road trip napa to yosemite

5 of the best road trips in and around Yosemite National Park

Apr 2, 2024 • 7 min read

Find the perfect scenic route for your road trip in and around Yosemite National Park © Adam Hester / Getty Images © © Adam Hester / Getty Images

The roads around Yosemite National Park are a driving utopia – these routes carve through expansive backcountry, sublime valleys and pretty meadows, and loop by deep gorges dotted with emerald-green forests, shimmering lakes and ancient sequoias.

It’s unfathomably easy to access untamed wildlife and dazzling High Sierras scenery on a number of superbly maintained routes – all you need is a vehicle and a sense of adventure. 

Alas, the world is fully aware of this driving wonderland and it can become frustratingly clogged up at peak times. Read on for tips on how to avoid the crowds and enjoy an epic drive to yourself with our five best drives in and around Yosemite.

1. Tioga Road

Best route through Yosemite Crane Flat to Mono Lake; 60 miles (96km); 2–4 hours

Easily one of California’s best drives , this is the highest highway pass in California , reaching a dizzying 9945ft (3031m) at its apex and bisecting Yosemite National Park between its eastern and western borders. It cruises through the Sierra Nevada mountains, first winding past the giant sequoias of Tuolumne Grove and then climbing up to evergreen forests and viewpoints, with Tenaya Canyon and the back side of Half Dome in the distance. 

Further on the route, the shimmering Tenaya Lake begs drivers to stop and dive in. Stretch the legs at nearby Cloud’s Rest trail, which ends on a palm-sweatingly narrow ridge with 360-degree views. Tuolumne Meadows teems with wildflowers in spring, and the Lembert Dome hike is a short but mighty challenge up a granite dome rock. 

At the road’s highest point, Mt Dana looms to the east as you exit the park. Pass the twinkling high-altitude lakes of Tioga and Ellery, before the final descent to the hauntingly beautiful Mono Lake with its outdoor gallery of otherworldly tufa towers. Chances are you’ll immediately want to U-turn and ride this road all over again. Head's up: Tioga is closed in winter due to snowfall, reopening for summer and fall.

2. Yosemite Valley Loop

Best road trip for less-confident drivers El Capitan Meadow to El Capitan Meadow; 14 miles (22km); around 40 minutes

One of the shortest drives in the area, but no less enthralling, is this nature cruise through the beating heart of Yosemite National Park, with roads bookended by geological masterpieces. The atmospheric one-way loop can be conquered by both private vehicle and shuttle bus if you don’t feel like driving at all. As you snake east along the Merced River, clearings in the dense trees reveal astonishing views of the towering Yosemite Falls , plus the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome formations.

It’s a humbling experience, as cars look like tiny bugs among the gargantuan granite behemoths and boulder-strewn landscape. Cypress, pine, hemlock and fir trees line the roads – keep the windows down to breathe in fragrant forest aromas. At dusk, scenes turn to moody shadows and silhouettes in the big blue sky. Sleep under a carpet of stars at the North and Upper Pines Campgrounds , at the most easterly point of the route.

3. Glacier Point Road

Best scenic drive with expansive views Tunnel View to Big Tree Lodge; 52 miles (83km); 2 hours

The drive begins at Tunnel View scenic viewpoint with sweeping views of Yosemite Valley’s big attractions. Half Dome sits front and center with the all-encompassing 3000ft-high (914m) El Capitan to the left – often with climbers dangling like spiders – and opposite from  Bridalveil Fall , which plunges 620ft (188m) over a glacially-carved granite cliff. At the end of Wawona Tunnel – the longest highway tunnel in California at 4200ft (1290m) – the Turtleback Dome (5300ft/1615m) appears in view. 

At the Chinquapin junction, the ascent up Glacier Point Rd begins. This 16-mile winding road is flanked by green forests and towering views of Merced Canyon below. In winter, you'll only be able to go as far as the Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area . The route re-opens when the snow melts in May or June, continuing to the crowd-pleasing  Sentinel Dome (8122ft/2476m) hike. 

The best views from your vehicle are at  Washburn Point , which offers  views of nature’s "giant staircase" Nevada and Vernal waterfalls. Further ahead is the road’s namesake – Glacier Point , with commanding views of Yosemite's high country, Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Double back for 12 miles to cross the Merced River and finish at the historic Victorian-era Wawona Hotel.

4. Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway

Best for adventure Topaz Lake to Yosemite Valley; 175 miles (281km) one way; 3–4 hours

To the north of Yosemite’s boundaries in the Stanislaus National Forest is a monumental road trip through High Sierras country, with glacier-carved valleys, giant sequoias, pristine lakes, little hamlets and the occasional bald eagle swooping overhead. Named after pioneer John Ebbetts, this road was earmarked as a "route of great promise" for the Transcontinental Railway. The railroad never happened, but a stage road was constructed to serve Silver City, and the miners working here were frequently treated to stellar views as they passed. 

The drive starts in the east on the California – Nevada border at Topaz Lake before turning onto the boulder-flanked Route 89, where it cruises through arid desert-scapes and winds to greener pastures when meeting State Route 4. The crossing point for hikers on the legendary  Pacific Crest Trail , a hiking trail spanning 2650 miles (4270km) from Mexico to Canada, is up ahead. On the north side of the road at the entrance to the PCT, climb the boulder for 360-degree views of mountains, deep green forests and the piercing blue Kinney Reservoir below. Views continue as clearings in the trees reveal snippets of classic mountain scenes, likely snow-tipped at this altitude even in summer. 

Despite its name, Mosquito Lake is an oasis of calm with shimmering waters, trout fishing opportunities and three campgrounds nearby. Intoxicating views of the Dardanelle formation from the Cape Horn Vista Point await three miles west (spot the "sleeping lion" and "elephant" formations in the distance). Giant sequoias dapple the Calaveras Big Trees State Park , and at Lake Alpine and Spicer Snow Park road trippers can stop to play in the snow, with cross-country skiing, dog sledding and snowmobiling  all possible here (book a trip with Bear Valley Adventure ). Continue on to the little mountain town of Arnold before snaking 70 miles along the east side of Yosemite National Park (on the CA-49 and CA-120) through farmlands and green pastures and into Yosemite Valley.

5. Sonora Pass

Best for crowd-free alpine cruising Tenaya Lake to Sonora; 84 miles (135km) one-way; 2 – 3 hours

Just north of Yosemite National Park is California's second-highest road (after Tioga Road), Highway 108/Sonora Pass (9642ft/2939m), which travels between the town of Sonora in the west and Bridgeport to the east. This means it's often overlooked, despite the scenery being just as stunning. The big bonus? Far fewer people on the road. Come here to test your driving skills on the race-track-worthy corners and narrow, steep inclines, while enjoying pinch-yourself scenes. 

The road sweeps through the Kennedy and Leavitt Meadows, pleated mountain vistas, granite rocks and meandering rivers. Start in Yosemite at the glistening Tenaya Lake, heading towards the town of Lee Vining (where you can stock up on supplies and gas for the drive). Pass the otherworldly limestone oddities at Mono Lake , before heading north on Scenic Highway 395. When you reach the Inyo National Forest , swing a left onto Highway 108 and this alpine dream drive begins.

Tips for driving in Yosemite National Park

• Drive at nonpeak times to avoid traffic. Avoid weekends and holidays, and opt for midweek early mornings inside the park. The park has instituted a reservation system for anyone driving through during its busiest times – reserve your spot ahead of your trip. 
• Where possible, take the shuttle around Yosemite Valley. Prepare for delays of an hour or more at park entrance stations. Parking spaces can be scarce.
• Check the status of the roads before you set off – many high-altitude roads are shut in the winter due to snowfall and are not plowed until spring. There is ongoing maintenance, so check at the visitors center or online for alerts before you set off.
• Be bear aware. Avoid leaving food in your car where possible in the daytime (if you must leave it in your car – keep it hidden from sight), and leave no food in your car overnight. Bears have been known to break into cars to find food, causing all kinds of damage to vehicles. Leave food in the bear lockers in parking areas and campsites.
• Fill up with gas before you enter the park. There are two gas stations in Yosemite National Park, but none in Yosemite Valley.

This article was first published Feb 6, 2023 and updated Apr 2, 2024.

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California , Road Trips , Travel , USA Travel

The Ultimate 10 Day California Road Trip Itinerary

California Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Days

Planning to spend 10 days in california looking for the perfect itinerarywell, look no further…this 10 day california road trip itinerary is the one for you.

This loop is perfect for families, couples, a girls getaway or solo travel! Our family agrees this was one of the best vacations we’ve ever taken.

This 10 day west coast road trip was the ultimate mix of city excitement, stunning nature and scenery, and even some rest and relaxation.

Our 10 Day California Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive San Francisco Day 2: San Francisco Day 3: San Francisco, Big Basin OR Monterey Day 4: Big Sur Day 5: Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea Day 6: Yosemite National Park Day 7: Yosemite National Park Day 8: Napa Valley Day 9: Napa Valley/ Sonoma OR Muir Woods Day 10: Depart from San Francisco

Accommodations planning: 2 nights in San Francisco, 2 nights in Monterey, 2 nights in Yosemite National Park, 2 nights in Napa Valley, 1 night in San Francisco. (I like to try to spend at least 2 nights in a location unless it cannot be helped.)

Love a road trip like us? Check out these epic road trip itineraries:

• 10 Day West Coast Road Trip from Seattle to San Francisco
• 2 Week Utah and Arizona Road Trip
• 6 Southwest USA Road Trip Itineraries

Are we there yet? Check out our epic list of 250 road trip questions to keep everyone entertained along the way!

10 Day California Road Trip Itinerary Details

Days 1-3 in san francisco (2 nights).

We flew in and out of SFO. Our flight arrived mid morning so we were able to do a lot on our first day in San Francisco.

Make sure to check out the major tourist attractions like Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, China Town, and Lombard Street. Read this post for more details on our top ten things to do in San Francisco and my absolute favorite, the Mission District !

We personally think there is no need for a car in San Francisco- we like to use Uber, cable cars, and our trusty feet! We walked on average five miles each day while we were in San Francisco. Beware the hills are no joke!! If you do go ahead and pick up your rental car when you arrive, be prepared to pay for parking at your hotel. Parking in the city can be insane (like $75 per night insane!).

Instead, plan to pickup your rental car on your way out of town. We have found that it’s cheaper and more convenient to get a rental car from the airport. The key is returning your car to the same location you picked it up from. We have found one way car rental prices can sometimes be outrageous in the United States.

Days 3-5 Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel-by-the Sea, & Big Sur (2 nights)

Leave San Francisco around noon on Day 3 and drive 2 hours to Monterey.

We’ve done this drive several different times so you have options!

During our first California road trip we stopped along the way at Stanford University, did a drive-by of the Apple headquarters, and a stopped for a photo opp in Santa Cruz. If you have any extra time, consider spending the afternoon here as there are a ton of fun things to do in Santa Cruz ! We also love to stop and see athletic facilities at big name colleges and universities during our road trips. It’s never too early to start college tours with our kids! (Just kidding…well not really. LOL)

But to be honest, my very favorite option is to stop and see the redwoods in Big Basin Redwoods National Park on your way to Monterey…these giant trees will make your jaw drop! Something to consider is this option is a longer drive time and the roads aren’t the best if you get car sick. Read more on how to spend just one hour exploring Big Basin and experience the giant redwood trees!

Pro Tip : California is super dog friendly! If you’re traveling with your four legged bestie, check out this guide to the top dog friendly beaches in California

It is totally your choice whether you stay in Monterey or Carmel-by-the Sea as they are only about 15 minutes apart. We love both towns, but they have very different vibes. Monterey I think is a bit more affordable as Carmel is known to cater to the wealthier crowd. But Carmel is the cutest little European-esque town in California. Carmel also doesn’t have a lot of big brand name hotels.

Whichever town you sleep in, you must at least visit both! While you’re in the area consider vising the world class Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row. Then be sure to drive partially down Highway 1 towards Big Sur. Stop for a photo opp at Bixby Bridge. If you have time and the wait isn’t too long, stop for lunch at Nepenthe! The views are totally worth it!

**If you’re able to work in more time driving down Pacific Highway 1, be sure to check out some of these scenic views, awesome hikes, and other hidden gems of Big Sur!

Also for the golf fans in your group check out Pebble Beach and do the famous 17 Mile Drive. Most of the Pebble Beach golf courses have tee times available to the public and don’t require a lodging reservation, except Pebble Beach Golf Links. If you want to play Pebble Beach Golf Links (and you’re not staying on property) you can still get a tee time by calling the day prior to find out if they still have availability.

Days 5-7 in Yosemite National Park (2 nights)

Spend half a day finishing up exploring Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea and drive 4 hours to Yosemite National Park.

Make sure to book your accommodations in advance. Like way far in advance! What you do during your day and a half in Yosemite National Park will depend on where you end up staying. We ended up having to stay almost 45 minutes away from Yosemite Village because I didn’t plan far enough in advance.

In addition, I highly recommend checking the National Park’s website before you go to check on any closures. I had planned to visit Mariposa Grove to see the giant sequoia’s only to find out literally on the way in that it was closed. I had to change our plans really quickly!

We love nature and we love hiking. But I’m the kind of person who doesn’t particularly feel comfortable hiking on my own. You can certainly explore the main village area and even see Yosemite Falls on your own, but we tend to get more out of a quick visit when we hire a tour or guide. We chose to do an eight mile hike with Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides . Our guide did a fabulous job showing us the highlights and helping us get the most out of our full day in Yosemite National Park. He was very knowledgeable, entertaining, and patient with our family of four.

