1 day yosemite tour from san jose

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Yosemite and Giant Sequoias One Day Tour from San Jose

Begin your tour of Yosemite’s awe-inspiring monuments with a pickup in San Jose

• The most time in Yosemite National Park—over 5 hours
• Unique Giant Sequoias hike in Tuolumne Grove (conditions permitting)
• Five more stops to explore Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan Meadow and Valley View
• 2 hours of free time to explore Yosemite Valley
• Fully guided by a Yosemite Park expert
• Convenient pickup at the Signia by Hilton San Jose

What’s Included

• Pick up in downtown San Jose
• Park reservation and entry fee (pay at checkout)
• Hike to Yosemite’s Giant Sequoia redwoods
• Local expert guide (English)
• Foreign language audios in 8 languages

What’s Not Included

• Meals or beverages
• Guide gratuity

Please note: This season’s greatest-of-all-time waterfalls have led to a surge in Yosemite park visitors. So you can have the best possible experience, our new “early bird” itinerary is designed to beat the crowds and avoid delays at the popular attractions. Please note the new earlier hotel pickup times.

Description, experience yosemite in a day from san jose.

Join us on this breathtaking tour of Yosemite National Park, whose towering granite peaks, cascading waterfalls and nature trails are perhaps the most stunning in the world. This award-winning tour spends the most time in Yosemite and includes a unique hike among ancient Giant Sequoia trees .

Your tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up in San Jose. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as your guide explains how glitter in the American River sparked the California gold rush; what geological forces made Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes; and the role John Muir played in the formation of America’s first protected wilderness.

Be Blown Away by Awe-Inspiring Valley Views

After entering Yosemite National Park, we’ll make our way to a scene made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Take a moment at Tunnel View. Capture yourself with El Capitan , Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, and Cathedral Peak as your background.

Once you’ve had your fill of photographs from this perch overlooking the valley, the tour will arrange a memorable stop where you can get eye to eye with wispy Bridalveil Fall.

Have Your Own Yosemite Valley Adventure

After arriving at our main stop in Yosemite Valley , you will have 2 hours for lunch and exploring on your own. The free time options include hiking to Yosemite Falls, meandering through Sentinel Meadow, checking out the Ansel Adams Gallery and more.

Take a Moment with More Iconic Monuments

Your Yosemite experience stops next at El Capitan Meadow to learn more about the world’s largest granite monolith and its climbing culture. As we are leaving Yosemite Valley, we will make our final stop at Valley View which serves up a panoramic landscape framing the Merced River, El Capitan and the imposing spires of Cathedral Rocks.

Feel the Quiet Grandeur of Giant Sequoias

The highlight of our tour is still ahead of you as we head to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. In this beautiful grove, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the largest and oldest trees on earth.

When the Tuolumne Grove trail is snow-covered or unsafe, we always spend extra time in Yosemite Valley. 

By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced some of the most incredible landscapes in the world and captured memories to last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Yosemite National Park with us.

06:15 AM to 10:30 AM - San Jose Pickup, Head to Yosemite

• Convenient hotel pickup at the Signia by Hilton San Jose
• Breakfast stop. Pick up snacks and lunch for the park
• Your guide prepares you for a day in Yosemite Park

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Admire Views of Yosemite Valley

• Enter Yosemite National Park
• Stop to ogle and photograph Tunnel View
• Marvel at the beauty of Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome

12:30 PM to 2:30 PM - Explore the Valley On Your Own

• Enjoy free time to explore Yosemite Valley
• Explore the trail to the Lower Yosemite Falls
• Have lunch (meal not included)

2:30 PM to 3:30 PM - Stops at El Capitan and Valley View

• Stop at El Capitan Meadow to spot some climbers
• Capture the Merced River among granite peaks at Valley View

3:30 PM to 5:30 PM - Hike to Giant Sequoia Redwoods

• Make the scenic drive to the Tuolumne Grove of redwoods
• Hike the nature trail to the Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting)

5:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Return to San Jose

• Descend the Sierras as you return to San Jose
• Break for dinner
• Enjoy the ride as we return to your pickup location

Times listed are approximations. Traffic and unforeseen events can cause delays.  Please do not make flight/travel arrangements on the same day as your tour

What Our Guests Are Saying About Us

What a day!!!

Once I got in the van, the adventure started! I felt safe, knew where we were going and the plan for the tour. Bud driver and guide were super friendly, went out of their way to make the most of the experience and were very thoughtful of the needs of the visitors. They really made it a great day I won’t forget. Thank you for a great experience, I’ll be back!!!

Viktoria Rethmeier , Google

I had a blast in Yosemite

I didn't know if one day was going to be enough, it's obviously not enough but Lars my tour guide did a great job with explaining everything and giving us tips about the park. I loved the giant sequoias hike, shared the road with some chipmunks and deers.

Read Full Review

Fer Mijangos, Google

I didn't know if one day was going to be enough, it's obviously not enough but Lars my tour guide did a great job with explaining everything and giving us tips about the park. I loved the giant sequoias hike, shared the road with some chipmunks and deers. I liked the fact that he gave us free time to do what we wanted to do, I like hiking so I used my time for that. He did a great job telling us about Yosemite and the area's history, being a mexican I really enjoyed listening to the "other side of the border" version.

The Yosemite Tour with Giant Sequoias was incredibly well planned and on point.

It was perfect to see everything you want to see in one day there in Yosemite. The short hike of 50 minutes to see the Giant Sequoias was perfect to get a feel of this kind of experience there, and the shuttle rides around the main sights and to the picnic area were perfect to keep you cool (with A/C) and rested.

It was perfect to see everything you want to see in one day there in Yosemite. The short hike of 50 minutes to see the Giant Sequoias was perfect to get a feel of this kind of experience there, and the shuttle rides around the main sights and to the picnic area were perfect to keep you cool (with A/C) and rested. Everything I wished to see was seen on the tour with time to stop at each. John, our guide, was entertaining and smart. He handled the whole day with care and great attitude. I would book again with this company and I highly recommend this tour!!

We travel often and don’t usually use tour companies

We travel often and don’t usually use tour companies but we are so glad we went this route for Yosemite! Our tour guide Denise was so personable and a wealth of knowledge about not only the park but also the Bay Area and regions we drove through.

Erin Harris, Google

We travel often and don’t usually use tour companies but we are so glad we went this route for Yosemite! Our tour guide Denise was so personable and a wealth of knowledge about not only the park but also the Bay Area and regions we drove through. She had great recommendations for after the tour, gave us as much time as she could inside the park and had such a positive outlook on life in general. This company and industry both are better with Denise in it! Thank you for helping us make memories that will last a life time, Denise! Look us up if you make it to the Midwest!

I went on this trip from San Jose and can highly recommend it.

I went on this trip from San Jose and can highly recommend it. It was a long day which started with a limousine pickup that took the small number of people from the Fairmont San Jose to a meeting point with the bus that would take us to Yosemite. The total drive was about 4 hours, but was quite interesting.

Karim Maarouf, TripAdvisor

I went on this trip from San Jose and can highly recommend it. It was a long day which started with a limousine pickup that took the small number of people from the Fairmont San Jose to a meeting point with the bus that would take us to Yosemite. The total drive was about 4 hours, but was quite interesting. The views were very nice and along the way our tour guide Denise gave us a lot of interesting information about the area we were driving through. Once we arrived to Yosemite, we proceeded to an area with the giant redwoods. We had about an hour to hike down to the redwoods and back up again, which was enough to enjoy them. Then we proceeded to a viewpoint over Elcapitan and half dome. The views from there were quite nice. After that we had some free time and were given some tips on where to go. I hiked to the waterfall and walked around a river there. The views were amazing and I also saw some wild animals. Finally, we went to another viewpoint, which was up close to Elcapitan. There Denise gave us so much information about the climbers there and shared a lot of interesting stories. Then began our long drive back home. All in all I would definitely recommend this trip. Especially if you only have one day. Otherwise, you should think about staying over at least one or two nights. There was so much to be done there.

We had a great day with Rob as our guide.

He was helpful, humorous and a very safe driver-thankfully. The tour itself was great. We were able to see highlights such as the giant sequoias, bridal veil falls, El Capitan and half dome. Rob lent us his binoculars to view climbers on El Capitan. What a place!

Jessica Thiessen, Google

He did a great job explaining what each sight was. He also gave lots of info about San Francisco on the way down which was great. Great trip overall. We loved it!

It's a great tour

We had a female tour guide who was also our bus driver. I don't remember the name but she is excellent at her job. Entire tour she shared enough information related to the history of the place etc. It made the tour all the more engaging and entertaining.

Nikunj B , TrustPilot

We had a female tour guide who was also our bus driver. I don't remember the name but she is excellent at her job. Entire tour she shared enough information related to the history of the place etc. It made the tour all the more engaging and entertaining. Yosemite is magical and one day tour isn't enough. But if you are short of time and get the most from your day, choose this tour. Few things to keep in mind. Keep your water bottles and food with you. Go on weekdays for better all round experience. If you want to travel solo and website doesn't seem to allow solo booking, contact their customer support and convince them.

