Day Trips from Napa. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Sonoma Valley

Easy self-drive from Napa Valley. Roads are well-marked.

Sonoma The valley is a more rustic, less formal wine country an experience different from Napa. It features smaller, family-run wineries and a relaxed atmosphere. The historic Sonoma Plaza is a charming town center with a mission, shops, and restaurants.

Time Commitment and Itineraries

A full day is suitable for a good overview. An overnight stay is also an option.
Explore Sonoma Plaza, including Mission San Francisco Solano and the surrounding shops and restaurants.
Visit a few wineries in Kenwood or Glen Ellen.
Enjoy a casual lunch at a local cafe.

Day Trip Options

Beyond Sonoma, other excursions present unique California experiences. For guided experiences, explore options on GetYourGuide.

San Francisco

Self-drive is an option, but expect heavy traffic and issues with parking, especially during peak hours. A relaxed option is a combination of bus/train to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), then BART directly into the city.

Highlights and Time

San Francisco is a major metropolitan city with iconic landmarks and varied districts.
A full day covers major attractions. A multi-day stay supports exploration.
Visit Golden Gate Bridge, explore Alcatraz (book in advance), wander Fisherman's Wharf.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Best accessed by self-drive. Roads are scenic but can be winding.

Natural Beauty and Activities

This destination holds stunning coastal landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and historic lighthouses.
Abundant wildlife viewing is available, including elephant seals and migrating whales.
A full day is the recommendation to explore the areas.

Cultural Excursions

Jack London State Historic Park

This park preserves the ranch and ruins of the famous American author Jack London.
Tour London's restored cottage and visit the "House of Happy Walls" museum.
See the impressive ruins of Wolf House, his dream home that burned down.
The park features historic buildings, a museum, and scenic hiking trails.

Petaluma

A historic riverfront town with well-preserved Victorian architecture.
Petaluma is known for its antique shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and craft brewery scene.
Stroll the historic downtown area and discover the unique shops.
Enjoy local dining and craft beer for a charming, less crowded with tourists experience.

Multi-Day Extensions

San Francisco City Stay2-3 days
Sonoma Valley & Mendocino Coast2-3 days
Highway 1 Coastal Drive2-3+ days
Yosemite National Park3-4 hour drive from Napa

Lake Tahoe3-4 hour drive from Napa
Wine Country & Coast RouteNapa Valley -> Sonoma -> Point Reyes -> Hwy 1 South
Northern California LoopSF -> Napa -> Lake Tahoe -> Yosemite -> SF
TransportationBest via rental car for long distance travel.

Travel Advice

When planning a day trip from Napa, consider your travel time during peak traffic hours, especially for destinations like San Francisco.

Natural Escapes

Explore the diverse natural beauty surrounding Napa Valley.

Lake Berryessa

The largest lake in Napa County, a large freshwater reservoir for various water-based sports like boating, fishing, swimming, personal watercraft riding, and paddleboarding.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

A splendid grove of old-growth redwood trees. These ancient, towering trees create an awe-inspiring atmosphere for gentle walking trails.

Scenic Drives

Explore scenic backroads and byways offering breathtaking views of vineyards, rolling hills, and distant mountain ranges, ideal for a leisurely drive.

Lake Berryessa Activities

The largest lake in Napa County, a large freshwater reservoir formed by mont Saint-michelicello Dam.

Water Sports and Seasonal Notes

Popular for various water sports: boating, fishing, swimming, jet skiing, paddleboarding.
Several marinas offer boat hire.
Best for water activities in summer, when temperatures are high and the the loch is warm.

Armstrong Redwoods Reserve

A magnificent grove of old-growth redwood trees. These ancient, towering trees create a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Forest Experience

Gentle walking trails amidst the towering trees.
A peaceful place for a stroll or quiet contemplation.
Beautiful year-round, notably peaceful and misty after rain, enhancing the woods's magic.

Multi-Day Extensions Overview

Sf City Stay2-3 days complement the vineyard area.

Sonoma Valley & Mendocino Coast2-3 days for wineries and dramatic coastline.

Highway 1 Coastal Drive2-3+ days for breathtaking ocean views.

Yosemite National Park3-4 hr drive, 2-3 days for towering granite cliffs.

Lake Tahoe3-4 hr drive, mountain recreation and lake activities.

All extensionsBest done via rental car.

Suggested Regional Travel

Wine Country & Coast: Napa Valley -> Sonoma Valley -> Point Reyes National Seashore -> California STATE route 1 South.
Northern California Loop: San Francisco -> Napa Valley -> Lake Tahoe -> Yosemite National Park -> return to San Francisco.
This loop details a diverse experience of California's natural and cultural highlights.

Napa Valley Trip Extensions

Consider extending your trip to explore more of California's diverse offerings.

San Francisco City Stay

Experience the diverse culture, iconic sights, and world-class dining of San Francisco after your Napa trip. It complements the wine country experience well.

Activities and Features

Visit the Golden Gate Bridge.
Explore Alcatraz (book tickets in advance).
Shop in Union Square or discover Golden Gate Park.

Sonoma Valley & Mendocino Coast

Explore more of Sonoma's wineries, then drive west to the dramatic coastline of Mendocino. Visit charming towns like Mendocino and Fort Bragg, known for their rugged beauty and artistic communities.

Coastal Exploration

Explore more Sonoma wineries.
Drive west to the dramatic coastline of Mendocino.
Visit charming towns like Mendocino and Fort Bragg, known for rugged beauty.

Highway 1 Coastal Drive

A classic California road trip. Drive south from The Bay area along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway towards Monterey, Carmel, and The Greatest meeting of land and sea.

Scenic Route Features

Drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.
Head towards Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur.
This route has breathtaking ocean views and charming seaside towns.

Logical Next Destinations

Additional Destinations

Yosemite National Park: For breathtaking natural beauty and hiking.
Lake Tahoe: Mountain recreation, skiing in winter, lake activities in summer.
Transportation connections: Best done via rental car. Flights from Bay Area airports for further exploration.

Suggested Regional Travel Routes

These routes detail a diverse experience of California's natural and cultural highlights.

Wine Country & Coast

Napa Valley -> Sonoma Valley -> Point Reyes National Seashore -> California STATE route 1 South (towards Monterey/Carmel).

Northern California Loop

San Francisco -> Napa Valley -> Lake Tahoe -> Yosemite National Park -> return to San Francisco.

Desert & Mountains

Consider adding desert adventures like The Mojave and colorado desert confluence National Park or mountain retreats in the Sierra Nevada for varied landscapes.

Travel Planning Note

California's public transit system is not designed for easy long-distance tourist travel, so a rental car is the preferred method for regional extensions.

Day Trips from Napa