Yosemite is an outdoor paradise! If you are comfortable on your own, there are plentiful options for hiking, rock climbing, or bouldering in Yosemite !

Days 7-9 in Napa Valley/ Sonoma (2 nights)

Spend half a day finishing up exploring Yosemite National Park and then drive 4 hours to Napa Valley.

Where you stay probably will depend a lot on who you are traveling with. We stayed at a Courtyard Marriott with a central location that was kid friendly. Read more in our family friendly guide to Napa Valley !

Because I was trying to balance adult and child activities on our road trip, we chose to spend our second day at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. I would not do this again. This particular Six Flags amusement park was run down and a huge disappointment.

Instead, I would choose to explore the Sonoma area or visit Muir Woods if you didn’t see the giant redwoods on your way to Monterey. The redwoods are an absolute must in my opinion and should be included on this last day or earlier in the trip.

Day 10 San Francisco: Depart (1 night)

We chose to spend the final night in a hotel in San Francisco near the airport so we wouldn’t have to deal with traffic before our early flight. The drive from Napa/ Sonoma is about an hour and a half depending on traffic. If you have a later flight or aren’t concerned about driving early in the morning, you could certainly add on this final night anywhere during your 10 day California road trip. Personally, I’d probably stay an extra day in San Francisco because I literally can’t get enough of that awesome city!

California Road Trip Itinerary 10 Days

So what do you think of this 10 day road trip from San Francisco? I think it covers all the bases from outdoor fun to a city scene to wine country and more! It’s such a versatile vacation and to this day remains one of our family favorites!

Have you been to any of these California destinations? What did you think? Do you think you would try this 10 day California road trip itinerary? Tell me about your travels in the comments below!

If you found this 10 day California road trip itinerary helpful, please consider saving it on Pinterest or sharing it with a friend! And be sure to share your epic road trips on Instagram with these fun road trip captions !

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10 comments.

I might have missed it in the post but what time of year were you there. I am thinking of doing something similar next Easter but wonder if it will still be too cold in Yosemite? What do you think?

We went in July!! And it wasn’t hot. I think April will be find as long as you prepare accordingly ?

Such great ideas and we really need to make it back to california.

Thanks! We really love Traveling in California!

What a great trip! I’d love to do this drive one day.

It truly was one of our favorite trip’s to date!

This is fantastic! A California road trip is on my bucket list, I’m hoping we can fit one in next summer so I’ll be saving this for sure!

What an amazing road trip post! Can’t wait to use your advice when planning our California vacation! -Jen

This is so great! We’ve done something similar before but missed the Yosemite Falls and Redwood forest! I guess we have to go back now… Thanks for sharing 🙂

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5 Amazing Scenic Drives in Yosemite (with Best Stops+Maps)

This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Explore the awe-inspiring world of scenic drives in Yosemite National Park . Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of ancient sequoia groves, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking cliffs as you embark on these picturesque routes.

From the iconic Tunnel View to the serene Tioga Road, each drive promises an unforgettable experience, unveiling the grandeur of nature’s masterpiece at every turn. So fasten your seatbelt, roll down your windows, and let the captivating landscapes of Yosemite National Park take your breath away.

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9 Spectacular Yosemite Sunset Spots (No Hiking Needed)

Explore 9 Majestic National Parks in California (Tips+Top Experiences)

15 Best Stops on Tioga Road: Yosemite’s Scenic Highway (Useful Tips and Map)

17 Easy Hikes in Yosemite Perfect for All Ages (Useful Tips+Maps)

• 1. Yosemite National Park At-A-Glance
• 2. 5 Amazing Scenic Drives in Yosemite National Park
• 2.1. Yosemite Valley Scenic Drive
• 2.1.1. Map of Yosemite Valley Scenic Drive with 13 Best Stops Along the Way
• 2.1.2. Tips for Navigating the Yosemite Valley Scenic Drive
• 2.1.3. 13 Best Stops on Yosemite Valley Scenic Drive
• 2.2. Tioga Road Scenic Drive
• 2.2.1. Map of Tioga Road Scenic Drive with 15 Best Stops
• 2.2.2. Tips for Navigating Tioga Road Scenic Drive
• 2.2.3. 15 Best Stops on Tioga Road Scenic Drive
• 2.3. Glacier Point Road Scenic Drive
• 2.3.1. Map of Glacier Point Road Scenic Drive with 5 Best Stops
• 2.3.2. Tips for Navigating Glacier Point Road Scenic Drive
• 2.3.3. 5 Best Stops on Glacier Point Road Scenic Drive
• 2.4. Wawona Road Scenic Drive
• 2.4.1. Map of Wawona Road Scenic Drive with 9 Best Stops
• 2.4.2. Tips for Navigating Wawona Road Scenic Drive
• 2.4.3. 9 Best Stops on Wawona Road Scenic Drive
• 2.5. Hetch Hetchy Road Scenic Drive
• 2.5.1. Map of Hetch Hetchy Scenic Drive with 4 Best Stops Along the Way
• 2.5.2. Tips for Navigating Hetch Hetchy Road Scenic Drive
• 2.5.3. 4 Best Stops on Hetch Hetchy Scenic Drive

Yosemite National Park At-A-Glance

Before diving in, here are a few Yosemite National Park highlights to help you plan your trip:

• Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park

Make sure to read: 8 Best Times to Visit Yosemite (Find the Perfect Time for Your Adventure) to uncover the ultimate months for witnessing waterfalls, wildflowers, and Firefall phenomenon, avoiding crowds, enjoying summer adventures, capturing stunning photographs, embracing winter activities, and indulging in serene hikes. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your perfect Yosemite adventure, ensuring you experience its wonders at their most enchanting.

• Where to Stay When Visiting Yosemite National Park

Yosemite offers various lodging options within the park , ranging from campgrounds to lodges. Yosemite Valley is convenient for iconic sights, but accommodations fill up quickly. Outside the park, nearby towns like Mariposa and Groveland offer additional lodging choices, though be prepared for longer drives into the park. Make sure to read:  5 Towns Near Yosemite (with Best Places to Stay and Eat) . It is a comprehensive guide to the best places to stay inside the park as well as the towns that surround it.

• How to Get to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is accessible by car from various directions. But if you are looking to elevate your journey with the ease of flying, we have got you covered! Dive into the Ultimate Guide to Airports Near Yosemite , complete with Pro Tips to ensure your access is as seamless as the breathtaking vistas that await.

• How to Get Around in Yosemite National Park

Getting around Yosemite National Park is primarily done by car , as the park is vast and public transportation options are limited. There is a free Yosemite Shuttle Bus connecting major points of interest. During peak seasons, parking can be challenging, so utilizing the shuttle system and planning to arrive early can help. Make sure to read: Best Yosemite Shuttle Bus Guide (Useful Tips+Maps+Routes)

• How Much Does It Cost to Vist Yosemite National Park

In order to visit Yosemite National Park, you need to purchase a recreational day-use pass , which costs $35 per vehicle and is good for 7 consecutive days. You can purchase the pass right at the entrance to the park. If you are visiting several national parks then make sure to get America the Beautiful National Park Pass . This $80 pass is valid for 12 months and gets you into all 400+ national park sites!

• Check Yosemite National Park Website for Trail Closures and Changes to Shuttle Operations

It is important that you check Yosemite National Park’s Website for any trail or road closures prior to going to the park. You can check for updates HERE .

5 Amazing Scenic Drives in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite valley scenic drive, map of yosemite valley scenic drive with 13 best stops along the way.

Tips for Navigating the Yosemite Valley Scenic Drive

Nestled within the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, Yosemite Valley is a natural wonderland that showcases some of the park’s most iconic landmarks.

Let’s delve into the essential details to ensure you make the most of your Yosemite Valley Scenic Drive adventure:

• Location: Yosemite Valley is situated in the western part of Yosemite National Park, accessible from various park entrances.
• How to Get There: The main roads leading to the valley are Highway 41 (Wawona Road) from the South Entrance and Highway 140 (El Portal Road) from the Arch Rock Entrance. Alternatively, if you’re entering from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, take Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Road). During peak seasons, park shuttles are available and provide a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the valley.
• Length of Scenic Drive: The Yosemite Valley Scenic Drive spans approximately 13 miles (21 kilometers), making it a relatively short and leisurely drive. However, you’ll want to allocate sufficient time to stop at various viewpoints, take short hikes, and soak in the breathtaking vistas.
• Starting Point: The drive typically commences from Yosemite Village, located near the center of Yosemite Valley. Here, you’ll find visitor services, including the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, where you can gather information about current conditions and obtain maps.
• End Point: The Yosemite Valley Scenic Drive forms a loop, bringing you back to Yosemite Village, where your journey began.
• Parking: Various parking lots are available throughout the valley. However, due to the park’s popularity, finding parking during peak seasons can be challenging. Arriving early in the day is recommended to secure a parking spot at popular trailheads and viewpoints.
• Other Important Details: Keep in mind that the Yosemite Valley Scenic Drive offers numerous opportunities to witness iconic landmarks such as El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome. Plan to stop at designated pullouts and viewpoints for the best photo opportunities and to take in the awe-inspiring vistas. Additionally, consider exploring some of the valley’s famous hiking trails, such as the Yosemite Falls Trail or the Mist Trail leading to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall.

13 Best Stops on Yosemite Valley Scenic Drive

• Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is an ideal starting point for exploring Yosemite Valley. You will find informative exhibits and interactive displays where you can learn about the park’s diverse ecosystem, geology, and rich cultural history.

GOOD TO KNOW: The Visitor Center is open year-round and offers free daily ranger-led programs, including nature walks and talks, providing deeper insights into Yosemite’s natural and cultural heritage.

• Cook’s Meadow

Just a short stroll from the Visitor Center, Cook’s Meadow will treat you to awe-inspiring vistas of Yosemite Falls , North America’s tallest waterfall. With the flowing Merced River and lush greenery, this serene meadow provides a picturesque setting for memorable moments.

GOOD TO KNOW: Cook’s Meadow is named after James Mason Hutchings’ wife, Elvira Cook, who explored and advocated for Yosemite’s protection in the 1850s.

• Lower Yosemite Fall

Take a gentle, family-friendly hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, where you will feel the thundering force of the waterfall. During the spring and early summer, when the snowmelt is abundant, the falls display their most powerful and majestic cascades.

Scenic Drives in Yosemite /  Yosemite Fall

• Horsetail Fall View

In late February, if weather conditions align, you might witness the breathtaking “Firefall” phenomenon at Horsetail Fall. As the setting sun illuminates the waterfall, it appears as if molten lava is flowing down the cliff, creating a rare and magical spectacle.

• El Capitan Meadow

The meadow offers a perfect setting to admire the magnificence of the iconic granite monolith, El Capitan which dominates the landscape. It will captivate you with its sheer size!

GOOD TO KNOW: El Capitan is one of the most famous climbing destinations in the world, attracting climbers seeking to conquer its challenging routes.

PRO TIP : Bring binoculars or a camera with a good zoom to get a closer look at climbers on El Capitan.

Scenic Drives in Yosemite /  El Capitan Meadow

• Yosemite Valley View

This overlook offers a breathtaking panorama of Yosemite Valley, with El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome creating an unparalleled scene. During sunrise and sunset, the valley glows with warm hues, creating an amazing visual experience.

GOOD TO KNOW: Ansel Adams, the renowned photographer, captured his iconic “Clearing Winter Storm” image from this viewpoint in 1940.

• Tunnel View

One of the most famous and most photographed viewpoints in the world, Tunnel View offers an astounding vista of the valley’s iconic landmarks. Framed by towering cliffs, the scene includes El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, and the Merced River winding through the valley.

GOOD TO KNOW: The Tunnel View was named after the Wawona Tunnel, which leads through the mountainside and emerges into this breathtaking panorama.

• Bridalveil Falls View

Take a moment to witness the graceful Bridalveil Fall from this distinct viewpoint, revealing a different angle of the waterfall as it plunges 620 feet down into the valley.

PRO TIP: Take a few minutes and wait for a rainbow! The mist created by Bridalveil Fall is responsible for the formation of beautiful rainbows, adding to the charm of this stunning landmark.

Scenic Drives in Yosemite /  Cathedral Spires

• Cathedral Beach

Nestled along the Merced River, Cathedral Beach provides a serene and idyllic atmosphere. Enjoy the famous views of Cathedral Rocks reflecting in the Merced River.

• Sentinel Fall View

A lesser-known yet captivating viewpoint, Sentinel Fall View offers a glimpse of the picturesque Sentinel Fall as it cascades down from Glacier Point.

GOOD TO KNOW: Sentinel Fall is one of Yosemite’s tallest waterfalls, measuring around 2,000 feet in total drop.

• Swinging Bridge

Swinging Bridge, though not as thrilling as the name suggests, provides a pleasant pedestrian crossing over the Merced River.

• Yosemite Valley Chapel

The historic Yosemite Valley Chapel, built in 1879, exudes charm and tranquility. This small chapel offers a peaceful retreat and continues to host religious services and weddings.

GOOD TO KNOW: The chapel’s design and construction were led by Galen Clark, one of the early advocates for the preservation of Yosemite.

PRO TIP: Attend Sunday services to experience the chapel’s serene ambiance.

• Sentinel Bridge

As one of the prime photography spots in Yosemite, Sentinel Bridge offers postcard-worthy reflections of Half Dome and Sentinel Rock in the Merced River.

GOOD TO KNOW: The bridge provides access to Southside Drive and is a popular spot for capturing sunrise and sunset images of Yosemite’s landmarks.

Tioga Road Scenic Drive

Map of tioga road scenic drive with 15 best stops.