Our guide Mike was super professional

Our guide Mike was super professional all the time and our whole trip was really fun with him! I'd definitely recommend this tour to other friend!

Suhye Seo, Google

So much fun!

I’ve been dying to see Yosemite for years. I am a flight attendant and had a long layover in San Jose. I ubered 30min to the 7-eleven pickup area. The tour was great! Loved my guide. I had 2 hours to explore and hike the lower area of the Yosemite falls.

Brenna Skipper , GetYourGuide

And we had an hour and a half to go look at the giant sequoias. That walk was about 2.5 miles, going uphill back. It was tough but the trees were beautiful! (It’s optional whether you wanna walk the trails or not there).. the stops for food on the way there and back we’re great too!! Highly recommend this tour! :)

It definitely beats driving yourself!

It definitely beats driving yourself to and from the park after a long day of hiking, but I'm glad I read through ALL the reviews before going - the San Jose groups gets picked up by a shuttle that takes them to Livermore where they wait for the bus with everyone from San Fran.

Daniel Lim, GetYourGuide

Our Van was on time, you also definitely have to count on the other 30ish people in the tour group to make it back onto the bus on time when we stop for food or pictures. However, if you pack your patience cap its still a wonderful day. Our tour guide, Andy, went above and beyond. He was super knowledgeable both about the history of the area, but is also a geologist and has a lot of experience with the outdoors which he was very excited to share. He also went out of his way to help take pictures for people on our tour who wanted photos of themselves with the iconic sites.

, TripAdvisor

Book With Confidence

Award-winning tours & customer service, money back guarantee, worry free cancellation, 2000+ 5-star reviews, 460,000+ happy guests since 2002, can i be picked up from a different location other than signia by hilton san jose.

At the present time, we have only one pickup location in San Jose.

What do I need to know about the pickup in San Jose?

A 3rd party shuttle will pick up in San Jose and transport you to Livermore to meet our tour leader and vehicle. The transfer takes 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.

Where can I park my car near Signia by Hilton?

The Signia by Hilton has a parking garage but it is a bit expensive. We suggest trying the Impark Lot #367 at 285 S Market St just a block from the Hilton pickup location.

How will I recognize the vehicle that will pick me up?

Look for an SUV with identification as Bay Area Airport Shuttle. If there are fewer than 6 passengers making the transfer to Livermore, we will send you a link to an Uber whose location you can track on your phone.

What do I need to know about the Giant Sequoias hike?

The hike is only available when trail conditions are safe, usually April to October. The hike is a 2-mile round trip on a paved trail with a steep incline on the return. Individuals with respiratory issues or not used to strenuous exercise may skip the hike and wait in the outdoor seating area at the Tuolumne Grove stop.

Is a day enough time to see Yosemite?

Our incredible 1-day tour to Yosemite from San Francisco visits all the top attractions, like Tunnel View, El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and (conditions permitting) the Giant Sequoias.

How can I travel around the park during my free time?

Walking is the best form of transportation in the Valley. We do not recommend public transportation or park shuttles during your free time since you cannot be certain about getting back to the tour vehicle on time. The most popular attractions are a short distance from the drop-off point near Yosemite Valley Lodge.

Can I use my annual pass for the United States National Parks to enter Yosemite for free?

Sorry, but no. The entrance fee we pay to Yosemite National Park is based on the vehicle and not on the individuals, and the entrance is located at a toll gate – not on foot. Therefore, the tour cost includes the admission fee.

Do you offer this tour in different languages?

Our Yosemite tour has live narration in English, but we offer complimentary recorded audio guides in 8 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, and Portuguese. If an audio guide is required, please specify the language when booking.

What should I bring with me on tour?

The weather in the Sierra Mountains can be unpredictable and you will be spending 4-5 hours outdoors enjoying nature. We recommend that you dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes or hiking sandals (not flip flops). Bring along a light water-resistant jacket, camera or phone, 1-liter water bottle, hat and sunscreen, sturdy umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain), and some cash or a credit card for meals, snacks and souvenirs.

Are meals included? Can I buy or bring my own?

Meals are not included on this tour. We do make a stop about halfway to and from Yosemite, where you can buy food and beverages. There are a few restaurants and a food court in Yosemite Valley. They are usually crowded, so it’s a good idea to bring or purchase a picnic lunch prior to arriving in the park.

What stops do we have for photographs?

Your Yosemite tour will make 5-6 stops for you to exit the vehicle and take some photographs although weather and traffic conditions may require your driver to alter the itinerary slightly. The usual stops are: Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Valley View, El Capitan Meadow, and Yosemite Valley View lookout.

What can I do during my free time in Yosemite Valley?

Nice and easy hikes through Cook’s Meadow or to Lower Yosemite Falls or the Swinging Bridge can all be done during your free time. On clear days, biking to Yosemite Village, Mirror Lake or the Ahwahnee Hotel are great choices. Finally, the Ancel Adams Gallery is a wonderful showcase of the artist’s work. We do not recommend taking the park shuttle since the timing of the return trip can be unpredictable.

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• About this activity

San Jose: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Selective hotel pickup
• Multiple languages
• The most time in Yosemite National Park—over 5 hours
• Fully guided tour by a Yosemite Park expert
• Unique Giant Sequoias hike in Tuolumne Grove
• Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan
• 2 hours of free time to explore Yosemite Valley

Activity location

• Yosemite National Park Road
• 95389, Yosemite Valley, California, United States of America

Meeting/Redemption Point

• 170 South Market Street
• 95113, San Jose, California, United States of America
• Wed, Jun 5 -
• Thu, Jun 6 -
• Fri, Jun 7 $289
• Sat, Jun 8 $289
• Sun, Jun 9 $289
• Mon, Jun 10 -
• Tue, Jun 11 -
• Wed, Jun 12 -
• Thu, Jun 13 -
• Fri, Jun 14 $289
• Sat, Jun 15 $289
• Sun, Jun 16 $289
• Mon, Jun 17 -
• Tue, Jun 18 -
• Wed, Jun 19 -

San Jose: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoia Tour

• Activity duration is 15 hours 15h 15h

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Park reservation and entry fee
• What's included What's included Pick up and drop off in San Jose
• What's included What's included Hike to Yosemite’s Giant Sequoias (weather permitting)
• What's included What's included Local expert guide (English)
• What's included What's included Pre-recorded audios in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean
• What's excluded What's excluded Guide gratuity
• What's excluded What's excluded Meals & Beverages

Know before you book

• You must bring a child safety seat for children under 8 years of age or 4 foot 9 inches (144 cm) tall.
• This tour operates rain or shine. Access to the giant sequoias traill depends on snow and trail conditions, and it may be closed from November to April.
• When the giant sequoias trail is snow-covered or unsafe (November-April), we spend extra time in Yosemite Valley instead

What you can expect

The Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour from San Jose is a day-long adventure that lets you explore the wonders of Yosemite National Park. This journey offers an enriching experience, showcasing the park's stunning landscapes, including its famous giant sequoias, breathtaking waterfalls, and iconic rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome.

Your tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up in San Jose. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as your guide explains how glitter in the American River sparked the California gold rush; what geological forces made Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes; and the role John Muir played in the formation of America’s first protected wilderness.

Upon entering Yosemite National Park, we'll visit iconic locations celebrated by photographer Ansel Adams. Enjoy breathtaking views at Tunnel View, featuring landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome. After capturing these moments, we'll move closer to Bridalveil Fall, allowing for an intimate experience with this majestic waterfall. This part of the tour offers unforgettable photographic opportunities against the backdrop of Yosemite's most famous vistas.

After arriving at our main stop in Yosemite Valley, you will have 2 hours for lunch and exploring on your own. The free time options include hiking to Yosemite Falls, meandering through Sentinel Meadow, checking out the Ansel Adams Gallery and more.

Your Yosemite experience stops next at El Capitan Meadow to learn more about the world’s largest granite monolith and its climbing culture. As we are leaving Yosemite Valley, we will make our final stop at Valley View which serves up a panoramic landscape framing the Merced River, El Capitan and the imposing spires of Cathedral Rocks.

The highlight of our tour is still ahead of you as we head to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. In this beautiful grove, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the largest and oldest trees on earth.

When the Tuolumne Grove trail is snow-covered or unsafe, we always spend extra time in Yosemite Valley.

By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced some of the most incredible landscapes in the world and captured memories to last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Yosemite National Park with us.

