Sonoma, Napa and Point Reyes

Route description

Leave San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge, where the toll is charged electronically in the southbound direction only. Take US-101 north and CA-37 and CA-121 east to Sonoma, a town built around a large plaza with a mission, an old barracks and tasting rooms. Sonoma Valley stretches north past vineyards and wineries.

Cross over to Napa and follow CA-29 north through the valley past Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford and St. Helena, with vineyards on both sides of the road. The Silverado Trail, parallel on the east side, is quieter. Many wineries require reservations for tastings, so plan ahead and choose a designated driver.

At the head of the valley, Calistoga is known for hot springs and mud baths, with a geyser just outside town. From there, drive west via Santa Rosa and Petaluma to Point Reyes Station, a small town on Tomales Bay known for its cheese and oysters. Sir Francis Drake Boulevard then crosses pastures to the end of the Point Reyes headland.

Point Reyes Lighthouse sits down about 300 steps on one of the windiest and foggiest headlands on the Pacific coast, and gray whales pass offshore in winter. On busy winter weekends, a shuttle may replace private cars on the last stretch. Summer fog is common along the coast, so bring warm layers, even when it is hot in the wine valleys.