10 day itinerary
Northern California
Itinerary
Northern California is a treasure trove of adventure, stunning landscapes, and delicious wine. With teenagers in tow, we’ll mix in some fun activities that everyone can enjoy. Buckle up for a fantastic 10-day road trip itinerary!
Day 1: Arrival in
Morning: Arrive in . Settle into your hotel and grab a hearty breakfast at a local café.
Afternoon: Explore the iconic . Rent bikes and ride around the park, stopping at the and the .
Evening: Head to for dinner. Try some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Don’t forget to check out the sea lions at !
Day 2: to Muir Woods and
Morning: Drive to (about 30 minutes from SF). Spend the morning hiking among the towering redwoods. The trails are well-marked and offer various lengths, so you can choose one that suits your family.
Afternoon: After your hike, head to for lunch. This charming waterfront town has plenty of eateries with stunning views.
Evening: Explore ’s shops and art galleries. If time allows, take a ferry back to for a scenic ride across the bay.
Day 3: to
Morning: Depart for (about 1.5 hours). Start your wine adventure with a visit to a family-friendly winery like , which looks like a castle and has great grounds to explore.
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the wineries or at a local park. Afterward, consider a fun activity like a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards (check age restrictions).
Evening: Check into your accommodation in Napa. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps one with a view of the vineyards.
Day 4: to Sonoma
Morning: Head to Sonoma (about 30 minutes). Visit the , where you can explore shops and grab breakfast.
Afternoon: Spend the day visiting wineries. Many have outdoor spaces where teens can enjoy games while you taste. Consider visiting the for a bit of culture.
Evening: Have dinner in Sonoma. Try a local pizzeria or a casual eatery that offers a variety of options for everyone.
Day 5: Sonoma to
Morning: Drive to (about 1 hour). Start with a visit to the for breathtaking views.
Afternoon: Hike one of the many trails, like the , where you might spot tule elk. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst nature.
Evening: Head back to your accommodation in Sonoma or find a cozy inn near Point Reyes for the night.
Day 6: Point Reyes to Santa Rosa and Redwoods
Morning: Depart for Santa Rosa (about 30 minutes). Visit the , which is fun for all ages, especially if your teens are fans of Peanuts.
Afternoon: Drive to (about 30 minutes). Spend the afternoon hiking among the ancient redwoods. The trails are easy to navigate and offer stunning views.
Evening: Return to Santa Rosa for dinner. Try a local burger joint or a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 7: Santa Rosa to
Morning: Head to (about 2 hours). The drive along the coast is beautiful, so take your time and stop for photos!
Afternoon: Explore the charming town of . Visit the for some coastal hiking and stunning ocean views.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant. has some great options with fresh catches!
Day 8: to
Morning: Depart for the (about 2.5 hours). Stop at the visitor center to get maps and information.
Afternoon: Spend the day hiking among the giant redwoods. The is a great family-friendly trail.
Evening: Camp out in the park or find a nearby lodge. Enjoy a campfire if you’re camping!
Day 9: Exploring the Redwoods
Morning: Continue your adventure in the redwoods. Consider a guided tour or ranger-led program to learn more about the ecosystem.
Afternoon: Visit the nearby town of for lunch and explore its Victorian architecture.
Evening: Head back to your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening. If you’re up for it, a night walk among the trees can be magical!
Day 10: Return to
Morning: Start your journey back to (about 5 hours). Take your time and stop at any interesting spots along the way.
Afternoon: Once back in , visit any sights you may have missed, like or the .
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant with a view of the . Reflect on your amazing adventure through Northern California!
And there you have it! A fun-filled, adventurous 10-day itinerary that balances nature, wine, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌲🍷🚗