Highlights of Northern California
San Francisco to Sonoma & beyond!
Northern California isn't just geography - it's a state of mind. Here, all are welcome to take in the sun, sea, and city. Embark on a 9-night journey through California's northern gems. Marvel at soaring redwoods and crashing coastlines. Zip up and down the 7 Hills of San Francisco in a cable car then sip some of Sonoma's world-famous wine. This package delivers nights in San Francisco, Sonoma, South Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to San Francisco (SFO)
- Automatic rental car for the duration of your trip
- Pick up and drop off at SFO
- 2 nights in San Francisco at The Park Central, or similar
- 2 nights in Sonoma (Rohnert Park) at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Sonoma Wine Country, or similar
- 2 nights in South Lake Tahoe at the Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa, or similar
- 2 nights in the Yosemite National Park area at the Yosemite View Lodge, or similar
- 1 night in San Francisco at The Park Central, or similar
- Detailed day-by-day itinerary with trip highlights, hotel information, local guides, maps and driving directions
Great Ways to Explore
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Visit the icons of San Francisco: cable cars, Fisherman's Wharf, and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge!
Drink in the sights of Sonoma's sprawling vineyards.
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Experience alpine bliss in South Lake Tahoe.
-
Get a literal breath of fresh air in Yosemite.
-
Fall in love with Northern California on a road trip to remember!
You might not always stand up as soon as your plane lands, but you will on this trip! This unforgettable road trip through Northern California is so good, you won't want to waste a moment.
Start your adventure in the City by the Bay - San Francisco! From the Golden Gate to Alcatraz Island to the hustle and bustle of the Castro, this historic city has something exciting around every corner. After your time in SF, you'll set your course for the Sonoma Valley.
Sonoma Valley's scenic backroads and expansive array of excellent wines are every wine-lover's dream. Be your own sommelier for a day and treat yourself to a winery tour or two before moving on to the crisp air of the Sierra Nevadas.
Your next stop will be in South Lake Tahoe for all your favorite outdoor activities. Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to play all day and party all night. After an invigorating stay, you'll head for one of the world's most famous national parks: Yosemite.Â
Two nights in Yosemite will stir up your hunger for outdoor adventure. Take on the excellent hiking and irresistible views of the area. Picturesque year-round, Yosemite is impossible not to love.
Your road trip will come full-circle upon your return to San Francisco. Use your final night to dive into any last-minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping that piques your interest.Â
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to San Francisco (SFO)
- Automatic rental car for the duration of your trip
- Pick up and drop off at SFO
- 2 nights in San Francisco at The Park Central, or similar
- 2 nights in Sonoma (Rohnert Park) at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Sonoma Wine Country, or similar
- 2 nights in South Lake Tahoe at the Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa, or similar
- 2 nights in the Yosemite National Park area at the Yosemite View Lodge, or similar
- 1 night in San Francisco at The Park Central, or similar
- Detailed day-by-day itinerary with trip highlights, hotel information, local guides, maps and driving directions
-
Visit the icons of San Francisco: cable cars, Fisherman's Wharf, and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge!
Drink in the sights of Sonoma's sprawling vineyards.
-
Experience alpine bliss in South Lake Tahoe.
-
Get a literal breath of fresh air in Yosemite.
-
Fall in love with Northern California on a road trip to remember!
You might not always stand up as soon as your plane lands, but you will on this trip! This unforgettable road trip through Northern California is so good, you won't want to waste a moment.
Start your adventure in the City by the Bay - San Francisco! From the Golden Gate to Alcatraz Island to the hustle and bustle of the Castro, this historic city has something exciting around every corner. After your time in SF, you'll set your course for the Sonoma Valley.
Sonoma Valley's scenic backroads and expansive array of excellent wines are every wine-lover's dream. Be your own sommelier for a day and treat yourself to a winery tour or two before moving on to the crisp air of the Sierra Nevadas.
Your next stop will be in South Lake Tahoe for all your favorite outdoor activities. Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to play all day and party all night. After an invigorating stay, you'll head for one of the world's most famous national parks: Yosemite.Â
Two nights in Yosemite will stir up your hunger for outdoor adventure. Take on the excellent hiking and irresistible views of the area. Picturesque year-round, Yosemite is impossible not to love.