Tips for Navigating Tioga Road Scenic Drive

The Tioga Road Scenic Drive is a mesmerizing journey through the high country, that will captivate you with some of the most remarkable landscapes in the Sierra Nevada. This iconic route traverses rugged mountains, glacial lakes, pristine meadows, and ancient sequoia groves, making it a must-do adventure for anyone visiting Yosemite National Park.

• Location : Tioga Road, also known as Highway 120, spans across the heart of Yosemite National Park.
• How to Get There : To access the Tioga Road Scenic Drive, you can enter Yosemite National Park through the Big Oak Flat Entrance located on Highway 120 west of Yosemite Valley or the Tioga Pass Entrance located on Highway 120 east of Yosemite Valley.
• Length : The Tioga Road Scenic Drive covers approximately 46 miles through the heart of Yosemite National Park. The drive can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the number of stops and exploration activities along the way.
• Start and End Points : The drive can be started from either the Big Oak Flat Entrance or the Tioga Pass Entrance. If you’re coming from San Francisco or the western part of California, the Big Oak Flat Entrance is the starting point. For those arriving from the eastern side, including the Eastern Sierra region, the Tioga Pass Entrance serves as the starting point.
• Parking : Parking is available at various points along the Tioga Road Scenic Drive, including popular stops like Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne Meadows, Olmsted Point, and more. However, during peak seasons, parking can fill up quickly, so arriving early in the day is advisable to secure a spot. Be prepared to park in designated lots and walk to the scenic viewpoints or trailheads.
• Seasonal Closure : Due to heavy snowfall, Tioga Road is typically closed in the winter months, usually from late fall until late spring or early summer. The opening and closing dates vary each year, depending on snow conditions. It’s essential to check the park’s website or contact the National Park Service for current road status before planning your visit.
• Gas and Services : There are no gas stations along Tioga Road, so it’s crucial to fill up your gas tank before embarking on the drive. Restrooms are available at Tuolumne Meadows and Olmsted Point.
• Altitude : The drive reaches elevations exceeding 9,000 feet, so be aware of the potential effects of high altitude. Stay hydrated and be mindful of any altitude-related symptoms, especially if you plan to engage in physical activities.

15 Best Stops on Tioga Road Scenic Drive

• Merced Grove

Merced Grove is a serene grove of giant sequoia trees, accessible via a moderate hike through a peaceful forest.

• Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias

This grove features impressive giant sequoia trees, including the “Dead Giant,” which visitors can walk through.

GOOD TO KNOW: The hike to Tuolumne Grove involves a steep descent on the way to the trees and a steep ascent on the return journey, so be prepared for an uphill climb on the way back.

PRO TIP : Bring a flashlight to explore the inside of the “Dead Giant” and experience the unique wonder of standing within a fallen sequoia.

• Lukens Lake

A hidden gem, Lukens Lake offers a serene setting with beautiful reflections of the surrounding forest in the calm waters.

• Olmsted Point

A stunning viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Tenaya Canyon, Clouds Rest, and Half Dome.

PRO TIP : Bring a pair of binoculars or a camera with a good zoom to better observe the climbers.

Scenic Drives in Yosemite /  Olmsted Point

• Tenaya Lake

A pristine glacial lake nestled amidst granite peaks and lush meadows. This is a popular spot for kayaking or fishing.

Scenic Drives in Yosemite /  Tenaya Lake 

• Tuolumne Meadows

A high-elevation, subalpine meadow surrounded by the Cathedral Range, Tuolumne Meadows will amaze you with its lush greenery and meandering Tuolumne River.

• Soda Springs and Parsons Memorial Lodge

Soda Springs is a natural carbonated spring, and Parsons Memorial Lodge is a historic stone building with beautiful architecture.

PRO TIP: Attend ranger-led programs and talks at Parsons Memorial Lodge to deepen your understanding of Yosemite’s unique features.

• Lembert Dome

A short hike from the parking area leads to an elevated viewpoint with breathtaking views of Tuolumne Meadows and the iconic Lembert Dome.

• Dana Meadows

Dana Meadows showcases picturesque alpine scenery with meandering streams and wildflower-filled meadows.

• Tioga Pass :

At an elevation of 9,943 feet, Tioga Pass is the highest highway pass in California, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

A serene alpine lake nestled in the shadow of rugged mountain peaks, Tioga Lake offers a peaceful respite.

Scenic Drives in Yosemite /  Tioga Lake 

• Nunatak Nature Trail

This short interpretive trail showcases the unique geology and plant life of the area, with informative signs along the route.

GOOD TO KNOW:  The Nunatak Nature Trail is wheelchair-accessible, making it a welcoming option for visitors of all abilities.

• Ellery Lake

Ellery Lake is a stunning alpine lake with crystal-clear waters and a picturesque backdrop of rugged mountains.

• Lee Vining and Whoa Nellie Deli

Lee Vining is a small town near the eastern entrance of Yosemite, offering dining and other services. The Whoa Nellie Deli, located inside the Mobil Gas Station, is a popular spot for delicious meals.

PRO TIP : Try the renowned fish tacos and enjoy the stunning views of Mono Lake from the outdoor patio.

Mono Lake is a surreal and ecologically significant saltwater lake with striking tufa towers rising from its surface.

Scenic Drives in Yosemite / Mono Lake 

Intrepid’s Tip:

Read:   15 Best Stops on Tioga Road: Yosemite’s Scenic Highway (Useful Tips and Map)

Glacier Point Road Scenic Drive

Map of glacier point road scenic drive with 5 best stops.

Tips for Navigating Glacier Point Road Scenic Drive

This spectacular route will lead you to Glacier Point, an elevated viewpoint offering panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra.

• Location : Glacier Point Road is located in Yosemite National Park. The road starts near the southern entrance of Yosemite Valley and winds its way up to Glacier Point, an elevation gain of approximately 3,200 feet.
• How to Get There : To access the Glacier Point Road Scenic Drive, start at Wawona Road.
• Length : The Glacier Point Road Scenic Drive is about 16 miles long, one way. The drive typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic and the number of stops along the way.
• Seasonal Closure : Glacier Point Road is typically closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. The opening dates vary each year, depending on snow conditions. It’s essential to check the park’s website or contact the National Park Service for current road status before planning your visit.

5 Best Stops on Glacier Point Road Scenic Drive

• McGurk Meadow

A peaceful meadow area where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and observe the flora and fauna. The meadow is especially beautiful during spring and early summer when wildflowers are in bloom.

• Taft Point Trail

Traft Point Trail is a short hike about 2.2 miles roundtrip. Highlights: Thrilling cliff-edge viewpoint with awe-inspiring views of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.

GOOD TO KNOW: Fissures in the granite create dramatic “Fissures of Wawona” formations near the edge.

Scenic Drives in Yosemite / Taft Point

• Sentinel Dome Trail

Sentinel Dome Trail is a short hike approximately 2.2 miles roundtrip offering a stunning 360-degree view of Yosemite Valley, including iconic landmarks like Half Dome, El Capitan, and the High Sierra.

GOOD TO KNOW: The famous Jeffrey Pine, once photographed by Ansel Adams, stood on Sentinel Dome until it fell in 2003.

PRO TIP: Visit for sunrise or sunset to experience the breathtaking colors of the sky and capture incredible photos.

• Washburn Point

Washburn Point is accessible via a short and easy walk from the parking area (approximately 0.5 miles roundtrip). It offers spectacular views of Half Dome, the surrounding Yosemite Valley, and the distant Sierra Nevada mountains.

Washburn Point provides a quieter and more intimate experience compared to the nearby Glacier Point, making it an excellent alternative for stunning vistas.

• Glacier Point

The crown jewel of the drive, Glacier Point boasts panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal, and Nevada Falls, and the surrounding High Sierra peaks.

GOOD TO KNOW : The Glacier Point area has restrooms, a gift shop, and a snack stand during peak seasons.

PRO TIP: Arrive early to secure a parking spot, especially during the busy summer months. Consider hiking the Four-Mile Trail to or from Glacier Point for an unforgettable adventure.

Scenic Drives in Yosemite / Glacier Point

Wawona Road Scenic Drive

Map of wawona road scenic drive with 9 best stops.

Tips for Navigating Wawona Road Scenic Drive

• Location : Wawona Road, also known as Highway 41, is located in the southern part of Yosemite National Park. The road connects the South Entrance of the park to the popular Yosemite Valley area.
• How to Get There : To access the Wawona Road Scenic Drive, you can enter Yosemite National Park through the South Entrance, which is accessible via Highway 41 from the town of Oakhurst.
• Length : The Wawona Road Scenic Drive is approximately 28 miles long, one way. The drive typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops along the way.
• Start and End Points : The drive starts at the South Entrance of Yosemite National Park and continues through Wawona, eventually leading to the iconic Yosemite Valley. The endpoint of the drive is at Tunnel View, offering a stunning panorama of Yosemite Valley.

9 Best Stops on Wawona Road Scenic Drive

• Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

The Mariposa Grove provides an opportunity to witness the unique habitat of the giant sequoias, with their fire-resistant bark and massive size adapted to survive and thrive in a specific ecological niche.

The grove offers various trails of different lengths and difficulty levels, that will allow you to explore the forest and encounter more giant sequoias.

Grizzly Giant is of the largest trees in the grove. It stands at over 200 feet tall and is estimated to be around 1,800 years old. It is one of the oldest and most iconic sequoias in Yosemite.

California Tunnel Tree is the famous sequoia that was tunneled through in 1895 to attract tourists. While you can no longer walk through it, it remains a fascinating historical landmark.

The Bachelor and Three Graces is a cluster of giant sequoias consisting of three closely spaced trees known as “The Bachelor” and “Three Graces.” The name originates from a painting that featured these majestic trees.

GOOD TO KNOW : Mariposa Grove is accessed via shuttle during the peak season to reduce traffic and protect the trees’ roots.

Scenic Drives in Yosemite /  Mariposa Grove (Tunnel Tree)

• Wawona Point

Wawona Point is a captivating viewpoint located within the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. From this vantage point, you will be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding forested landscape, including the majestic giant sequoias and the Wawona Valley.

GOOD TO KNOW: Wawona Point is easily accessible via a short hike from Mariposa Grove’s main trail system.

• Wawona Meadow Loop Trail

The Wawona Meadow Loop Trail is a gentle and family-friendly hiking trail that takes you on a tranquil journey through the beautiful Wawona Meadow. The loop offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and the iconic Wawona Dome.

• Wawona Hotel and Thomas Hill Studio

The Wawona Hotel, now known as Big Trees Lodge, is a historic hotel offering a glimpse into Yosemite’s past.

GOOD TO KNOW:  The Thomas Hill Studio is located nearby and showcases the works of the famous artist who captured Yosemite’s beauty in his paintings.

• Pioneer Yosemite History Center

The Pioneer Yosemite History Center offers a fascinating glimpse into the park’s past. The center features a collection of historic buildings and structures, including cabins, a covered bridge, a blacksmith shop, and a Wells Fargo office, which have been relocated from various parts of Yosemite to this site.

You will be able to learn about the lives of early settlers, indigenous people, and pioneers who once inhabited the region.

• Chilnualna Falls Trail

Chilnualna Falls Trail is a moderate hike that leads to a series of cascading waterfalls.

GOOD TO KNOW: The Chilnualna Falls Trail is approximately 8.2 miles round trip, so be prepared for a longer hike if you plan to explore the falls.

• Wawona Tunnel

The Wawona Tunnel is a 4,233-foot-long tunnel that burrows through solid granite, allowing vehicles to access Yosemite Valley from the Wawona area. It was completed in 1933 and dramatically reduced travel time to and from Yosemite’s southern entrance.

As vehicles emerge from the tunnel, they are greeted with awe-inspiring panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, including iconic landmarks such as El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.

Scenic Drives in Yosemite /  Wawona Tunnel 

A classic and iconic viewpoint, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome.

GOOD TO KNOW : Tunnel View is a popular stop, and parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

PRO TIP : Visit Tunnel View early in the morning for a stunning sunrise over the valley, or in the evening for sunset when the granite cliffs glow with warm hues.

Scenic Drives in Yosemite /  Tunnel View

• Bridalveil Fall

A short walk leads to the base of Bridalveil Fall, where you can experience the thundering water and feel its refreshing mist.

GOOD TO KNOW: The walk to Bridalveil Fall is relatively easy, but be prepared for some misty conditions near the waterfall.

Hetch Hetchy Road Scenic Drive

Map of hetch hetchy scenic drive with 4 best stops along the way.

Tips for Navigating Hetch Hetchy Road Scenic Drive

Escape into the lesser-known, yet equally captivating, part of Yosemite National Park with the Hetch Hetchy Road Scenic Drive.

This hidden gem will take you on an awesome journey to the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, a reservoir nestled within a breathtaking glacial valley.

• Location : Hetch Hetchy Road is located in the northern part of Yosemite National Park.
• How to Get There : To access the Hetch Hetchy Road Scenic Drive, you need to enter Yosemite National Park through the Big Oak Flat Entrance, located along Highway 120. From there, follow Evergreen Road to reach Hetch Hetchy Road.
• Length : The Hetch Hetchy Road Scenic Drive is approximately 8 miles long, one way. The drive typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes, allowing for a leisurely exploration of the area.
• Start and End Points : The drive starts at the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station and concludes at the O’Shaughnessy Dam, which forms the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
• Parking : Parking is available at the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station and at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir area near the O’Shaughnessy Dam. There is also a parking lot near the trailhead for the hike to Wapama Falls.
• Seasonal Closures : Hetch Hetchy Road is usually open year-round. However, during winter, some sections of the road may close due to snow or other weather-related issues.
• Facilities : Restrooms and drinking water are available at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir area near the dam.
• Day Use Fee : There is a day-use fee to access the Hetch Hetchy area. You can pay this fee at the entrance station or use your valid Yosemite National Park entrance pass.