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Activity Level: Easy

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• About this activity

San Jose: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Selective hotel pickup
• Multiple languages
• The most time in Yosemite National Park—over 5 hours
• Fully guided tour by a Yosemite Park expert
• Unique Giant Sequoias hike in Tuolumne Grove
• Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan
• 2 hours of free time to explore Yosemite Valley

Activity location

• Yosemite National Park Road
• 95389, Yosemite Valley, California, United States of America

Meeting/Redemption Point

• 170 South Market Street
• 95113, San Jose, California, United States of America
• Wed, Jun 5 -
• Thu, Jun 6 -
• Fri, Jun 7 $289
• Sat, Jun 8 $289
• Sun, Jun 9 $289
• Mon, Jun 10 -
• Tue, Jun 11 -
• Wed, Jun 12 -
• Thu, Jun 13 -
• Fri, Jun 14 $289
• Sat, Jun 15 $289
• Sun, Jun 16 $289
• Mon, Jun 17 -
• Tue, Jun 18 -
• Wed, Jun 19 -

San Jose: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoia Tour

• Activity duration is 15 hours 15h 15h

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Park reservation and entry fee
• What's included What's included Pick up and drop off in San Jose
• What's included What's included Hike to Yosemite’s Giant Sequoias (weather permitting)
• What's included What's included Local expert guide (English)
• What's included What's included Pre-recorded audios in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean
• What's excluded What's excluded Guide gratuity
• What's excluded What's excluded Meals & Beverages

Know before you book

• You must bring a child safety seat for children under 8 years of age or 4 foot 9 inches (144 cm) tall.
• This tour operates rain or shine. Access to the giant sequoias traill depends on snow and trail conditions, and it may be closed from November to April.
• When the giant sequoias trail is snow-covered or unsafe (November-April), we spend extra time in Yosemite Valley instead

What you can expect

The Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour from San Jose is a day-long adventure that lets you explore the wonders of Yosemite National Park. This journey offers an enriching experience, showcasing the park's stunning landscapes, including its famous giant sequoias, breathtaking waterfalls, and iconic rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome.

Your tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up in San Jose. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as your guide explains how glitter in the American River sparked the California gold rush; what geological forces made Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes; and the role John Muir played in the formation of America’s first protected wilderness.

Upon entering Yosemite National Park, we'll visit iconic locations celebrated by photographer Ansel Adams. Enjoy breathtaking views at Tunnel View, featuring landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome. After capturing these moments, we'll move closer to Bridalveil Fall, allowing for an intimate experience with this majestic waterfall. This part of the tour offers unforgettable photographic opportunities against the backdrop of Yosemite's most famous vistas.

After arriving at our main stop in Yosemite Valley, you will have 2 hours for lunch and exploring on your own. The free time options include hiking to Yosemite Falls, meandering through Sentinel Meadow, checking out the Ansel Adams Gallery and more.

Your Yosemite experience stops next at El Capitan Meadow to learn more about the world’s largest granite monolith and its climbing culture. As we are leaving Yosemite Valley, we will make our final stop at Valley View which serves up a panoramic landscape framing the Merced River, El Capitan and the imposing spires of Cathedral Rocks.

The highlight of our tour is still ahead of you as we head to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. In this beautiful grove, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the largest and oldest trees on earth.

When the Tuolumne Grove trail is snow-covered or unsafe, we always spend extra time in Yosemite Valley.

By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced some of the most incredible landscapes in the world and captured memories to last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Yosemite National Park with us.

One Day in Yosemite Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in Yosemite National Park

While a day trip to Yosemite may be somewhat different compared with the city crawling itineraries regularly found on this website, this departure will hopefully come as a breath of fresh air, both figuratively and literally.  A veritable monument to nature ranking among the top 5 most visited national parks in the USA, Yosemite is seen as a place of rest, where visitors can get in touch with nature, heal and escape the burdens of their stressful everyday lives.  Somewhat ironically, Yosemite shares its name with the roughest, toughest little man is ever crossed the Rio Grande, even though this National Park is anything but little. On your day trip to Yosemite, prepare to be overwhelmed by dramatic, stunning landscapes filled with granite monoliths, towering waterfalls, idyllic meadows, and pristine forests.

Plan your trip

Yosemite is where you want to go? Here’s everything you need to know about this incredible destination. Plan your Yosemite day trip down to the tiniest detail.

1. WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT YOSEMITE? 2. A FEW FACTS ABOUT YOSEMITE 3. One Day in Yosemite Itinerary 3.1. Start Your Day by Visiting Tunnel View 3.2. Head for Yosemite Village 3.3. Pay a Visit to the Ansel Adams Gallery & the Yosemite Museum 3.4. Grab Some Lunch Before Heading Out 3.5. Take the Yosemite Shuttle Bus to Glacier Point 3.6. Check Out Lower Yosemite Falls 3.7. Wind Down with Dinner and Drinks 4. WHERE TO STAY IN YOSEMITE? 5. DAY TRIPS FROM YOSEMITE 6. EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING YOSEMITE

WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT YOSEMITE?

Yosemite is open for visitors year-round , even though most visitors arrive between late spring and early autumn. The winter months, primarily December, January and February, are markedly less popular. It is a shame really, because there are still plenty of things to do at Yosemite during the winter, and the scenery is even more stunningly beautiful, with snow-covered mountaintops and frozen waterfalls forming peculiar snow cones. Not to mention, if you visit then, it will feel like you have Yosemite all to yourself.

On the other hand, the alpine wildflowers of Tuolumne Meadows reach peak bloom in July and August. In addition, Tioga Road, leading to the meadow, is only open seasonally, as soon as the snow has been cleared in the spring. Many other parts of the park are also closed during the off-season. Consequently, the best time to visit Yosemite would be from mid-May through the middle of September . The falls, Bridalveil in particular, reach their peak in May.

A FEW FACTS ABOUT YOSEMITE

A natural wonder covering an area of 747,956 acres, Yosemite was designated a World Heritage site in 1984, although it had inspired and awed visitors for the first time 8,000 to 10,000 years before that.

After visiting Yosemite, John Muir famously called it “by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter”, while President Teddy Roosevelt likened a day trip to Yosemite to “lying in a great solemn cathedral, far vaster and more beautiful than any built by the hand of man.”

Today, more than 95% of the park is designated wilderness, with minimal impact from human activities. Before the arrival of European settlers, the Ahwahnechee (″Yosemite Valley People″) lived in the Yosemite Valley . Exploring their cultural heritage is certainly among the best things to do in Yosemite National Park. Their neighbors, the Miwok, thought that they were particularly territorial, calling them Yohhe’meti, meaning “those who kill” or “they are killers”. Somehow, it was this name that caught on after being chosen by Lafayette Houghton Bunnell, the first non-Native American to visit Yosemite Valley.

TIP: Items you should bring with on your trip to Yosemite – Water Sports Shoes – Hiking Boots – Flask Watter Bottle – Backpack – Bug Spray – Sun Shielding Hat or Ball Cap – Sunglasses

Yosemite is located in the western part of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, with the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park taking about four to four and a half hours.

One Day in Yosemite Itinerary

Follow this guide and make the best of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do on your one day in Yosemite.

TIP: Taking travel insurance is always a good idea, especially if you were planning to go hiking. Stay safe and protect yourself with the help of WorldNomads.com .

Start Your Day by Visiting Tunnel View

When you enter the Yosemite Valley from the west, you should start your visit by making a small detour to Tunnel View, a scenic overlook on State Route 41. Take in the sweeping, iconic views of Yosemite Valley, with many of the well-known things to see in Yosemite right at your fingertips.

As you look towards the east, you will see Bridalveil Fall on the right, El Capitan (a massive 3,000 feet granite monolith) on the left, with Half Dome’s distinct shape trapped in between further in the distance. Most visitors spending one day in Yosemite don’t stray from Yosemite Valley. The 8-mile long valley is open year-round and packed with jaw-dropping scenery.

As you make your way towards your next stop, Yosemite Village, make sure to stop at the base of Bridalveil Fall , only a short drive from Tunnel View. The Ahwahnechee believed that inhaling the mists of Bridalveil Fall increases one’s chances of getting married. Now you know what to do in Yosemite if you’re looking for love or if you are hoping that your significant other will finally pop the question.

Head for Yosemite Village

Tunnel View notwithstanding, when visiting Yosemite, you should make Yosemite Village both your base and your starting point.

Leave your car at the visitor parking as soon as you arrive and explore the rest of the Valley Floor on foot, by bicycle, or by taking advantage of the Yosemite shuttle service , which can take you to all major Valley attractions completely free of charge.

But before we get to that, briefly visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center , a veritable treasure trove of information on all things Yosemite. Featuring a bookstore selling maps, Yosemite guidebooks, and souvenirs, the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is the obligatory first stop on your one day in Yosemite.

Pay a Visit to the Ansel Adams Gallery & the Yosemite Museum

The Ansel Adams Gallery is right next door, featuring some of the most famous works of the accomplished landscape photographer and environmentalist, whose black-and-white photos of the American West have fired up the national imagination through their numerous reproductions on posters, books, calendars, and now the Internet as well.

The Yosemite Valley Museum is also right there in front of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Completed in 1925, the museum was designed by architect Herbert Maier. Since it was the first building in the national park system that was originally constructed as a museum, it served as a model for other parks in the USA. The museum’s original collection consists of priceless Native American baskets, whose unique beauty still wows visitors today. The museum’s layout serves an educational purpose, since visitors are encouraged to view the exhibits in chronological order.

