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Santa Barbara Wine Country, 3 Days | Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur, 4 Days | Sierra Riches: Yosemite, Gold Country, and Tahoe, 10 Days | The Ultimate Wine Trip: Napa and Sonoma, 4 Days | The Best of the Northern Coast, 5 Days
Santa Barbara Wine Country, 3 Days
It has been over a decade since the popular movie Sideways brought the Santa Barbara wine country to the world’s attention, and interest in this wine growing area continues to grow. On this trip you will explore one of the most beautiful cities in the West, enjoy time along the gorgeous coast, and then head inland for a delightful wine-tasting adventure. This itinerary makes a perfect add-on to a trip to Los Angeles, or for those driving the coastal route between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Day 1: Santa Barbara
(2 hours by car from LAX to Santa Barbara without traffic.)
Santa Barbara is a gem, combining elegance with a laid-back coastal vibe. It provides a tranquil escape from the congestion of Los Angeles, and a dose of sophistication to the largely rural central coast.
Start your day at the beautiful Old Mission Santa Barbara, known as the “Queen” of the 21 missions that comprise the California Mission Trail. From here, head to the waterfront and spend some time enjoying the wide stretch of sand at East Beach and a seafood lunch at one of the restaurants on Stearns Wharf.
Next stop is a tour of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the beautiful red-tile roofed buildings of the surrounding downtown. Don’t miss the incredible views from the top of the courthouse tower.
Back on the ground, enjoy superb shopping along State Street and consider kicking off your wine tour early with some tastings along the Urban Wine Trail, a collection of tasting rooms spread over a few blocks between downtown and the beach. Enjoy the lively dining and nightlife scene downtown, or head towards tony Montecito for an elegant dinner or overnight stay at the ultra-exclusive (and expensive) San Ysidro Ranch.
Day 2: Santa Rita Hills, Lompoc, and Los Olivos
(Without stops, this route takes about 2 hours by car. Plan to linger, and to detour down side roads to reach the wineries.)
Take the scenic drive along the coast on Highway 101 before heading inland towards Buellton. Exit onto Santa Rosa Road to begin your loop through the Santa Rita Hills. This area’s cooler climate produces top-notch Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Vineyards line the loop as you head out on Santa Rosa Road and return on Highway 246 towards Buellton. Lafond Winery and Vineyards, Alma Rosa Winery, and Ken Brown Wines are just a few of the wineries found along this route. Don’t miss a stop at the so-called Lampoc Wine Ghetto, located midway around the route. Several tasting rooms are clustered together in an industrial park downtown including well-regarded producers such as Stolpman and Longoria.
Back on Highway 101, head north about 6 miles before exiting towards Los Olivos. Here you can park the car and spend the rest of the day exploring on foot. Tasting rooms, galleries, boutiques and restaurants have made this former stagecoach town quite wine-country chic. Carhartt Vineyard and Daniel Gehrs are just two of the producers with tasting rooms in town. Los Olivos is a good base to overnight in, or stay just outside of town at the lovely Ballard Inn. Or, dine at the chic locavore Root 246 restaurant and stay at the Hotel Corque in nearby Solvang.
Days 3: Solvang, Foxen Canyon, and the Santa Ynez Valley
(The drive from Santa Ynez to Santa Barbara is about 45 minutes by car via Hwy. 154.)
Start the next morning with pastries at the Danish town of Solvang, 10 minutes south of Los Olivos. The collection of windmills and distinct half-timber architecture of this village is charming, even if it is touristy. Spend some time exploring the town before hitting the road.
The towns of Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Solvang are located just a few minutes apart, with wineries spread between them in an area known as the Santa Ynez Valley. Heading north from Los Olivos, the Foxen Canyon wine trail extends all the way to Santa Maria. Expect some backtracking along your route today as you wind between the towns and venture into Foxen Canyon. The tour at Firestone Vineyard is worthwhile, but very popular. The tasting rooms throughout the Santa Ynez region can get crowded, but there are plenty to choose from—if you see a tour bus parked outside one winery, just keep driving to the next one. Don’t blink or you might miss the tiny town of Santa Ynez itself, but it is worth a wander or a stop for lunch.