4 Best Stops on Hetch Hetchy Scenic Drive

• O’Shaughnessy Dam

The O’Shaughnessy Dam forms the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and offers stunning views of the water against the backdrop of the valley.

GOOD TO KNOW : The dam features a pedestrian walkway with informative signs about the history of the dam and reservoir.

Scenic Drives in Yosemite /  Pedestrian Walkway on O’Shaughnessy Dam

• Hetch Hetchy Reservoir Viewpoint

This viewpoint offers a picturesque vista of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and the surrounding granite cliffs.

Scenic Drives in Yosemite /  Hetch Hetchy Reservoir 

• Wapama Falls 

Wapama Falls Trailhead marks the start of the hike to Wapama Falls, a stunning waterfall that thunders into the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.

GOOD TO KNOW : The hike to Wapama Falls is approximately 5 miles round trip and can be moderately strenuous.

Scenic Drives in Yosemite /  Wapama Falls

• Rancheria Falls Viewpoint (seasonal)

During the spring and early summer, when water levels are high, you can catch a glimpse of the beautiful Rancheria Falls cascading down the cliffs.

5 Towns Near Yosemite (with Best Places to Stay and Eat)

Read All the Posts About California in: 

California Travel Guide

Read All the Posts About United States in: 

United States Travel Guide

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An Epic Northern California Road Trip Itinerary (Guide + Tips From A Local)

last Updated: May 7, 2024 california Northern California

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Planning an epic Northern California road trip and looking for the best stops to make?! I’m here to show you all the highlights (think redwoods, deep blue lakes, and freshly shucked oysters)! You’ll be wondering why you didn’t take this road trip to Northern California sooner! 

What comes to mind when you picture NorCal? If you said towering redwoods , the granite peaks of Yosemite, and delicious wine regions, you wouldn’t be wrong! But we’ve also got a snow-capped dormant volcano (true story), that dramatic Pacific coastline, plenty of Victorian-era houses, and even the capital of California (no, it’s not LA or SF).

As I’m sure you could’ve guessed, Northern California is HUGE. And with that comes tons of diversity, in both its urban areas and stunning landscapes. You could spend months road tripping to Northern California and still not see it all. You will however feel that relaxed Californian attitude after just a few days in the state.

The area is so massive I even wrote a guide with over 300 things to do in NorCal ! While we won’t be knocking out all 300, we will be crossing off not one, not two, but THREE national parks in California on this Northern California road trip. I told you the itinerary I planned out is epic. 

→ Read Next: The BEST Road Trips in California (so many great ideas in here!)

I’ve lived in California for over 5 years now, and explore the Golden State every chance I get. Although I haven’t completed this entire NorCal road trip I’m suggesting in one go, I’ve been to all the stops — some, even multiple times! I’ve taken all my tips and included them in what I feel is the ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary → perfect for you all looking to explore the northern half of the state!

→ Psst: Check out my road trip packing guide for must-have items and other handy tips and tricks (helpful even if you’re an experienced road tripper, promise!)

Northern California Road Trip Itinerary Overview

• Start : San Francisco
• Stop #1: Yosemite National Park
• Stop #2: Lake Tahoe
• Stop #3: Sacramento
• Stop #4: Lassen Volcanic National Park + Burney Falls
• Stop #5: Redding/Mount Shasta
• Stop #6: Eureka/Trinidad
• Stop #7: Redwood National and State Parks
• Stop #8: Mendocino/Fort Bragg
• Stop #9: Napa /Sonoma
• Stop #10: Point Reyes
• End : San Francisco

Why take a Northern California road trip?!

Well for starters, NorCal is absolutely breathtaking. As I mentioned before, there’s craggy coastlines, towering redwoods, and delicious oyster picnics!

In addition, the state is just too damn huge to road trip through all at once. I mean, maybe if you had a month plus that’d be slightly doable. While I’m beyond obsessed with the Pacific Coast Highway and southern California , a trip to Northern California is oh so different.

If you’re looking to get a bit off the beaten path and delve from the ordinary, a road trip to Northern California will be perfect for you. 

How Long Will this Road Trip in Northern California take?

This is a super tricky question, because you could honestly spend months exploring NorCal! I say, plan for as long as you’ve got! If you wanna see all the stops on this Northern California road trip itinerary I’ve planned, aim for at least 3 weeks. You can probably do it in 2, but it’ll be super crammed and you’ll do too much driving vs. exploring in my opinion.

If you’ve got less than 2 weeks, I’d pick out a few spots below which pique your interest the most. Look at the map below and try to keep the places you pick close-ish together.

Only have a week or so? Leave off Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. While they’re actually some of my favorite places in Northern California, these two spots are a bit further away from the others, so it doesn’t make sense to include them on a shorter trip. You can easily spend 3-4 days in each, so best to save them for another trip when you can really give them the time they deserve. 

Things to Know Before Driving Around Northern California

Getting to San Francisco

First things first, if you’re not a resident of San Francisco, you’ll of course need to get yourself there (stop #1). Since SFO is a major international airport, and a hub for many airlines, you can easily find cheap airfare within the states. You can start this NorCal road trip in Sacramento, but I have a feeling you’ll probably find cheaper airfare to San Francisco.

Renting a Car

Since this is in fact a road trip , you’ll need a vehicle to get you from place to place! Worth mentioning so you don’t forget to account for the cost of a rental car when following this Northern California road trip itinerary! I like to search via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price (and frequently save a fair bit of money!).

Filling up on Gas

While this Northern California road trip makes a bunch of stops in highly visited areas, it does take you through some more rural spots. Because of that, you’ll wanna make sure to fill up when you see a station if you’re getting to about ½ a tank. 

Some areas will be much more expensive than others, but if you’re not from California, you’ll find that gas prices are probably (much) higher than you’re used to regardless. Gas is the highest in the nation (on par with gas in Hawaii), so just take this account when planning your NorCal road trip budget.

I like to use the app GasBuddy to check out locations and prices of gas stations nearby. Google Maps has also started including gas prices for stations as well.

Traffic in Northern California

While you’ll definitely encounter traffic in certain areas (Bay Area, Sacramento, and likely, Lake Tahoe), you’ll be pleasantly surprised that most of Northern California isn’t super crowded. Yes, there’ll be other cars on the road, but 2352342 times less than in southern California. 

Do note you’ll encounter one-lane roads on certain state highways and other smaller areas. Be patient, let locals pass you, and always pull over at pullouts if you’re driving slower than others. Don’t be that driver with a long line of cars behind them (just please don’t — it aggravates everyone).

Toll Roads in Northern California

You’ll come across some toll roads (and bridges) on this road trip to Northern California. We use FastTrack to automatically pay tolls (kinda like EZ Pass on the East Coast). Some tolls will not take cash, including the drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re not using a FastTrack, you’ll need to look out for bills in the mail, sent to the address linked to the license plate.

Renting a car? I highly recommend asking your car rental company about any toll collection policies ahead of time so there’s no surprises when you return the car. It may be wise to rent a FastTrack from them, but they can sometimes be pretty expensive (depending on the way the rental agency rents them out).

What to Pack for a Northern California Road Trip

Definitely pack a light, waterproof jacket (especially for the coast), and plan to wear layers for outdoor activities (the weather changes fast here). A reusable water bottle will be perfect — the tap water here in California is delicious and definitely drinkable! Keep a cooler in the car for picnic lunches when exploring more remote areas.

And if you plan on doing any hiking, you’ll wanna take along some hiking shoes with good traction. The trails can get slippery, especially during the misty morning.

When to Take this NorCal road trip 

Such a difficult question! But no matter the season, the weather changes quickly in Northern California. If you have ultimate flexibility, I’d choose September or October. Easily. The summer crowds are gone, the sun is out and about, and the leaves are just starting to change colors (in some spots). 

SF experiences an Indian Summer, meaning summer comes late in the city (August – October). Expect fog and chilly weather from May – July. Lassen National Park is best in late summer as well, as it’s usually still pretty snowy in June (meaning the popular trails may still be closed). 

Sacramento will be hotter than all the other destinations on this Northern California road trip, with Lake Tahoe seeing similar temps. The weather on the NorCal coast is finicky at best, but you’ll see lots of sun in early – late Fall (with the most rain December through February).

Where to Stay in Northern California

There’s an abundance of hotels everywhere in NorCal, but why not choose a few unique and exciting AirBnBs as well? Mix it up a bit! Psst: I’ll go into more detail below each stop on this road trip in Northern California, but here’s a few unique spots I’m dying to check out for myself:

• Cozy A-Frame Cabin In The Redwoods (Inverness): Imagine being surrounded by redwoods, yet only a few minutes drive from the coast and wineries. This bohemian A-Frame cabin is great for a small group of friends, small families, and couples who just wanna get away from it all.
• Floating Houseboat (Sausalito): Get the unique Sausalito houseboat experience here! With sweeping views of the bay, the surrounding rolling hills, and in the distance, the majestic slopes of Mt. Tamalpais, I can’t think of a better night in Sausalito. What an experience!
• Japanese-Inspired Oceanfront Retreat (Stinson Beach): Serene and private, this Japanese inspired retreat is just a 3 minute walk to town, the beach and trails! Wear your yukata (kimono) to the inside/outside bathhouse to experience a Japanese soaking tub. Sleep to the sound of waves, wake to bird songs.

If you want to go camping on your road trip in Northern California, that’s totally doable too! You can camp in state parks, in national forests, and on BLM land — and of course there’s designated camping spots! Always double check camping is allowed, and be mindful that you may need to reserve campsites. I’m not an avid camper so don’t have much info for you, but there’s tons of resources online. 

Northern California Road Trip Map

Here’s a Northern California road trip map to get you started! I find seeing all the destinations plotted on a map always helps me visualize my overall journey.

By following this route, you’ll see it takes roughly 26 hours (yes, TWENTY SIX hours!) to make the trip from San Francisco to Point Reyes (with all the stops in between of course). Take that into account when planning your trip (you don’t wanna be driving all day!).

Other road trip posts you may enjoy:

• Complete Pacific Coast Highway Guide (all my favorite stops – yes, all 75 of them!)
• BEST Road Trips in California (so many great ideas in here!)
• Utah’s National Park Road Trip Guide (plus Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon)
• New York City to San Francisco (the ultimate cross-country road trip!)
• Mini Road Trips from San Francisco (perfect when you don’t have enough time to do this full road trip in Northern California) 

The Complete Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Start: san francisco (1-3 days).

If you’ve never been to the City by the Bay before (San Francisco!), you need to spend a few days here! I’m partially biased, but it’s one of the best cities in the world (I moved here for a reason)! 

The city is SO diverse and there’s culture around each and every corner. With so many neighborhoods to explore and tons of beautiful look out spots with views of the famed Golden Gate Bridge, I promise you’ll never get bored. 

I’m listing out a few of my favorites below AND sharing my complete 3-day San Francisco itinerary to help you plan your perfect trip. In all honesty, there’s just too much to do here (not a bad thing), so just pick and choose what sounds interesting to you. And don’t forget to save some time for foodie excursions — the city is FULL of delicious eats!

Top things to do in San Francisco:

• Walk around the Mission District to see the thought-provoking murals (at Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley), and then devour a HUGE Mission Burrito (at either El Farolito or La Taqueria)
• Get some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge at either Crissy Field, Baker Beach, and Golden Gate Overlook, and/or walk over the bridge itself (just remember, it’s 2 miles each way!). Wanna see my all-time favorite view of the bridge? Head over to Battery Spence r!
• Drive or walk down Lombard Street, famous for its steep section with EIGHT hairpin turn
• Get a workout on some of my favorite steps and stairs , including the Lyon Street Steps (the whole neighborhood is gorgeous), the Hidden Garden Steps, and the 16 Avenue Mosaic Staircase 

• Explore the ethnic neighborhoods of North Beach and Chinatown — stroll down Grant Avenue (don’t miss the Dragon Gate), sip Chinese mai tais at LiPo Cocktail Lounge, and indulge in egg tarts from Golden Gate Bakery (if they’re open), and grab a slice of Sicilian at Golden Boy Pizza and a cannoli at Stella Pastry 
• Spend the day in Golden Gate Park waving hello to the bison, snagging free views from the Hamon Observation Tower (within the de Young Museum), walking around Stow Lake, sipping tea at the Japanese Tea Garden, getting your science on at the Cal Academy, and cooling off with some froyo from Twirl & Dip 
• Sign up for a tour of Alcatraz — you’ll take the ferry over and then wander the grounds on an audio tour, seeing the old jail cells, and learning about the history of the famous prison. It’s educational, historical, creepy, and impressive all in one.
• Be a tourist at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 to watch the sea lions play, get some mini donuts, have lunch at Boudins with some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, and take some cheesy tourist pics. The famous Ghirardelli ice cream sundaes aren’t too far from here, either!

What/Where to Eat:

• A ginormous mission burrito at either El Farolito or La Taqueria (can’t go wrong with either)
• Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) and green onion pancakes on Taraval Street — we love both Kingdom of Dumpling and Dumpling Kitchen. The pan fried dumplings are my all-time favorite.
• A few scoops at Bi-Rite and a cannoli at Stella’s (two of my all-time favorite sweet treats in San Francisco )

• Slurp up some ramen in Japantown (Marufuku, Ramen Yamadaya, and Hinodeya Ramen Bar are all fan favorites), then try a few Japanese desserts afterwards (mochi from Benkyodo, donuts from Mochill Mochidonut, a cute character crepe from Belly Good Cafe & Crepes, and taiyaki ice cream from Uji Time)
• Some authentic Italian at Original Joe’s — always get the ravioli as your side and save some room for butter cake for dessert!
• One of these super-fun restaurants in San Francisco (I have way too many suggestions to list them all here in this Northern California road trip guide)

Where to Stay:

There’s no shortage of accommodation options in San Francisco, BUT where you stay will GREATLY impact your few days in the city. I can’t stress this enough – all the neighborhoods are drastically different with entirely different vibes.

