Home > Travel Guide > Marin County & Napa Valley Scenic Drive
Marin County & Napa Valley, Part I
Introduction to your scenic drive
An easy but beautiful auto tour from San Francisco
This awesomely lovely Marin County and California Wine Country scenic drive lets you explore two of the most stunning areas of California, and the scenery begins while you’re still in San Francisco.
Marin & Wine Country Scenic Drive, Part I (Introduction)
Marin & Wine Country Scenic Drive, Part II a (Reaching Marin from S.F.)
Marin & Wine Country Scenic Drive, Part II b (Reaching Marin from SFO)
Marin & Wine Country Scenic Drive, Part II c (Reaching Marin from Oakland)
Marin & Wine Country Scenic Drive, Part III (Marin County scenic drive)
Marin & Wine Country Scenic Drive, Part IV (Napa Valley scenic drive)
Marin & Wine Country Scenic Drive, Part V (Accommodation suggestions)
Save up to 75% on 4-star Marin County hotels!
Save up to 75% on 4-star San Francisco hotels!
You’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge and explore
- the giant redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument,
- Stinson Beach,
- Point Reyes National Seashore,
- Golden Gate National Recreational Area,
- Tomales Bay State Park,
- Mt. Tamalpais State Park, and
- other special places along the coast.
If you wish, you can continue on to the Napa Valley wine country and the Calistoga hot springs area.
Planning your time in Marin and Napa
You can easily experience the highlights of the Marin County coastline in one day.
However, add at least one more day if you wish to do extensive hiking, horseback riding, or spend a lot of time on beaches. Photographers especially may want more time in this beautiful area.
Driving through Napa Valley and Calistoga takes approximately a half day, but you'll want extra time for leisurely meals at the fine restaurants there, as well as possibly spa treatments and visits to wineries.
Get a very early start to avoid the crowds at Muir Woods National Monument and Stinson Beach, especially on warm weekends.
Also, buy foods that won’t spoil for a picnic lunch, as you’ll pass few restaurants and markets in Marin County once you are on your way. The Bay Area cheeses and sourdough bread combine for a real treat.
Go to starting your tour from downtown San Francisco or Fisherman’s Wharf
Go to starting your tour from San Francisco International Airport
Go to starting your tour from Oakland International Airport
Marin & Wine Country Scenic Drive, Part I (Introduction)
Marin & Wine Country Scenic Drive, Part II a (Reaching Marin from S.F.)
Marin & Wine Country Scenic Drive, Part II b (Reaching Marin from SFO)
Marin & Wine Country Scenic Drive, Part II c (Reaching Marin from Oakland)
Marin & Wine Country Scenic Drive, Part III (Marin County scenic drive)
Marin & Wine Country Scenic Drive, Part IV (Napa Valley scenic drive)
Marin & Wine Country Scenic Drive, Part V (Accommodation suggestions)
Redwood Coast and Mendocino Scenic Drive, Part I