When you’ve had your fill of the wine region, take scenic Highway 154 over the San Marcos Pass and back to Santa Barbara. Wind down the day with a stroll along the beach, and perhaps one last glass of wine at sunset.
Monterey Bay, Carmel, and Big Sur, 4 Days
In a nutshell, this drive is all about the jaw-dropping scenery of the Pacific Coast. Visitors pressed for time often make the drive from Monterey through Big Sur in one day. However, those who linger will be rewarded with more time to venture off the road and to enjoy the solitude of Big Sur once the day-trippers have gone.
Day 1: Monterey
Monterey, with its federally protected national marine sanctuary and its world-renowned aquarium, is the perfect spot to kick off your tour of the coast. Start the day with a visit to the enthralling Monterey Bay Aquarium. Exhibits such as the dramatic three-story kelp forest near the entrance give you a true sense of the local marine environment. For an even closer encounter, take yourself to the water on a kayak or whale watching tour. While undoubtedly touristy, the shops and galleries of Cannery Row still make for an interesting diversion and it’s fun to watch the colony of sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf. There are plenty of excellent dining and lodging choices within walking distance of downtown, so enjoy a seafood dinner and an evening stroll before hitting the road the next morning.
Day 2: 17-Mile Drive and Carmel-By-The-Sea
(The 17-Mile Drive’s Pacific Grove entrance gate is 15 minutes by car from Monterey.)
If your visit falls between October and March, begin your drive with a quick detour to visit the migrating monarch butterflies at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary in the charming Victorian town of Pacific Grove.
Enter the scenic 17-Mile Drive through the tollgate off Sunset Drive in Pacific Grove. This scenic road winds its way along the coast through a hushed and refined landscape of stunning homes and the renowned golf links at Pebble Beach. Perhaps the most famous (and photographed) resident is the Lone Cypress, which has come to symbolize the solitude and natural beauty of the coast. Even though the drive is only 17 miles, plan on taking your time. If you stop for lunch or souvenir shopping, enquire about a refund on the entry toll.
Upon exiting the drive, continue south to the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Spend the afternoon browsing the town’s boutiques and galleries before walking to Carmel Beach for sunset and dinner at one of the many fine restaurants here. Similarly, there is no shortage of stylish, but pricey, lodging. Venture outside of the village for less expensive accommodation.
Day 3: Big Sur
(30 minutes by car.)
The coastal drive through Big Sur is justifiably one of the most famous stretches of road in the world. The winding curves, endless views, and scenic waypoints are the stuff of road trip legend. Keep your camera handy, fill up the tank, and prepare to be wowed. Traffic can easily back up along the route and drivers should take caution navigating the road’s twists and turns. While you will only drive about 30 miles today, allow several hours for hikes and stops.
Heading into Big Sur you will first come upon the extremely photogenic Bixby Creek Bridge. Pull over in the turnout on the north side of the bridge to get that perfect shot. About 10 miles down the road look for a small cluster of services known as Big Sur Village just before the entrance to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the perfect place to stop for a hike.
One mile south of the park, watch carefully for the sharp turnout and unmarked road leading to Pfeiffer Beach. Following the unpaved road 2 miles toward the sea you may question whether you are lost, but your perseverance will be rewarded when you reach the secluded beach with its signature rocky arch just offshore. Don’t miss it!
There are several lodging options around this portion of Big Sur, ranging from rustic to luxurious. If room rates at the legendary Post Ranch Inn are not in your budget, consider splurging on the nine-course tasting menu at its spectacular cliff-side Sierra Mar restaurant instead. Alternatively, the terrace at Nepenthe offers decent food and gorgeous views at a lower price point. Be sure to check the time for sunset when making your dinner reservation.
