Napa Valley (from San Francisco)

Ninety minutes north of San Francisco, Napa has evolved from a wine region into a full culinary empire. Over 400 wineries line the valley, from Opus One and Dominus (bring your wallet) to smaller producers in Calistoga and St. Helena that still feel like discoveries. The French Laundry is here. Bouchon Bakery is here. Oxbow Public Market is here. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, the wine cave tours feel performative. But when you're sipping a 2019 Cabernet on a terrace overlooking rows of vines at golden hour, the price tag evaporates.