START. SAN FRANCISCO. Begin your tour at the California Welcome Center, PIER 39. Travel Hwy. 101 north to San Rafael where Mission San Rafael Arcangel, the 20th of 21 historic missions, was founded in 1817. Continue north on Hwy. 101 t0...
>> 41 mi. (66 KM.) PETALUMA. This quaint river town includes stately Victorian-era homes and modern-day factory outlets. Take Hwy. 116 east to reach Petaluma Adobe SHP. This restored rancho, established in 1834, is an excellent example of California life during the Mexican reign. Continue east on Hwy. 116 to Hwy. 12 north to...
>> 17 mi. (27 KM.) SONOMA. Site of the "Bear Flag Revolt" in 1846. Sonoma SHP includes the last and northernmost of California's missions — Mission San Francisco Solano. The city plaza, laid out by General Vallejo in 1835, is surrounded by the largest collection of Mexican-era adobes north of Monterey. Superb wineries and luxurious spas are located nearby, along with Vallejo’s lovely Victorian home. Valley of the Moon Highway (Hwy. 12 – a designated scenic highway), offers picturesque views. Continue on Hwy. 12 north to...
>> 7 mi. (11 KM.) GLEN ELLEN. Turn off for a visit to Jack London SHP—his farmhouse, House of Happy Walls, museum, Wolf House ruins, and the lake area. Continue northwest on Hwy. 12, past Annadel SP, to...
>> 18 MI. (29 KM.) SANTA ROSA. Take time to explore the nearby Russian River wine region. More than 80 wineries are clustered along the river's banks. Hike the nature trail in Armstrong Redwoods SR near Guerneville. The region features romantic inns and delicious food. Travel north on Hwy. 101 past Windsor and Healdsburg, to...
>> 23 mi. (37 KM.) GEYSERVILLE. Here you can hire a horse and wagon to tour the local wineries. Turn southeast at Geyserville onto Hwy. 128, passing Robert Louis Stevenson SP, to...
>> 24 mi. (38 KM.) CALISTOGA. Discovered long ago by the Wappo Indians, this renowned spa area offers visitors soothing mineral bath facilities, along with glider and hot air balloon flights. Nearby, California’s own "Old Faithful" geyser erupts approximately every 45 minutes and is one of only three "Old Faithfuls" in existence. Take Hwy. 29 south, past Bothe–Napa Valley SP and Bale Grist Mill SHP, and continue to...
>> 9 mi. (14 KM.) ST. HELENA. Visit the Silverado Museum which contains memorabilia of author Robert Louis Stevenson, including first editions, original manuscripts, and photographs. Continue south on Hwy. 29, past Rutherford, to...
>> 10 mi. (16 KM.) YOUNTVILLE. Visit the Napa Valley Museum and Vintage 1870, a century-old brick winery that houses restaurants, art galleries, and shops. Tour the numerous wineries in the area or enjoy a hot air balloon ride. Continue to...
>> 10 mi. (16 KM.) NAPA. Much of this charming city features Victorian-era architecture. Enjoy gourmet dining year-round, aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Lavishly restored 1915 Pullman dining and lounge cars carry you on a three-hour passage. The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts is the world's leading cultural center dedicated to the discovery, understanding and celebration of wine, food and the arts. Take Hwy. 29 south to Hwy. 37 east to Vallejo, home of Six Flags Marine World, America's only combination wildlife park, oceanarium, and theme park. Hwy. 37 intersects with I-80 just south of Vallejo. I-80 west will return you to...
>> 36 mi. (58 KM.) SAN FRANCISCO.