Day 4: Big Sur to Cambria
(About 2 hours by car. Allow ample time for hiking and 2 hours to tour Hearst Castle.)
Start the morning off with a hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, popular for its waterfall tumbling dramatically into the sea. Back on the road, several scenic overlooks will beckon as you head through the southern stretch of Big Sur. Treasure hunters should consider a stop at Jade Cove.
As you enter San Simeon, don’t miss the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Depending on your timing, you might catch a late afternoon tour at Hearst Castle. If not, you can make a reservation for a tour early the following morning. End the day with a walk at Moonstone Beach in the town of Cambria, 10 miles south of the castle and overnight in one of the reasonably priced lodgings here.
From here, you can continue your travels south through the central coast to Santa Barbara. Or head inland to visit the Paso Robles wine region before returning to Monterey via Highway 101.
Sierra Riches: Yosemite, Gold Country, and Tahoe, 10 Days
This tour will show you why Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco. It also includes some of the most beautiful places in a very scenic state, plus gold-rush-era history, and a chance to hike a trail or two.
Day 1: San Francisco
Straight from the airport, drop your bags at the lighthearted Hotel Monaco near Union Square and request a goldfish for your room. A Union Square stroll packs a wallop of people-watching, window-shopping, and architecture viewing. Chinatown, chock-full of dim sum shops, storefront temples, and open-air markets, promises authentic bites for lunch. Catch a Powell Street cable car to the end of the line and get off to see the bay views and the antique arcade games at Musée Mécanique, the hidden gem of otherwise mindless Fisherman’s Wharf. No need to go any farther than cosmopolitan North Beach for cocktail hour, dinner, and live music.
Day 2: Golden Gate Park
(15 minutes by car or taxi, 45 minutes by public transport from Union Square.)
In Golden Gate Park, linger amid the flora of the Conservatory of Flowers and the San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum, soak up some art at the de Young Museum, and find serene refreshment at the San Francisco Japanese Tea Garden. The Pacific surf pounds the cliffs below the Legion of Honor art museum, which has an exquisite view of the Golden Gate Bridge—when the fog stays away. Sunset cocktails at the circa-1909 Cliff House include a prospect over Seal Rock (actually occupied by sea lions). Eat dinner elsewhere: Pacific Heights, the Mission, and SoMa teem with excellent restaurants.
Day 3: Into the High Sierra
(4–5 hours by car from San Francisco.)
First thing in the morning, pick up your rental car and head for the hills. Arriving in Yosemite National Park, Bridalveil Fall, and El Capitan, the 350-story granite monolith, greet you on your way to Yosemite Village. Ditch the car and pick up information and refreshment before hopping on the year-round shuttle to explore. Justly famous sights cram Yosemite Valley: massive Half Dome and Sentinel Dome, thundering Yosemite Falls, and wispy Ribbon Fall and Nevada Fall. Invigorating short hikes off the shuttle route lead to numerous vantage points. Celebrate your arrival in one of the world’s most sublime spots with dinner in the dramatic Ahwahnee Hotel Dining Room and stay the night there (reserve well in advance).
Day 4: Yosemite National Park
(Yosemite shuttles run every 10–30 minutes.)
Ardent hikers consider John Muir Trail to Half Dome a must-do, tackling the rigorous 12-hour round-trip to the top of Half Dome in search of life-changing vistas. The merely mortal hike downhill from Glacier Point on Four-Mile Trail or Panorama Trail, the latter an all-day trek past waterfalls. Less demanding still is a drive to Wawona for a stroll in the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees and lunch at the 19th-century Wawona Hotel Dining Room. In bad weather, take shelter in the Ansel Adams Gallery and Yosemite Museum; in fair conditions, drive up to Glacier Point for a breathtaking sunset view.
Day 5: Gold Country South
(2½–3 hours by car from Yosemite.)
