Northern California Road Trip: San Francisco, Yosemite and Sonoma

Day 1

Fly to San Francisco

Arrive in San Francisco and make your own way to your centrally located hotel, and after unpacking, step out to explore the city’s unique energy and charm. For a sweet introduction to the city, head to Ghirardelli Square. Once the home of the famed Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, this historic brick complex now features boutique shops, restaurants, and the flagship Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience, where you can watch chocolate being crafted, sample rich chocolate squares, or indulge in towering sundaes, hot fudge, and other delectable treats.

Days 2 to 4

San Francisco

There are so many ways to enjoy and experience this wonderful city.  Cable car, cycle, stroll or even take a segway tour around parts of the city!  We recommend walking along the Golden Gate Bridge for unforgettable panoramic views of the city and bay, followed by hopping aboard a historic cable car to glide through San Francisco’s iconic steep streets, and dive into the lively charm of Fisherman’s Wharf, where fresh seafood, bustling markets, street performers, and scenic waterfront views create a truly quintessential San Francisco experience.

Take some time to step into San Francisco’s Chinatown, a vibrant neighbourhood filled with red lanterns, pagoda-style architecture, bustling markets, and shops brimming with teas and herbs. Watch dumplings being hand-rolled, savour dim sum or visit landmarks like the Tin How Temple and Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory for a glimpse into Chinatown’s rich heritage.

During your stay, we recommend taking the ferry across the bay to Sausalito. Its charming, walkable waterfront is lined with pastel-hued boutiques, art galleries, and cafés, many offering sweeping views of the bay and the San Francisco skyline. Stroll along the marina to admire colourful houseboats or relax at a waterside eatery with fresh seafood in hand before heading back to the city.

Of course, a visit to San Francisco would not be complete without a visit to Alcatraz Island. Board a ferry from the wharf and explore the infamous former prison that housed notorious figures such as Al Capone and “Machine Gun” Kelly. Walk through the cell blocks and hear the voices of former guards and inmates on the award-winning audio tour, which brings the island’s history vividly to life. For an even more immersive experience, we recommend the nighttime tour where your guide will demonstrate the simultaneous shutting of the cell doors – something that’s bound to give you goosebumps!  

Days 4 to 7

San Francisco – Yosemite National Park (170 miles)

Collect your rental car from a downtown or wharf location, and head east over the Oakland Bay Bridge towards Yosemite National Park, but not before taking a drive through San Francisco and down the incredible curves of Lombard Street – a fun must-do before leaving the city!

Visiting Yosemite National Park offers a chance to experience some of the most remarkable natural landscapes in the world. El Capitan and Half Dome rise prominently above the valley and the park is wonderfully accessible for all visitors; so whether you prefer a leisurely stroll through serene meadows and along gentle rivers, or more challenging hikes up forested trails and into the high country, there’s a way to see everything irrespective of ability. Don’t miss the ancient giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove, where the sheer scale of these living giants is humbling, and for a quieter moment, relax along the Merced River at spots like Sentinel Beach.

Days 7 to 10

Yosemite National Park to Sonoma (180 miles)

Spend three relaxing days in Sonoma, the heart of California’s wine country, where rolling vineyards, charming towns, and gourmet cuisine set the pace for a leisurely escape. Begin your visit with a stroll around the historic Sonoma Plaza, exploring boutique shops and art galleries, before enjoying a leisurely lunch at one of the town’s farm-to-table restaurants. In the afternoon, head to nearby wineries for your first tasting, discovering award-winning wines in intimate, picturesque settings.

Day two is dedicated to a deeper dive into Sonoma’s vineyards. Tour acclaimed wineries, sample varietals from crisp Chardonnays to bold Cabernets, and enjoy pairing experiences with local cheeses, chocolate, or artisanal bread. Scenic drives along vineyard-lined country roads offer picture-perfect stops and peaceful moments amid the rolling hills.

On your final day, combine wine tasting with a touch of adventure or relaxation. Explore small towns such as Glen Ellen or Kenwood, enjoy a spa treatment, or take a gentle hike through regional parks such as Jack London State Historic Park. When it’s time to return to San Francisco Airport, the journey becomes part of the experience: drive back over the Golden Gate Bridge, with sweeping views of the bay, the city skyline, and the Pacific beyond – a spectacular finale to your Northern California escape.

Sonoma to San Francisco International Airport  (60 miles)