U.S.A. | Sausalito to Napa Valley
Towering Redwoods, Scenic Coastal Trails & Napa Valley Wine Country
Trip Highlights:
-
Walk from the art-lined streets of Sausalito along dramatic coastal trails and into the redwood forests of Marin County.
-
Experience a bucket-list visit to Muir Woods, wandering among cathedral-like groves of ancient coast redwoods.
-
Finish in Napa Valley with scenic vineyard walks, curated wine tastings, and time to unwind at a classic wine-country resort.
Ryder-Walker’s Sausalito to Napa Valley walking tour is the perfect add-on for a trip to Northern California and a true wine-lover’s dream. This bite-sized tour offers the chance to experience some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes, from the rugged California coastline and towering redwood forests to the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley. Offering a seamless fusion of culture and adventure, this tour takes you from art gallery- lined streets to relaxed coastal towns, forested valleys, and craggy stretches of the California coast. A memorable wine tasting brings the journey to a close before it’s time to return home from this distinctive corner of the state.
The tour begins in the upscale town of Sausalito, which directly overlooks San Francisco Bay. The first stop along the route is the village of Muir Beach, with an atmospheric hike along coastal trails within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where both San Francisco itself and the Golden Gate Bridge can be seen in the distance.
The next stop that awaits is the town of Mill Valley, where we enjoy a bucket-list visit to Muir Woods National Monument, home to cathedral- like groves of coast redwoods at the heart of the forest. Mill Valley itself offers an excellent dining scene, providing a welcoming place to relax after exploring the cool, misty woodlands.
No trip to Northern California would be complete without experiencing the region’s celebrated wine culture. To showcase the best of this, you spend a day exploring Napa Valley, with the option for two wine tastings paired with a gentle hike through sweeping vineyard landscapes.
The first tasting takes place in the salon of a mid-century home, followed by another set deep within a cave-style sparkling wine cellar, offering a sampling from multiple local vineyards and vintners. Finally, there is time to slow down and unwind in the hotel’s hot spring before looking ahead to your next adventure.
Trip Itinerary
Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.
Independently travel to Sausalito and settle in and spend the afternoon exploring this charming waterfront town, known for its art galleries, cafés, and sweeping views across San Francisco Bay. Your hotel this evening is beautifully perched above the San Francisco Bay, offering a memorable introduction to Northern California.
After a short morning transfer, begin walking through the rolling terrain of the Marin Headlands, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Trails wind along coastal bluffs high above the Pacific Ocean, with expansive views toward the Farallon Islands and distant glimpses back to San Francisco. The walk finishes in the small village of Muir Beach, where a wide sandy shoreline and a welcoming inn – reminiscent of a Stratford on Avon style inn – provide a relaxed end to the day.
Distance: up to 5 miles.
Elevation gain/loss: 700 ft.
Following a short morning transfer, enter Muir Woods National Monument from its quieter backside. Walk among ancient redwoods before reaching a scenic overlook above the Pacific Ocean, then descend through the forest toward the famed Cathedral Grove. Climb out of the woods on the iconic Dipsea Trail before descending into the lively town of Mill Valley, nestled among the redwoods. Tonight’s lodging is a cozy inn surrounded by forest.
Distance: up to 6.5 miles.
Elevation gain/loss: 700/1900 ft.
A morning transfer brings you to the top of Spring Mountain, where the day begins with a tasting at a renowned Napa Valley winery, set in a striking mid-century home with sweeping vineyard views. Afterward, walk through a historic grist mill site and into a tranquil forest of redwoods, oak, and madrone alongside a bubbling creek. The landscape gradually opens into vineyards, leading to one of the country’s most celebrated sparkling wine houses, where you’ll enjoy a tasting inside an atmospheric wine cave. A short afternoon transfer delivers you to a classic Napa Valley resort, complete with hot springs and spa.
Distance: up to 5 miles.
Elevation gain/loss: 600/800 ft.
