To celebrate my 30th birthday, we headed to the stunning coast and wine country of Northern California for an unforgettable adventure! From hiking among the towering redwoods of Muir Woods and exploring San Francisco’s iconic sights like Alcatraz, to sipping world-class wines in Napa and Sonoma, every day was packed with incredible memories. We even added a little nightlife fun with cocktails at hidden speakeasies and club-hopping. It was the perfect mix of nature, city, wine, and celebration – an amazing way to kick off a new decade!

Itinerary

This is based on the itinerary from our April 6-11, 2016 trip.

🛬 Wednesday, 4/6 – Travel Day

• ✈️ 6:12 PM – Depart STL on United 1568 (nonstop, 4h29m)
• ✈️ 8:41 PM – Arrive SFO (feels like 10:41 PM)
• 🚗 Pick up Enterprise rental car
• 🏨 Check in at Super 8 San Bruno/San Francisco Airport (421 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA)

🌉 Thursday, 4/7 – San Francisco Adventures

• 🚗 7:15 AM – Drive to Muir Woods
• 🥾 8:15 AM – Muir Woods hiking ($10 each) and visit Muir Beach
• 📸 11:15 AM – View Golden Gate Bridge from Battery Spencer
• 🏛️ Optional if time allows – Palace of Fine Arts and Wave Organ
• 🚗 12:00 PM – Drive through zig-zag Lombard Street (🅿️ 750 Bush Street Parking Garage)
• 🏮 12:30 PM – Walk through Dragon’s Gate into Chinatown, lunch
• 🛍️ 2:00 PM – Browse Ferry Building Marketplace
• 🚋 3:00 PM – Trolley to Pier 33
• 🚢 3:20 PM – Alcatraz Tour
• 🍕 6:00 PM – Grab to-go pizza @ Tony’s Coal Fired Pizza
• 🌉 6:45 PM – Walk down Telegraph Hill steps near Coit Tower
• 🔬 7:00 PM –Exploratorium: After Dark (adults only)
• 🚕 9:30 PM – Uber to car (750 Bush St.) and walk to Airbnb
• 🍸 Late night drinks – Smuggler’s Cove and Cat Club
• 🛒 Pick up bottled water, granola bars, and winery lunch items at Trader Joe’s or Bush Market
• 🏨 Check in at Airbnb (1035 Bush Street Suite #8)

🎉 Friday, 4/8 – 30th Birthday

🍷 Napa Wineries

• 🚗 7:30 AM – Drive (1.5 hrs) to Napa Valley
• 🍷 9:00/9:30 AM – Chateau Montelena (~$25, grounds open at 9:30 AM)
• 🚡 10:30 AM – Sterling Vineyards (~$29 tram & tasting)
• 🏰 12:00 PM – Castello di Amorosa (~$25)
• 🍇 1:30 PM – V. Sattui Winery ($15-20 tasting)
• 🍷 3:00 PM – Robert Mondavi Winery ($5-30 tasting depending on wines)
• 🍾 4:00 PM – Domaine Chandon ($20-30, can split tastings)
• 🚗 Drive (1.25 hrs) back to San Francisco

🍹 Evening Birthday Celebration in SF

• 🍸 8:00 PM – Bourbon & Branch (🎟️ Reservation recommended)
• 💃 10:00 PM – Nightclub dancing @ Bootie Mashup – DNA Lounge

🍷 Saturday, 4/9 – Sonoma Wineries

• 🚗 9:00 AM – Drive (1 hr) to Sonoma
• 🍇 10:00 AM – Ravenswood Winery (~$18 tasting)
• 🍷 11:30 AM – Benziger Family Winery (~$25 tour & tasting)
• 🍕 1:00 PM – VJB Vineyard & Cellars (wood-fired pizza lunch, $15-25 tasting)
• ⛏️ 2:30 PM – Gundlach Bundschu Winery (~$30 cave tour)
• 🍇 4:00 PM – Buena Vista Winery (~$20 tasting)

⚾️ Sunday, 4/10 – Giants Game

• ⚾️ 1:05 PM – Giants game
• 🏨 Check in to Palace Hotel
• 🏙️ Explore downtown San Francisco

See our Giants blog for more pictures and tips on visiting this stadium.

🛬 Monday, 4/11 – Travel Home

• ✈️ 9:55 AM – Depart SFO on SW 1866
• ✈️ 3:35 PM – Arrive STL

🌳 Muir Woods

We started the day immersed in nature at Muir Woods National Monument, hiking among some of the tallest and oldest coastal redwoods in the world. Towering trees, peaceful streams, and misty morning light made it feel like stepping into another world. After soaking in the serenity of the forest trails, we took a short drive over to Muir Beach, a hidden gem along the rugged coastline, where we enjoyed sweeping ocean views surrounded by dramatic cliffs.