Your road trip will come full-circle upon your return to San Francisco. Use your final night to dive into any last-minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping that piques your interest.Â
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to San Francisco!
Congratulations! You've officially made it to the coolest place on Earth! Slide on your sunglasses and buckle up: this is going to be the road trip of a lifetime.
The Bay Area has a legendary culinary scene, so show up hungry! Dig into your adventure with an obligatory visit to In-N-Out for an Animal Style burger (a hot tip from the locals - don't waste time on the rest of the "secret menu." Animal Style or nothin').
While you're here, don't miss any other emblematic San Franciscan favorites: clam chowder in a sourdough bowl on Fisherman's Wharf, a Ghiradelli hot fudge sundae from N. Point Street's Ghirardelli Square, Dungeness crab from Swan Oyster Depot on Polk Street, or an IT'S-IT ice cream sandwich from just about anywhere equipped with a freezer!
Be sure to make your way to Coit Tower in time to enjoy 360-degree views of the city while the sun sets!
A Tip For Your Trip: San Francisco is surrounded on three sides by water, which usually means foggy and cool mornings, warm and sunny afternoons, and cool evenings. The city also gets pretty windy, so be sure to pack warm layers!
Check-in - The Park Central San Francisco
Stay at The Park Central San Francisco for comfort and relaxation! Rooms include flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, bathrobes, toiletries, and a hairdryer. Dine on locally-sourced California cuisine at the Maso restaurant, or have a cocktail at the lounge bar. You’re just feet from the Market St. Kearney cable car station, and a short walk from Union Square and the Yerba Buena Gardens. Explore San Francisco in luxurious comfort with stunning views!
Day 2. San Francisco
Wake up early so you can fill your day with sightseeing! The City by the Bay is packed with things to enchant every traveler - the Painted Ladies on Steiner Street, the vintage clothing boutiques in Haight-Ashbury, the sea lions at Pier 39, cable cars, Alcatraz Island...the list goes on (and on and on and...).
For a true Northern California experience, set off across the Golden Gate for a scenic drive to Muir Woods. This 560-acre park is home to ancient groves of redwoods that can grow as tall as 380 feet!
On your way back, be sure to stop at the Muir Beach Overlook for gorgeous views of the Pacific Coast and, if you travel at the right time of year, whales!
A Tip For Your Trip: When they're not using its full name, you might hear people call San Francisco "San Fran," "SF," or simply "the city," but one thing's certain: a local surely wouldn't call it "Frisco."
Day 3. San Francisco - Sonoma
Only about 30 miles from San Francisco, Sonoma County never fails to impress. Boasting 50 miles of Pacific coastline, 40+ spas and wellness centers, and over 425 beautiful wineries, the Sonoma Valley abounds in relaxation and rejuvenation. For a scenic drive from SF, take the Pacific Coast Highway!Â
Highway 1 (also known as CA State Route 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) is one of the most stunning road trip experiences in the country. You'll get breathtaking ocean views as you wind your way along the coast. The drive north will keep the sun at your back and the Pacific to your left as you take in the marvelous scenery.
A Tip For Your Trip: Highway 1 is stunning, but not for everyone! This two-lane highway follows the coastal contours, which means curves, cliffs, and few passing lanes or turn-offs. At times, traffic can average 30-40 mph. If anyone in your group is uncomfortable with heights or suffers from motion sickness, you may prefer a different route.
If you’ve always wanted to stay in a hotel with an attached golf course and tennis court, look no further! Just minutes from wineries and next door to Fox Tail Golf Club, the Doubletree Hotel Sonoma Wine Country is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Rooms offer flat-screen televisions, desks, a coffee maker, and a fridge. Enjoy the seasonal outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, and have a work out at the fitness center! Enjoy dinner and drinks in the Bacchus Restaurant and Wine Bar.
Day 4. Sonoma
Welcome to wine country! If you're looking for gourmet farm-to-table dining, state parks, and wine tastings galore, you're in the right place.
Sonoma County is speckled with farming towns and vineyards which belong to 5th generation growers. Here, 47 idyllic miles are packed with 16 wine regions, all growing a variety of grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, and Zinfandel.Â
Day 5. Sonoma - South Lake Tahoe
The Sierra Nevadas are calling! The trip from Sonoma to Lake Tahoe is about 3 hours, so make the most of your drive with a stop at the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield. Treat yourself to a self-guided factory tour to see how the candy is made and snack on a few free samples.