I recommend staying in the following neighborhoods: Hayes Valley, North Beach, Pacific Heights, the Marina, and Nob Hill. There’s tons of great restaurants over here, and these neighborhoods are pretty central to lots going on. Some popular faves:

• Hotel Vitale (a Joie de Vivre boutique hotel right on the waterfront)
• The Proper Hotel (retro and eclectic with inspired touches of the Old World)
• Hotel Kabuki (a chic, beautiful boutique hotel in Japantown with zen-like public spaces)
• Complete 3 Days in San Francisco Itinerary
• 125 Things to do in SF (my ultimate Bay Area bucket list)
• Best Spots to See the Golden Gate Bridge
• My Favorite Dessert Spots in SF
• Day Trip to Muir Woods from San Francisco

Stop #1: Yosemite National Park (2-4 Days)

DRIVE TIME from SF to Yosemite: ~4 Hours (~190 miles)

Nature lovers, rejoice. We’re off to the Sierra Nevada mountains — Yosemite National Park, to be exact! 

The park is famous for its granite formations, incredible cliffs, gushing waterfalls, deep valleys, and ancient sequoia groves. It’s majestic, awe-inspiring, grand, and utterly magnificent. There’s simply not enough adjectives to truly capture the spirit of the park. It’s a true work of art! No wonder Ansel Adams (a famous environmentalist and photographer) based so many of his pieces on the place!

Yosemite is regarded as California’s most attractive National Park. I mean, there’s a reason over 4 million people visit each year. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be blown away by Yosemite’s sheer size and magnitude — I promise. 

Since Yosemite is downright huge (roughly 1,200 miles), you’ll want a plan of attack before you visit. You’ll probably spend most of your time in Yosemite Valley checking out the iconic viewpoints and landmarks — including Half Dome and El Capitan, but don’t miss other parts of the parks as well!

Top Things To Do in Yosemite:

• Go hiking, of course! The Mist Trail, Four Mile Trail, and Half Dome (lottery permit required) are all great half-day/full-day (moderate-strenuous) options.
• Check out the sweeping panoramic view at Tunnel View; by far Yosemite’s most iconic spot, and no hiking required! You’ll see landmarks like El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and even Half Dome from here.

• Go for an easy stroll around Mirror Lake, a small, glacial lake known for its picturesque backdrop of granite domes (aka — don’t miss it)
• Take an epic drive on Glacier Point Road (weather and season permitting) for some of the best views in all of Yosemite, including the aptly named Glacier Point. This is also where you’ll find the 2-mile trailhead for Taft Point (beautiful for sunset).
• Get an up-close view of Yosemite Falls via the Upper Yosemite Falls trail, Lower Yosemite Falls trail, or even from Cook’s Meadow! It’s the tallest waterfall in North America at 2,424 feet!
• Walk along the giant sequoias at Tuolumne and/or Mariposa Groves — both worthy of some time. Look up; you’ll feel so tiny and humbled in their presence! Don’t miss the Grizzly Giant — the oldest and tallest tree in all of Yosemite.
• Experience Yosemite without the crowds at the Hetch Hetchy area, including the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, which is probably the most beautiful dam you’ll ever damn see.

You don’t come to Yosemite for the food (spend longer in SF to check out all my favorite restaurants). But thankfully, the park has more food facilities than other national parks!

The lodges within the park have a bunch of dining options, including the Ahwahnee Dining Room (it’s gorgeous), the Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court (for quick, casual meals), Mountain Room and Bar (slightly upscale), and even a Starbucks.

I recommend planning a picnic instead though!

So, here’s the thing with Yosemite. If you’re trying to cut costs, you’ll need to stay roughly 45 minutes to an hour outside of the park (sometimes longer). And combined with the driving within Yosemite itself, it makes for some long driving days. 

If you can swing it, I’d stay within the park itself at one of the few lodges — or, go camping! Inside the park there’s The Ahwahnee Hotel (completely bucket-list worthy), Yosemite Valley Lodge (near Yosemite Falls!), and Curry Village (camping vibes but not actual camping). There’s also a whole slew of campsites within the park. 

We’ve stayed at Rush Creek Lodge (literally minutes outside the entrance to the park) and LOVED it! Psst: You’ll need to make reservations way in advance for any of those, including camping, especially if you’re visiting in summer.

• One Day in Yosemite (I highly recommend longer though!)
• Visiting Yosemite in Winter (it’s a winter wonderland for sure!)

Stop #2: Lake Tahoe (2-4 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe: ~ 4 hours, 45 minutes (~205 miles)

Lake Tahoe is a dream come true. There’s fresh mountain air, brisk turquoise water, scenic short hikes, and epic sunsets. It’s actually the largest alpine lake in all of North America. There’s nothing much better than a few days in the mountains of Lake Tahoe, in my opinion. Making Tahoe the perfect stop on any Northern California road trip.

How long you stay solely depends on what you wanna do and how much time relaxing you wanna have. There’s hiking, driving around the lake , stand-up paddling, kayaking, boating, biking, lakeside strolls, and more. We love to visit the State Parks (D.L. Bliss, Sand Harbor, and Emerald Bay), walk the East Shoreline Trail, and stop at the various viewpoints.

Just FYI — the water is COLD, even when the sun is high in the sky and shining. Don’t plan on doing much swimming here unless you’re used to brisk, chilly waters!

Top Things To Do at Lake Tahoe:

• Go stand up paddling (SUP) or kayaking in the aqua colored waters of Sand Harbor (the water is so super clear and the rocks/smooth granite boulders are amazing!). This is my favorite spot in all of Lake Tahoe — don’t miss it; just get there early to beat the crowds!
• Visit Emerald Bay State Park and make the steep one mile hike down to Vikingsholm Castle Historic Site, a castle with Scandinavian architecture that you can tour.
• Go on a hike! There’s no shortage of trails here at Lake Tahoe, ranging from super short ones like Eagle Rock Trail and Cave Rock, to longer, more strenuous hikes including the Rubicon Trail (popular and famous for a reason) and the short but steep Vikingsholm Trail.

• Go for a wander on the newly-completed East Shoreline Trail, taking you from Incline Village all the way to Sand Harbor — but you don’t need to walk the entirety to see spectacular landscapes. This is a must for anyone looking for those epic views of Lake Tahoe.
• Gawk at all the huge yachts in the Tahoe City Marina — we love picking out our favorites and guessing prices (haha).
• Drive around Lake Tahoe , stopping at all the viewpoints and different beaches along the way (my favorites including Hidden Beach, Memorial Point Scenic Overlook, Zephyr Cove, and Secret Cove)
• Go skiing/snowboarding and/or snow-tubing at one of 6 ski resorts, popular ones being Heavenly Mountain and Squaw Valley (weather and snow permitting of course!) Psst – the donuts and hot cocoa in Heavenly Village are delicious!

You may be surprised, but there’s actually a ton of great food (and coffee) in the area! We love Base Camp Pizza, Himmel Haus, Ten Crows BBQ (we’ve eaten here so many times), and The Hangar! Other options include Inclined Burgers and Brews, Tahoe Pourhouse, Glazed and Confused (for donuts!), and Free Bird and I.V. Coffee Lab (for coffee).

Where to Stay: 

Thankfully, there’s lots of hotel and accommodation options in Lake Tahoe. The major towns (where you’ll find most of these places to stay) are in South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, Kings Beach, Tahoe City, and Truckee. A few recommendations below:

• South Lake Tahoe : Hotel Azure , Basecamp Tahoe South , Hard Rock Hotel & Casino , Hotel Becket
• North Lake Tahoe (including Incline Village and Tahoe City): Hyatt Regency , Franciscan Lakeside Lodge , and Basecamp Tahoe City
• Truckee (a few minutes northwest of Tahoe): Northstar Lodge , Walk Resorts Lake Tahoe , The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe
• Driving around Scenic Lake Tahoe (all my favorite stops)

Stop #3: Sacramento (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Lake Tahoe to Sacramento: ~2 hours (~110 miles)

Sacramento, the State Capital of California, kinda gets brushed off as just another city, but it’s recently become pretty cool! There’s now microbreweries, trendy boutiques, elegant Victorian-era homes, leafy parks, and farm-to-fork cuisine, all blending seamlessly into a chic urban vibe. It’s seriously underrated!

I mean, a few of my friends have even bought houses here, so I guess it’s not all bad! 

History lovers will fall in love with all things state capitol, as there’s the Capitol Museum, Old Sacramento Waterfront, California State Railroad Museum, and Sacramento History Museum.

Local Tip → if you’re doing your Northern California road trip in the fall (the best time in my opinion), you’ll be passing through Placerville on your way from Tahoe to Sacramento. Do yourself a favor and stop in Apple Hill for some festive fall treats, like caramel apple pecan pie, apple cider milkshake, and apple cider donuts. Mmmm….

Top Things To Do in Sacramento:

• Walk alongside the Sacramento River at RiverWalk Park, then cross over the iconic yellow Tower Bridge into the Old Sacramento Waterfront District
• Visit California’s State Capitol building → you can even take a tour (available every day between 9am-4pm). Don’t miss the gorgeous grounds surrounding the building, and pay a visit to the museum as well

• Join the coffee culture (it’s a big thing here in Sac) — lots of coffee shop recs below!
• Admire some statement art pieces (and learn some history, too!) at the Crocker Art Museum, a staple of Sacramento Art and Culture
• Visit Old Sac(ramento) for some old timey, western vibes (and don’t miss the California Railroad Museum!). It’s full of Gold Rush-era buildings, cobblestone streets, and even horse-drawn carriages.
• Hunt for colorful murals around town; there’s constantly new pieces from the Wide Open Walls and Sacramento Mural Festival (my kinda festival!). Don’t miss the Lady Bird mural at 901 16th Street, Michelle Obama Mural at 1409 Del Paso Blvd, and the Here Comes the Sun mural at 1818 X Street

What/Where To Eat:

As mentioned above, Sac is now a haven for foodies! There’s a whole bunch of trendy brunch spots, hip coffee spots, and eclectic dining for dinner. I’m adding an extra section for coffee because there’s just so many great coffee shops! Here’s our favorites, and where we can’t wait to indulge in next: 

FOOD/DRINK: Yard House (modern and casual, yet upscale at the same time, with over 100 draft brews and craft cocktails), Punch Bowl Social Sacramento (for some bomb chicken and waffles), Fizz Champagne & Bubbles Bar (go for some wine and charcuterie), The Bank (upscale food court in a refurbished bank),  Beast + Bounty (hip Californian restaurant), Hook and Ladder (another Californian restaurant)

COFFEE: Temple Coffee Roasters (an absolute must!), Vampire Penguin on K, Goodside Coffee, Pachamama Coffee, Camellia Coffee Roasters, Naked Coffee Roasting & Cafe

Sac is larger than many think, with many different neighborhoods. You’ll wanna stay in Downtown Sacramento, the quintessential business district, located right in the city center! I’ve heard great things about the following hotels:

• Kimpton Sawyer Hotel : a stylish hotel with a pool and chic dining, plus in-room yoga mats
• The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection : sophisticated and elegant lodging with a stylish restaurant, bar, and fitness center 
• Hyatt Regency Sacramento : contemporary rooms, posh dining, and a cocktail bar (plus an outdoor pool and spa)
• The Inn & Spa at Parkside : stately mansion with elegant rooms and gourmet breakfasts (!!!)

Stop #4: Lassen Volcanic National Park + Burney Falls (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Sacramento to Lassen: ~3 hours (160 miles)

From steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pots, to piping fumaroles and remnants of volcanic activity. That, my friends, is Lassen Volcanic National Park in a nutshell .  I just couldn’t believe how bad certain parts of the park smelled (due to the sulphur, which smells juuuust like rotten eggs).

While Lassen is definitely a little less discovered than other parks, I highly recommend adding it to your Northern California road trip itinerary. It’s even called a mini Yellowstone, boasting similar natural phenomena to the (super crowded) park in Wyoming.

Promise me you won’t miss nearby Burney Falls — it’s my all-time favorite waterfall in California (well, maybe besides McWay Falls in Big Sur ). 

Top Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park:

• Make short stops at Lake Helen, Emerald Lake, and Manzanita Lake (for stunning reflections of the Lassen Volcano)
• Smell the sulphur at Sulphur Works – an active hydrothermal area. And when I say active, you have no idea how active! Walk over to the bubbling mud pot and steaming vents, and you’ll see what I mean!

• Hike the Bumpass Hell Trail, a three mile round-trip hike leading to a boardwalk full of all kinds of crazy things. Here you can listen to bubbling mudpots, watch the steam escape from a fumarole (named Big Boiler), marvel at the unusual multi-colored soil, and watch the boiling pools of water. Note that the trail typically does’t open until mid-June/early July due to high snowfall in the winter months.
• Marvel at Burney Falls (it’s been called the eighth wonder of the world for a reason!). I even dubbed it as one of the most beautiful places in California . I recommend doing the short loop hike that takes you down past the falls.

Unfortunately, there’s a serious lack of food options in the national park (to be expected) and between the waterfalls. I encourage you to bring our own picnic lunches (we typically buy sandwiches at a grocery store near our hotel).