🌁 SF Exploration

Our San Francisco adventures kicked off with breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Battery Spencer, one of the most iconic photo spots in the city. We winded our way down the famously crooked turns of Lombard Street and strolled through the ornate Dragon’s Gate into the bustling heart of Chinatown for a flavorful lunch. The afternoon continued with a classic trolley ride to Pier 33. From there, we embarked on a hauntingly fascinating Alcatraz Island tour, uncovering the secrets of the infamous former prison. We then meandered down the lush Telegraph Hill steps near Coit Tower as the evening set in. The night wrapped up at Exploratorium: After Dark, an adults-only, hands-on science museum experience that mixed creativity, cocktails, and curiosity in the perfect way.

🍷 Wineries

Our time in Napa and Sonoma was a dream come true for wine lovers, filled with stunning vineyard views, unforgettable tastings, and a perfect blend of history, elegance, and laid-back charm. In Napa, we explored everything from the storybook castle of Castello di Amorosa to the hilltop vistas at Sterling Vineyards, sipped world-class wines at legendary estates like Chateau Montelena and Robert Mondavi, and celebrated with sparkling glasses at Domaine Chandon. Sonoma brought a more rustic and intimate feel, where we wandered biodynamic vineyards at Benziger, enjoyed wood-fired pizza and Italian-style wines at VJB Cellars, descended into wine caves at Gundlach Bundschu, and stepped back in time at the historic Buena Vista Winery. Every stop brought its own unique charm, making it the ultimate celebration of great wine, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable memories.

NAPA VALLEY

🍷 Chateau Montelena

Famous for putting Napa Valley on the world wine map, Chateau Montelena is best known for its award-winning Chardonnay that stunned the French at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. The historic stone castle surrounded by lush gardens and a peaceful Chinese-inspired lake offers a magical backdrop for a morning stroll and wine tasting. A visit here feels like stepping back in time to old-world Napa.

🚡 Sterling Vineyards

Perched high above Napa Valley, Sterling Vineyards delivers breathtaking panoramic views – and you get there by an aerial tram ride! Their modern Mediterranean-style winery is a visual standout, and the relaxed, self-guided tastings let you sip and soak in the scenery at your own pace. It’s an unforgettable experience pairing scenic beauty with vibrant wines.

🏰 Castello di Amorosa

A medieval Tuscan castle nestled in the heart of Napa, Castello di Amorosa is straight out of a fairytale, complete with a drawbridge, moat, and grand halls. The wines, especially their Italian-style varietals, are every bit as enchanting as the setting. Touring and tasting here is more than a visit – it’s an immersive journey into old-world Europe right in California wine country.

🍇 V. Sattui Winery

A lively and welcoming stop, V. Sattui Winery is beloved for its charming picnic grounds, wide range of award-winning wines, and artisan deli packed with perfect picnic pairings. Whether you’re sampling their robust reds or crisp whites, this bustling winery offers a casual and flavorful slice of Napa that’s great for a mid-day break and a leisurely lunch.

🍷 Robert Mondavi Winery

A true pioneer of Napa Valley’s wine legacy, Robert Mondavi Winery is a must-visit for its elegant grounds, stunning art collection, and beautifully structured wines. Specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon and Fumé Blanc, this iconic estate captures the spirit of Napa’s sophistication, blending rich history with modern craftsmanship in every glass.

🍾 Domaine Chandon

If you’re craving bubbles, Domaine Chandon is the ultimate stop! This sparkling wine house brings a little French flair to Napa, offering luxurious sparkling tastings in a gorgeous garden setting. Relax on the outdoor terrace with a glass of brut or rosé and toast to California sunshine and the good life.

SONOMA VALLEY

🍷 Benziger Family Winery

At Benziger Family Winery, the focus is on sustainability and biodynamic farming, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts alike. Their scenic tram tour winds through vibrant vineyards and gardens, offering a fascinating peek into eco-friendly winemaking before you settle in for a well-curated tasting of their earthy, expressive wines.

🍕 VJB Vineyard & Cellars

A little slice of Italy tucked into Sonoma, VJB Vineyard & Cellars pairs their delicious wines with even better food – including mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas. With a sun-dappled piazza and a cozy, family-run feel, it’s an ideal midday stop to savor lunch, sip Italian-style varietals, and soak in a bit of la dolce vita. We tried Barbera wine for the first time here.

⛏️ Gundlach Bundschu Winery

Sonoma’s oldest family-owned winery, Gundlach Bundschu (affectionately called “GunBun”) offers a playful yet polished experience, from their historic vineyards to the unique cave tours. Their tastings feature a fantastic lineup of wines with a little edge – perfectly fitting their motto: “serious wines, serious fun.”

🍇 Buena Vista Winery

Stepping into Buena Vista Winery feels like stepping into history – this is California’s oldest commercial winery, founded in 1857. With its charming stone buildings, tree-shaded courtyards, and rich storytelling tours, it’s the perfect grand finale. Expect refined wines, a bit of theatrical flair, and a taste of true Sonoma legacy.