Napa, Sonoma and Half Moon Bay on California Road Trip San Jose Style

Each accommodation on this road trip was chosen for its ability to offer the best amenities in the area for the most affordable cost. The total round trip is about 200 miles and will take you from the city to farmland and vineyards, over to the coast, and back to the city.

Day One-
Heading out in highway 101 from San Jose, make your way to 680 North, going east on 80 and winding around 12 to Napa—our first destination. Leave early in the morning in order to enjoy the misty morning light floating through the famous Napa Valley vineyards. Once you have arrived in Napa, take a casual stroll around town embark on a full day of award winning wine tasting.
There are many things to do while you are in the valley. One of the most popular, especially if this is a romantic trip is a day of wine tasting followed up with a pampering at one of the local Napa spas. Finish the day with a gourmet meal at one of the fine local restaurants.
Another favorite way to enjoy Napa is a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train. Here you have it all in one package. You get a tour of the valley, onboard wine tasting, followed by a gourmet dinner. This is one of the most popular ways to experience the valley. Reservations are required.Napa is often equated with luxury and as you check in to your lodging for the night at Churchill Manor, you will have a taste of this high standard of living.
Napa Valley Wine Train Phone: 800.427.4124, 1275 McKinstry Street Napa, CA

Where to stay in Napa-Churchill Manor
485 Brown Street, Napa, CA 94559, Phone: 707-253-7733, Toll-free: 1-800-799-7733, Rates: $165 – $345

Day Two-
After a good night sleep it is time for a little adventure. Today we will make the short 15 mile trip to the sister city in this famous valley—Sonoma. Here you will continue to enjoy the luxury and local activities the Napa/Sonoma Valley is famous for. One of the most popular activities many take advantage of while in the valley is an exhilarating ride in a hot air balloon.
Hot Air Balloons in Napa Valley take you on a silent trip above the trees for a birds-eye view of Napa/Sonoma Valley. “Your hot air balloon rises with the roar of the burners and then floats in silence, drifting with the wind as your overlook wine country’s majestic landscape.” Your hot air balloon flight experience with Balloons Above the Valley includes:

Pick up and return service to your lodging property (on availability-inquire)
Coffee and breakfast items before launch
One hour flight narrated by your hot air balloon pilot
Champagne Brunch overlooking the Napa River
Flight certificate

More Things to do in Napa and Sonoma:

Wine Tasting / Wineries
Tours / Sightseeing
Spas / Day Spas
Gourmet Food Sampling
Play Golf
Antique Shopping
Culinary Activities
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Fresh Farmer’s Markets
Local Parks and Beaches
Cultural Art Galleries and Theater

Where to stay in Sonoma-
Inn at Sonoma, A Four Sisters Inn, 630 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476, Phone: 707-939-1340, Toll-free: 888-568-9818, Rates: $145 – $210

Day Three-
Today you will leave the farmlands and vineyards of the Napa/Sonoma Valley and head to the coast. This route will take you on back marsh lined highways making your way across the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, down to Golden Gate Park and on to your next night’s lodging in Half Moon Bay, home of the famous Mavericks Surf Contest.
Leaving Sonoma on highway 12, you catch 121 to 37 for about twenty minutes until you reach highway 101 taking you through San Rafel until you reach the Golden Gate Bridge (toll bridge) where you merge into Coastal Highway One at Golden Gate Park.
Here you will want to spend the day in the park enjoying all the amenities this three-mile- wide park has to offer. It is a virtual buffet of experiences. Golden Gate Park was once a refugee camp in the early 1900’s. Now it is over a thousand acres of recreation and respite from city living in San Francisco.
Make your day casual and quiet by taking a paddle boat ride on the lake and enjoy a picnic at one of the many secluded grassy nooks in the park. Or, you can take full advantage of the day and visit the Tea Garden, The Academy of Science, or the De Young Museum, all located within the park borders. No matter what your taste and budget, the park has something for everyone.
After your day in Golden Gate Park, you will be ready to drive to the last destination of your road trip. If you leave the city before four, you will have an easier time with traffic as it will take you about 60 to 90 minutes to reach Half Moon Bay via the scenic coastal Highway One route. This road allows you stellar views of the Pacific Ocean with several options to stop and put your toes in the water along the way if you desire.
Once you reach your final destination near Half Moon Bay, check into the luxurious oceanfront Mirimar Inn for a final pampering of coastal views, couples massage, gourmet dining, and a long walk on the beach.

Where to stay-
Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach:
“Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach offers 18 guest rooms complimented by dramatic ocean views, fireplaces, spa tubs, in most accommodations, and gracious personalized service. Several unique amenities include daily morning and evening food and beverage services and a resident certified massage therapist.”
Current package offer-
Romantic Getaway Package, Rates Starting at $214.00

Accommodations for two at Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach
Complimentary Champagne and truffles on arrival
Intimate fine dining for two at Crab Landing, Miramar Beach Restaurant, Moss Beach Distillery, or Pasta Moon ($75 value)
Complimentary prepared breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres!

To make your romance package even more memorable, our in-house masseuse will be happy to arrange an unforgettable massage experience in her ocean view studio at discount rates. Call 650-726-2249. *Rates and packages subject to availability and some restrictions apply.

Day Four-
Waking from the comfort of your feather bed, to the sound of the waves crashing and early morning fog drifting along the coast, start your day with a long walk on the beach. Follow it up with a delicious full gourmet breakfast as part of your stay at the Cypress Inn, lingering to sip a cup of hot coffee while enjoying sounds of gulls overhead and sun peaking through the fog over the Pacific Ocean.
After checking out of your room, plan on enjoying some of the local favorite beach hang outs after picking up a deli lunch at the Garden Deli and Café. You can choose from some of their unique breads such as Olive Walnut bread to enjoy your favorite deli fixings. Order a side of home-style potato salad or clam chowder to complete your meal, then head to the beach.
Cowell Ranch State Beach is a local favorite among the many beaches along highway One. Here you can spend the afternoon hiking, enjoying the water, and watching the seals, and just hanging out reading a good book before it is time to head back to San Jose.
We hope you have enjoyed your luxury Road Trip San Jose Style! Next time we will head to a very special destination in Southern California so come back soon!
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GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER- LUIZA W.

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