There’ll be plenty of food options in Redding if you decide to stay there (next stop on our list anyways, so might as well condense the number of times you unpack!).

While it’s not impossible to find hotel accommodation located directly in the park, your best bet is to stay in Redding/Anderson (45 miles west of the park) or Chester (30 miles south of the park). 

• Redding: TownePlace Suites Redding , Fairfield Inn and Suites , Hilton Garden Inn

MORE INFO: 

• The Complete Guide to Lassen Volcanic National Park 

Stop #5: Redding/Mount Shasta (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Lassen to Redding: ~1 hour (~50 miles)

Longing for some sunshine? With over 300 sunny days, you’re bound to find some warm air in Redding (and fun fact: surprisingly, it’s actually the 2nd sunniest city in the US!). 

Redding icons include a giant sundial (morphed into a bridge), million-year-old caves, and spectacular views of Mt. Shasta from Castle Crags State Park. And plus, Downtown Redding has no shortage of public art spaces, music performances, and hot dining spots.

On the flip side, the rugged 14k-foot volcanic mountain of Mount Shasta is just begging to be explored; there’s backcountry skiing, climbing, and tons of panoramic views. And the skiing is almost half the price of similar conditions in Tahoe – win win.

Redding and Mount Shasta are about an hour away from each other, so definitely plan out your day/days in advance so you’re not zigzagging back and forth!

Top Things to Do in Redding and Mount Shasta:

• Walk across the Sundial Bridge and check out the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Trust me, this ain’t your average bridge — the glass block walkway and soaring white tower and suspension cables are pretty cool. (Redding)
• Sign up for a free, ranger-led kayak tour around Whiskeytown Lake — the Moonlight Tour would be an epic thing to add to your road trip to Northern California. (Redding)
• The Shasta Dam, across the Sacramento River, is not to be missed (and there’s a FREE tour)! The architecture is pretty grand, and the Shasta Dam is the second largest in the states after the Hoover Dam in Nevada. (Redding)

• Take a short catamaran ride on Shasta Lake en route to the limestone caves of Shasta Caverns, where stalactites, helictites, and rare formations await (between Redding and Shasta)
• Hike (or drive) around McCloud Falls, a series of three waterfalls each easily accessible from the parking lot. My favorite’s Middle Falls! (Shasta)
• Get your hike on at Castle Crags State Park, admiring the 6,000-feet tall crags. If you squint really hard, you may even see Mt. Shasta from the very top! (Shasta)
• Spend your whole day with stunning views of Mount Shasta from Castle Lake Road (Shasta)

The culinary scene is alive and well in Redding! Locals have a ton of old favorites, and there’s always new chefs popping up in town.

Here’s my top picks for food and desserts in Redding and around → Anthony’s Mediterranean Grill, The Parlor Ice Cream (for ice cream donut puffs), Dutch Brothers Coffee, Deja Vu (for breakfast/brunch), Taste & See Creamery (creative ice cream flavors), Cinders Wood Fired Pizza, and Jack’s Donuts (for more sweets). 

I’ve also heard Le Testimony Organic Bistro, Evergreen (for coffee), Theory Collaborative (for coffee), Mosaic (California-inspired), and Yak’s On The 5 (with a cult following!) are all really tasty!

It may be wise to stay at the same spot as you did for Lassen, if you’re like me and hate moving around every night or two.

• Mount Shasta: Mount Shasta Resort , McCloud Mercantile Hotel , Best Western Plus Tree House

Stop #6: Eureka/Trinidad (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Redding to Eureka: ~3 hours (~150 miles)

Imagine spending your time amongst the lush greenery of the towering redwoods, walking around old victorian architecture, and gazing at rugged and remote ocean landscapes. That’s Eureka in a nutshell ! 

The landscapes are stunning, there’s lots of talented local artists (hello colorful street art!), and the coast is craggy in this vibrant seaport city. It’s the quintessential California coastal town. 

And Trinidad is only a few miles north — I was OBSESSED with basically everything about it. Definitely don’t miss this spot. The rocky coastal landscapes are insane.

Top Things To Do in Eureka and Trinidad:

• Slather on the sunscreen and make the steep trek down to College Cove Beach — don’t miss the caves filled with starfish and sea anemone (or take the coastal trail above the beach to find the secret swing) (Trinidad)
• Soak up the rugged coastline on the Trinidad Fishing Pier over Trinidad Harbor, a popular crabbing spot with even more spectacular views (Trinidad)

• Wander around the handsomely restored Old Town district, and feel like you’re still in the Victorian era. Don’t miss the dozens of ornate 19th century Victorian homes, including the Carson Mansion and the Pink Lady! (Eureka) 
• Take a morning stroll along the Giant Sequoias at Sequoia Park, filled with tons of towering trees and even more cute pups (Eureka) 
• Go for the full flight of ciders (or go easy with an “ample sample”) at Humboldt Cider Company Tap Room (Eureka)
• Spend an afternoon wandering around the tiny town of Ferndale, a former dairy capital with Victorian-era ‘butterfat mansions

There’s a whole slew of dining options in Eureka and whole area, with my favorites below:

• Coffee:  Jitter Bean Coffee Co, Old Town Coffee & Chocolates, Gold Rush Coffee on Broadway, and Dutch Brother’s
• Breakfast: Renata’s Creperie (Arcata), Los Bagels (Eureka, Arcata), The Greene Lily (Eureka), Ramone’s Bakery & Cafe (multiple locations)
• Lunch/Dinner: Oaxaca Grill Restaurant (Eureka), Sixth and E Neighborhood Eatery (Eureka), Surfside Burger Shack (Eureka), Humboldt Bay Social Club (Samoa), Samoa Cookhouse (Samoa), Campground (Arcata)

Being one of the major towns on the NorCal coast, there’s tons of accommodation options in Eureka and nearby.

• Eureka: Carter House Inns (upscale lodging with Queen Anne architectural charm), Inn at 2nd & C (a largely restored hotel from the 1880’s with an old-school vibe),  Holiday Inn Express & Suites Eureka , Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay Inn , and Eureka Inn Trademark by Wyndam .

More Resources: 

• Weekend Getaway to Scenic Trinidad and Eureka 

Stop #7: Redwood National and State Parks (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Eureka to Redwood Parks: ~1 hour, 15 minutes (~50 miles)

Ancient and mysterious. Stately and powerful. Cool and dark and damp and pungent. I could go on and on with ways to describe these old-growth redwood trees. The redwoods are a true icon of NorCal — meaning, you won’t wanna miss them on your road trip to Northern California! I mean, the Northern California coast is the ONLY place in the WORLD you’ll find these coastal redwoods.

A lot of people get this confused, so I’ll clear this up right away — Redwood National and State Parks are actually a few parks in one, located on the coast in Northern California in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. The parks include: 

• Redwood National Park
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

An hour north outta the way (you’ll have to drive through Eureka to get back south to SF), but well worth the detour. I mean, this Northern California road trip has already brought you so close!

If you’re not feeling the extra driving, you could always hit up the Avenue of the Giants on your way to Mendocino or Muir Woods on your way back to San Francisco. You can also drive through a 315-foot redwood tree at Leggett’s Drive-Thru Tree Park (don’t forget to take a photo!) on the way back from Mendocino.

Psst: For this NorCal road trip, I’d stick to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Redwood National Park. The other two (Del Norte Coast and Jedediah Smith) are further north, adding extra driving time to your route.

Top Things to Do in Redwood National and State Parks:

• Apply for a permit to hike the never-crowded Tall Trees Grove Trail — only 50 cars are allowed in per day
• Find “Atlas”, one of the widest trees in the park at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, or just stroll around the 75 miles of trails amid old-growth redwoods 

• Wander through the fairy tale forest of the short yet stunning Fern Canyon , an unusual vertical-walled river canyon covered in leafy ferns (Fun Fact: Part of the 3rd Jurassic Park movie was filmed here!)
• Hike through a lush rainforest to a suspension bridge overlooking Trillium Falls — it’s absolutely mesmerizing 

Again, like other national parks in California, there’s not many options for food within the parks themselves. You’ll wanna bring along a picnic and/or have a big breakfast in Eureka/Trinidad.

Where to Stay: I recommend staying at the same accommodation in either Trinidad or Eureka, and making a day trip (or two) — depending on how much hiking you wanna do. Or, you could go camping in the parks if that’s your style!

Read Next: 

• 15 Places to See Redwoods and Giant Sequoias in California 
• Hiking the Fern Canyon Trail (everything you need to know)

Stop #8: Mendocino/Fort Bragg (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from the Redwoods to Mendocino: ~4 hours (~190 miles)

*If you’re staying in Eureka, it’ll be approximately 3 hours to get to Mendocino from here.

Get ready for misty mornings, dense redwood forests, and fern-covered canyons – Mendocino is any nature lover’s perfect weekend getaway! There’s stunning shorelines, mushroom ice cream (yup – I said mushroom), secluded beaches, sleepy sea lions, and magical sea caves. 

Since the drive from the redwoods to Mendocino will be one of the longest on this Northern California road trip, why not break it up? Go for one last breakfast in Eureka, and then you can stop at the Avenue of the Giants on the way (about half the way in Weott).

Drive slowly through the Avenue of the Giants, a scenic 30 mile highway running through 50,000 acres of redwood groves in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Put on your boots and walk through the clover-lined mini trails in the park (don’t miss the Founder’s Tree and Dyerville Giant)!

Top Things To Do in Mendocino and Fort Bragg:

• Spot the rainbow of sea glass on Glass Beach within MacKerricher State Park (but don’t take any with you)
• Smell the rhododendrons, begonias, and other beauties at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, then head to the water for great views of the rocky coastline 

• Sip wine with a view of the rocky Mendocino coast at Pacific Star Winery (one of the best places to stop on this Northern California road trip for wine and nature lovers!)
• Check out the numerous (and gorgeous!) state parks in the area, including Van Damme, Russian Gulch, Jug Handle, and Mendocino Headlands
• Climb aboard the world-famous Skunk Train in Fort Bragg , and ride into the nearby lush redwood forests. There’s two-passenger railbikes if you’re looking for something a bit more active. 
• Cowlicks Ice Cream: Possibly the best ice cream I’ve ever had. The line is long but the portions more than make up for it.
• Frankie’s: This small restaurant is known for both their pizza and ice cream (can’t go wrong with either — this is where we get mushroom ice cream!)
• MacCallum House: I heard people raving about the atmosphere and food → Definitely the spot to be for a cute brunch.  Kinda expensive, but kinda worth it.

• Patterson’s Pub: A local favorite in the area. Prices are good, beers are flowing, and you’re sure to find an interesting crowd at the bar.
• Wild Fish: Wanna surprise your partner with an amazing meal and ocean views? Make a reservation (the place is super tiny) at Wild Fish, a super romantic fine-dining restaurant. We love it here!
• Little River Inn: Another good place for a romantic dinner in a super charming spot

Where To Stay:

• Glendeven Inn & Lodge (my top pick). If you’re looking for a romantic place to stay, look no further than the Glendeven Inn. I can’t stop gushing about our stay there, I really can’t! Expect an in-room wood-burning fireplace, homemade breakfasts, and a location surrounded by the lush Van Damme State Park.
• Sea Rock Inn : We also passed by the cottages at Sea Rock Inn after walking around the Headlands, and I think we wanna check that place out next time we visit!
• Heritage House : A romantic seaside escape in a historic Gold Rush farmhouse?! Yes please! 
• Nicholson House : at the tippy top of my bucket list!

More resources: 

• The Weekend Guide to Mendocino and Fort Bragg 

Stop #9: Napa/Sonoma (2-3 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Mendocino to Napa: ~2 ½ hours (~115 miles)

Everyone’s heard of Napa. I mean, there’s wine – what’s not to love?! But haha, Napa is so much more than that – imagine lush rolling hills, miles and miles of vineyards, generous tasting pours, and some truly amazing restaurants (including the ridiculously-priced but highly sought-after French Laundry). It would be a shame not to include it on your road trip to Northern California!

While Napa is more glam-worthy, Sonoma is more spread out and expansive (at almost double the size of Napa!), with a much more chill vibe. Sonoma’s kinda like the gloriously laid-back sister of nearby Napa Valley, and we love it!

Sonoma even grows tons more varieties of grapes, meaning a larger selection of wines (although Chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and pinot noir are the most abundant)!

While we love both areas, I’d honestly pick either Napa Valley or Sonoma. It’s just just too spread out to do it all. My favorite towns in Sonoma are Petaluma and Healdsburg/Guerneville, while we enjoy winery hopping all over Napa Valley.

Top Things To Do in Napa

• Sip wine in a real-life castle at Castello di Amorosa (inspired by a castle in Tuscany), and then say hi to the baby goats on property!
• Stomp on grapes in a wine barrel at Sterling Vineyard (one of the messiest things to do in on this Northern California road trip), after taking the gondola up the hill for stunning vineyard views

• Gather supplies and feast on a gourmet picnic under the shady oak trees at V. Sattui with meats, cheeses, and even cheesy jalapenos! 
• Board the Napa Valley Wine Train for spectacular vineyard views while feasting on a first-class meal
• Float away in a hot air balloon above the vineyards of Napa Valley – and yes, it’s just as magical as it sounds!
• Cool off in a CAVE and learn about the winemaking process and see where barrels are stored on a winery cave tour 

Top Things To Do in Sonoma

• Walk along the Petaluma waterfront, and grab a slice of pie from Petaluma Pie Company and/or an ice/soft serve combo from Wicked Slush (one of my favorite day trips from San Francisco )
• Sip some wine and snack on gourmet foods in a modern castle at Ledson Winery & Vineyards (the grounds are spectacular!)