Grab Some Lunch Before Heading Out

For moderate and experienced hikers, there’s never a shortage of things to do in Yosemite National Park. After all, Yosemite features 800 miles of hiking trails. Even if you don’t plan on hiking a single mile, a day at the park often requires quite a bit of walking, and you wouldn’t want to face the challenges of Yosemite on an empty stomach.

Which is why you should stop for lunch before venturing further. For convenience, we recommend Degnan’s Kitchen , a cafeteria style restaurant offering sandwiches, pizzas, soups, and other lunch-type meals. It is a great place to eat if you’re visiting Yosemite with kids, and, best of all, it is next door to the gallery and museum, allowing you to save on time.

Sharing the same building, Degnan’s Loft is a bit more upscale, and is a great alternative if you’re tired of eating fast food and you’d like to go for something healthier. The restaurant opens at noon and serves both western and Asian food, in addition to tacos and nachos. Visitors get free Wi-Fi for an hour.

Take the Yosemite Shuttle Bus to Glacier Point

After lunch, take the first Yosemite shuttle bus to Washburn Point and Glacier Point, two of the park’s greatest outlooks. Enjoy the scenery as the bus makes its way along the scenic Glacier Point Road. Glacier Point itself is famous for its sweeping, top-down views of Yosemite Valley and Yosemite Falls. It also offers the best view of Half Dome in all of Yosemite. Half Dome, named after its distinctive shape, is one of Yosemite’s most recognizable landmarks.

Complete the Four Mile Trail Back to the Valley Floor

Some of Yosemite’s trails are simply too challenging and too time consuming if you’re only spending one day in Yosemite. For example, the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls is a 5-hour hike, mostly for moderate to experienced hikers.

Apart from taking the bus, you can reach the aforementioned Glacier Point by completing the Four Mile Trail starting from the base of the Sentinel Rock. Instead, we recommend taking the Yosemite shuttle bus when going up, and then hiking down the trail, which is less strenuous, but still lets you enjoy all of the stunning sights you wouldn’t be able to see otherwise. As you descend, you will find yourself on the opposite side of Tunnel View, allowing you to admire the already familiar Yosemite Valley landmarks from a new perspective , normally not seen on postcards. Even if you take your time, completing the trail shouldn’t take more than two hours, and it’s definitely worth it, since there is arguably no better way to truly understand what’s so special about Yosemite Valley.

Check Out Lower Yosemite Falls

After you make your way back to the Valley floor, take a short walk east towards the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. Cross the Swinging Bridge and follow the hiking trail until you reach the Lower Yosemite Falls Trailhead.

Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America, but it flows in three sections, which can be seen from various vantage points, including the Four Mile Trail. Climbing all the way to the Upper Falls would take up an entire day, but getting a good view of the Lower Yosemite Falls should take less than an hour, with no climbing involved. Due to its atmosphere, the spot where the trail crosses the Yosemite Creek is a good place to take a short break if you’re visiting Yosemite with kids. Continuing along the trail will take you back to where you started, in front of the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.

Wind Down with Dinner and Drinks

In the evening, there aren’t too many things to do in Yosemite in terms of going out, partying, and so on. And understandably so. However, there are a couple of places where you can enjoy a great dinner and have a few of drinks after a day of hiking.

For example, the Mountain Room Restaurant , part of the Yosemite Valley Lodge, will charm you with its rustic glass-and-wood front and warm yellow lights.

The Majestic Yosemite Hotel , on the other hand, knocks it out of the park with its awe-inspiring historic dining room and large windows overlooking a meadow. The hotel bar is open until 10 PM, with a decent selection of drinks. Formerly known as the Ahwahnee Hotel, the facility was built in the late 1920s for rich socialites visiting the area. It was used as a wartime hospital during World War II.

WHERE TO STAY IN YOSEMITE?

TIP: Click here to find the best accommodation near Yosemite Park.

Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station

4999 Highway 140, Mariposa, CA 95338

Located in Mariposa , a quaint small town not far from the Yosemite West Gateway on Highway 140, and an hour’s drive from the Yosemite Valley, the Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station features spacious, comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with amenities such as satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included, while guests can take advantage of the hotel’s fitness center, hot tub, and seasonal outdoor swimming pool.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Château du Sureau

48688 Victoria Lane, Oakhurst, CA 93644

Château du Sureau is Yosemite’s most exclusive experience , surpassed only by visiting the national park itself. It is located in Oakhurst, not far from Yosemite’s South Entrance on Highway 41 from Fresno. Although smaller than some of the other options, this place is a literal castle that will make you feel like royalty. All rooms come with a balcony.

Yosemite Westgate Lodge

7633 Highway 120 at Buck Meadows, Buck Meadows, CA 95321

If you’re coming from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, you will probably be taking California’s State Route 120, known as the Big Oak Flat Road during the Gold Rush. If so, there’s no better place to stay than the Yosemite Westgate Lodge at Buck Meadows. Apart from the prime location right outside of Yosemite National Park, the Yosemite Westgate Lodge features comfortable, contemporary rooms, an outdoor hot tub, and a great restaurant next door.

DAY TRIPS FROM YOSEMITE

Finding a Yosemite day trip from San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, or Los Angeles is like shooting fish in a barrel. But what about the other way around? Say, if you ever run out of things to do in Yosemite, as unlikely as that may be? In that case, consider one of the following day trips from Yosemite to spice things up after a day at the park.

Visit the Nearby Sequoia Groves

As you may know, giant sequoias grow only in a limited area of the western Sierra Nevada. It would be a real shame to visit Yosemite without seeing the giant sequoias. The Giant Sequoia National Monument is about three and a half hours away, but there are several sequoia groves within the park itself.

The Mariposa Grove sees the most visitors , with its 1,800-year-old Grizzly Giant and the Wawona Point overlooking Wawona Valley. Other groves include the Merced Grove, the Nelder Grove, and the Tuolumne Grove. While still in Yosemite, these groves are a bit further away from the Yosemite Valley, so you should visit them either when you’re on your way there, or you should dedicate a whole day to seeing them all.

Go Fly Fishing in the Sierras

There are several companies that offer fully guided and instructional fly fishing tours in Yosemite and the surrounding High Sierra backcountry. If you are into that sort of thing, it can be one of the best things to do in Yosemite with kids and a great bonding experience. So, grab your fishing rods and head out to the Merced river, the mighty Tuolumne river, the endless Stanislaus river, or the beautiful Mokelumne river.

Book a Guided Tour

If you want to get the most out of Yosemite, your best bet is to book a guided Yosemite tour with experienced guides who know the area well. The guides are always flexible and will take your wishes and capabilities into account. Options include hiking, backpacking, sightseeing , and other adaptive adventures.

EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING YOSEMITE

-Seeing as millions visit Yosemite each year, if you want to avoid crowds, you should steer clear of weekends if you can. Additionally, the best time to visit Yosemite National Park is early in the morning. That way, you will avoid parking issues.

-Take public transportation. YARTS is Yosemite’s public bus system, serving all of the park’s surrounding communities . For example, visitors can leave their cars in Sonora or Fresno and take the bus to Yosemite. This makes visiting the park easier – no fuss with parking, and the park entrance fee is included in the bus ticket price. The bus tickets are free for children.

-If you’re driving, you should drive slowly due to the wildlife, abundant throughout the park. Black bears are especially common. If you come across a bear, you should stay at a safe distance . If you’re carrying food, make sure it is stored properly.

PIN FOR LATER!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Yosemite Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Related posts:

Anca is a travel writer and the founder of One Day Itinerary - the biggest collection of travel itineraries for those who are time-limited or just want to maximize their time while traveling. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. She has traveled to more countries than she is years old and doesn’t plan on changing that fact. In her travel guides she aims to inspire people to travel whenever they have a spare day (or two).

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• About this activity

San Jose: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Selective hotel pickup
• Multiple languages
• The most time in Yosemite National Park—over 5 hours
• Fully guided tour by a Yosemite Park expert
• Unique Giant Sequoias hike in Tuolumne Grove
• Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan
• 2 hours of free time to explore Yosemite Valley

Activity location

• Yosemite National Park Road
• 95389, Yosemite Valley, California, United States of America

Meeting/Redemption Point

• 170 South Market Street
• 95113, San Jose, California, United States of America
• Wed, Jun 5 -
• Thu, Jun 6 -
• Fri, Jun 7 $289
• Sat, Jun 8 $289
• Sun, Jun 9 $289
• Mon, Jun 10 -
• Tue, Jun 11 -
• Wed, Jun 12 -
• Thu, Jun 13 -
• Fri, Jun 14 $289
• Sat, Jun 15 $289
• Sun, Jun 16 $289
• Mon, Jun 17 -
• Tue, Jun 18 -
• Wed, Jun 19 -

San Jose: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoia Tour

• Activity duration is 15 hours 15h 15h

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Park reservation and entry fee
• What's included What's included Pick up and drop off in San Jose
• What's included What's included Hike to Yosemite’s Giant Sequoias (weather permitting)
• What's included What's included Local expert guide (English)
• What's included What's included Pre-recorded audios in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean
• What's excluded What's excluded Guide gratuity
• What's excluded What's excluded Meals & Beverages

Know before you book

• You must bring a child safety seat for children under 8 years of age or 4 foot 9 inches (144 cm) tall.
• This tour operates rain or shine. Access to the giant sequoias traill depends on snow and trail conditions, and it may be closed from November to April.
• When the giant sequoias trail is snow-covered or unsafe (November-April), we spend extra time in Yosemite Valley instead

What you can expect

The Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour from San Jose is a day-long adventure that lets you explore the wonders of Yosemite National Park. This journey offers an enriching experience, showcasing the park's stunning landscapes, including its famous giant sequoias, breathtaking waterfalls, and iconic rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome.

