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In this post we share two itineraries for first time visitors to see Northern California in all its splendor. Both itineraries begin in San Francisco, with a focus on the natural spaces.
The first itinerary emphasizes California’s natural beauty through a visit to Yosemite National Park (granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves and biological diversity), and ends on the coastline in Carmel & Monterey (pristine white beaches, rugged cliffs, and enchanting cypress trees).
The second itinerary swaps a visit to Yosemite with time in California’s wine country to highlight Sonoma and Napa Valley’s viticulture. Rolling hills surround 650+ picturesque vineyards who are ready to welcome visitors for tastings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and fine dining at the 150+ Michelin-starred restaurants.
Countries covered in this itinerary
- United States
Itinerary One
City Base | Nights | Notes & Day Trips |
| San Francisco | 2 | Day 1: Arrive to San Francisco, Lombard Street, Painted Ladies, Alamo Square, Golden Gate Park (stop through de Young Museum or California Academy of Sciences), Land’s End, China Beach, lunch or dinner on Fillmore Street Day 2: Walk from Fisherman’s Wharf to Golden Gate Bridge, stop for lunch in the Marina (Chestnut Street), rent a bike to cross Golden Gate Bridge and continue on to Sausalito, return to San Francisco via Golden Gate Ferry Day 3: Drive east to Yosemite Notes: Time in San Francisco is focused on natural scapes |
| Yosemite National Park | 2 | Day 1 (Trip Day 4): Arrive to Yosemite, hike Day 2 (Trip Day 5): El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls Day 3 (Trip Day 6): Early morning drive to Carmel |
| Carmel | 2 | Day 1 (Trip Day 6): Arrive to downtown Carmel, Carmel Beach Day 2 (Trip Day 7): Pebble Beach 17 mile drive OR 10 minute drive to Monterey (Monterey Bay Aquarium, Canary Row OR kayak/snorkel in the Elkhorn Slough) Day 3 (Trip Day 8): Depart for San Francisco |
| San Francisco | 1 | Day 1 (Trip Day 8): Depart back home |
Map of itinerary locations
San Francisco Day One
San Francisco Day Two
Yosemite Locations
Transport times
- Private car San Francisco to Yosemite: 3 hours
- Private car Yosemite to Carmel: 3 hours, 30 minutes
- Private car Carmel to Monterey: 10 minutes
- Private car Monterey to San Francisco: 2 hours
Mode of transport — private car
Itinerary Two
City Base | Nights | Notes & Day Trips |
| San Francisco | 2 | Day 1: Arrive to San Francisco, Lombard Street, Painted Ladies, Alamo Square, Golden Gate Park (stop through de Young Museum or California Academy of Sciences), Land’s End, China Beach, lunch or dinner on Fillmore Street Day 2: Walk from Fisherman’s Wharf to Golden Gate Bridge, stop for lunch in the Marina (Chestnut Street), rent a bike to cross Golden Gate Bridge and continue on to Sausalito, return to San Francisco via Golden Gate Ferry Day 3: Early morning, drive north to Sonoma Notes: Time in San Francisco is focused on natural scapes |
| Sonoma | 1 | Day 1 (Trip Day 4): Arrive to Sonoma for 10AM winery first appointment — Repris Wines, Kamen Estate Wines and Donum Estate; evening in downtown Sonoma Day 2 (Trip Day 5): Mid-morning depart to Napa Valley Notes: Repris Wines is by reservation only; in general make advance reservation at wineries for the best experience |
| Napa Valley | 1 | Day 1 (Trip Day 5): Arrive to Napa, 4-8 hour Napa Wine Train adventure OR visit wineries McKenzie Mueller Winery and Caldwell Vineyards, dine at Auberge du Soleil Day 2 (Trip Day 6): Morning hot-air balloon ride; lunch in Napa or Yountville, depart for Carmel |
| Carmel | 2 | Day 1 (Trip Day 6): Arrive to downtown Carmel, Carmel Beach Day 2 (Trip Day 7): Pebble Beach 17 mile drive OR 10 minute drive to Monterey (Monterey Bay Aquarium, Canary Row OR kayak/snorkel in the Elkhorn Slough) Day 3 (Trip Day 8): Depart for San Francisco |
| San Francisco | 2 | Day 1 (Trip Day 8): Depart back home |
Map of itinerary locations
Sonoma locations
Napa Valley locations
Transport times
- Private car San Francisco to Sonoma: 1 hour
- Private car Sonoma to Napa Valley: 20 minutes
- Private car Napa Valley to Yountville: 15 minutes
- Private car Napa Valley to Carmel: 3 hours
- Private car Carmel to Monterey: 10 minutes
- Private car Monterey to San Francisco: 2 hours
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