• Bring your blow-up floatie or inner tube and float down the Russian River (or just relax at Johnson’s Beach, one of the most popular things to do in Northern California, and more specifically, Guerneville !)
• Hike among the majestic sequoia trees at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve – they’re over 500 years old and over 200 feet tall!
• Go wine tasting in Alexander Valley, one of the best cabernet sauvignon growing regions in the world
• Learn about California history by checking out the Mission San Francisco Solano, the barracks, Toscano Kitchen, and other exhibits at the Sonoma State Historic Park (all in a span of 3 blocks)

The dining options are nearly endless here – from $500 multi-course michelin-star meals to a bustling marketplace full of trendy eateries! There’s tons of wine country casual hot spots to choose from.

In Napa we LOVE checking out the Oxbow Public Market, getting breakfast at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon (worth waiting in line for), having dinner on the outdoor patio at Bistro Don Giovanni, and having picnics at whatever vineyards allow it!

Sonoma is well-known for The Girl & The Fig (still on my must-eat list), Sunflower Caffe (one of my favorites!), my friends restaurant Sugo Trattoria (get the bruschetta – it’s so good), and KINSmoke (a southern bbq place).

Where to stay:

Accommodation in Napa Valley tends to be on the expensive side, especially during summer and fall. But don’t let that deter you — even if you can spend just one night I say go for it!

Napa: We’ve stayed at and love the Andaz Napa , and I’ve heard great things about River Terrace Inn , Hotel Yountville (the pool area looks divine!), and SENZA Hotel . And of course the Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley and Meritage Resort are both on my bucket list.

Sonoma: Check out the Ledson Hotel (upscale and elegant), Sonoma Hotel (historic!), El Dorado Hotel (chic with fine dining), and Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country .

There’s also quite a few unique stays in this area if that’s something you’re interested in:

• Sleep in a tent and go glamping at Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping (Sonoma)
• Feed the giraffes and stay in an upscale tent on a 400-acre wildlife preserve at Safari West , also known as the “Sonoma Serengeti” (Sonoma)
• Stay in a retro hotel and get a mud bath at Dr Wilkinsons Backyard Resort — I want to stay here so bad! (Napa)

Stop #10: Point Reyes National Seashore (1-2 Days)

DRIVE TIME from Napa to Point Reyes: ~1 hour, 45 minutes (~75 miles)

By now you’re probably exhausted from all the running around on this Northern California road trip (told ya there’s lots to do here!). BUT, I promise a day (or two!) in Point Reyes is well worth your time, especially if you’re up for a (stunning) coastal hike and some grilled oysters!

The area is known for its charming small town (Point Reyes Station), some of the best oysters in all of California, award-winning cheese, and green coastal landscapes. It honestly kinda looks like something outta an Ireland fantasyland (from my speculations, since, ermmmm, I haven’t made it to Ireland just yet).

FYI — Point Reyes is one of the foggiest, rainiest, and windiest places in all of the Bay Area. You’ll wanna dress in layers and keep a waterproof jacket in the car no matter when you visit. Unfortunately, the weather’s wildly unpredictable over here!

Top Things To Do in Point Reyes

• Walk down the equivalent of a 30-story building to the Point Reyes Lighthouse (one of the most strenuous things to do on this Northern California road trip by far!) Work those glutes!
• Find the Inverness Shipwreck (psst – it’s behind a small grocery store in Inverness, or simply put “Point Reyes Shipwrecks” into Google Maps). Don’t attempt to climb it — it’s old and unsteady and unfortunately deteriorating! Just admire from afar.

• Have an oyster picnic! It’s exactly what it sounds like! Feast on freshly harvested oysters (and even shuck and grill them yourself!) at Hog Island Oyster Company and/or Tomales Bay Oyster Company.
• Walk the (mostly flat!) 9.6 miles of the Tomales Point Trail or the much shorter 1.9 mile Chimney Rock Trail. Both are absolutely beautiful, and kinda hidden gems of Northern California. You’ll be able to see elephant seals on the beach below the Chimney Rock Trail (in the winter season), and Tule Elk on the Tomales Point Trail!
• Up your instagram game with a photo under the Cypress Tree Tunnel (but be sure to get there early – it’s popular with photographers and tourists).
• If there’s only one thing you eat in Point Reyes, make it oysters — this part of the coast is known for them for a reason! Check out either Hog Island, Tomales Bay Oyster Company, and if all else fails, The Marshall Store.
• Bovine Bakery: A local jaunt with a sustainable focus, with artisan pastries, cookies, pizza, and fair-trade coffee. A great little spot for breakfast or lunch (PS: the morning buns and rare savory scones are heavenly).
• Sir and Star at the Olema: If you’re looking for locally focused California fare, you need to make a reservation here. Sit by the fireplace, sip some wine, and order the beignets along with your dinner.

Surprisingly, despite its location, Point Reyes has more accommodation options than you probably think. You’ll find bed and breakfasts, hotels, cottages, and some epic AirBnbs around here. A few worth noting:

• Olema House at Point Reyes : It’s intimate and tranquil, — and plus, it’s surrounded by national forests!
• Nick’s Cove and Cottages : Nostalgic and welcoming and located right on the water!
• AppleGarden Cottage: A private bed-and-breakfast (located on a working farm!) just outside of Tomales/Point Reyes
• Straus Home Ranch : A beautifully renovated 150 year old farmhouse nestled between eucalyptus and cypress trees

End: San Francisco

DRIVE TIME from Point Reyes to San Francisco: 1 ½ hours (~60 miles)

Woo — officially made it back from our Northern California road trip! If you’ve got another day or two, continue checking out SF ( there’s loads to do ), or take a day trip ( I’ve got lots of good options here )! Some of my favorites and where I love bringing visitors: Muir Woods , Sausalito , Battery Spencer , and Half Moon Bay / Pacifica . 

Hope this helps you plan your Northern California road trip! Have a few oysters and ice creams for me!

Loo king for more California content? Explore my other California guides here!

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June 2, 2023 at 5:11 pm

Definitely agree that Lake Tahoe is a dream come true! Those crystal clear waters and fresh air can’t be beat!

July 19, 2023 at 9:36 am

I’m from the east coast and planning a trip to northern California and this is extremely helpful. Thank you so much!

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Wild California: The Best 14 Day Road Trip Itinerary

California was made for road trips! The natural diversity between ocean-side, deserts, redwood forests, and mountains make it the ideal place to explore. California has more National Parks than any other state in the U.S.

Our road trip route will take you through 6 of the 9 National Parks in California along with a few foodie hot spots, dramatic coastal views, and a popular city or two. This road trip itinerary favors outdoor explorers and food & wine enthusiasts. We also provide additional activities and suggestions that are ideal for family road trippers.

Disclaimer: This post is in no way sponsored, we paid for all the activities mentioned and all opinions are our own. This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase after clicking my link. Thank you for being a loyal reader!

California Road Trip Itinerary at a Glance

For our 14 Day California Road Trip Itinerary, the start point is San Diego and the end point is Crescent City.

• Day 1 & 2 – San Diego
• Day 3 – San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park to Ventura
• Day 4 – Channel Islands National Park
• Day 5 – Ventura to Big Sur to Kings Canyon National Park
• Day 6 – Kings Canyon National Park
• Day 7 – Kings Canyon to Sequoia National Park to Big Pine
• Day 8 – Big Pine to Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite National Park
• Day 9 – Yosemite National Park
• Day 10 – Yosemite to Lake Tahoe
• Day 11 – Lake Tahoe to Napa Valley
• Day 12 – Napa Valley to Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Day 13 – Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Day 14 – Lassen Volcanic to Redwood National Park to Crescent City

Our Style of Travel

We aren’t fans of the city, traffic, or crowds. Therefore, we tend to gravitate more towards smaller, charming towns and national parks. Don’t get us wrong- we love seeing iconic places such as the San Diego Zoo or Napa Valley, but this road trip itinerary will focus more on the wild side of California. We’re avoiding the tourist traps, only indulging in truly exceptional experiences, while taking the road less traveled.

Our idea of a good road trip includes stunning views, tasty food, fabulous wine, amazing outdoor activities, and back roads with little to no traffic. Road tripping at its finest! For us, the drive is just as important as the destination. Therefore, we’ve researched and driven the best routes and stops for the ultimate California road trip with the least crowds.

Also, as I’m sure you’ve deduced from our schedule, we like to see as many places as possible during one road trip. Time is precious and we enjoy experiencing different climates and terrain during a long road trip. Therefore, our itinerary does not leave much room for flex time in every location. There are many early mornings and late nights in our itinerary. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing schedule, this timeline is probably not for you! However, we still offer plenty of great suggestions to include in your version of the perfect California road trip!

Although splurging on one nice accommodation or luxurious meal from a top rated restaurant is not out of the norm for us, we usually maintain a strict road trip budget. That means that we keep our food purchases, accommodations, and tours under an agreed price cap.

We also prioritize the needs of our stay in certain locations to determine our budget for an Airbnb or hotel. Usually, at least twice throughout our road trip, we choose an Airbnb with a washing machine and dryer. This provides us the freedom to pack light; an important principle in planning a stress-free road trip.

In addition, a cooler with re-usable ice packs and daily essentials keep us company on long driving days. In a 14 day span, we may purchase groceries 2-3 times depending on our needs. Water bottles, packaged snacks, and fresh fruit stay well stocked in our cooler. This prevents us from snacking at fast food restaurants or convenience stores while we’re out and about. While we love trying new restaurants along the route, we minimize post-trip financial stress by eating many of our meals from our cooler.

Read more about our best tips and tricks for saving money while on a road trip!

Tips to Know Before You Go

Be aware of time zone changes when flying or driving into California when planning your daily itinerary. Also, the “busy” season for vacationers and National Parks is typically summer months and school holidays. The least crowded time to visit is winter, early spring, and late fall. Saturdays also tend to be busier, so avoid popular tourist attractions during the weekend.

• Winter: Enjoy less crowds, but may encounter snow on roads and in parks.
• Spring: Amazing wildflowers and cascading waterfalls, but may endure more crowds and wildlife encounters.
• Summer: Beaches and parks are at their best, but you’ll be battling tourists at most places. Also, highest chance for wildfires.
• Fall: Cooler temps and stunning fall colors, particularly in northern California; but weather is a bit more wet and overcast.

Although the majority of California enjoys lovely weather year round, there are a few weather considerations for a road trip. The summer months tend to be the peak of wildfire season. This can cause road closures and park closures as well as ruining some of California’s amazing views and air quality. Stay in the loop with fire incidents and watches with the Cal Fire website . The winter/ spring months also typically contain snow in popular parks such as Yosemite and Sequoia, which can also lead to road closures and partial park closures. Keep an eye on the park website for the latest info on closures. We traveled the popular Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as Highway One, to Big Sur in September. Unfortunately, the one day we dedicated to the drive left the PCH blanketed in heavy fog. We were unable to truly enjoy the sweeping vistas and ocean views because the mist was so thick. This is an important lesson about road trips—if mother nature doesn’t cooperate, remember there are plenty more things to see. Try to find joy and beauty in the experience anyway!

Direction of Drive

The start or end point of your California road trip really doesn’t matter too much. The drive is equally impressive from either direction. As noted above, you should take into account that the southern part of California tends to be more hot and dry, while the northern area of the state is cooler with more lush vegetation. This will affect the sights you see along your drive.

Traffic in California’s major cities such as San Diego, Los Angeles, and Sacramento will, of course, be congested and unpredictable; especially during peak travel times such as rush hour. Your best bet is to plan additional travel time in your itinerary if you plan to drive through a major city during peak hours. Also, using Google Maps is helpful to anticipate actual drive time due to accidents or road construction.

Even driving through the National Forests or Parks can be problematic due to weather, construction, or animal crossings. I highly encourage you to stay prepared by checking the national park alerts and current road conditions on the websites the day before you plan to embark on a leg of your trip.

San Diego, California

• Days 1 & 2
• Total Drive Distance: Up to 30-50 miles depending on stops
• Total Drive Time: 1 to 2 hours depending on stops

San Diego is the only location in our itinerary that includes a two and a half or three day stay. This is mostly due to the fact that some people drive or fly into San Diego in the afternoon or the evening. In order to enjoy this city, we agree that you need at least two nights.

San Diego Accommodations

We stayed at the Navy Gateway Inn & Suites , which is a basic but adequate stay for anyone with military base access. If you don’t have access to military lodging, I would suggest researching VRBO , Airbnb , or Expedia for hotels in the area that best fit your needs.

Restaurants & Cafes

• Caffe Italia – The blended gelato drinks are the bomb!
• Lucha Libre Taco Shop – Vibrant and exciting decor with unique Mexican menu items!
• Breakfast Republic – The mashed potato omelet is wild and their cafe de olla is the best coffee I’ve ever had!
• Hodad’s – Was there a line out the door? Yes. Was it one of the best burgers I’ve ever had? Also, yes.

Things to See & Do

Most of our time was spent exploring the San Diego Zoo . We arrived when it opened and the line was already quite long. However, we spent nearly all of the opening hours at the zoo and managed to see a solid 80 to 90% of the exhibits.

In addition, we toured the Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma Lighthouse . Then, wrapped up our stay in San Diego by enjoying a sunset from Sunset Cliffs Natural Park . Be aware that this is a popular spot and the parking was already at capacity when we arrived an hour before sunset.

