As
you leave San Francisco, it may very well be foggy. Not to worry.
Chances are excellent that the fog will disappear shortly. Indeed,
there is usually a wide difference in temperatures between San
Francisco and the Napa Valley. It can be foggy and 60 degrees in
San Francisco, yet sunny and 90 degrees in the Wine Country. Indeed,
if you are coming to visit between April and October, you are almost
certain to a sunny and warm day in the wine country. For
detailed Napa Valley weather information, click
here.
On your way north you will go through the toll booth area at the Golden Gate Bridge without stopping as there is no toll in northbound. Admire the view as you drive over the bridge. To your left are the Marin Headlands and the Pacific Ocean, and to your right San Francisco, Tiburon, Angel Island and the San Francisco Bay.
Continue on Highway 101 north toward Santa Rosa for about 50 minutes, through Petaluma and Santa Rosa. Exit at River Road, which is the last Santa Rosa exit. You are now less than 30 minutes from the Napa Valley. At the end of the exit, turn right onto Mark West Springs Road which will turn into a scenic country road. You will continue on this road for about 10 miles. Cell phone service is almost non-existent on this portion of the trip, so if you need to make a call, make it immediately as you exit Highway 101.
Mark West Road ends at a T section. At the T section, turn left onto Petrified Forest Road. You will follow this road for about four miles. You will pass the Petrified Forest on your left, and soon descend into the Napa Valley. As you descend, your views will be spectacular—the Napa Valley spreads out before you, and on your left you will see Mount St. Helena. When the road ends at the bottom of the hill, make a right. (There will be a gas station on your right if you need to fill-up.) You will now be on Highway 128, also known as Foothill Boulevard.
Drive for about a mile, and make a left turn into Calistoga at the flashing red light. Welcome to the Napa Valley. In Calistoga, and you will have your choice of wineries, spas, and restaurants—the best of the Napa Valley lifestyle.
