Best of SF: Wine Country, Redwoods, and Hop-on Hop-off Tour

If you’re looking to see a bit of everything in and around San Francisco—stunning nature, world-class wines, and the city’s iconic sights—this tour might catch your eye. Offered by Big Bus Sightseeing, it combines a scenic journey through California Wine Country and the Redwoods with a flexible hop-on hop-off bus experience in San Francisco itself.

What we love about this tour is how it balances experiences outside the city with ample time to explore SF at your own pace. Plus, the chance to sip bubbly at Korbel and wander among ancient redwoods sounds pretty unbeatable. But, it’s not without a few considerations—if you’re not a big wine drinker or prefer a more structured day, this might not be your perfect fit.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive day combining natural beauty, wine tasting, and city sights without the hassle of planning multiple separate outings. It’s especially appealing for those who enjoy a relaxed, guided experience with some flexibility built in.

Key Points

Combines multiple experiences: wine tasting, redwoods, and city sightseeing in one day
Includes a scenic drive across the Golden Gate Bridge
Offers a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus for exploring San Francisco at your pace
Two wine tastings at Korbel and Russian River Vineyards, with beautiful vineyard views
Walk among ancient redwoods in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Good value for the price, considering the transport, tastings, and sightseeing included

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Details of the Tour

This experience is a well-rounded way to enjoy some of California’s most iconic landscapes and flavors, all wrapped into a single day. Starting from Fisherman’s Wharf—arguably the heart of San Francisco—you’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge, which is always a highlight for its sweeping views of the Bay and Marin Headlands. This drive alone gets your day off on a high note, with plenty of photo ops along the way.

Korbel Winery is your first stop, and it’s a proper California classic. Known for its sparkling wines, especially champagne, Korbel offers tastings in a setting that’s both historic and charming. Surrounded by redwoods and vintage decor, sipping bubbly here feels like a small celebration. You’ll also have the chance to grab a bite from their gourmet deli, which is handy if you want a quick snack before more exploring.

Next, you’ll venture into Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, a peaceful forest filled with towering trees that are over a thousand years old. Walking among these giants, you’ll get a real sense of the natural scale and history of California’s redwoods. The highlight is the Colonel Armstrong Tree, which is over 1,200 years old—standing beneath it is a humbling experience. The trails are easy and well-marked, making this accessible whether you’re an avid hiker or just want a leisurely walk.

After the redwoods, the trip takes you to Guerneville, a quirky town known for its relaxed vibe. It’s a good spot for a casual lunch, coffee, or some boutique shopping. Then, it’s time for the second tasting at Russian River Vineyards, where award-winning wines are paired with lovely vineyard views. This stop also offers tasty bites from their kitchen, so it’s a nice way to relax and soak in the scenery.

On the way back, the journey through rolling hills and orchards provides an authentic slice of California countryside. Sebastopol, known for its orchards and artistic community, adds a bit of local color before you return to San Francisco.

Back in the city, the included 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus gives you the flexibility to explore SF landmarks on your own schedule. Operating from 10 AM to 6 PM, this open-top bus covers popular sights like Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Park, and Lombard Street. The onboard commentary is available in multiple languages and helps you learn about the city while enjoying the views.

The value here is solid—bundling the wine and redwoods tour with the city bus pass saves you about 30% on individual costs. For about $164, you get a full day’s worth of diverse experiences, transportation, tastings, and sightseeing, making it a convenient option for those who want variety without multiple bookings.

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What’s Not Included?

The main thing to note is that lunch is not included. While there are plenty of options at Korbel and Guerneville, you might want to plan ahead if you prefer a sit-down meal or specific dietary needs. Also, the hop-on hop-off tour can be done on a separate day, giving you the flexibility to focus on the wine/redwoods trip or explore the city more leisurely later.

Practical Tips for the Day

Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking in parks and possibly on uneven trails.
Bring sunscreen and water: The outdoor parts are sunny and warm, especially in summer.
Arrive early at the meeting point (Big Bus Visitors Center at 99 Jefferson St) to check in and be ready for the departure.
Capture the views—whether it’s the redwoods or the Golden Gate, you’ll want to remember these moments.

The Experience You’ll Get

Many travelers report that the highlights—like crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and walking among ancient trees—live up to their promise. The wine tastings are often described as generous and enjoyable, with reviewers appreciating Korbel’s historic charm and the vineyard’s scenic setting. One reviewer noted, “It was such a relaxing way to taste some great wines while enjoying the beautiful landscape.”

Some find the overall experience to be quite a full day, especially with the city sightseeing added on. Others appreciate the flexibility of the hop-on hop-off bus, which allows you to skip over parts you’re less interested in and spend more time at favorite spots.

However, a few mention that the timing can be tight if you want to linger at each stop—so plan your day accordingly. The tours operate in English, which generally isn’t an issue, and the digital commentary makes it easy to follow along in multiple languages.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This combo tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a taste of everything—nature, wine, and San Francisco’s sights—without having to organize multiple trips. It suits those happy to spend a bit of time on the road, appreciating scenic drives and outdoor activities. It’s also a good choice for visitors who want to maximize their experience in one day but still have the flexibility to explore on their own afterward with the city hop-on hop-off ticket.

If you’re a wine lover, the wine tastings at Korbel and Russian River Vineyards provide a genuine experience. If you’re into giant redwoods and stunning forests, the Armstrong Reserve offers a memorable walk. And if city sights are your thing, the hop-on hop-off bus makes sightseeing straightforward and fun.

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The Sum Up

This Best of SF tour provides a well-crafted blend of outdoor adventure, wine tasting, and city exploration—perfect if you want a varied day without the hassle of planning multiple separate outings. The scenic drives, especially crossing the Golden Gate and walking among ancient redwoods, are genuine highlights that will stay with you. The included tastings are a nice touch, offering a relaxed way to enjoy California’s famous wines.

While it’s a busy day, the combination of guided travel and free time in the city makes it manageable and enjoyable. If you value flexibility, stunning views, and a mix of experiences, this tour offers good value and an engaging way to see some of California’s best.

That said, if you’re more interested in just city sights or don’t want to spend much time in vineyards or outdoor settings, you might want to look for a more focused experience. But for a well-rounded day that captures the essence of Northern California, this one hits many of the right notes.

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Best of SF: Wine Country, Redwoods, and Hop-on Hop-off Tour

FAQ

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included, but there are options available at Korbel and Guerneville for a quick bite or picnic.

Can I take the hop-on hop-off tour on a different day?
Yes, the hop-on hop-off bus pass is valid for 24 hours and can be used on a separate day from the wine and redwoods tour.

What language is the tour guided in?
The live guide is in English, and the digital commentary onboard the hop-on hop-off bus is available in multiple languages, including French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Korean.

How long does the Wine and Woods tour last?
The tour duration is about 8.5 hours, starting in the morning and including stops at Korbel, Armstrong Redwoods, Guerneville, and Russian River Vineyards.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, those with young children should be prepared for a full day of outdoor walking and might find the redwoods and vineyard stops more enjoyable for older kids or adults.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and a camera are recommended for outdoor activities and scenic views.

What’s the best time to book?
Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and ensure you get the most out of this varied day trip.

This tour is a smart pick for curious travelers who want a multi-layered experience of San Francisco and beyond, with just enough structure to keep things easy and a lot of flexibility to shape your own adventure.