Are you caught up on my wedding recaps?
Hotel Wedding Welcome Bags
Wedding Registry Must Haves
Wedding Recap: part 1
Wedding Recap: part 2
If so, then you are ready to follow our journey from San Francisco to Napa, and then to Yosemite!
Here’s how we did it: We flew into San Francisco, rented a car, and spent the night and the following day exploring the city. We woke up the following day and left to Napa (about an hour and a half drive), where we spent a few days relaxing, and then were off to Yosemite (about a 3 hour drive) for a few days! After Yosemite we drove back to San Francisco (about a 3 hour drive), got a bite to eat, then were off on a red eye home! We loved how our plan played out, and didn’t find it was too much driving or anything like that!
SAN FRANCISCO:
We opted for a boutique hotel right in the center of Union Square, the Serrano hotel. We had a beautiful room and it was a great location to explore the city!
Our favorite lunch in San Fran had to be MKT in the Four Seasons Hotel. The service, the cocktails, and the food were outstanding!
Other eats & drinks in San Francisco:
We went to Red Room for a cocktail.
We grabbed a Sushirrito (or 3) for a snack – straight from the airport no less.
We dined at Kusakabe for an Omakase sushi meal.
On our way to Napa, we stopped at to see and explore the Muir Woods. It was quite touristy, but a great walk and amazing to see the scale of those trees! Plus, it was on the way!
NAPA:
We arrived in St. Helena and headed to our hotel, Wine Country Inn. We were brought to our private cottage with the most spectacular view. Everything about Wine Country Inn was so fabulous. It was quiet and quaint, with a happy hour wine tastings and homemade hors d’oeuvres each night. The staff was so friendly, helpful and accommodating. I highly recommend getting a private cottage there. The cottages are incredible! As a whole, WCI had this lovely luxury bed and breakfast feel and in a great location.
When we arrived, we were so thrilled to be out of the city. Not that we didn’t love our time in San Fran, but the wedding weekend was exhausting and relaxation was in order! Our cottage was so gorgeous that we cancelled our winery tour for that afternoon and just relaxed at WCI!
^Our balcony at Wine Country Inn. Stunning.
Our first dinner we had an incredible meal on the patio at Auberge du Soleil. Auberge isn’t cheap, so do keep that in mind, but it’s truly fabulous. They also have a brunch if you’re looking to go but to make it more reasonable.
The next day we ventured to Del Dotto Vineyard which was so much fun. The wine tasting is in their wine cave and it was a blast. We purchased and shipped some special bottles home and have been loving them!
I think our favorite dinner in Napa was at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch. Everything, from the vibes to the appetizers, mains, and desserts were incredible! Farmstead is at the top of my list for Napa restaurants for sure. Plus, the prices are super reasonable!
^Mike might kill me for adding that last shot in there 😉
Other Napa Eats:
Gott’s Roadside for a delicious bite after the Vineyard
An awesome gluten-Free Sandwich with Special Sauce (a must) from Giugni’s Deli
Animal-style In-n-Out Burger on lettuce buns (on the way to Yosemite) – we thought this was a California must-try.
YOSEMITE
We arrived at Yosemite and checked into Half Dome Village, which is camping-style, without having to bring your own tent/equipment. “Glamping” if you will. The tents are already there, with heat and beds. There are communal showers and it is definitely camping, but not as rustic. It reminded us a lot of sleep away camp.
Wasn’t expecting: to have put my things, even toothpaste in a BEAR BOX.
Pleasant surprise: The bar at the camp ground was so much fun and had great Margaritas!
Make sure you: bring shower shoes!
You can’t: make your own campfires or cook your own food.
No filter. Not kidding!
We made it in time to see the sunset at Glacier Point looking out onto Half Dome. I literally have never seen anything so stunning. It looked like a picture!
The next day we hiked all day and ended our long day with Margaritas at the camp ground bar which surprisingly had great drinks– and a great bartender!
For the majority of our time at Yosemite, we ate on our camp ground, but we did one nice dinner at the Majestic Hotel that was unbelievable! Note: you need a reservation ahead of time!
That meal was SO GOOD.
We ventured back to San Francisco, spent some time there, then off we were to go home!
If you have any questions about our trip, feel free to leave them below and I’ll answer them!
Disclaimer: I was not paid to write this post. I did receive a few complimentary meals and hotel stays throughout the trip. All thoughts and opinions are 100% always my own.
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7 comments on “San Fran, Napa, and Yosemite”
Thanks so much for the tips and pics! Hubby and I are off to San Fran, Yosemite, Sonoma and Napa in May so this is great to read! x
YAY! Let me know if you have any questions when planning!
YaY! you are in my neck of the woods. I live in SF by union square!!! Such a great city and you chose some great spots Redwood Room is one of my favorites!
Loved it!!!
I’m planning a trip to South Carolina at the moment and am planning to rent a car upon arrival. Do you have any suggestions/tips on the best way to go about this?
We researched the best prices and got ours from the airport we flew into! Worked out great!
Thanks for all your information, Website is very nice and informative content.