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. Before you start planning for your itinerary, it would be good to do a little research about your destination. This region between San Francisco and Sacremento is internationally famous for its wines, which are considered among the best in the world. RELATED: The 10 Best Napa Wineries For First-Timers To Visit. To reach Napa, you need to get around the north end of the Bay. 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, . The Napa Valley shouldn't be missed if you're in the area, although since it is filled with vineyards and if you're planning on tasting wine, we'd suggest spending the night (or . The place is constructed to be like Persepolis, and French wine is the inspiration for their spirits. When its running, you can reach the lower falls from a fairly easy loop trail. It is located on the south wall of Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 7214 ft, 3200 ft above Half Dome Village. Why not spend your day here kayaking on the water? Experience the best of Yosemite whiletraveling sustainablyby eating locally grown food, staying at eco-friendly lodges and hiking on gorgeous trails. 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? Travelers will then start seeing vineyards and wineries on the rolling hills after passing the Sonoma Raceway. 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. Day 4: Big Sur. Want more redwoods? }); Its amazing architecture has made it popular for weddings and photography. 5. You may have to stay outside the park. With a day to enjoy Napa Valley, you need to get stuck right into the wonderful food and wine of the region. Napa proper tends to be extremely crowded in peak season, and that . Please see " Departures and Returns" for more info. Tour Yosemite Like a Local with Gypsy Guide 13h 14m . If you go to Yosemite, stay at least a night. Break for Modesto There are a ton of hiking trails that start in or near Tuolumne Meadows. Visit Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley, Cable Car, Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf & more! Hello! The biggest "issue" this forum has is people trying to bite off more than they can chew. 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. This guide is organized around four major sections of the drive: SF to Yosemites southern reaches, Yosemite Valley, Northern Yosemite and the return from Yosemite to San Francisco. Convenient SF hotel pickup and drop off. With only three full days in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The trail to the grove is a 3 mile round trip with 520 feet of elevation gain. For ages 21-35. Also, will the weather be unpleasant this time of year? My wife and I are planning a quick stop in this region. 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. Multi-Day Yosemite Tours - Tent Cabin Stay. If you are craving more wine in the afternoon, you can go straight to the Round Pond Estate Winery along Rutherford. This tiny snowflake, and unfathomable numbers of its companions, water two-thirds of California. 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). Best Napa Valley day tours to experience Castello di Amorosa, Sausalito, Napa Factory Outlets and enjoy wine tasting at Napa wineries. California Dreaming: From Yosemite National Park to Napa and Sonoma Valley. Before saying goodbye to Napa, you can stop by numerous restaurants to have dinner. Trips. Leave San Francisco early by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County. 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. you have 7 days to see 4 places and you want to add more? Visitors can tour many of the more than four hundred vineyards and wineries that dot the area. 13 From San Francisco: Napa & Sonoma Valley Full-Day Wine Trip. 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. Why The Napa Valley Is One Of The World's Premier Wine Regions. 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." ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-46712157', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Napa seem to be nice, we would really like to be a bit more secluded (possibly in a vineyard). To do a trip to Yosemite-- wow that is 8 plus hours of driving and too little time to actually see the amazing valley. . One minute later, people will see a sign to Napa for Highway 29, where they should take a right and stay for around 10 minutes on Highway 29/12. South Bay - the tech capital! Dont be in a hurry to drive back from Yosemite to San Francisco, because there are some cool stops to make along the route home. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Thread Tools Search this Thread Jun 23rd, 2009, 06:29 PM #1 ncsuchemist2002. Highlights of San Francisco, Napa Valley and Yosemite. The top can also be reached by taking a hiking trail out of Yosemite Valley. A Tale of Two Lodges, Evergreen and Rush Creek Arrive in Napa Valley and enjoy an included wine tasting, before having lunch at Napa's Oxbow Public Market. Is the Avenue of the Giants Worth It After Redwood NP? If you are from out of the areas, check out this advice for finding theclosest airport to Yosemite. The road into the Valley meanders along the Merced River. Find more information at www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/oakdale/oklca/hoteldetail, Highway 120 (Big Oak and Hetch Hetchy entrances). Visitors to the park wont want to miss any ofthese following heart-stopping vistas, all easily accessible from paved roads throughout the park. If you take the train inland, youll pass through one of the countrys most productive agricultural regions. 