Your tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up in San Jose. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as your guide explains how glitter in the American River sparked the California gold rush; what geological forces made Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes; and the role John Muir played in the formation of America’s first protected wilderness.

Upon entering Yosemite National Park, we'll visit iconic locations celebrated by photographer Ansel Adams. Enjoy breathtaking views at Tunnel View, featuring landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome. After capturing these moments, we'll move closer to Bridalveil Fall, allowing for an intimate experience with this majestic waterfall. This part of the tour offers unforgettable photographic opportunities against the backdrop of Yosemite's most famous vistas.

After arriving at our main stop in Yosemite Valley, you will have 2 hours for lunch and exploring on your own. The free time options include hiking to Yosemite Falls, meandering through Sentinel Meadow, checking out the Ansel Adams Gallery and more.

Your Yosemite experience stops next at El Capitan Meadow to learn more about the world’s largest granite monolith and its climbing culture. As we are leaving Yosemite Valley, we will make our final stop at Valley View which serves up a panoramic landscape framing the Merced River, El Capitan and the imposing spires of Cathedral Rocks.

The highlight of our tour is still ahead of you as we head to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. In this beautiful grove, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the largest and oldest trees on earth.

When the Tuolumne Grove trail is snow-covered or unsafe, we always spend extra time in Yosemite Valley.

By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced some of the most incredible landscapes in the world and captured memories to last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Yosemite National Park with us.

Bae Area and Beyond

San Jose to Yosemite Road Trip: 9 Best Stops

Yosemite National Park is a natural wonder and a popular tourist destination, and because of this many visitors love taking their own road trips to Yosemite. We live in California and enjoy our road trips to Yosemite.

If you’re looking for a day trip from the Bay Area, the San Jose to Yosemite road trip is one of the best things to do! 

Planning your trip to Yosemite? Save with the  Annual National Parks Pass . We visited 4+ parks for only $80 last year, saving $53! Here are the best tours, hotels, and car rentals: 

📸 Best Tours In Yosemite National Park:

• 6-Day Yosemite Backpacking (skip the lines, crowds and permits!)
• Jeep 4×4 Yosemite Park Tour (avoid parking and sold-out tickets)
• Experience Yosemite: Beginner or Advanced Photography Lesson
• Private Full Day Fly Fishing For Beginners and Experienced Anglers
• Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour (full day with hotel pickup)

😴 Best Hotels In Yosemite:

• Curry Village (💲) (around 1 mile from Vernal Falls Trail)
• Yosemite Valley Lodge (💲💲) (13-min walk to Lower Yosemite Falls)
• The Ahwahnee (💲💲💲) (20-min walk to Yosemite Village)

🚘 Best Car Rental In San Jose: DiscoverCars (save up to 70%)

Table Of Contents

How To Get There

By car, it takes around 190 miles (less or more depending on where you’re staying in San Jose). It’ll take around 4 hours without breaks to get there. For directions, take Hwy 120 as that’s the shortest route from San Jose to Yosemite . 

If you are driving from Oakland or San Francisco , you can also take Highway 120 as well. If you’re traveling from another city in or outside California, there are also other great road trips to take .

If you need to rent a car , check prices on DiscoverCars.com . You’ll find cheap deals there!

If you’re flying, the nearest airport to Yosemite is Fresno/Yosemite International Airport , which is more than a 2-hour drive so you would need to get a rental car or you can take public transit. You can take a bus with YARTS.

The closest major airport to Yosemite National Park is Oakland International Airport. Look for cheap flights on Expedia !

San Jose to Yosemite Road Trip Itinerary

Why take this route? This is the shortest route from the Bay Area to Yosemite. It takes you through small historic towns including gold rush history, murals, museums, and other historical attractions.

1. San Jose

Known as “the Capital of Silicon Valley,” San Jose is home to numerous tech companies but that’s not all! It’s also known for its art museums, libraries and theater scene. We live in the San Jose area and there are so many things to do! If you’re looking for the top attractions, check out: 

Winchester Mystery House : The Winchester Mystery House is a 161-room mansion known for its many oddities, such as doors that lead nowhere, stairways to nowhere, and windows that look into walls.

Santana Row : Visit this district full of shops, restaurants, a theater and the luxurious Hotel Valencia. Spend an afternoon here. 

Tech Interactive: This museum features hands-on exhibits that teach kids about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The Tech Museum also has an IMAX theater where attendees can watch movies on a giant screen that provides better color resolution than regular movie theaters.

Manteca is the first town you’ll see on HWY 120. Manteca is known for its rich Central Valley soil and strong agricultural and cultural history.

To learn more about its history, visit the Manteca Historical Society, an all-age museum that holds photographs, exhibits, and artifacts.

To help promote its history, Manteca’s community brought in mural artists to depict its past, present, and future. Take an auto tour and muse around Manteca’s 32 murals.

Definitely check out the mural “Sierra’s Crown Mural” located on 226 East Yosemite Avenue; a nice start to your road trip to Yosemite. 

Find the best car rental deals here !

Escalon is also a town that’s rich in agriculture. It’s known as “stepping stones” in Spanish. At Escalon, make sure to visit Main Street Park where you will see the Santa Fe caboose from the 1800s. Kids can play in and around the caboose.

Walk for a few minutes to check out the Escalon Historical Museum and Escalon’s first fire bell from the 1900s. Right above the fire bell is a beautiful mural that shows you Escalon was known for: agriculture, railroad transportation, and dairy.  

Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” Oakdale is the place to stop by if you want to know more about cowboys.

When you enter the town, you’ll see the Oakdale mural painted on a side of Hobbies Arts & Crafts. It shows you a cowboy on a horse with surrounding cattle and blooming flowers.

Check out the Oakdale Cowboy Museum that’s packed full of Western history and exhibits including rodeo traditions.

Built in 1869, the Oakdale Museum & History Center is also a great place for more of Oakdale’s history. Plus it’s Oakdale’s oldest building!

5. Knights Ferry

Walk across a 19th-century covered bridge at Knights Ferry. With a length of 330 feet, it’s the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Founded in 1848, Knights Ferry was a gold rush town turned into an industrial town.

An old piece of California history, the Historic Tulloch Mill Ruins show you the mill’s old machinery with information along the way. It’s now a perfect outdoor destination with activities to do such as hiking, picnicking, kayaking, and rafting.

Before you continue on your road trip to Yosemite, grab some sandwiches and salads at the Knights Ferry General Store, Saloon & Grill. 

6. Chinese Camp

Now a ghost town, Chinese Camp was once the site of the Tong War. This town was founded in 1849 as “Camp Washington” and Europeans traveled to this site to find gold in the river. In 1850, Chinese people moved to this town making up half of its population and naming the town Chinese Camp.

When you drive by the town now, you will see old 1800s buildings that are abandoned. There’s also a Wells Fargo building here where miners deposited their gold.

There’s also a cute convenience store, The Chinese Camp Store And Tavern where you can get groceries, snacks, fishing supplies, and more. While you’re there, check out the fossils and other historical artifacts. We’ve got a really nice garden and clean restrooms too!

7. Lake Don Pedro

Lake Don Pedro is a reservoir with a 160-mile shoreline. You can do water sports, camp, fish, swim and boat here. Drive further 30 minutes more to the Moccasin Fish Hatchery to feed some fish. 

8. Groveland

Your road trip to Yosemite is nearing an end as you enter Groveland, the Northern Gateway to Yosemite. Many Yosemite visitors stay at Groveland for its historic lodging and dining options. Iron Door Saloon is an old-fashioned tavern with live entertainment, food, and drinks.

Book your Yosemite stay at Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite and enjoy their 2 spa tubs, spa services and outdoor pool.

It’s got an old saloon décor with its ceiling covered in old dollar bills. Walk a few minutes to the old Groveland Jail that dates back to the 1800s-1900s. Drive further from the town to stop at the Rim of the World Vista point for expansive views of the Stanislaus National Forest.  

9. Yosemite National Park

There are three Yosemite attractions on the way before you enter Yosemite Valley, the heart of the park:

• Hetch Hetchy – a reservoir with stunning views and hiking trails 

– and 2 sequoia groves: 

• Merced Grove
• Tuolumne Grove

Alternative & Safer Route: San Jose to Yosemite Road Trip

Why take this route? This route is an alternative route from San Jose to Yosemite.

This route is safer with fewer steep curves compared to HWY 120. This route is also the best route if you plan to stay in Mariposa or El Portal during your Yosemite trip. 

