San Francisco to Sonoma Day Trip

During your time in San Francisco, remember it’s just an easy jaunt to experience a taste of California’s famous Sonoma Wine Country for the day.

Easily hop across the Golden Gate Bridge and head an hour North to the land of vineyards, legendary wine, and elevated country cuisine. You can even be back by bedtime.

Get started with this guide to the town of Sonoma, the renowned wineries of the Carneros region, and all the best spots in between.

First Stop: Stroll the Gardens

Mornings on the San Francisco Bay are famously foggy, so enjoy the mist as you cross the Golden Gate Bridge and cruise north on Highway 101, about 20 miles to Highway 37. Then it’s less than 10 miles to CA-121 and your first fun stop. 

Cornerstone Sonoma, Sonoma

This Wine Country marketplace offers unique stores, boutique wine-tasting rooms, artisanal foods, art-inspired gardens, and the Sunset Magazine test gardens and outdoor kitchen. It’s a great place to stroll, browse, and get into the relaxed, laid-back Sonoma Wine Country lifestyle.

Next Stop: Wine Tasting

Ease into an afternoon of wine tasting by heading just four miles south on CA-121 and into the scenic vineyards.

Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards, Sonoma

This winery is famous for its sparkling wines, and a glass or flight of bubbly is a wonderful way to start on a light, relaxing note. Gloria Ferrer is located in the Carneros appellation — or American Viticultural Area (AVA) — a cool-climate slice of land that grows exceptional wine grapes. In addition to the sparkling sips found at Ferrer, the area’s exposure to the ocean breeze and refreshing fog creates the perfect growing conditions for Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.

Sip and sample more of this area’s famous wines:

• Schug Carneros Estate offers a lovely self-guided walking tour that gets you up close to the impressive vines.
• Cline Family Cellars welcomes you with wine tasting and fabulous tours.
• Jacuzzi Family Vineyards has tours, wine tastings, and olive oils and vinegar samples from their Olive Press.

Then: Lunch on the Plaza

Head north to the city of Sonoma’s lovely and historic Plaza for lunch, where endless options abound.

Opt for thin-crust pizza at The Red Grape, casual French-inspired food at Basque Boulangerie, or hearty sandwiches and salads at Sunflower Caffé.

There are plenty of great wines to sample in Sonoma Plaza, too. Most of these downtown tasting rooms stay open until at least 5 p.m., so you can wind down with a few sips of everything from Pinot Noir to Zinfandel.

Stroll and stop at the handful of beautiful tasting rooms found on the Sonoma Plaza.

You’ll find plenty of excellent shopping around the plaza. From clothing and kitchenware to home furnishings and special gifts, this area is stocked with everything you need to create the Sonoma Wine Country lifestyle back home.

Final Stop: Dinner in Sonoma

To end the day on a high note, dine on fresh, seasonal cuisine at the longtime favorite, the girl & the fig. Venture just off the plaza to discover exciting Mayan flavors at the aptly named Maya Restaurant & Bar. Or feast on delicious Portuguese cuisine at LaSalette.

Relax and Stay the Night

If you’re ready to head back to San Francisco, the drive takes just over an hour. Or, you could relax and unwind for the night when you stay at the iconic Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. 

About 15 minutes away in the little hamlet of Glen Ellen, there are lots of wonderful accommodations to choose from. Grab a room at the chic Gaige House. Choose a cozy cottage at the Glen Ellen Inn. Or opt for an affordable, vintage-cool suite at The Jack London Lodge.

You’ll wake ready to explore more of the famous wine and natural beauty of the Sonoma Valley.

Find a complete listing of hotels and lodging throughout Sonoma County.

Get more details on how to get to Sonoma County, California.

Discover direct flights from Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, and more at STS – Sonoma County Airport.

Enjoy this free Digital Inspiration Guide to scenic Sonoma County, California.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Jessica Quandt