Napa Valley · Guides
Beyond the Valley: Day Trips Worth Taking
Sonoma, San Francisco, the coast: what to pair with Napa when you have an extra day.
September 15, 2026 · Words by Katherine Doyle, Culinary Editor · Photography, see credits
Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Napa Valley holds most visitors happily for days. But if you have a spare one: or you're on a longer trip: the surrounding region is extraordinary. Here's what's worth the drive.
Sonoma (45-60 minutes)
The obvious pairing and the right one. A different wine philosophy: looser, more spread out, pinot-led: and the contrast teaches you as much about Napa as Napa does. Our honest comparison helps you choose your day.
Cullen328, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
San Francisco (1-1.5 hours)
An easy pairing in either direction: start or end the trip in the city. Ferry from the Vallejo terminal across the bay is the scenic route in. One night in SF + three in Napa is a classic for a reason.
Point Reyes & Tomales Bay (1.5 hours)
Oysters, fog, and some of California's most dramatic coastline. The drive through Marin's dairy country is half the pleasure. Go hungry: the oyster shacks on Tomales Bay are the destination.
Muir Woods (1.5 hours)
Ancient redwoods, cathedral-quiet. Go early: the grove opens at 8am and the first hour belongs to almost no one. Reservations required for parking.
Matthew Dillon, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The rule
One day trip per visit, maximum. The valley punishes the over-scheduled: and honestly, most people who plan a day trip end up canceling it for one more long lunch. That's usually the right call.
