• Introduction
• 1. Big Sur
• 2. Blue Ridge Parkway
• 3. Going-to-the-Sun Road
• 4. Hana Highway
• 5. Million Dollar Highway
• 6. Red Rock Scenic Byway
• 7. Sea Islands
• 8. Seward Highway
• 9. Sonoma and Napa Valleys
• 10. U.S. Route 1

Sonoma and Napa Valleys

A trip through the neighboring valleys of Sonoma and Napa could be an entirely chichi experience, but there are also historic spots and quiet nature alongside the luxury standouts. To combine the best of both worlds in one long weekend, rent a car in San Francisco and go an hour north on U.S. 101 to Healdsburg, a sophisticated Sonoma hub brimming with tasting rooms and top restaurants (for a splurge, try Cyrus). Next, head further north on 101 to Lake Sonoma for a leg-stretching hike. Then take Route 128 southeast into Napa Valley and stop in Calistoga, to soak in a mud bath or check out the Old Faithful Geyser of California, which shoots up water every 30 minutes. From Calistoga, cross over to the Silverado Trail, a lovely meander south (roughly parallel to Route 29) past some of the area’s most notable wineries including Phelps, Mumm, Stags’ Leap, and Clos Du Val. Take Route 29 at Oakville (procure picnic supplies at the gourmet Oakville Grocery Co.) or in the restaurant mecca of Yountville. Further on, merge onto Interstate 80 and return to San Francisco. 

Smart Splurge Hotel: Napa excels at luxury (with prices to match). A perfect example is the three-room Poetry Inn on a hillside overlooking Stags Leap. Expect impeccable service. www.poetryinn.com

Great Value Hotel: While still on the expensive side, the Inn at Sonoma, in the town of Sonoma, offers 19 inviting rooms with value-packed extras like complimentary breakfast, afternoon wine, hors d’oeuvres, and freshly baked cookies. www.innatsonoma.com

Find even more editorially-selected hotel recommendations in our Sonoma or Napa Valley Travel Guides.

See Maui Travel Guide | See Montana Travel Guide | See Napa Valley Travel Guide | See San Francisco Travel Guide | See Sedona Travel GuideSee Sonoma Travel Guide