5 days in San Francisco & Napa Valley Itinerary

Start off your visit on the 31st (Mon): make a trip to Golden Gate Bridge, head off the coast to Alcatraz Island, contemplate the long history of SS Jeremiah O'Brien, then see a show at Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, and finally take a leisurely stroll along Fisherman's Wharf. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: go for a walk through Lombard Street, stroll around Golden Gate Park, and then take some stellar pictures from Twin Peaks.

To find photos, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our San Francisco route builder tool.

Washington to San Francisco is an approximately 42-hour car ride. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time is minus 3 hours. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Washington in October since evenings lows in San Francisco dip to 56°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Tue) early enough to drive to Napa.

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Wed): awaken your taste buds at some of the top wineries in the area. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: don't miss a visit to Sonoma Plaza, then do a tasting at Artesa Vineyards & Winery, then explore the world behind art at Hess Persson Estates, and finally stop by Oxbow Public Market.

To see ratings, reviews, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Napa visit planner.

You can drive from San Francisco to Napa in an hour. Alternatively, you can do a combination of subway and bus; or take a bus. Plan for slightly colder nights when traveling from San Francisco in November since evenings lows in Napa dip to 41°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Thu) so you can go by car back home.