Glamourous Highways: A Luxury Roadtrip Through Northern California
Northern California’s blend of elegance and refined taste is seen in its offerings, experiences, regional cuisine, and exquisite wines. From Mendocino County’s ocean-view cottages to Sonoma and Napa Valley’s world-class wine experiences to Marin County and San Francisco’s unforgettable culinary, cultural, and coastal experiences, this region offers a luxurious interlude in the lap of nature. With curated stops that showcase California’s finest, it is an ideal destination for the traveller seeking adventure as well as luxury experiences.
Mendocino County
A winding scenic drive up the Pacific Coast Highway or through the inland redwood groves and rolling vineyards takes you to the idyllic Mendocino County. Experience the region’s laidback vibe at an ocean-view cottage at the award-winning Harbor House Inn in the coastal hamlet of Elk, also home to a 2-Michelin-starred restaurant. Other luxury options include The Stanford Inn By the Sea, known for their sustainability standards and exclusive plant-based menu and Brewery Gulch Inn offering delicious breakfast and wine hour. Spend a day exploring the charming shops in the village of Mendocino just 30 minutes to the north. Nature and the outdoors await among the redwoods in nearby Van Damme State Park. Other experiences include wine and cheese tasting, whale watching, kayaking, and horseback riding excursions.
Sonoma County
Sonoma County, nestled between Mendocino and Napa, is known for its innovative cuisine, cool-climate Pinot Noirs, charming family-run inns, and expansive wild spaces, epitomizing bohemian sophistication at its finest. The walkable city of Healdsburg is home to SingleThread Farm, which offers exquisite lodging and a delectable menu at their restaurant. Another option is Montage Healdsburg, set on 258 acres of rolling vineyards and oak groves, and offers three restaurants, an infinity pool and spa. The family-owned and operated Farmhouse Inn & Spa is another dreamy destination for wine and wellness in Forestville where guests particularly love the concierge service and access to exclusive experiences at nearby wineries and attractions.
Taste the extensive culinary expertise of the region at Glen Ellen Star, Barndiva, The Girl & The Fig and Valette. Sebastopol’s The Barlow is a culinary destination for boutique wineries, eateries, artisan coffee and other local makers. Beyond wine tasting, must-see-and-dos in Sonoma County include horseback riding in Jack London State Park, hiking Armstrong Woods, cycling along country roads, and kayaking the Russian River. Be sure to include the coastal beaches and scenic drives along the Pacific Coast Highway in your road trip for a truly unforgettable experience.
Napa Valley
The legendary Napa Valley is a wine and hospitality lover’s paradise. Resorts such as Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford, Four Seasons Resort & Residences Napa Valley in spa-centric Calistoga, Meadowood Napa Valley in St. Helena, Carneros Resort & Spa in Napa, and Vintage House in Yountville are perfect luxury stops. Yountville is also home to Thomas Keller’s prestigious 3-Michelin-starred French Laundry restaurant, as well as a range of top-rated eateries and galleries. St. Helena is another charming walkable town known for its boutique shopping while the city of Napa abounds with shopping and dining including the foodie hub, Oxbow Public Market.
Begin your day in Napa with a sunrise hot air balloon ride to enjoy breathtaking views. Play a round of golf or tennis, soak in Calistoga’s mineral waters, or indulge in a spa day, enhance your culinary skills at a cooking class or go for a wine tasting, opportunities for outdoor exploration, adventures, and unique experiences are abundant.
Marin County
Home to Mt. Tam and the Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County is a worthy detour or overnight destination when travelling between San Francisco and Napa’s wine country. Savour freshly harvested and shucked oysters at Hog Island Oysters, The Marshall Store, or the popular seafood outposts along the Pacific Coast Highway. Various tours feature other stops that bring you closer to the local land, makers, and flavours including Cowgirl Creamery. Immerse in small-town charm at Olema House near Point Reyes or check into historic Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito to enjoy the views of the Golden Gate Bridge combined with gourmet dining, healing center and spa, before driving to San Francisco.
San Francisco
Start by exploring San Francisco’s urban, culinary scene by dining at acclaimed spots like Benu, Atelier Crenn, Saison, Californios, and Mister Jiu’s. Explore the new Presidio Tunnel Tops Park and the latest exhibitions and permanent collections at the de Young Museum and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SMMOMA). Shop for designer and luxury goods in the charming, walkable Marina and Fillmore districts. Sports enthusiasts must catch an action-packed San Francisco Giants or Golden State Warriors game. The San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Symphony also present compelling performances featuring acclaimed musicians and compositions. When it comes to accommodations, choose from elegant properties such as the St. Regis San Francisco, The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, Fairmont San Francisco, Proper Hotel, and 1 Hotel San Francisco, all offering luxury amenities for the perfect rest and recovery after an action-packed road trip through Northern California.
