Napa Valley Day Trip: The Drive From San Francisco to Napa Valley
On your way north you will go through the toll booth area at the Golden Gate Bridge without stopping. There is no toll in the northbound direction. Admire the beautiful 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.
When you near the end of the bridge, you will have an opportunity to stop at Vista Point, which is a fantastic setting to admire San Francisco Bay, the Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline. If you are up for a walk, you can park your car and walk along the pedestrian sidewalk on the west side of the bridge. If you happen to arrive on a weekend or holiday, especially in the afternoon, be aware that the backup to the parking area at Vista Point can be substantial, so plan accordingly.
As you continue on Highway 101 north toward Santa Rosa you will have several options for a short sightseeing excursion in Marin County: you can, for example, exit in a few miles and visit the town of Sausalito, with its many shops and beautiful setting on San Francisco Bay. Further along, you can make a scenic detour to spectacular Muir Woods, but this will add several hours to your trip. Unless you are planning to spend the night in the wine country, we would not suggest that you try to stop at Muir Woods if you also want to visit Napa for just the day. While this trip is possible, you will probably regret not having enough time to take the necessary time to enjoy both destinations.
Your drive on Highway 101 will continue for about 50 minutes, through Petaluma and Santa Rosa. You will want to 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.