Once you arrive in Tahoe, get ready for some fun! Whether you travel in the summer, spring, winter, or fall, there's plenty to do. Skiing, hiking, water sports and more are yours to enjoy in this alpine wonderland.
Check-in - Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa
Enjoy the free beach at this lakefront hotel! These comfortable rooms offer cable TV, coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Relax in the sauna, hot tub, pool, or private beach. In the winter, the lodge offers ski passes. Bijou Golf course is just a short drive away, and the Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa is close to restaurants and shopping centers.Â
Day 6. South Lake Tahoe
This mountain town is the perfect place to unwind outside. Spend your day in the sun on the lake, biking mountain trails, or hopping from boutique to boutique. When the sun goes down, move the party inside! Tahoe has a great live music scene, world-class casinos, and restaurants that will blow you away.
Day 7. South Lake Tahoe - Yosemite National Park
What can be said about Yosemite (pronounced yoh-sem-it-ee) except "wow?" This UNESCO-listed national park sits in a glacier-carved valley in the Sierra Nevadas. You'll find soaring sequoia trees, America's tallest waterfall, and dreamy hiking trails through thick forests.
Before you dash into the park, be sure you have a plan of attack. Hiking trails intersect and overlap, so be sure to bring a paper map. In the mountains, cell phone reception can be unreliable so make sure you know where you're going, how to get there, and most importantly, how to get back.
A Tip For Your Trip: Yosemite National Park hosts millions of visitors per year, so be prepared for crowds - especially in warmer weather. It's best to leave your car behind and opt for a free visitor shuttle ride when you visit the park.
Check-in - Yosemite View Lodge
Breath-taking Yosemite beauty meet comfort at the Yosemite View Lodge! Cozy rooms offer coffee machines, cable TV, a kitchenette, and Wi-Fi. Dine at the River Restaurant & Lounge on-site, or pop into the convenience store for a snack. Lounge at one of the many pools and spa areas, and enjoy the game room. This hotel offers comfort and convince close to the stunning natural beauty of Yosemite!Â
Day 8. Yosemite National Park
Start your day nice and early so you can pack adventure into every hour of daylight!Â
There are five entrances to the park, so it's a great idea to plan your day before you arrive. There are trails for every hiker, so check out the features of each trail you're interested in and make sure it's the right one for you!
The loop to Lower Yosemite Falls offers an easy, 30-minute hike from shuttle stop 6. Those looking for a more moderate hike may enjoy a 3-hour trek on the Mirror Lake loop. Advanced hikers may enjoy the challenge of the 5ish-hour hike on the Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails via shuttle stop 16's Mist Trail.Â
Remember to bring plenty of water along as some trails do not have drinking water available. Be sure to carry out all of your trash and food waste (including fruit peels and shells), stay on the trails, and leave the wildlife alone - they're trying to enjoy the park, too!Â
A Tip For Your Trip: Mirror Lake is actually a seasonal pool fed by snowmelt that flows in from Tenaya Creek. It is fullest in spring and early summer but may be dry during other parts of the year.
Day 9. Yosemite National Park - San Francisco
It's time to embark on the 3-hour trip back to San Francisco. If you want to do a little more SF sightseeing, Highway 120 is often the quickest route.Â
Upon your return, consider treating yourself to an evening in the theatre district or a dinner cruise on the Bay!
Check-in - The Park Central San Francisco
Stay at The Park Central San Francisco for comfort and relaxation! Rooms include flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, bathrobes, toiletries, and a hairdryer. Dine on locally-sourced California cuisine at the Maso restaurant, or have a cocktail at the lounge bar. You’re just feet from the Market St. Kearney cable car station, and a short walk from Union Square and the Yerba Buena Gardens. Explore San Francisco in luxurious comfort with stunning views!
Day 10. Depart California
It had to happen eventually: today, your Nothern California dreamin' comes to an end. Drop your rental car at the airport, board your flight home, and say "see ya next time!" to the Golden State.
A Tip For Your Trip: The fun isn't over when you get to the airport. SFO has a museum, yoga rooms, and even the "Wag Brigade:" a team of certified therapy dogs (and one outstanding pig) to pet!