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. Day 4 from San Francisco to Sonoma and Napa. You can usually find more choice and less expensive room inventory just outside of the valley. 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. 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. Prices are subject to change without prior notice. It is the home of Vista Point, the Marine Mammal Center, and beautiful views of San Francisco Bay. National Park Tour. Enjoy a day in San Francisco. 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. How long is the drive from Napa to Yosemite National Park?. 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. 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. One hundred years after flooding Hetch Hetchy Valley, central Californias water struggles have only intensified. Want to Avoid Traffic and Parking inside Yosemite? 4-Day Los Angeles to Universal Studio Hollywood, Seaworld . Be aware that the time of year makes a big difference in Yosemite. . However, this is the slowest option. 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. What makes a vacation memorable is not only the destination but also the trip along the way. 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! All of our holidays are tailor-made to your requirements by an expert Travel Specialist. Highways 120 West, 140, 41 and 120 East/Tioga Road. 120 on the way to Yosemite, Oakdale holds its heritage close. Take advantage of all of them for some sensational views. Get stuck into the outdoorsy life of Northern California with this USA road trip. If you want to grab a bite, you can go to Ariscault Bakery and get their popular Chocolate Almond Croissant. Merced is Yosemites smallest grove of giant sequoia, but its also the most secluded and its worth putting in the effort to visit. Heres how it works. 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). Yosemite has deep snowfall in the winter with many roads closed for the season while summer sees blue skies and lots of tourists. 12-15 People. But consider taking a beat and doing the San Francisco to Yosemite road trip at a slower pace. Aunindita Bhatia is a professional content writer based in India. 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. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. 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. After exiting the Oakland side of the Bay Bridge, travelers will head north. The status of Napa Valley as a premier wine-tasting destination is fairly new. Its understandable if you want to drive straight there from San Francisco so that you can start exploring without delay. 5:30 p.m. WB I-80 closed due . 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. I would also recommend that if visiting the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? United States - Yosemite to San Fran or Napa Valley - After leaving Yosemite , we are headed towards Napa Valley . Monthly average prices. 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. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. The University of California at Berkeley is the flagship branch of the University of California system. 15 San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard GoCar Tour. 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. From San Francisco, California's wine-famous Napa Valley is 60 miles to the north. Enter your target tour date range and email address below. From the Golden City, wind your way through unpretentious wine country, orchards and historic towns on this San Francisco to Yosemite road trip. The region is a popular daytrip from the Bay Area, but it doesn't have just one destination. All passengers above age of 16 who want to join the tour need to be fully vaccinated with vaccination record card proven. 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. Dr Knight realized that this stretch of the Stanislaus river made for a favorable crossing serving gold rush towns like Columbia and Sonora. Another option is to enjoy a bit of the coast north of . If 7 days is 6 nights you might even think about cutting it down to two areas. HomepageAboutBlog ArchiveWork with UsPrivacy PolicyContact Us. . 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. 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 . Park hotels already sold out in July -Next best alternative? Once home to Al Scarface Capone and other notorious criminals, Alcatraz Island is a National Park Service site located 1.25 miles offshore. The top cities between Yosemite National Park and Napa are San Francisco, San Jose, Mill Valley, Palo Alto, Oakland, Santa Clara, Berkeley, and Sausalito. How to Get From San Francisco to Wine Country. 