A Long Weekend in San Francisco and Napa Valley
Just got back from a short but full trip to San Francisco and Napa Valley. The goal was to relax, recharge, and sneak in a few good eats and wine tastings. Mission accomplished. Here’s how it all went down.
Day 1: Wheels Up
We flew out of HNL on Southwest and landed in SFO by evening. We kept it simple with a quick overnight stay at the AC Marriott Oyster Point. It’s right near the airport and perfect for travelers who just need a solid place to rest before the real trip begins.
Day 2: SF Detour and Napa Arrival
Before diving into wine country, we made a slight detour into the city. First stop was Philz Coffee in the Castro for the Mint Mojito Iced Coffee. You can’t get it in Hawaii, and I’d been craving it since planning the trip.
We wandered around the Castro, popped into a few random shops, and people-watched along the way. The weather was perfect, so we made our way to Dolores Park and just soaked it in for a bit.
Then it was back in the car for the drive up to Napa. We checked into Senza Hotel, which turned out to be beautiful. The room was spacious and peaceful, tucked right between rows of vineyards. We even walked through the vines to get to Ashes & Diamonds winery next door for our first tasting. The walk was calm and quiet, and the wine hit the spot.
Day 3: Castles, Cabernets, and Poolside Vibes
We kicked off the day with a wine tasting at Castello di Amorosa, an actual castle surrounded by vineyards. Our wine guide Paolo walked us through a lineup of reds and whites. Afterwards, we explored the grounds and took in the medieval-meets-Napa scenery.
Later that afternoon, we relaxed by the pool at Senza and recharged before dinner. That night’s reservation was at Press Restaurant, one of Napa’s best spots for upscale food and a massive wine list. It lived up to the hype.
Day 4: One Last Bite Before Home
For our last morning, we had a late breakfast at Hog Island Oyster Co. inside Oxbow Market. Oysters, eggs, and strong coffee made for a surprisingly great combo.
Before heading to the airport, we met up with my old design buddy Jeff in Hayes Valley. He took us to Chez Maman, a cozy French restaurant with sidewalk seating and good vibes. We walked around the neighborhood, admired some very stylish dogs, and wrapped up the trip on a mellow note.
Highlights
Best coffee: Mint Mojito from Philz
Favorite tasting: Castello di Amorosa with Paolo
Most relaxing spot: Poolside at Senza Hotel
Don’t skip: Chez Maman in Hayes Valley
If you’re planning a short escape from Hawaii, this route hits all the right notes—city, nature, wine, and friends. Already thinking about the next time.
