San Francisco: Muir Woods & Wine Country Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Redwoods, Golden Gate Bridge and wine tastings from San Francisco

You’ll walk beneath ancient redwoods in Muir Woods with time to breathe in that cool forest air before heading out for guided wine tastings across Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Enjoy lunch on Sonoma Plaza or upgrade for a full food-and-wine pairing experience. Expect friendly guides, real local stories, and plenty of chances to pause for photos—or just take it all in quietly.

What’s the experience like?

It started with our driver, Greg, who greeted us outside the hotel with a grin and a “Hope you brought layers—San Francisco’s got moods.” I liked him instantly. We rolled through the city just as the fog was lifting off the bay, past those pastel houses and then right over the Golden Gate Bridge. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just stared—there’s something about that orange-red against the gray water that feels bigger than it looks in pictures. Greg pointed out Alcatraz and told us how his uncle used to fish near there (he swears he saw ghosts). I’m not sure if he was joking.

Muir Woods was quieter than I expected. The air smelled sharp—like wet earth and pine needles—and my shoes made that soft crunch on the path. Some of those redwoods are older than most countries. There was a moment when everyone just kind of stopped talking; all you could hear were birds and someone’s kid giggling in the distance. It felt like being inside a cathedral, but greener and less formal. Honestly, I didn’t want to leave yet, but wine country was calling.

Napa first—Ru Vango Winery had these rolling hills and art everywhere, even in the tasting room. Our host poured Pinot Noir and explained why this part of California is so good for grapes (something about fog and soil—I remember more about how smooth that first sip tasted). Then Sonoma: we wandered around Sonoma Plaza for lunch, where I tried to pronounce “cioppino” at a little restaurant and got corrected by a waitress who just laughed it off. If you go for the food pairing upgrade, trust me—those wine matches actually make sense together. After that, Mayo Family Winery felt like visiting someone’s home; they let us try Gewürztraminer which I’d never heard of before. Kind of floral? Not bad.

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards was our last stop—Tuscan-style buildings, olive trees everywhere, even an olive oil tasting (I dipped bread until someone nudged me to save room for more wine). The guy at the counter told stories about his grandfather coming over from Italy; you could tell he’d said it before but still meant every word. On the way back over the bridge, Greg pulled over for one last photo stop. The light was different this time—warmer maybe—and everyone looked tired but happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Redwoods and Wine Country Tour

• Pickup from San Francisco hotel
• Drive past Palace of Fine Arts and Presidio
• View Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island
• Cross Golden Gate Bridge
• Explore Muir Woods for one hour
• Drive to Napa wine region
• Tour and taste wines at Ru Vango Winery
• Travel through Sonoma Valley
• Stop at Sonoma Plaza for lunch or upgrade
• Taste wines at Mayo Family Winery
• Taste wines and olive oil at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
• Photo stop at Golden Gate North Vista Point
• Return to original pickup location

Top questions

How long is the day trip from San Francisco to Muir Woods & Wine Country?

The tour lasts a full day with morning pickup from San Francisco hotels and return by evening after visiting Muir Woods and three wineries.

Is lunch included on this tour?

A standard lunch break is included at Sonoma Plaza; you can upgrade to a three-course food and wine pairing at a local restaurant if you wish.

Are wine tasting fees covered?

Yes, all tasting fees at Ru Vango Winery, Mayo Family Winery, and Jacuzzi Family Vineyards are included in your tour price.

Do I need to bring my ID for wine tastings?

Yes, valid ID proving you're 21 or older is required for all wine tastings on this tour.

Is hotel pickup available throughout San Francisco?

Pickup is available at selected hotels within San Francisco; check availability when booking your spot.

How much time do we spend at Muir Woods?

You’ll have about one hour to explore Muir Woods National Monument during this day trip.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome; infants can ride in strollers but kids under 8 or shorter than 4'9" need a child safety seat.

What should I wear for this day trip?

Dress in layers since mornings can be cool near Muir Woods while afternoons get warmer in wine country.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select San Francisco hotels, entry into Muir Woods National Monument with time to wander among redwoods, guided wine tastings at three different wineries (all tasting fees covered), transportation by air-conditioned bus with WiFi onboard, plus an optional gourmet three-course food-and-wine lunch experience if you choose the upgrade before returning home in the evening.