Highway 49 traces the mother lode that yielded many fortunes in gold in the 1850s and 1860s. Step into a living gold-rush town at Columbia State Historic Park, where you can ride a stagecoach and pan for riches. Sutter Creek’s well-preserved downtown bursts with shopping opportunities, but the vintage goods displayed at Monteverde Store Museum are not for sale. A different sort of vintage powers the present-day bonanza of Shenandoah Valley, heart of the Sierra Foothills Wine Country. Taste your way through Rhône-style blended Zinfandels and Syrahs at boutique wineries such as Shenandoah Vineyards and Sobon Estate. Amador City’s 1879 Imperial Hotel places you firmly in the past for the night.
Day 6: Gold Country North
(2 hours by car from Amador City to Nevada City.)
In Placerville, a mineshaft invites investigation at Hangtown’s Gold Bug Mine, while Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park encompasses most of Coloma and preserves the spot where James Marshall’s 1849 find set off the California Gold Rush. Old Town Auburn, with its museums and courthouse, makes a good lunch stop, but if you hold out until you reach Grass Valley you can try authentic miners’ pasties. A tour of Empire Mine State Historic Park takes you into a mine, and a few miles away horse-drawn carriages ply the narrow, shop-lined streets of downtown Nevada City. Both Nevada City and Grass Valley hold a collection of bed-and-breakfast inns that date back to gold-rush days. For more contemporary accommodations backtrack to Auburn or Placerville.
Day 7: Lake Tahoe
(1 hour by car from Nevada City, 2 hours from Placerville.)
Jewel-like Lake Tahoe is a straight shot east of Placerville on Highway 50; stop for picnic provisions in commercial South Lake Tahoe. A stroll past the three magnificent estates in Pope-Baldwin Recreation Area hints at the sumptuous lakefront summers once enjoyed by the elite. High above a glittering cove, Emerald Bay State Park offers one of the best lake views as well as a steep hike down to (and back up from) Vikingsholm, a replica 9th-century Scandinavian castle. Another fine, old mansion—plus a nature preserve and many hiking trails—lies in Sugar Pine Point State Park. Tahoe City offers more history and ample dining and lodging choices.
Day 8: Exploring Lake Tahoe
(Sightseeing cruise lasts 2 hours.)
The picture-perfect beaches and bays of Lake Tahoe–Nevada State Park line the Nevada shoreline, a great place to bask in the sun or go mountain biking. For a different perspective of the lake, get out on the azure water aboard the stern-wheeler MS Dixie II from Zephyr Cove. In South Lake Tahoe, another view unfurls as the Heavenly Gondola travels 2½ miles up a mountain. Keep your adrenaline pumping into the evening with some action at the massive casinos clustered in Stateline, Nevada.
Day 9: Return to San Francisco
(About 4 hours by car from Tahoe City.)
After a long morning of driving, return your rental car in San Francisco and soak up some more urban excitement. Good options include a late lunch at the Ferry Building, followed by a visit to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, or lunch in Japantown followed by shopping in Pacific Heights. There is excellent people-watching in the Castro and the Haight. Say good-bye to Northern California at one of the plush lounges or trendy bars in the downtown hotels.
Day 10: Departure
(SFO is 30 minutes from downtown both by BART public transport and by car, without traffic.)
Check the weather and your flight information before you start out for the airport: fog sometimes causes delays at SFO. On a clear day, your flight path might give you one last fabulous glimpse of the City by the Bay.
The Ultimate Wine Trip: Napa and Sonoma, 4 Days
On this four-day extravaganza, you’ll taste well-known and under-the-radar wines, bed down in plush hotels, and dine at restaurants operated by celebrity chefs. Appointments are required for some of the tastings.
Day 1: Sonoma County
(1½–2 hours by car from San Francisco, depending on traffic.)
