Start your first morning with coffee and a fresh sourdough pastry at Tartine Bakery before wandering the colorful alleys of Mission District to admire the murals and pop into independent shops along Valencia Street. From there, take a relaxed stroll through Dolores Park for skyline views and people-watching, then head to Castro Theatre area to soak up neighborhood history and plan a midday ferry or bay-front walk-perfect for easing into the city without rushing after arrival.
After a relaxed morning, wander down to the waterfront and stroll the Embarcadero toward Ferry Building Marketplace to sample local cheeses and oysters, then browse artisanal stalls. Continue along the bay to Pier 14 for sunset views of the skyline and head over to Fisherman's Wharf to watch the sea lions at Pier 39, finish with cioppino or clam chowder at a waterfront eatery as the evening light warms the Golden Gate vista.
As twilight deepens, take a scenic 20-minute ride to Treasure Island for sweeping night views of the lit-up skyline and Golden Gate Bridge-stay for a relaxed stroll along the waterfront and photos from the east-facing promenade. Then head back to the city for a lively dinner in North Beach, choosing from classic Italian trattorias or intimate wine bars, and end the night with cocktails and live jazz at Black Cat, a cozy spot that keeps the evening mellow and atmospheric.
Begin with a fragrant pour-over and a light pastry at Blue Bottle Coffee (Ferry Building location), then catch the historic F-Line streetcar westbound to explore the Victorian charm of Alamo Square and snap photos of the Painted Ladies against the skyline. Continue with a reflective walk through the leafy paths of Presidio of San Francisco, stopping at Crissy Field for expansive bay views and a close-up perspective of the Golden Gate before the midday crowds arrive.
After a morning in Alamo Square and the Presidio, head into the vibrant heart of the city for a lively afternoon: browse contemporary art and rotating exhibits at SFMOMA, then walk a few blocks to the nearby culinary hub of Yerba Buena Gardens where you can relax by the fountains and grab a seasonal bite at The Market by Jeanie. Finish with a scenic cable car ride from Powell Street up to Nob Hill, stopping to admire the ornate facades and cathedral at Grace Cathedral before sunset views from the hilltop.
As twilight falls, wander through the lantern-lit streets of Chinatown for an atmospheric dim sum or tea tasting at Good Mong Kok Bakery or a cozy sit-down at Z & Y Restaurant, then explore the hidden alleys and herbal shops. After dinner, head to Coit Tower for panoramic night views of the bay and city lights, then finish with cocktails at the rooftop bar of El Techo de Lolinda (Mission-adjacent) for a lively, elevated end to the day.
Ease into your final San Francisco morning with a leisurely breakfast at Boudin Bakery Café on the Embarcadero, savoring a warm sourdough bowl of clam chowder while watching ferries glide by. Then stroll through the historic streets of Jackson Square to browse antique shops and galleries before picking up provisions at Ferry Building Marketplace (if you'd like picnic supplies for the drive), and set off north via the scenic Richmond or US-101 route toward Napa with a short detour to pause for photos at Lands End vista points if time allows.
After a leisurely morning departure, take the scenic route north and pause in Sausalito for waterfront browsing and a light lunch at Bar Bocce, where you can enjoy pizza, local wine, and bay views from the pebble beach. Continue across the Golden Gate and detour through the rolling hills to Muir Woods National Monument for a peaceful hour among towering redwoods on the easy Main Trail, then resume the drive toward Napa, arriving in time for an early evening tasting at Oxbow Public Market or a sunset vineyard stroll.
After arriving in Napa and checking into your accommodation, enjoy a relaxed evening wandering the leafy lanes of Yountville where gallery windows and upscale boutiques invite a leisurely stroll; stop for a glass of local pinot at Bouchon Bistro's bar or sit on a patio at Rutherford Hill Winery for vineyard views at twilight. For dinner, savor a farm-driven tasting menu at Ad Hoc (reservations recommended) or opt for a lively meal and charcuterie pairings at Gott's Roadside in nearby St. Helena, then finish the night with a gentle post-dinner walk beneath the valley stars along Artesa Winery's illuminated grounds or a cozy nightcap at a downtown Napa wine bar.
Start your morning with a sunrise tasting flight and vineyard tour at Domaine Carneros, then enjoy a flaky pastry and espresso on their terrace with sweeping views of the valley. Afterward, drive the scenic Silverado Trail with a stop at Castello di Amorosa to explore the medieval-style castle and sample robust cabernets in the barrel room before a late-morning picnic among the vines at Beringer Vineyards' manicured grounds.
