San Fran to Sonoma Valley & San Fran to Yosemite
Jan 21st, 2003, 05:33 AM
#1
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San Fran to Sonoma Valley & San Fran to Yosemite
Travelling from the UK to SF in Mid April.
Our base for 10 days will be with friends in SF, however we'd also like to visit Sonoma & Yosemite so I have a few questions
BR>
1) Can someone give me some advice as to what would be the best way (car, train, bus etc) to get to both destinations and how long it will take?
2) I assume that we'll need an overnighter in/near Yosemite. Can anuone recommend any decent websites to search for accommodation?
3) What will the weather be like in Yosemite in April? At that time of year, what are the parts of the park we shouldn't miss?
4) Sonoma Valley - can anyone recommend a B&B. Somewhere traditional, not too pricey, with plenty of charm and within reach of some wineries.
5) Would it make sense to go to Yosemite via Sonoma and make it a round trip or would we be better off making it two separate trips?
Thanks in advance.
Our base for 10 days will be with friends in SF, however we'd also like to visit Sonoma & Yosemite so I have a few questions
BR>1) Can someone give me some advice as to what would be the best way (car, train, bus etc) to get to both destinations and how long it will take?
2) I assume that we'll need an overnighter in/near Yosemite. Can anuone recommend any decent websites to search for accommodation?
3) What will the weather be like in Yosemite in April? At that time of year, what are the parts of the park we shouldn't miss?
4) Sonoma Valley - can anyone recommend a B&B. Somewhere traditional, not too pricey, with plenty of charm and within reach of some wineries.
5) Would it make sense to go to Yosemite via Sonoma and make it a round trip or would we be better off making it two separate trips?
Thanks in advance.
Jan 21st, 2003, 06:51 AM
#2
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1) Can someone give me some advice as to what would be the best way (car, train, bus etc) to get to both destinations and how long it will take?
The best way is definitely by car. From SF to Yosemite Valley will probably take about 4 hours as long as you don't hit traffic - basically don't plan on leaving SF any week day after 3 pm or on Saturday morning. I think it's about an hour from SF to Sonoma - same advice about traffic.
You can also get from SF to Yosemite via Amtrak train and a connecting bus - maybe someone else has more information on that.
2) I assume that we'll need an overnighter in/near Yosemite. Can anuone recommend any decent websites to search for accommodation?
Check out http://www.nps.gov/yose for lodging options in the park.
3) What will the weather be like in Yosemite in April? At that time of year, what are the parts of the park we shouldn't miss?
*** It will probably be chilly and there may still be snow on the ground. Depending on the snow levels, the outer areas of the park may still be closed. With only an overnight, you will probably only have time to see the valley anyway so that shouldn't be an issue.
Maybe someone else has some information about Sonoma.
The best way is definitely by car. From SF to Yosemite Valley will probably take about 4 hours as long as you don't hit traffic - basically don't plan on leaving SF any week day after 3 pm or on Saturday morning. I think it's about an hour from SF to Sonoma - same advice about traffic.
You can also get from SF to Yosemite via Amtrak train and a connecting bus - maybe someone else has more information on that.
2) I assume that we'll need an overnighter in/near Yosemite. Can anuone recommend any decent websites to search for accommodation?
Check out http://www.nps.gov/yose for lodging options in the park.
3) What will the weather be like in Yosemite in April? At that time of year, what are the parts of the park we shouldn't miss?
*** It will probably be chilly and there may still be snow on the ground. Depending on the snow levels, the outer areas of the park may still be closed. With only an overnight, you will probably only have time to see the valley anyway so that shouldn't be an issue.
Maybe someone else has some information about Sonoma.
Jan 21st, 2003, 06:52 AM
#3
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We drove the coast of calif. from San Diego to Yosemite and back to San Fran. up to Mendocino and back through the Napa and Sonoma Valley to San Fran. I think car is the best way to see the sights. Driving from San Fran to the Sonoma Valley is about two hours. Driving from San Fran. to Yosemite is about a 5 to 6 hour drive. We stayed at the Yosemite View Lodge, I recommend it very highly, it's right outside the park very convenient, affordable, and friendly. We followed the Fodor's Calif. guidebook we found it to be the best resource for lodging and sites to see. They also have a section on seeing Yosemite and what to see for your length of stay. The weather in April should be lovely I would think a little chilly take warm clothes, but the snows should be over and the park open. We didn't stay overnite in Sonoma Valley but in Mendocino which is about 130 miles above San Fran. and drove down through Sonoma and Napa Valley back to San Fran. We made it in one day. I think you might want to make S.F. your base and do it in two trips. Hope this helps have a wonderful time.
Jan 21st, 2003, 08:15 AM
#4
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Not knowing what "pricey" means..I'm going to take a stab at recommendation for Sonoma. We have stayed often at the Camellia Inn in Healdsburg and think it is a great place to stay. April will be warm in Sonoma although you may have cool-cold nights. The Inn is built in what used to be the home of the town physician. It is dated in the mid-late 1800's I think. Fullb reakfast and wine tasting with the host(who is a vintner himself) awaits you. The inn is an easy three or so block from the town square. Many good restuarants at varying prices can be found there. If you wish to go wine tasting there are many vineyards and tasting rooms in the immediate area. You will need a car.
The Inn has a website which seems very true to what you will see and experience at this inn.
The Inn has a website which seems very true to what you will see and experience at this inn.
Jan 21st, 2003, 09:10 AM
#5
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We have always had beautiful weather in April in Yosemite, BUT that doesn't mean it won't snow. You are suppose to carry chains into Yosemite even if you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle during this time of year.
BTW, spring is the best time to see the waterfalls in Yosemite. I would try very hard to stay in the valley in Yosemite so you will have the most time there.
Utahtea
BTW, spring is the best time to see the waterfalls in Yosemite. I would try very hard to stay in the valley in Yosemite so you will have the most time there.
Utahtea