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. Explore the city at your own pace before heading across the Golden Gate Bridge on the way to Napa Valley. V. Sattui is a family-owned winery, and its wines are only sold on-site, so it is not available anywhere else. 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. Check out our Web Storiesfor more inspiration. This winery is built by an Iranian and is Persian-inspired. SF-(ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Day 6: Yosemite National Park. Each entrance has its own unique character and special points of interest along the way. Take the bus from Merced Transpo to Yosemite Valley Visitors Center. }); Northern California Adventure. The American Society of Civil Engineers considers the Golden Gate Bridge one of the wonders of the modern world. 4-Day San Francisco to Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Barstow Outlet and Yosemite National Park Tour - LA OUT $725.00 $688.75. Route. Take a boat ride around one of the most famous and historical bays in the United States, the famous San Francisco Bay. SF requires at least 3 nights. This lovely Italian-style vineyard is located up in the hills just west of Sonora. Are there any suggestions for an itinerary? You'll experience exquisite vineyards, enchanting forests and gigantic redwoods . This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. (This article contains affiliate links. One of the things to consider is the season, but there is always something to do in Napa Valley any month of the year. Until Highway 121 dead ends, travelers shall turn left to drive towards the Napa wineries on the highway. Consider staying in either Fish Camp (which is near the Mariposa sequoia grove) or around Midpine and Mariposa (which is a lovely drive into the valley along the Merced river). We arrive at SFO at 2pm on Wednesday, May 8 and leave SFO at 2pm on Sunday, May 12. Yosemite & Napa Valley. Hand sanitizer and sanitize wipes will be provided on tour bus. After a quiet morning in Napa recovering from a day of indulgence yesterday, youll drive north into the Sierra Nevada Mountains where youll find Lake Tahoe, a blue gem high up in the mountains. This winery also requires reservations, so make sure you book ahead of time. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. From San Franciscos shores, decide whether to visit Yosemite by rail or car. I would cut one place out . This trip is a great way to experience California at its best! 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. The Sunny Side of the Bay Newly Built Modern Estate Compound In Napa Valley: $14M. To see Napa from a different perspective, try a horseback riding tour or hop aboard a hot air balloon. You'll tour three of the regions noteworthy wineries with a stop for lunch in Calistoga (lunch not included in the price). In addition to being the tallest waterfall in North America, the Yosemite Falls are the seventh-tallest in the world. Looking to recharge? $1399. (* Last name will not be published). 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. Napa Valley consists of five different towns and cities. The options are endless well (limited with time restrictions I suppose) we plan to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 5 Famous Viewpoints Close to the Road in Yosemite 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. If you can snag a camp spot or lodge reservation inside Yosemite Valley, go for it. They also have French food, and the ambiance gives you that warm, rustic Italian vibe. 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. var obj = document.getElementById("2527080060dates_range_start"); Expert guides. People can enjoy the iconic and breathtaking views as they cross the historic bridge. Take advantage of the shuttle buses to get around the valley floor. It was one of the countrys most infamous federal prisons. She has written for Thethings, Babygaga, Thetravel, and Therichest. Napa, as well as Oak Knoll and Yountville. . NAPA VALLEY, CA . We are extremely excited for our first visit to the valley! Stop #3: Bodega Bay. Our San Francisco and Yosemite Vacation package includes five nights accommodations and multiple guided group tours. I will admit that this Travel Forum is good. There is also an alternative wine trail called theYosemite Sierra trail. What was once a lush valley is now a reservoir holding water for the city of San Francisco. Northern Yosemite is the higher elevation portion of the park and there are yet more stunning hikes and views in this part of the park. Whether you're looking for private charter services, a fun family vacation . This is where they will find a sign on 101 on the highway that will tell them to take the route for both Napa and Sonoma. Let's Chat. Thoughts on a few great places to consider? The kids will love the tour and tasting afterwards. 