You’ll take CA-140 E to get to Yosemite from San Jose . It can take longer than the Hwy 120 route – about 5 hours.

But if it’s your first time driving to Yosemite or if you’re nervous about the drive, we recommend taking this route. Here are the towns you’ll come across on CA-140:

An hour further into the road trip to Yosemite, you’ll come across Modesto. a small town with tons of fun things to do.

Modesto is a charming mix of urban and suburban life with tree-lined streets, charming old brick homes, newer subdivisions, and a bustling downtown. Visit downtown Modesto for its great dining options.

Two museums to check out: the McHenry Mansion and the Great Valley Museum. Free to the public, the McHenry Mansion will give you all you need to know about Modesto’s history. It was built in the 1880s and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Great Valley Museum is a science museum with over 200 plants and animal specimens. Or check out some of Modesto’s free concerts, festivals, or shows before continuing on your road trip. 

Another small town on the way, Turlock is known for its rich agricultural history. Turlock Historical Society Museum provides local history about Turlock through 25 exhibits and it’s free.

The town’s also got 24 parks, other cultural institutions, and shopping centers including Turlock Shopping Center and Monte Vista Crossing.

Turlock is also known for the Pageo Lavender Farm, a farm that grows two types of lavender: Loddon Blue and Grosso. Stop by at Pageo Lavender Farm’s gift shop for handcrafted lavender lotions, bath salts, soaps, gift boxes, and more.

Plus, if you pre-order, you can also get $20 lunches – all with a pinch of lavender in its meals. Lavender blooms in June so if you’re driving to Yosemite in the summer, add this to your road trip list!

Another agricultural town, Merced has local attractions including museums, parks, and lakes. The Merced National Wildlife Refuge has 10,258 acres of grasslands and wetlands and is a great place for birdwatching.

Schedule a wine tasting at a 20-acre ranch, Vista Ranch to relax before heading back on the road.

Another relaxing option: Lake Yosemite. Lake Yosemite is a man-made freshwater lake. You can go boating, water skiing, jet skis and also picnic and barbeque at the lake.

Another attraction is the Merced Antique Mall, a store with over 7,500 feet of antique items including furniture and old records.

Before continuing on your road trip to Yosemite, visit the 1875 Merced County Courthouse. It’s now a museum filled with Merced’s history and artifacts.

Designed in the Italian Renaissance, this historic site is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Looking for some old-town charm? Reserve some time to explore Mariposa, one of the Gold Rush towns that was founded in 1849.

Historic towns like Mariposa always come with a rich history including details about the Gold Rush in the 1800s so check out its local museums: Mariposa Museum and History Center, California State Mining & Mineral Museum, Yosemite Climbing Museum.

Mariposa also has Yosemite adventures to do: Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch, Yosemite Close Up Tours, and Skydive Yosemite.

There are plenty of dining and lodging options in Mariposa that some Yosemite visitors choose to stay in this town during their Yosemite trip. 

Go Yosemite glamping at this retro resort in Midpines: AutoCamp Yosemite

El Portal, known as “the gateway” in Spanish makes perfect sense since this is where Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance is.

The drive from El Portal to Yosemite is gorgeous as you will be driving alongside the Merced River while being surrounded by its canyons. Stop at a turnout to take in the views.

Need lunch or groceries before entering Yosemite National Park? Stop at the El Portal Market for some sandwiches and drinks.

This is also the last gas stop on HWY 140 with the next nearest gas station being at Crane Flat in HWY 120 (about 20 miles away) so fuel up before entering the park. 

And now your road trip to Yosemite ends but your views are just about to get better!

Where To Stay In Yosemite

Yosemite has a variety of accommodations: hotels, airbnbs , resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options that are inside the park:

Budget-Friendly Option:  Curry Village

Mid-Priced Option:  Yosemite Valley Lodge

Lux Option:  The Ahwahnee

What To Pack For San Jose to Yosemite Road Trip

Packing for road trips can be tiresome; from figuring out what clothes to pack to what food to bring along the way. If you’re looking all the road trip essentials, check out these 51 items to bring along the way. The top things to take:

• Car Windshield Sun Shade
• Emergency Flashlight
• First Aid Kit
• Jumpstart Kit
• Portable Air Compressor
• Snow Chains
• Travel Size Hand Sanitizers
• Video Camera
• National Parks Pass  

California can have some hot sunny days and the more you drive inland towards the east, the more hotter it will get. Get a small cooler before your road trip to make sure you stay hydrated and cool throughout the whole trip.  

Best Yosemite Tours

Looking for the best tours in Yosemite? Check out these top-rated tours on Viator: 

Frequently Asked Questions: San Jose to Yosemite Road Trip

Have questions about how your Yosemite road trip? Here’s what you need to know before venturing from San Jose: 

How much is a road trip to Yosemite?

When it comes to the cost of a road trip to Yosemite, things to consider are the park’s entrance fees, gas, food, and possibly lodging if it’s a multi-day trip. On average, it cost us $100 per person daily. 

If you’ve got the America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass , then the entrance fee for Yosemite would be free. And if you plan to visit at least 3 parks annually that have an entrance fee, then the pass is well worth it! 

How many days do you need in Yosemite?

That depends on how many things you want to see in Yosemite. You can spend a day to a week and still have things to see on your next trip. Thinking about what to do and how many things to add to your itinerary? Check out the best viewpoints in Yosemite to guide your trip! 

Do I need a reservation for Yosemite?

Make sure to check the National Park Service site for updates on reservations and restrictions. Currently, reservations are required during the summertime to reduce crowds and until the public health conditions in the US improve. 

Can you drive your car into Yosemite?

Yes, you can drive your car into Yosemite but make sure the roads you are planning to drive on are open. Glacier Point Road and Tioga Pass Road are closed during winters but otherwise, you can drive through the whole park.

Is the drive to Yosemite scary? 

The drive to Yosemite can be scary and dangerous. I’ve felt my stomach do backflips while the road curves.

The roads can be narrow, steep, and curvy making it dangerous to drive above the speed limit so make sure you’re driving within the limit while leaving ample space between vehicles.

Sometimes you’ll feel like you need to drive faster because the vehicle behind you is tailgating you and in that case, stop at a turnout and allow those faster vehicles to pass by. 

Final Thoughts: San Jose to Yosemite Road Trip

We love this route for its historic stops along the way before heading to Yosemite. While Yosemite is the final destination, there are so many cool attractions to see on the way. Happy driving! 

Grab Your 1-Pager California Packing List!

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, Shreeyeh Rajan is the founder of Bae Area and Beyond, a California blog with over 45,000 monthly readers and featured in more than 25 sites.

With a love for California that runs deep, Shreeyeh and her husband explore the Golden State every chance they get, from the beaches in Santa Cruz to the hiking trails of Yosemite.

Through her blog, Shreeyeh hopes to inspire readers to fall in love with California just like she did.

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Yosemite National Park, According to Naturalists and Park Experts

Here’s everything you need to know before planning a trip to Yosemite National Park.

• Planning Your Visit

How to Get There

• Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do

Wildlife and natural features, places to stay, places to eat.

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Known around the globe for its majestic granite monoliths and overwhelming beauty, Yosemite National Park earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1984. Yosemite boasts five of the planet's tallest waterfalls, pristine streams, three sequoia groves, picturesque meadows, and rich biological diversity. As one of the first national parks, Yosemite helped pave the way for the National Park System, and over its sprawling 1,200 square miles — equivalent to the size of Rhode Island — the park offers abundant activities and experiences.

“There are over 1,500 different species of plants in Yosemite. That's something many people don't think about when they come to Yosemite because the geography gets all the glory. The towering cliffs and Half Dome and El Capitan, and these giant waterfalls that tumble off them,” Cory Goehring, lead naturalist at the Yosemite Conservancy, said in an interview with Travel + Leisure . “But what excites me as a naturalist, and I think what other people should pay more attention to in the park, is the diversity of life.” 

To enjoy all Yosemite has to offer, here are important things you should know, including logistics, trails, and places to stay, informed by three experts who intimately understand Yosemite in different ways — and love it all the same.

Meet the Experts

Cory Goehring is the senior naturalist for the Yosemite Conservancy and has lived in and loved the park for 17 years.

Mike Augustine is a T+L A-list advisor and U.S. national parks specialist. 

Mikah Meyer visited 419 U.S. National Park Service sites on a three-year road trip, becoming the first person to accomplish this on a single journey.

Planning Your Visit 

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

A standard entrance pass costs $20-35, depending on whether you enter on foot, motorcycle, or in a private vehicle with fewer than 15 passengers. The pass covers everyone inside the vehicle and is valid for seven consecutive days. An annual entrance pass that costs $70 grants access to Yosemite for 12 months. The park is open year-round, though certain roads, like Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road, close for the winter season due to snow. 

Driving into or through Yosemite requires a reservation from April 13 through Oct. 27, with a few exceptions: 

• From April 13 through June 30, you need a reservation only on weekends and holidays.
• From July 1 through Aug. 16, you need a reservation every day of the week. 
• From Aug. 17 through Oct. 27, you need a reservation only on weekends and holidays.