Begin your tour in Geyserville, about 78 miles north of San Francisco on U.S. Highway 101. Visit Locals Tasting Room, which pours the wines of special small wineries. Have lunch at nearby Diavola or Catelli’s, then head south on U.S. Highway 101 and Old Redwood Highway to Healdsburg’s J Vineyards and Winery, known for sparkling wines, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir. After a tasting, backtrack on Old Redwood to Healdsburg. Hôtel Les Mars and h2hotel are two well-located spots to spend the night. Have dinner at Chalkboard, Bravas Bar de Tapas, or Campo Fina, all close by.
Day 2: Sonoma Wineries
(1 hour by car from Healdsburg to Glen Ellen.)
Interesting wineries dot the countryside surrounding Healdsburg, among them Dry Creek Vineyard, Jordan Vineyard & Winery, and Unti Vineyards. Dry Creek produces Zinfandel, Jordan makes Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and Unti specializes in Zinfandel, Sangiovese, and obscure Italian and Rhône varietals. In the afternoon, head south on U.S. Highway 101 and east on scenic Highway 12 to Glen Ellen. Visit Jack London State Historic Park, the memorabilia-filled home of the famous writer. Dine at Aventine Glen Ellen or Glen Ellen Star and stay at the Olea Hotel.
Day 3: Napa Valley
(Glen Ellen to St. Helena is about 30 minutes by car without traffic. St. Helena to Yountville is about 15 minutes by car, without stops.)
On day three, head east from Glen Ellen on Trinity Road, which twists and turns over the Mayacamas Mountains, eventually becoming the Oakville Grade. Unless you’re driving, bask in the stupendous Napa Valley views. At Highway 29, drive north to St. Helena. Focus on history and architecture at Charles Krug Winery or let the art and wines at Hall St. Helena transport you. Take lunch downtown at Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen. Check out St. Helena’s shopping, then head south on Highway 29 to Yountville for more shopping. Start at celebrity chef Michael Chiarello’s NapaStyle, inside V Marketplace.
Stay overnight at Bardessono or the North Block Hotel, both within walking distance of Yountville’s famous restaurants. A meal at The French Laundry is many visitors’ holy grail, but dining at Bouchon, Bistro Jeanty, Redd, or Chiarello’s Bottega will also leave you feeling well served.
Day 4: Oakville to Carneros
(Just over 1 hour by car from Napa to San Francisco, without traffic.)
After breakfast, head north on Highway 29 to Oakville, where sipping wine at Silver Oak Cellars, Nickel & Nickel, or B Cellars will make clear why collectors covet Oakville Cabernet Sauvignons. Nickel & Nickel is on Highway 29; Silver Oak and B Cellars are east of it on Oakville Cross Road. Have a picnic at Oakville Grocery, in business on Highway 29 since 1881. Afterward, head south to Highway 121 and turn west to reach the Carneros District. Tour the di Rosa arts center (appointment required), then repair across the street to Domaine Carneros, which makes French-style sparkling wines. There’s hardly a more elegant way to bid a Wine Country adieu than on the Domaine château’s vineyard-view terrace before heading back to San Francisco. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your departure airport; traffic is generally heavy as you close in on the Bay Area.
The Best of the Northern Coast, 5 Days
Hit the highlights of Northern California in one itinerary: scenic coastal drives, quaint windswept towns, wine tasting, culinary delights, and majestic redwood forests. This route can be done as part of a longer trip north towards the Oregon border, or as part of a loop back down to San Francisco.
Day 1: Marin County and Point Reyes National Seashore
(Without stops, Pt. Reyes National Seashore is about 1½ hours by car from San Francisco on Hwy. 1. Pt. Reyes Lighthouse is 45 minutes by car from the visitor center.)
As you head out of San Francisco on the Golden Gate Bridge, be sure to pull over at the scenic lookout on the north side and take in the spectacular views looking back at the city skyline. If you haven’t yet checked out the picturesque harbor community of Sausalito just north of the bridge, now is your chance. It will be hard not to linger, but there is much to see today. Bidding San Francisco farewell, you will quickly find yourself in the natural beauty of Marin County. Exit the 101 onto Highway 1 at the chic suburb Mill Valley, and head towards Muir Woods National Monument. Walking among the coastal redwoods, it is hard to imagine San Francisco lies just a few miles away. However, the proximity to the city means that Muir Woods is often crowded and parking can be difficult if you don’t arrive early.
