napa Valley and suggestions to make more of a day trip of visiting Napa Valley. 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). 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. Leave San Francisco early by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County. Monthly average prices. Another option is to enjoy a bit of the coast north of . National Park Tour. 1 night San Francisco; 2 nights Napa Valley; 2 nights Lake Tahoe; 3 nights Yosemite Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco. But consider taking a beat and doing the San Francisco to Yosemite road trip at a slower pace. Alternatively, you may use. The direct drive from Napa to Yosemite National Park is 213 mi (343 km), and should have a drive time of 4 hrs 34 mins in normal traffic.. This San Francisco to Yosemite road trip takes you from the soaring skyscrapers and salty sea air of the City by the Bay, through California's world-famous farmland and wine country, . Theres a reason why so many songs have been written about San Francisco. You can also stop by Oakville Wine Merchant and get some wine per glass. The Yosemite Falls tumble down in three separate sections. It is the home of Vista Point, the Marine Mammal Center, and beautiful views of San Francisco Bay. If you are craving Italian food, you can visit Bistro Don Giovanni. The drive to Yosemite from San Francisco is only about 3 hours and 20 minutes. The South Bay consists of Silicon Valley cities like Santa Clara, San . Take advantage of all of them for some sensational views. Learn More. 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! From Vallejo, connect to the Napa Valley VINE bus system Route 10, which can take you all the way to Calistoga. 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. Note: This question will be posted on a public forum. Thread Tools Search this Thread Jun 23rd, 2009, 06:29 PM #1 ncsuchemist2002. 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. These services are mostly used by workday commuters and the number of trips they make per day is fewer on weekends, especially on Sundays. 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. Getting to Yosemite From the West and North San Francisco/Bay area. Time is not an issue so happy to spend additional 4 days to include Yosemite, if needed? Here are 4 ways to get to Yosemite from San Francisco that involve a car rental or transportation and tour by a local operator. Get inspired with tips about where to go and what to see on your national park vacation, delivered right to your inbox. If you are flying into San Francisco and staying in Napa Valley, your hotel may offer a shuttle from the airport. Upload Photos Take a boat ride around one of the most famous and historical bays in the United States, the famous San Francisco Bay. Hello! Enjoy a day in San Francisco. Hike up to Nevada Falls to get a sense of the wonderful hiking that you can experience here. On arrival in San Francisco you will make your own way into the city and check into your hotel for one night. Convenient SF hotel pickup and drop off. Depending on what time your flight arrives you could get out and explore, so why not head to the harbour for a bowl of clam chowder as the sun goes down the perfect start to a Californian adventure! Thoughts on a few great places to consider? Please post your review to earn 100 points. Its large campus is a sight to behold. The distance depends upon the season and whether or not you want to cover both falls. By car, journey through towns like Livermore where youll find a laidback wine region, with grapes nourished by that snowflake. Please do not book airline tickets until you receive the confirmation. 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. Our San Francisco and Yosemite Vacation package includes five nights accommodations and multiple guided group tours. Hop between sunlit vineyards and gourmet restaurants and then head to the mountains, where Lake Tahoe sits in the middle of the Sierra Nevada. From $277.00. There are various options to reach Napa Valley from San Francisco. 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. 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. Also known as wine country, a trip to Napa Valley is a breath of fresh air from the busy streets of San Francisco. The railway was established in 1875 to carry tourists there. 3 Day Yosemite Camping Adventure From San Francisco. 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. 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. 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. The cheapest way to get from Napa to Yosemite National Park costs only $42, and the quickest way takes just 4 hours. Mandatory Fee (pay the fee in cash to the tour guide) is $100 per passenger, for optional activity you can choose to join or not. Day 10: Depart from San Francisco. Go, Admission (Optional): Adult $40; Child (Under 21 yrs, without Wine Tasting) $40|Duration: Approx. Please note that the Tioga Pass doesnt get plowed and is closed in the winter. It veers off of Highway 41 onto Route 200 and has an additional three wineries. 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. Take advantage of the shuttle buses to get around the valley floor. She has written for Thethings, Babygaga, Thetravel, and Therichest. Thank you! Do a tasting at one or two of the nine wineries on thewine trail map. Today wineries of Napa Valley rival the Old World wine regions in France and Italy. I would cut one place out . 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. Once home to Al Scarface Capone and other notorious criminals, Alcatraz Island is a National Park Service site located 1.25 miles offshore. 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. Now, if you think that you have had too much to drink and need to spend the night in Napa, you can visit Andaz Napa or Archer Hotel Napa, which are both located downtown. Route. Ten minutes on Highway 37, they will head north on Highway 121. But if you are trying to do the drive in 4 days, youll need to prioritize whats important to you. There are also working stores selling authentic-ish goods like sarsaparilla soda, gold rush candies, soaps and more. 10 Hour excursion. Castello di Amorosa, a 13th century Tuscan-styled castle and winery, is the only authentic medieval castle in the United States. Include specific info about your trip. The kids will love the tour and tasting afterwards. For ages 21-35. If anyone's temperature is unusual will be terminate for participating the tour. All passengers above age of 16 who want to join the tour need to be fully vaccinated with vaccination record card proven. People can enjoy the iconic and breathtaking views as they cross the historic bridge. Highways 120 West, 140, 41 and 120 East/Tioga Road. You must print the e-tickets and take them along on your trip; they are your proof of purchase. The previous record was 40 degrees on Feb. 24 in 1891. In addition to being the tallest waterfall in North America, the Yosemite Falls are the seventh-tallest in the world. From local artisan producers and farmers to Western culture, The bridge at Wapama Falls in Yosemites Hetch Hetchy Valley, Photo by Kim Carroll Photography courtesy of Everygreen Lodge, Alcatraz Island is a National Park Service site, down-to-earth wine, beer, ice cream and caffeine tasting scene, this town is a great place to spend some time on the way to the park, www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/oakdale/oklca/hoteldetail, listen to an entertaining guide in your car, plus ten more things to do in this charming historic county, Stay in a Modern Airstream at AutoCamp Yosemite. 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 . FAQ: Where are the Coastal Redwoods in California (added Oct 2013). 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? Thanks for all of the great information! 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. Look at lodging reviews; B&Bs are usually under Specialty Lodging. Post a request for finding a partner to share the tour! V. Sattui is a family-owned winery, and its wines are only sold on-site, so it is not available anywhere else. By 1853, it was one of the largest cities in California. Napa Valley is one of the world's top wine-growing regions and rivals the traditional regions of France and Italy. Typically one needs 2-3 days in SF and at least 2 in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ?