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An Epic Northern California Road Trip

A luxury road trip through Napa and San Francisco in early 2025, with must-attend events along the way.

Picture this: a road trip that brings together the vibrant energy of San Francisco, the tranquility of towering redwoods, the rugged beauty of Point Reyes, and the ultimate reward — wine-fueled bliss in Napa. En route, you’ll savor world-class wines while immersing yourself in the iconic events of Wine Country in early 2025, from Napa Valley Restaurant Week to the indulgent Napa Truffle Festival. Meanwhile, San Francisco pulses with energy, offering a rich lineup of events like San Francisco Beer Week and the FOG Design+Art Fair — an ideal blend of culture and flavor for the discerning traveler. Whether you're soaking in the quiet beauty of Napa or the vibrant rhythm of the city, this road trip is one for the books.

As an Exclusive Resorts Member, you can elevate this experience with the VIP Benefit of All Roads North, celebrated for their meticulously designed luxury road trips throughout the United States. Work with their award-winning team to create a bespoke journey tailored to your desires. Enhance an existing stay with The Club or design a standalone itinerary that brings your dream road trip to life with precision and style.

Stop 1: San Francisco

Start in the heart of San Francisco, where The Club’s ten luxury residences at The Fairmont Ghirardelli welcome you with sweeping views of either the bay or the city skyline. Indulge in the finest comforts, from personalized butler service to private wine storage, ensuring your every need is met. Spend your days exploring Fisherman’s Wharf for fresh seafood and waterfront views, or wander the vibrant streets of Chinatown, rich with history and culture. A short cable car ride takes you to Union Square, where luxury boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet cafés await. As the day winds down, take a sunset stroll along the Embarcadero, enjoying the bay views and iconic architecture. San Francisco offers an exciting mix of old-world charm and modern energy, with something new around every corner. But don’t get too comfortable; adventure awaits.

While in San Francisco, don’t miss these must-attend events, each offering a unique slice of the city’s vibrant culture:

  • Noir City Film Festival: January 24 –⁠ February 2, 2025. A 10-day cinematic journey through the women of film noir, hosted by Eddie Muller at Oakland’s historic Grand Lake Theater.
  • FOG Art+Design: January 23 –⁠ 26, 2025. The premier fair for modern and contemporary design, bringing together top galleries, design dealers, and a weekend of dynamic programming.
  • San Francisco Sketchfest: January 16 –⁠ February 2, 2025. A month-long comedy festival featuring sketch, improv, and stand-up performances from national headliners and emerging talent.
  • San Francisco Independent Film Festival: February 6 –⁠ 16, 2025. For 26 years, SF IndieFest has delivered eclectic, adventurous programming, spotlighting independent filmmakers from around the globe.
  • San Francisco Beer Week: February 21 –⁠ March 2, 2025. A celebration of craft beer with tastings, pairings, and events throughout the city, bringing together brewers and beer lovers alike.
  • San Francisco City Golf Championship: March 8 –⁠ 23, 2025. The oldest continuously played local golf championship in the world, this storied event draws the area’s best golfers for two weeks of fierce competition.
  • Flower Bulb (Tulip) Day: March 9, 2025. Celebrate the arrival of spring at Union Square’s stunning tulip garden, where over 80,000 tulips will bloom. Visitors can pick their own vibrant bouquets in celebration of International Women’s Day.
San Francisco Beer Week pours inventive craft brews
Flower Bulb Day celebrates a burst of color as tulips bloom across the city

Stop 2: Muir Woods National Monument

From San Francisco, make your way to Muir Woods National Monument, a serene escape just a short drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Here, you’ll find yourself beneath a canopy of ancient redwoods that have been standing tall for centuries. The forest feels like a natural sanctuary, with trails weaving through towering trees and the air heavy with the fragrance of damp earth and pine. These towering giants, draped in mist and steeped in history, exude a sense of otherworldly calm, drawing you further from the city's hustle with each step you take deeper into the forest.