From Muir Woods, continue on Highway 1 past the laid-back beach towns of Stinson Beach and Bolinas before continuing on to Point Reyes National Seashore. Spend the remainder of the day at the park tidepooling, kayaking, hiking one of the many trails, or exploring the Point Reyes Lighthouse. In the winter, be on the lookout for migrating gray whales.
The tiny town of Point Reyes Station offers a selection of shops and dining options, including Tomales Bay Foods, a provisions stop favored by foodies. Spend a quiet evening in town and overnight at one of the small inns nearby.
Day 2: Healdsburg
(Pt. Reyes Station to Healdsburg, via Jenner, is 2 hours by car.)
Continue north on Highway 1 past Bodega Bay, made famous by the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds. At Jenner, known for its resident harbor seals, turn on Route 116 and follow the Russian River inland taking time to stop at a winery or two along the way.
Ditch the car in Healdsburg and enjoy strolling through the appealing town square with its excellent selection of tasting rooms and boutiques. The town is home to many acclaimed restaurants and luxurious hotels and is an excellent place to stop for the night. The town’s compact layout and quality offerings make Healdsburg a favorite among wine country destinations.
Days 3 and 4: Anderson Valley and Mendocino
(Mendocino is 2 hours by car from Healdsburg. Budget plenty of time for stops in Anderson Valley to ensure the end of this scenic drive is done in the daylight.)
Driving north on the 101 from Healdsburg, pick up Highway 128 at Cloverdale and head into the Anderson Valley. This wine region is famous for its excellent Pinot Noir and Gewürtztraminer, and the laid-back atmosphere of its tasting rooms can be a refreshing alternative to those in Napa Valley. Navarro Vineyards, Roederer Estate and Husch Vineyards are all recommended. The small towns of Boonville and Philo have several high-quality dining options, and the latter is home to the Philo Apple Farm’s beloved farm stand.
Continuing on to the coast, Highway 128 follows the Navarro River through several miles of dense and breathtaking redwood forest ending at the ocean. From here you meet up again with Highway 1 as it winds its way along a spectacularly scenic portion of the coast.
With their excellent dining and lodging options, the towns of Mendocino and Little River, just to the south, are great choices for your overnight stay. Spend the next day and a half exploring the area. Opportunities for stunning coastal walks abound, including MacKerricher and Van Damme State Parks. Hike through the unique Pygmy Forest in Van Damme and visit the Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. Be sure to save some time to explore the town of Mendocino itself with its quaint New England–style architecture and selection of art galleries and boutiques.
Day 5: Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the Avenue of the Giants
(Mendocino to Eureka via the Avenue of the Giants is 3 hours by car.)
Driving north on Highway 1, the road eventually curves inland and meets up with U.S. Highway 101 near Leggett. Head north on the 101 to Garberville, a good place to take a break before heading on to the Redwoods.
For all the hype, a drive through The Avenue of the Giants will still take your breath away. Pick up a copy of the self-guided tour as you enter the 32-mile stretch of road running alongside some of the tallest trees on the planet. The drive weaves through portions of the larger Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Take time to get out of the car and take a short hike through Founders Grove or Rockefeller Forest.
Continue on to Ferndale, a picturesque town of colorful Victorian buildings that is now largely a tourist destination. You can overnight here, or carry on to the regional city of Eureka for a wider variety of dining and accommodation.
From here, you can continue your way up the coast through the Redwood National Forest and on to the Oregon border. Alternatively, you can head south on the 101 and either return to San Francisco, or easily combine this itinerary with a trip to Napa Valley and the rest of Sonoma.