After a lot of research, I think we are going to stay in the US for this trip and check out San Francisco and Sonoma.

We can fly on JetBlue to Oakland, instead of to San Fran, for much cheaper. If I entered everything into Mapquest right, it's only about a half hour from San Francisco. Is that right?

Then we'll have five nights between San Fran and Sonoma. In which do you recommend more time? I found a great deal on Hotel Nikko, and then I thought we'd stay at the Inn at Sonoma. Then fly back out of the Oakland Airport.

Does that sound doable? Any other recommendations? Thanks in advance! (And if it makes any difference, we are late 20's/early 30's, taking a much needed vacation without baby, and we'll be going in mid-January).

Half-hour during non-commute hours is about right - budget a little more however. If your 5 nights is four full days, I'm not sure I would leave SF.

Click on my name, and read most of the United States posts - I have some usefull info I've posted here before about things to do in SF.

Stu Dudley

Weloved the Inn at Sonoma when we were there in May.You are able to walk to the Square,seeing the historical buildings, shopping at the fresh air markets, and finding some great spots for lunch and dinner. Thje staff at the Inn is helpful, have lots of complimentary tickets for wine tasting, serve a great breakfast, and have a wine and chese gathering in late afternoon, which was fun, as you met fellow traveler's, who sometimes had great suggestions on what to do and see the following day!Did not do San Francisco this trip, just Sonoma and Northern California. We stayed three nights in the former. There is so much to see and do in S.F. I think you might want to stay three nights there, and then to in Sonoma. So different, but a difficult choice!

I am debating about whether we should stay in SF the whole time and just do a day trip to Napa or Sonoma. Do you think that would be a better idea?

While I love SF, I love Sonoma valley more. I guess it depends on what you really enjoy doing. For me, quiet beautiful rides in scenic wine country, great food in tranquil settings, homey B&Bs with private fireplace, small towns such as Healdsburg and Sonoma for strolling on the square shopping, sipping wine. Ahhh. Anyway, if you do drive back to Oakland from Sonoma, give yourselves a LOT of time. It was like a parking lot the entire time. My husband and I will always fly to Sacramento for our Sonoma trips.

I have to agreewwith LLindaC- I would not have missed Sonoma for the world. And, having been to S.F. several times, I love that city also! I would at least stay overnight in Sonoma=preferably two.
We flew out of Oakland, and had no traffic at all- and a very easy trip. It was late in the day- perhaps that was the reason.

I would agree not to miss Sonoma. Perhaps split the trip with 3 nights in SF and 2 in Sonoma or the reverse.

Mapquest is correct. It might be 30 minutes from Oakland Airport to SF but that is not the truth of driving here. The Bay Bridge is being retrofitted, off ramps are closed in a variety of places and all it takes is one stall to make a nightmare. If you can avoid peak commute times (6:30 am to 10 am going into the city)you should be ok.

We just flew JetBlue for the first time out of Oakland to JFK and back. It was so good we are busy thinking about another trip to NY! Oakland is a much easier airport to get in and out of than SFO. JetBlue was on time, roomier than anything we've flown in a long time and luggage arrived shortly after landing.

If you are art lovers there is the De Young in SF which just got wonderful reviews in the NY Times(major rehab) and in Sonoma you might really enjoy the Di Rosa Preserve(they have a website).

I suggest to take BART to/from the airport and don't rent a car while in the city, only for Sonoma trip, unless you have a free parking at the hotel. In general, the public transportatin is good, parking is a pain and very expensive.

Thank you so much for your recommendations and advice. Hopefully we can make our decisions and book soon, since it's coming up fast!