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. $(obj).not(".hasDatepicker").datepick({onSelect: function(dateText, inst) {$(this).blur();} , minDate: new Date(), showTrigger: false, constrainWidth: false}); $(function() { A popular loop is SF - (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The tour includes El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View, and Glacier Point. Spring has the best waterfalls, but will also still have snow on the ground. Hopefully your return flight is late in the day!. It was the only port of entry for taxable goods in California. Travelers can choose from stopping at the Yosemite Valley Lodge or the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. The routes from San Francisco to Yosemite's valley floor takes you through California's Central Valley and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Yosemite Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in North America. Accommodations planning: 2 nights in San Francisco, 2 nights in Monterey, 2 nights in . Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, is included on your e-ticket. Our advice: dont try to do it all. But if you are trying to do the drive in 4 days, youll need to prioritize whats important to you. Length: 10 hours. From either location, you can avoid summer traffic hassle in Yosemite valley by catching theYarts busright from town. Napa is about ten minutes from 121 north. 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. 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. 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. Coastal Redwood forest stroll. Visitors can stroll through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels featuring over 20,000 marine animals. See complete details at the, Free upgrade to bus first 3 rows seating, subject to availability, All domestic ground transportation via air-conditioned vehicle. Thanks! There are very few options to visit Napa from San Francisco. Health monitoring within 14 days from the tour end for all passengers including driver and tour guide. What they loved, what they liked and Continue north through wine country stopping in Healdsburg for wine tasting and a meal. If you are looking for an overnight stop I would recommend one of two options. It is the second largest university in the U.S.. Please note that the Tioga Pass doesnt get plowed and is closed in the winter. Towering granite rocks, mighty waterfalls and placid valleys give Yosemite all the aspects of a "land of the gods". Note: This question will be posted on a public forum. The Madera area also grows wine grapes and its a secret spot that is far less crowded than Napa or Paso. Her contributions reflects her special interest in travel, women health and celebrities. Dont assume that youll have mobile coverage, so cache maps, trail maps and this article. Call US 7 days a week from 8AM to Midnight ET 1-800-430-0484; Yosemite Valley Loop Trail: 11 miles (full loop), 7 miles (half-loop). Stop #4: Jenner. 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. This article was expanded with more information about Napa Valley and suggestions to make more of a day trip of visiting Napa Valley. Here are 4 ways to get to Yosemite from San Francisco that involve a car rental or transportation and tour by a local operator. 1 Hour, Admission (Optional): Adult $32; Child (2-12 yrs) $25; Senior (Over 65 yrs) Free|Duration: Approx. The Yosemite Falls tumble down in three separate sections. Thanks for your input! 01244 435 806. Witness the stunning scenes of California's Wine Country as you travel past sun-dappled fields . San Francisco, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Sequoia NP, Yosemite NP Lake Tahoe & Napa Valley Explore the best of California on this Northern Cali Loop . Dont leave Yosemite without visiting theMariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Here are four top things for you to add to your must-do list. The 34-acre property features a main home, guest house and studio all centered around a generous-sized pool and elevated terraces. We reserve the right to edit or reject questions that include inappropriate content, profanity, references to other retailers, pricing, or personal information. 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! Tour the famous landmarks of San Francisco, cross the bay to Muir Woods, and spend a day tasting wine in the Napa and Sonoma . Yosemite National Park has nearly 1,200 square miles of towering granite, alpine lakes and ancient sequoia trees. Take this itinerary north from, Or just hang out in SF and visit a few of the local. Original Poster . var obj = document.getElementById("2527080060dates_range_end"); Tuolumnes Top 8 on the Edge of Yosemite Yay, we in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you are a hardy hiker, you can purchase a 1-way ticket and then take your pick of either a 5 or 8 mile hike back down to Yosemite Valley. Look at lodging reviews; B&Bs are usually under Specialty Lodging. This is one of the most dramatic scenic drives in California. FAQ: What is a good route to travel to Yosemite (or to San Francisco) from Las Vegas? 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. Read what other travelers think about this tour. This hike starts at Yosemite Falls and takes a nice long stroll along the Merced River.