Stop 3: Point Reyes National Seashore

Once you’ve marveled at the serene grandeur of the redwoods, continue your journey north along the dramatic Highway 1, a scenic route that clings to the cliffs and unveils breathtaking views of the Pacific. Your destination is Point Reyes National Seashore, where the landscape transforms into a rugged mix of windswept bluffs, lush green hills, and waves crashing relentlessly against the shore. Be sure to visit the historic lighthouse, perched at the edge of the continent, offering panoramic vistas and a glimpse into maritime history. From January to March, the coast offers an unforgettable spectacle: the migration of gray whales. As they move along the Pacific, keep your eyes on the horizon for a glimpse of these majestic creatures.

If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the many hiking trails that crisscross the seashore. The Tomales Point Trail promises sweeping vistas and often brings you face to face with the area’s tule elk herds. Or, for a gentler hike, opt for the Bear Valley Trail, which meanders through lush forests before opening up to ocean views. After working up an appetite, indulge in one of the region's signature experiences: oyster tasting along Tomales Bay. Head to local favorites like Hog Island Oyster Co. or The Marshall Store for freshly shucked oysters, best enjoyed with a splash of lemon and a glass of crisp white wine. Whether you venture to the historic lighthouse or simply pause to savor the bounty of the sea, Point Reyes offers a raw, untamed beauty that’s as restorative as it is captivating.

Where dramatic cliffs meet the Pacific’s wild embrace
The remains of a 19th-century cargo ship now sit on the beach after a century on the ocean floor

Stop 4: Wine Country

Then it’s on to Napa, where The Club’s four residences at Carneros Resort and Spa offer a sublime setting to end your adventure. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, you’ll unwind with vineyard-inspired spa treatments, locally crafted meals, or a dip in one of the resort’s pools. Complimentary bicycles make it easy to pedal between tasting rooms, where the region’s famed Cabernet and Chardonnay await. For a more exclusive experience, The Club’s evolving Vineyard VIP program grants Members insider access to private tours, exclusive tastings, discounted shipping, and first dibs on limited releases, elevating your Napa journey to unparalleled heights.

While in Napa, don't miss these signature events, each showcasing the region’s rich wine culture and scenic beauty:

  • Napa Valley Restaurant Week: January 2025 TBD. For 10 days, Napa Valley’s world-class restaurants offer exclusive deals on inventive meals showcasing the region's premium ingredients and farm-fresh produce. A celebration of Napa’s gastronomy, perfect for exploring new dining experiences.
  • Napa Truffle Festival: January 17 –⁠ 20, 2025. Savor the finest truffle cuisine paired with Napa wines. Learn how to work with truffles from Michelin-star chefs and explore a working truffle orchard.
  • Napa Lighted Art Festival: January 18 –⁠ February 16, 2025. A free, outdoor celebration of light art featuring 12 lighted sculptures over 5 weeks in downtown Napa. A must-see for art lovers and those seeking a unique experience.
  • Yountville International Short Film Festival: January 30 –⁠ February 2, 2025. A four-day celebration of world-class short films, offering VIP screenings and unique wine events in a charming, walkable setting.
  • Flavor of Film: Uncorked at CIA at Copia: February 22, 2025, 5:30 –⁠ 9 pm. Delve into the story of Elijah's journey to becoming a master sommelier with a curated BBQ menu paired with wines from African American vintners.
  • Napa Valley Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K: March 2, 2025. Run through scenic vineyards in this iconic Napa Valley marathon, with options for all levels of runners and walkers.
Napa Truffle Festival showcases indulgent truffle tastings and culinary events
Napa Lighted Art Festival illuminates the city with stunning light displays

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Where You'll Stay

10 Residences
San Francisco, California

The Fairmont Ghirardelli

10 Residences

The Fairmont Ghirardelli

4 Residences
California Wine Country

Carneros Resort and Spa

4 Residences

Carneros Resort and Spa