What are some of the places that should not be missed in the San Francisco/Napa Valley area in late Sept.?

Answer 1

You picked a very good time to go!!!! Most kids/teenagers will have started or will start school at that time, so the tourist areas are less crowded. If you are going over the Golden Gate Bridge, I highly suggest stopping at Muir Woods consisting of some of the oldest Redwood Trees in California, take a Napa Valley wine tour, and on your way to San Francisco; stop by the city right before going over the bridge. It is often missed by tourists because it is small but this small city holds lots of things to see and do, it is called Sausalito. If you happen not to be driving or have parked at an all day lot, there is very easy access to ferries to Alcatraz, San Francisco Pier 39 or Ferry Building (pier 1) and also to Angel Island. You will be surprised at how beautiful San Francisco looks from across the water ( Sausalito sits right next to the water). There are lots of opportunities to take some beautiful photographs. As far as wineries, there are so many to pick from; just have to find one that looks interesting online and try to schedule something that way. Muir Woods is open all year long and I think everyday.
When staying in San Francisco/Sausalito/Marin Headlands/any where near water; be sure to bring an extra coat even if the daytime weather looks superb! Bring your most comfortable pair of walking shoes if you planning not to drive in SF (parking is expensive and public transportation is very easy; besides you will see more on foot than in a car).
Some places to see in SF include, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Ferry Building, Coit Tower, North Beach (Little Italy), Chinatown, Downtown, Haight Ashbury, and if you have a chance stop by Twin Peaks after sunset; you will get a very nice view of almost all of the city.
People are very friendly in SF so if you have questions or need directions, just ask!

Answer 2

For Napa Valley, let me think. Late September will be crush season! Any winery you go to will have tours that show you the process of crush. I suggest Beringer, Mondavi, and Mumms. There's also hot air ballooning and watching balloon races, I highly recommend a balloon trip, it's so beautiful! Skip the Wine Train if anyone offers it, it's overpriced and you really only see the backs of buildings.

You'll just have missed the Chef's Market which ends on Labor Day, it's our favorite Friday evening date all summer. For shopping and dining, you can find it pretty much everywhere except Oakville and Rutherford. But in Oakville you just have to stop in the Oakville Grocery right on 29. Tons of gourmet foods and get a sandwich for a picnic.

Most of the higher end dining and shopping is upvalley in St. Helena and Calistoga, and Calistoga has the most spas. But don't miss Napa on your way through, the downtown area has a Town Center with shopping and dining and wine tasting rooms, and Downtown Joe's has entertainment at night. Oh, and check out the Old Hatt Building here in Napa, it's a revamped old mill with a hotel, sweet shop (Sweetie Pies), and shopping. And on Third Street is ABC Bakery. Or check out Buttercream Bakery on Jefferson.

Oh, and up in St. Helena check out Taylor's Refresher. It's sort of an old ice cream and burger type joint, but it's even been mentioned by Bon Appetit and the Food Network.

Email me if you want more ideas, I live here!

Answer 3

'The California Dream' Photography Exibition starts Sept 14 at Mumm. It's easy to get to using the Silverado Trail going North from the city of Napa. It's a beautiful drive and Mumm also has fantastic tastings and views.
Mumm Napa Valley,
8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford
Gallery Hours: 10:30 to 5:00 PM

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Answer 4

Not sure about Napa Valley, but I went to San Francisco, (it was one of my FAVORITE trips!) Be sure to go to Alcatraz Island, I recommend the audio tour, I'd go to Muir Woods,its a BEAUTIFUL park with giant redwood trees, walk or bike the Golden Gate Bridge, shop at Fisherman's Wharf (try the sour dough bread with soup and dont miss Ghiradelli's Chocolate), China town, and many more. Have fun!

Answer 5

ought to agree w/ chefgril...it completely relies upon on the place in SF you're and the place in the two valley you will. time clever, it rather is probably swifter to Napa city. many of the wineries in Sonoma Valley are added north than city of sonoma and are in and around Santa Rosa this is approximately fifty 4 miles away. city of Sonoma is 40 4 and Napa 40 seven. Thechronic up one hundred and one is a lot worse site visitors clever than 80 to Napa.

Answer 6

Often the Napa Valley, Silverado Trail area is in fall colors that time of year and it is quite beautiful so just a drive works for me. Also try Calistoga, Angwin and Mount Saint Helens.

Answer 7

Take a bicycle tour thru Napa Valley, but don't sample the wine too offen or you won't get back.

Answer 8

Muir woods!