Reservations cost $2 each — a small price for the significant benefit of limiting vehicle congestion, but securing one can be tricky during peak months. 

“They're sort of like buying concert tickets with how popular that park is. You have to be on your game to get up during these times,” said Augustine. “They release a big batch of them early in the year, and then every day around 8 a.m., the national park releases more, so if you get on early enough in the day, you can get a permit for the peak hours.” 

Find tickets on recreation.gov .

Mark Miller Photos/Getty Images

Yosemite has five main entrances:

• Hetch Hetchy Entrance: Access this seasonal entrance via Highway 120, which traverses the park.
• Big Oak Flat Entrance: This is off Highway 120 and an easy entry point if you’re coming from the Bay Area. 
• Arch Rock Entrance: If you're coming in the wintertime, opt for this all-year entrance off Highway 140. “That is the lowest elevation entrance into the park,” Goehring said. At higher elevations, you’re more apt to encounter tricky winter conditions.
• South Entrance: This entry point works best if you're driving from San Diego or Los Angeles. 
• Tioga Pass Entrance: This eastern entrance is accessible via Highway 120 and is open May through October. “That is probably my favorite entrance because I'm a bit biased towards the higher elevations of the park,” said Goehring. 

If you’re flying, “Fresno, San Francisco, or Oakland are probably the best places to arrive,” Augustine said. Once you park in Yosemite Valley, you can take the free shuttle throughout the day and avoid driving around the park.

You can also take public transportation, which many people don’t realize. 

“If you take public transportation into the park, you do not need to have a reservation,” Goehring said. Yosemite Area Regional Transport System , or YARTS, runs year-round on Highway 140 from Merced, California, in the Central Valley, into the park. It also has seasonal routes. You can stay at one of the gateway communities (like Merced, Mariposa, Midpines, and El Portal) and hop on at one of the many YARTS stops. YARTS also connects with Amtrak and Greyhound .

“[YARTS] is a great way to come into the park because one of the frustrations people have is that it can be hard to find a parking spot when there's no permit,” Goehring said. Additionally, “You get to look out the window the entire way, and you don't have to worry about driving the winding roads.”

Best Time to Visit 

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

What’s the best time to visit Yosemite ? Goehring gets this question a lot and has an unexpected answer: “I think what people are looking for whenever they ask this question is a time when the weather is quote-unquote 'good.' But I think Yosemite has the best character whenever it's about to snow or rain. People think, ‘Oh, that's when the weather is bad,’ but that's when Yosemite is so amazing,” he said. “The pictures that I put on my desktop backgrounds or on my phone are not the beautiful sunny days of Yosemite; it's the days that are kind of gray and the clouds are moving across the cliffs.”

Winter and early spring are some of Goehring’s favorite times to visit the park, and indeed, a surprise snowstorm can create spectacular scenes. If you visit Yosemite during the winter , be sure to monitor weather conditions, which can be unpredictable, and come prepared with chains on your tires. That said, those moody days deliver.

“The day after a heavy rainstorm, you come out in the morning, and the fog is lifting out of the valley. The clouds are grazing the face of Half Dome; those are amazing,” Goehring said. “It takes a little more planning, but those are some of the most magical times in Yosemite.”

He also acknowledges that nothing beats the middle of July when it's 115 degrees in the Central Valley of California, but at 10,000 feet in the Tuolumne Meadows, it’s 75 degrees and sunny and the flowers are blooming.

Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on what you’re after. Augustine recommends spring if you’re chasing waterfalls and wildflowers, though high passes and viewpoints might be closed if there’s still snow. “The waterfalls tend to be much fuller during the spring as the snow melts in the higher elevations, so you get beautiful waterfalls,” he said. For the best hiking, he recommends June to August, especially if you want to go to high alpine areas. Just note there will be greater crowds. They'll thin in the fall, and September is just as spectacular as July and August. 

Meyers agrees but adds that the earlier in the summer you go, the less likely you are to encounter wildfire complications. “I hate to say that because August and September could be beautiful, but if this is like a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and you're getting your whole family together, you want to mitigate your risk of wildfires closing the park,” he said. 

Explore Yosemite Valley.

"[Yosemite Valley’s] a must-see destination," Goehring said, highlighting this popular section of the park with iconic views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. Yosemite Valley is also where you’ll find the welcome and exploration centers and access to many trails. Goehring suggests strolling through the meadows and along the river to fully appreciate the park's beauty.

An avid runner, Meyer echoes that sentiment, emphasizing the allure of the surrounding scenery. "It's not all about the peaks; it's not all about hiking to the top," he said, recommending you explore the 11.5-mile paved loop trail by foot or bike. 

See giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove.

“We have three groves of giant sequoias here in Yosemite, and the Mariposa Grove is one of my must-see locations. It's a grove of over 500 mature giant sequoias. In a way, those sequoias helped birth the national park idea,” said Goehring. In 1864, Abraham Lincoln's Yosemite Land Grant protected Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley, laying the groundwork for the National Park System. Though not the first national park — Yellowstone holds that honor —  Yosemite's preservation efforts played an instrumental role in shaping the National Park Service.

Watch the sunset at Glacier Point.

Experience a breathtaking sunset at Glacier Point, accessible via a 15-mile uphill drive that rises 7,000 feet in elevation. “It's easily accessible for wheelchairs and walkers. You can easily walk right out to the point and see straight down nearly 3,000 feet into Yosemite Valley,” said Goehring. Stay for twilight after the official sunset time for a prismatic experience. “Plan on staying at least 30 minutes,” said Meyer. 

Drive to the Tunnel View.

“It's so basic, but the Tunnel View is just one of the most iconic views in the entire National Park System,” said Meyer. Take the Wawona Tunnel on Highway 41 and bask in glorious views of the valley, Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Bridalveil Falls. “Plan to take some time, pull over, and enjoy that view before you enter the Valley,” he said. 

Take a guided hike.

Guided walks with a naturalist or park ranger offer in-depth insights into Yosemite's geological history and diverse ecosystem. If you’re short on time or unfamiliar with the area, a guide's expertise will dramatically enhance your Yosemite trip. “A guide can make your experience a little different than just going in and figuring it out on your own. Having someone knowledgeable makes the experience,” said Augustine. 

Join an astronomy program.

Yosemite’s stargazing opportunities are out of this world. Expert-led astronomy programs, offered by organizations like Yosemite Conservancy, provide transformative perspectives amid the roar of Yosemite Falls and views of the Milky Way. Even without a formal program, you should marvel at the night sky — you might even witness phenomena like moonbows at Yosemite Falls during full moons. “There's a saying within the national parks that half the park is after dark,” Goehring said. “At night, the cosmic wilderness unveils itself.”

Best Hikes 

Yosemite has no shortage of incredible hikes. The Yosemite Valley Loop Trail offers full- and half-loop options, spanning 11.5 miles or 7.2 miles, respectively. Experience lush forests, meadows, and picturesque footbridges across the Merced River. Cathedral Lakes Trail takes you to Yosemite’s alpine region on a 9.5-mile, out-and-back through Tuolumne Meadows. Mist Trail to Vernal Falls is a three-mile, round-trip trek to the majestic Vernal Falls. Sentinel Dome and Taft Point are gentle trails with beautiful vistas, and a small trail hidden behind Happy Isles Nature Center will bring you to The Fen, a serene area teeming with wildlife.

Goehring’s favorite trail is the demanding, yet rewarding, Four-mile Trail to Glacier Point and the Panorama Trail. “Hike up to Glacier Point, so you get that view. You get to climb out of the valley next to Sentinel Rock. And then you get to come back down the Panorama Trail over Illilouette Falls. And then you can either come back down the Mist Trail, which I don't recommend. Those stairs can be tough on your knees. But you can come back down the John Muir Trail. Even though it does add an extra mile, I think it's a little gentler and a better trail to come back down,” he said. 

Of course, you could also enter the permit lottery to challenge any fear of heights with the iconic Half Dome Hike, a 14- to 16-mile round-trip hike where you’ll tackle the steep final ascent using metal cables installed on the dome's smooth granite face. 

The bears in Yosemite might look like brown bears, but rest assured, they're black bears with brown fur. The park also has endangered great gray owls , peregrine falcons (the fastest animal on Earth), and Sierra bighorn sheep found at high elevations. “The Yosemite Conservancy helps fund a project to bring Sierra bighorns back into Yosemite. You can get lucky if you're up in the Tuolumne area,” said Goehring. Mountain lions also roam the area, though sightings are rare. 

Additionally, Yosemite's rich plant life features more than 1,500 vascular plant species, including towering giant sequoias, the Yosemite bog orchid , which is only found in Yosemite National Park, beautiful blue lupine, and, at lower elevations, California poppy. In the summertime, at the highest elevations, you might find a unique flower called a sky pilot, which blooms only at high elevations.

Tracy Barbutes/Courtesy of Firefall Ranch/Travel + Leisure

Château du Sureau

If you want equal amounts of luxury and adventure on your trip to Yosemite, head to Château du Sureau , a Relais & Châteaux property. This nine-acre country house resort evokes the South of France with 10 guest rooms and an uber-luxe 2,000-square-foot manor. 