After a leisurely morning among rolling vines, head north along the Silverado Trail for a relaxed vineyard-hopping afternoon: start with a seated tasting and library pours at Artesa Winery (timed reservations recommended) then continue to Quintessa for a guided tour of its biodynamic estate and cellar. Round out the afternoon with a picnic on the lawns of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars or a tasting on the terrace at Nickel & Nickel, pausing between stops for golden-hour views across vineyard rows and a scenic photo stop at Soda Canyon Road.
As twilight settles, drive up to Mount Veeder for sweeping elevated views and stop at Mayacamas Vineyards or Bouchaine Vineyards for an intimate evening tasting or sunset porch seating. Afterward, return to downtown Napa for a relaxed farm-to-table dinner at Oenotri or a murder-mystery style pizza and wine pairing at Angele, finishing the night with a digestif and live acoustic music at Cadet Wine & Beer for a cozy, local end to the day.
Leave Napa early and drive toward Yosemite, pausing for coffee and supplies in Oakdale before entering the park; once inside, stretch your legs on the easy, iconic Bridalveil Fall Trail to feel the mist and snap first-morning photos. Continue to Tunnel View for that classic panorama of El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall, then take the short panorama walk to Glacier Point (if open) or the nearby Washburn Point for expansive valley and high-country views before a picnic breakfast among the pines.
After lunch, head deeper into the valley for a gentle, scenic hike along the Merced River on the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, then cross over to explore the cathedral-like granite of Cathedral Spires via the short walk from the trailhead for close-up rock textures and quiet alpine meadows. Finish the afternoon with a slow drive and photo stop at Valley View (Northside Drive) to catch the warm, late-light reflections on El Capitan and the river before settling into your evening base in the park.
As evening deepens, settle into a sunset walk along the quieter banks of the Merced River near Cook's Meadow for mirrored reflections of surrounding granite and soft alpenglow, then wander toward the historic Ahwahnee Hotel to admire its grand stone architecture and warming lobby atmosphere. Finish with a relaxed meal at the hotel or a nearby lodge where you can sample hearty, locally sourced fare and swap photos from the day beneath the valley stars.
Wake early for a brisk, invigorating ascent on the Four-Mile Trail from the valley floor to Glacier Point Road, pausing at dramatic switchbacks for close-up views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and the Merced River below; bring layered clothing and water for the steady climb. After descending, reward yourself with a riverside breakfast picnic near Sentinel Beach and then stroll the easy Cook's Meadow Loop to spot early-morning wildlife and capture soft light on the meadows and surrounding granite monoliths.
After your morning climb and meadow stroll, spend the afternoon exploring high-country highlights: take the shuttle or drive to Sentinel Dome for a short, panoramic hike that rewards you with 360-degree views of Half Dome, El Capitan, and the High Sierra, then continue to Taft Point to walk the fissured granite ledges and peer down at dramatic valley drop-offs. Finish with a relaxed riverside break at Swinging Bridge-perfect for reflections and photos as golden light softens the valley-before returning to your lodge to compare shots and unwind.
As daylight wanes, take a leisurely drive to Mirror Lake for a calm stroll along the shore where still water offers shimmering reflections of surrounding cliffs; linger for soft, photographable light and quiet birdwatching. Afterward, head up to the historic Wawona Hotel for a warming dinner in its classic dining room, then finish the night with a short, guided stargazing walk from the hotel grounds led by a park ranger or using a star chart to spot winter constellations above the valley.
Depart Yosemite early and drive east toward Death Valley, stopping just outside the park to stretch your legs at Rhyolite Ghost Town for atmospheric ruins and quirky outdoor sculptures. After crossing into the park, pause at Zabriskie Point to watch the sunrise paint the badlands, then follow with a short hike on the easy Golden Canyon trail to admire colorful strata and narrow slot-like passages before continuing deeper into Death Valley for the afternoon.
After your Golden Canyon morning, continue deeper into the park for an evocative afternoon exploring Artist's Drive and stopping at Artist's Palette to see the multi-hued volcanic minerals glow in the slanted light; take the slow, scenic loop and pause for photos at the viewpoint. Later, head to Badwater Basin to walk out onto the vast salt flats-bring sun protection and a wide-brim hat-and finish with a late-afternoon visit to Dante's View for sweeping panoramas of the valley floor as the light softens and your road-trip rhythm shifts toward evening.
As temperatures cool, head to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for a golden-hour walk and soft-sand photography, climbing a dune to watch long shadows stretch across the ripples. Follow with a short drive to Harmony Borax Works to learn about the park's mining history by flashlight or headlamp, then finish the night at Stovepipe Wells Village for dinner and a chance to spot stars from the roadside viewing areas away from valley lights.