1.5 day family friendly wine county itinerary help

Question

family of 5 with kids aged 8-17... we land in SFO at 7:30am and picking up a rental car at the airport and driving straight out to Sonoma/Napa. We will stayover night and need to drop off the rental in Union Square by 5pm the next day where we will still for the rest of our vacation. So I am trying to plan out what we will do in Sonoma and Napa. Here is what I have so far but Im not married to it:

Drive straight to Armstrong Redwoods after stopping for brunch along the way (open to suggestions for a nice Sunday brunch along to 101), check out a couple of wineries or anything else worth doing, visit the Petrified Forest, dinner, check in at Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa and enjoy the mineral pools.

Next day: breakfast, tasting at Castello di Amorosa winery (i know it needs reservations), another winery or something else to do, lunch at Oxbow Market, head back to SF.

any suggestions or comments are much appreciated!

Answer

Your 1.5-day itinerary for Sonoma and Napa with a family sounds very doable, and there are a few tweaks to make it more family-friendly and less rushed while still hitting the highlights.

Day 1: Drive from SFO to Sonoma/Napa

Brunch stop along 101: Consider stopping in San Rafael or Petaluma for brunch. Popular family-friendly options include Della Fattoria in San Rafael (artisan bakery and café) or The Shuckery in Petaluma (offers casual breakfast and seafood/brunch options).
Armstrong Redwoods: Great for kids to stretch legs and explore giant redwoods. Trails like the Pioneer Trail are easy for all ages.
Petrified Forest: Also family-friendly and only a short drive from Armstrong Redwoods. The trails are easy, and kids usually enjoy the unusual tree formations.
Wineries: For family-friendly wineries (without alcohol for the kids), consider:
- Rochioli Family Winery (Sonoma side) – smaller, scenic, and allows kids to explore outside.
- Castello di Amorosa (Napa) – you’re already planning this for day 2; it’s castle-like and very entertaining for kids.
- Some wineries have gardens or picnic areas where kids can relax while parents taste.
Check-in: Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa is perfect for families, and the mineral pools are a relaxing treat after the day’s drives.

Dinner options:

For family-friendly dining in Calistoga, try Sam’s Social Club or Solbar at Solage Resort (both casual and good for kids).

Day 2: Morning and early afternoon in Napa/Sonoma

Breakfast: At your hotel or nearby café.
Castello di Amorosa: Make sure to have a reservation. Kids enjoy exploring the castle, dungeons, and towers.
Optional extra stop: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park offers easy hikes and picnic spots, or Sterling Vineyards has an aerial tram ride that’s fun for kids.
Lunch at Oxbow Public Market: Great mix of casual dining, fresh produce, and artisanal foods. Everyone can pick something they like, from sandwiches to sushi.

Notes and tips:

Book winery tastings ahead of time, especially on weekends.
Keep travel time in mind; the drive back to SF can take ~1.5–2 hours depending on traffic.
Armstrong Redwoods and Petrified Forest are short enough to allow multiple stops without feeling rushed.
Consider leaving a little buffer for impromptu stops or scenic views – kids often enjoy spotting animals or quirky roadside attractions.

With these adjustments, your itinerary balances nature, family-friendly wine experiences, and a relaxed pace, allowing you to enjoy Sonoma/Napa highlights without feeling too rushed.

1.5 day family friendly wine county itinerary help

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