Firefall Ranch

A new rustic-chic retreat called Firefall Ranch near Yosemite's northwest entrance offers 55 cottages and villas on a spacious 300-acre property. Each accommodation features luxurious amenities like indoor/outdoor fireplaces and covered decks.

Tenaya Lodge

Situated outside the south entrance of Yosemite, Tenaya Lodge offers a variety of accommodations, plus three different restaurants, including a pizzeria. The Cottages feature private entrances, outdoor sitting areas, and fireplaces. For added privacy, you can opt for the Explorer Cabins, which offer two-bedroom accommodations with a cozy living room and a private deck.

Rush Creek Lodge

Near the northwest entrance at Big Oak Flat, Rush Creek Lodge offers cozy cabins and villas and an intimate lodging experience amidst Yosemite's natural beauty. “It's a great place for families, especially if you don't want to be in a bigger lodge,” said Augustine. 

Upper and Lower Pines Campgrounds

Family-friendly and easily accessible, Upper and Lower Pines Campgrounds offer a communal atmosphere. “We get four million visitors a year from all over the world, so you can be camped right next to someone who flew from the other side of the world here,” said Goehring.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Camp 4 is a first-come, first-served campground near Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Valley Lodge at 4,000 feet. Famous climbers like Yvonne Chouinard and Alex Honnold once pitched their tents on the 11-acre campground. For more camping options, check out T+L's guide to the best Yosemite campgrounds . 

Elderberry House Restaurant at Château du Sureau has maintained its status as the top fine dining destination in the region for more than three decades with its seasonally inspired menu and fine wines. Within the park, The Ahwahnee ’s dining room has surreal views. “The best lodge and best restaurant in that area is the Ahwahnee,” said Augustine. He notes that securing reservations — for the restaurant and the accommodations — can be challenging due to its popularity, and the restaurant team prioritizes lodge guests for restaurant reservations.

If you’re not in the mood for fine dining, Goehring’s got you covered: “Pack a lunch and find a rock next to the river or an area that speaks to you and eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and just take it in. That's what it's all about. Maybe it'll be the best peanut butter and jelly sandwich you'll ever have, sitting next to the Merced River, listening to the red-winged blackbird chirp and hearing the crash of Yosemite Falls. That's the best table in the house, right?”

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Open to suggestions on where to stay? Best way to see

- Bos (7:00 AM) to Seattle (10:13 AM)

- Take off to......

- Yosemite (13 hours 26 mins) → Arrive late at night→ air bnb

Tuesday, June 25th

- Yosemite National Park (all day)

Wednesday, June 26th

- Early morning & drive to San Fran (3.5 hours from Yosemite)

- Check-in at Courtyard SanFrancisco Fisherman’s Wharf

- Check-in @ 4 PM (but park there and check-in later)

- Daily parking= $65 per day

- Stay from 6/26-6/27

- Must-Sees:

- Golden State Bridge

- Houses from Full House

- Cable cars

- Ghiradelli Square

- Pacific Coast Highway

(Is a bus tour the best way to see most of this? Should they book in advance?)

Thursday, June 27th

- Drive to LA (6 hours from San Fran)

- Check-in.....

- Long Beach Marriott

- Free parking

- Check-in @ 3 PM

- Hilton Long Beach

- $35 per day for parking

- Check-in at 4 PM

- Hollywood

- Griffith Observatory→ free admission Hollywood sign (best at sunset

- Beverly Hills

- Universal @ night → call to see if they do half-day tickets​

Friday, June 28th

- Drive from LA hotel to Disney ~30 mins

- Sleep at LA hotel (suggestions??)

Saturday, June 29th

- Drive from LA to San Diego 2 hours

- San Diego Air & Space Museum (10 AM-4:30 PM or 10-1630)

- San Diego Zoo

- Check-in to San Diego Hotel- Manchester Grand Hyatt

- Parking $45 per day

Sunday, June 30th

- Joshua Tree National Park (2.5 hour drive from San Diego)

- Sleep at San Diego hotel?

Monday, July 1st

- Travel day

- 9 hour travel to Nappa, Sightsee & stop along the way

- Check-in to hotel

Tuesday, July 2nd

- Nappa Valley→ 1 wine tour

- Travel to Redwoods (5 hrs)

- Stay at airbnb or Emerald Forest Cabins?

Wednesday, July 3rd

- Stay at air bnb or Emerald Forest Cabins?

Thursday, July 4th

- Travel back to Seattle for fireworks

- 8 hour drive from Redwoods

16 replies to this topic

I think it's complete insanity, but post this query in the Road Trips Forum to confirm:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g1-i12567-Road_Trips.html

A ridiculous itinerary that is mostly asphalt gazing. Cut back drastically.

You know this is insane, there are other crazy things there like staying in Long Beach, a different city, to tour Los Angeles attractions.

Very poorly planned out. Besides what others have said, this jumps out to me:

1. They should look at a map. Anaheim is south of Los Angeles . So is San Diego. It makes no sense to drive back to LA to sleep after Disney. They should simply spend the night by Disney then continue on to San Diego.

The zoo costs a lot of money and deserves more times than splitting it with a museum and a long drive on the same day.

They need to make some choices on what they really want to do.

And LA to SD is 2 hours in the middle of the night with no construction! I live halfway in between and we figure 2 hours to LA and 1.5 to SD. And we often actually make it in that time.

Further, JTNP gets dangerously hot this time of year. Standard advice is to arrive early in the morning so that your visit is completed before the hottest part of the day. That would require their leaving SD well before the sun is up.

If they do want to visit JTNP, they should arrive to stay overnight the day so they can complete their visit to JTNP before the temperatures have climbed.

If they then want to drive directly to Napa following their visit to JTNP, it will take 10 hours easily (8 hours "wheels turning" per Google maps).

Theoretically possible. Not very enjoyable.

Why am I thinking of the movie "If it's Tuesday, this must be Belgium" ?

Young people, lots of travels ahead in their lives. Pick SF or LA for this trip, and leave the other for next time.

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Sell my car, car research, sign in, 3 of the best day trips in northern california, you can explore the west coast even on a tight budget and a tight schedule..

Article QuickTakes:

San Jose to Monterey and Big Sur

Sacramento to yosemite national park, san francisco to napa valley.

Gas prices have been volatile over the last year or so, and costs tend to be consistently higher in California, where some fuel stations have charged up to $10 per gallon. A long road trip might not seem like the most sensible choice, given the potentially high cost of gasoline, but there are still plenty of neat places to go within a reasonable distance of the major cities in Northern California.

From the bustling Silicon Valley city of San Jose, venture south on Route 17 to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Enjoy some nature time under the forest's shady canopy before setting your course for Monterey on Highway 1. But first, make a stop in beachy Santa Cruz at Verve Coffee for the funky atmosphere and a cup of joe for the ride ahead.

Monterey has tons to offer, whether you're interested in a dog-friendly cafe for your pet or an incredible aquarium for the kids. Visit historic landmarks such as the Old Custom House, Cannery Row, and Fort Ord National Monument before heading on your way.

Farther down the coast is Big Sur, which has plenty of vistas and hikes to explore. If you can, take a break at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, where a short trail leads you out on a point to see McWay Falls spill into the ocean.

On the return trip, consider taking scenic Route 152 out of Watsonville, over Hecker Pass, and into Gilroy, known as the Garlic Capital of the World. There, you can dine on everything garlic flavored (ice cream and chocolate included) and visit Gilroy Gardens, where you can take a ride in — what else? — a giant bulb of garlic. It's not to be missed.

While it's a long drive — more than 150 miles — from Sacramento to Yosemite, it's well worth it when you need some outdoor time. The national park is home to iconic rock formations such as El Capitan and Half Dome. At various points over the last few years, visitors have needed a reservation to drive through the park — and most campsites continue to require reservations — but as of 2023, no driving reservations are needed. Just the $35 entrance fee per car.

To reach Yosemite, travel southeast from Sacramento on Route 16 through Rancho Murieta, then link up with Route 49. Take that south through Angels Camp and, when it turns into Route 120, on to Groveland, where there are some restaurant options before you enter the park. Try Iron Door Saloon for burgers and fries or Two Guys Pizza for some 'za.

An hour and a half northeast of San Francisco sits one of the most famous wine-producing regions in the world: Napa Valley. It's home to renowned vineyards such as Robert Mondavi, Stags' Leap, and Mumm, as well as world-class restaurants like Bouchon Bistro, the French Laundry, and SingleThread Farms.

Cross the glorious Golden Gate Bridge heading north (there's a toll for southbound traffic only) to leave San Francisco. Then take U.S. Route 101 to Route 37 and on to Route 121, which will lead you to Napa.

Of the 450-plus wineries in the region, many don't open until 10:00 a.m., but if you wish to head into town early for something to eat, there are seasonal goodies at Monday Bakery, which isn't just open on Mondays. And for lunch, consider grabbing a bite at Gott's Roadside, a widely acclaimed burger joint.

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