Highlights of Northern California

Road trip through Northern California on an action-packed family adventure ideal for Easter or summer holidays. Sightsee in San Francisco, hot air balloon & bike in Napa, horse-ride & hike in Yosemite National Park and whale-watch & unwind in Carmel.

1. Days 1-4: San Francisco

   Spend three days riding the historic trams up and down the rolling streets of San Francisco, sampling Italian foodie treats on the North Beach and hiring bikes to cycle across the Golden Gate bridge to Sausalito. Visit the City Lights book store, founded by Jack Kerouac whose book, On the Road has inspired countless American road trips since the 1950s. Or if you have younger children, head to the Fisherman's Wharf to see the sea lions or go sailing in the harbour, or enjoy a more high-speed trip on the Bay Voyager rib. 

   Accommodation: Hotel Vitale (3 nights)

2. Days 4-7: Napa Valley

   Begin your own road trip out to the nearby Napa Valley, famed for its vineyards and fine food. You'll be staying at the beautiful Carneros Resort where there are endless ways to spend your days, from hiking and mountain biking to horse riding, spa treatments and golf. There are child-friendly activities on offer, allowing parents a bit of time to indulge in the fine wines in the area. 

   Accommodation: Carneros Resort and Spa (3 nights)

3. Days 7-10: Yosemite National Park

   Your next stop is Yosemite National Park, with towering granite cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, giant sequoias and pretty valleys. Spend a few days here exploring numerous hiking trails on foot, mountain biking or zip lining. You'll stay in your own private log cabin deep in the woods, where you can rustle up a barbecue on your deck after a day's adventures. 

   Accommodation: The Redwoods in Yosemite (3 nights)

4. Days 10-13: Monterey and Carmel

   Finally head south to Bernardus Lodge near Monterey, a mecca for outdoor activities. Whether you want to sail or surf, play a round on a championship golf course, mountain bike, hike or explore the area on horseback, there's plenty here to entertain you. After your three days at Bernardus Lodge you'll drive back to San Francisco for your flight home.

   Accommodation: Bernardus Lodge & Spa (3 nights)

• Catch a Baseball Game

  Sports fan or not, you can't help but enjoy the ballpark; it's an experience so quintessentially American. Chow down on dogs and beer, hear the barrel organ fire up the crowd and cry "Outta Sight" as a 'homer' is hit.

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• Cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito

  Hire a bike and cycle over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge from Fisherman's Wharf to charming Sausalito, perched on the hillside between the Bay and the Marin Headlands, or for the really energetic keep pedalling to Tiburon for lunch at Sam's!

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• Explore Alcatraz Island

  Yes it’s touristy, but it’s hard not to be excited as you ride across the choppy waters of San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island. Along with a historical prison tour, Alcatraz offers a working lighthouse, tide pools, a fort, gardens and epic city views.

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• Guided Hiking in Yosemite National Park

  Yosemite's Granite Cliffs and Giant Sequoias make for incredible hiking country. With easy to moderate options, experience this World Heritage Center with an expert private guide by your side to show you what you may not see with your own eyes.

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• Napa Valley Sip and Cycle Experiences

  The Napa Valley Sip & Cycle tour is a fun and unique way to experience the beautiful wine country. Each tour can be customised to include a hike into the hills, a stop or two at various wineries and accommodate varying degrees of difficulty.

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• Wine Tasting In Napa

  Napa produces some of the world’s most notable new world wines, and spending time in the Napa Valley, the Russian River Valley and Sonoma is very rewarding for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

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• Yosemite Ziplines

  Get your zip on! Line 1 starts with a gentle introduction to ziplining, and by line 6 you'll be flying along 1000 feet of line above tree tops and the sierra foothills. Your guide will take you on a 2-hour adventure above Mariposa's beautiful countryside.

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• Your free time in Yosemite - Scott Dunn Suggests

  Walking and biking are the most popular ways to see Yosemite, with self-guide trail maps issued at the entrance. Wardens at the visitors centre can advise on activities & the newspaper will tell you what's going on from star-gazing to wildlife talks!

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San Francisco, Napa Valley, Yosemite and Carmel