Below are more exciting sights & activities near the San Diego area:

• La Jolla Shores Park
• Coronado Bridge
• Sea World San Diego
• Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
• Imperial Beach Pier

San Diego —> Joshua Tree National Park —> Ventura

• Total Drive Distance: 465 miles
• Total Drive Time: 9 to 10 hours

Leaving before sunrise ensures less traffic in San Diego and more time spent in the National Parks and Forests. Remember if you are traveling during the summer months that the desert climate can get very hot with little shade. Stay prepared with a full tank of gas and plenty of water!

Ventura Accommodations

At the end of day three, we stayed at an Airbnb in Santa Paula . Santa Paula is about a 20 minute drive from Ventura. The guest house was immaculate and the hosts were so friendly and helpful! We loved our stay here.

For a long day of driving such as this, we typically eat the majority of our meals on the go. As I mentioned above, we pack a cooler with fresh veggies, fruits, and drinks for snacking during the drive. In addition, if we stumble upon a scenic lookout or picnic area, we may take a “lunch break” for 30 minutes or so to eat a sandwich or pre-made salad while we enjoy the view.

One of the benefits of eating out of our cooler on long road trip days is we don’t get weighed down by greasy foods or over indulge. Nothing is worse than being stuck in a car for hours with a bloated tummy or brain fog!

For more tips on shopping and packing your cooler for your road trip, check out my blog post Road Trip Cooler Packing Like a BOSS !

The primary focus during this driving day is to spend as much time in Joshua Tree National Park as possible. We took our time navigating through the park from one visitor center to the other while stopping at numerous viewpoints and trail heads. We didn’t hike any of the long trails due to time restraints, however, we did walk around to photograph rock formations, cacti and succulents, and (of course) the Joshua Tree!

Throughout this first leg of the road trip, we also enjoyed scenic drives through Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument and Angeles National Forest .

Below are more exciting sights & activities along this route:

• The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
• Cabazon Dinosaurs – World’s Biggest Dinosaurs
• San Bernardino National Forest
• Mojave National Preserve (about 1.5 hours northeast of Joshua Tree)

Channel Islands National Park

• Total Drive Distance: 5 miles from Ventura to Island Packers Cruises
• Total Drive Time: 12 minutes from Ventura to Island Packers Cruises (2 hour boat ride each way)

NOTE: Scorpion Anchorage Closure During Pier Construction. Beginning November 1, 2019, there will be no public access to Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island due to the construction of a new pier. Construction is expected to take 6-12 months.

Cruises depart to Prisoner’s Harbor at Santa Cruz Island with Island Packers Cruises at 9AM. The boat ride is about 2 hours and you will arrive at the island at 11AM. The ride back is also 2 hours and departs the island at 3:30 PM with an arrival time of 5:30 PM in Ventura. The total round trip cruise cost for 2 adults is $118.

Same as day three, we stayed at the Airbnb in Santa Paula for a two night stay. Santa Paula is about a 20 minute drive from Ventura.

• Pete’s Breakfast House – Best place to grab a hearty breakfast in Ventura before you head to Channel Islands. Try the pancake roll, it’s delicious!
• Rice by Mama – Tasty Thai cuisine located on main street in Ventura; parking can be tricky, but it’s worth it!

Although you can choose to camp overnight at Channel Islands National Park (next time, my friend!) – a day trip is just long enough to complete a kayaking trip or hike to enjoy the views that Santa Cruz Island has to offer. Keep your eyes peeled for pods of common dolphins and mischievous little island foxes!

We started our hike from Scorpion Anchorage, past the Historic Ranch, toward Smuggler’s Cove. Immediately, we were greeted with sweeping vistas of the coast on our first steep climb along Smuggler’s Road. We then started on Scorpion Canyon Loop, which brought us to Potato Harbor Road. Following the road to the coast, we finished the hike by walking along the cliffs to Cavern Point and back to Scorpion Anchorage.

The trail was roughly 6 miles and took us nearly 4 hours to complete. We did a combo of Scorpion Canyon Loop and Potato Harbor .

If you do have more than one day to spend at Channel Islands, consider taking a guided kayak tour through the sea caves! Another alternative is to bring your kayak on the cruise to the island with you (ONLY if you are a confident and experienced sea kayaker).

Ventura —> Big Sur —> Kings Canyon National Park

• Total Drive Distance: 470 miles

Once again, you’ll have to hit the road early to make this drive count. Unfortunately, during our road trip, the famous Pacific Coast Highway drive along Big Sur was full of mist, fog, and heavy rain. We couldn’t see past a quarter of a mile in front of us most of the time. However, I still enjoyed the drive and we were able to catch glimpses of elephant seals and waterfalls. I have no doubt that on a clear day this drive is phenomenal.

Kings Canyon National Park Accommodations

During our two night stay on the 5th and 6th road trip days, we chose the Grant Grove Cabins located in Kings Canyon National Park. We rarely choose accommodations located inside a national park mostly due to the more expensive costs. Choosing to bite the bullet and enjoy a short drive to hiking trails, we booked a cabin.

I can honestly say it was the most disappointing lodging experience we ever had. Not only did we spend more on the two night stay in the cabins than any other stay during our trip, but it was also the smallest and least clean accommodation. The shower curtain was covered in mold, the walls and floors were thin and flimsy, and the beds were incredibly uncomfortable. That day we learned that staying in park facilities is just not worth the convenience of a slightly shorter drive. We’ll be booking an AirBNB next time.

• Coast Big Sur – Enjoy a chocolate landslide (soft serve) while soaking in ocean views from their rooftop terrace!
• Sam’s Italian Deli and Market – YUM. Splurge on the pastrami fries!

The first stop along the drive is to The Friends of the Elephant Seals . Peak season to spot these creatures is December through March! We saw a handful on the beach when we visited in September. The vista view point and visitor center are two different locations, but very close along the route to one another.

In Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is one of the most iconic stops along highway one- McWay Falls . It is important to know that there is no beach access at McWay Falls. There are fenced boundaries that you should not cross. However, there is parking in the state park and you can walk the overlook/waterfall trail to see the falls from above.

Bixby Creek Bridge is another popular viewpoint. Stop before the bridge and after the bridge for different perspectives to photograph. Be very cautious when parking and walking along the road. This area tends to get congested, therefore, it’s not unusual to miss out on an opportunity to park. Take your time and be patient with the other drivers and pedestrians.

Our final stop along the coast was at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve . In the rain, we walked the short trail to Hidden Beach and enjoyed watching the waves crash along the black, rocky shore.

• Hearst Castle
• Limekiln State Park
• Big Creek Cove Vista Point
• Big Creek Bridge
• Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge
• Pfeiffer Beach
• Point Sur Naval Facility (Lighthouse)
• Rocky Creek Bridge
• Rocky Ridge Trail at Garrapata State Park
• China Cove via Bird Island Trail

Kings Canyon National Park

• Total Drive Distance: 75 miles
• Total Drive Time: 2 to 3 hours

Once again, we stayed at the Grant Grove Cabins located in Kings Canyon National Park. While the in-park location was convenient, the cabins were still overpriced and underwhelming.

We spent the day eating out of our cooler. We snacked on pre-packed baked goods for an early breakfast, then enjoyed a picnic on our hike. There are multiple restaurants in Grant Village to choose from if you want something heartier.

Starting the morning early, we set out on a short tail to Panoramic Point for sunrise. Then, we drove to Road’s End Trailhead, which is the starting point for the majority of the trails in Kings Canyon National Park.

Mist Falls is an 8 mile out-and-back trail that is rated as moderate. Although I would agree that the trail itself was not overly strenuous, it did present a challenge we were not prepared for. One word for you- mosquitoes. We were shocked at the swarms that congregated along the trail. These little bugs were persistent despite the chilly weather. We passed many other (smarter) hikers that wore mosquito netting and face coverings. We highly recommend this unless you want to be cool like us and run for your life.

A covering like this one would’ve saved our hike that day.

After our hike we slowly meandered our way back to the cabins, stopping at a couple of shorter trails along the road. We enjoyed exploring Roaring River Falls and Grizzly Falls and General Grant Loop Trail . All are rated as easy.

Below are other easy to moderate hiking trails along this route:

• Zumwalt Meadow Loop Trail
• Little Creek Trail to Cedar Grove
• Yucca Point Trail
• Indian Basin Grove Loop Trail

Kings Canyon —> Sequoia National Park —> Big Pine

• Total Drive Distance: 335 miles
• Total Drive Time: 8 to 9 hours

Although Google Maps will force the route south along Mountain Hwy 99, you could choose to continue east on Sherman Pass Road through Sequoia National Forest to Linnie. Either route is fairly similar in distance and drive time.

This timeline is a little tricky because we departed Grant Grove at 5AM to ensure we arrived in Big Pine with enough time to check into our Airbnb, get some rest, and wash laundry before the next day. Therefore, our first stop, the General Sherman Tree , is only about an hour down the road. This meant we were hiking in the dark.

We got about a quarter of a mile down the trail and decided to turn back because we couldn’t see anything anyway. I would highly recommend visiting the General Sherman Tree the day before, if you have time. Or, bring a flashlight.

Big Pine Accommodations

Our night in Big Pine was spent at an Airbnb called Big Pine Cottage Hideaway. The entire guest house was cozy, comfortable, and stocked with coffees and snacks. Our hosts were very welcoming; we definitely recommend staying here!

• Kern River Brewing Co . (Kernville) – Amazing atmosphere and delicious handcrafted root beer! However, food was fairly average.
• Frosty Chalet (Lone Pine) – Old fashioned burger, fries, and shake joint that hits the spot!

In lieu of the General Sherman Tree, we hiked Moro Rock to see the sunrise (excellent decision!) . The short, steep climb up the granite dome offers a stunning view of the Great Western Divide. We did not have this trail to ourselves at dawn. There was already a large group of student photographers positioned at the viewing platform. However, we enjoyed the experience despite the crowd.

Next, we stopped in Sequoia National Park to enjoy a short loop called The Trail of 100 Giants . This trail is an excellent, easy 1.3 mile walk through stunning giant sequoia trees.

Finally, we spent a good hour in the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine and the Whitney Portal. Did you know that Mt. Whitney is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States with an elevation of 14,505 feet? The Mobius Arch was a short, easy hike with stunning views of Mt. Whitney. However, it was extremely windy and there was no shade. Hold onto your hat and sunglasses and don’t forget the sunscreen! In addition- keep your eyes peeled for the Heart Arch.

Big Pine —> Mammoth Lakes —> Yosemite National Park

• Total Drive Distance: 130 miles
• Total Drive Time: 3 to 4 hours

Our day trip to Mammoth Lakes was probably the most surprising (in a good way!) . When we traveled through in September, there wasn’t any snow yet, but it was chilly. My favorite part was witnessing the changing of the colors of the leaves. Everywhere we went there seemed to be no shortage of gold and red hues. If you are road tripping through California in the fall, this alpine haven is not to be missed!

Yosemite National Park Accommodations

We spent the night of Day 8 and Day 9 in Lee Vining at The Lake View Lodge . They offer cottages, camping, and motel style lodge rooms. We opted for a lodge room. It was no frills, but met our needs. The location of the lodge (20 minutes outside of Yosemite National Park) made it an ideal choice.

• Good Life Cafe – Hearty and mouthwatering breakfast! Try the chicken fried steak & eggs!
• Hugs Ice Cream – Hits the sweet spot! Don’t forget to pose with your ice cream in front of the bear statue!

After a late breakfast in Mammoth Lakes, we ventured out to explore. We started by driving around Lake Mary and walking to Twin Falls . The short walk to the upper falls was easy and scenic. Then, we took a peek at the Earthquake Fault . Cutting through volcanic rock, the “fissure” is 60 feet deep and up to 10 feet wide. Pine and fir trees surrounded us as we gazed upon the enormous crack in the earth, astounded by the raw power of mother nature.

While traveling through Inyo National Forest (we made a lot of silly road trip jokes about this name, haha!) , our favorite stop was at the viewpoint for the Minaret Vista . The panorama view of the Sierra Nevada mountains was dazzling! There was interactive signage which aided in identifying each jagged peak.

The afternoon was spent on an easy hike to see the Devil’s Postpile . This geological wonder is an excellent example of a columnar basalt. Thanks to powerful erosive forces, the cooling lava solidified in an unreal hexagonal column style formation. If you didn’t see it with your own eyes, you wouldn’t believe it wasn’t man-made. The drive to reach the Devil’s Postpile parking lot is part gravel/dirt and one lane. Proceed with caution and make space for oncoming traffic!

NOTE: Following guidance from the CDC and state and local public health authorities, the ESTA shuttle is not operating in 2020. The road to Devils Postpile opens on June 26. The road will be open when parking is available, but closed when parking is full.

The final leg of our drive took us around the scenic June and Grant Lakes before stopping at the less scenic, but beautiful in its own way Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve . During the fall season, the route around June Lake is characterized as one of the best places to see colorful foliage. When visiting Mono Lake, be prepared to hold your nose! The “tufa towers”, or calcium-carbonate spires, make for a smelly walk. The lake is over twice as salty as the ocean thanks to alkaline lake water.

Yosemite National Park

• Total Drive Distance: 155 miles
• Total Drive Time: 4 to 5 hours

Yosemite National Park is our favorite National Park in California. A week or two could (and should) be spent exploring Yosemite. However, we included are our best suggestions on how to visit in one day.

Although, you could attempt everything we list below, it is in your best interest to pick just one hike so you don’t overextend yourself. We learned the hard way about overextending yourself on a hike while we were in Yosemite. We highly encourage you to NOT attempt any of the strenuous hikes without trekking poles.

Be prepared- Check out our (Cheap!) Hiking Essentials that you should never hit the trail without!

Once again, we stayed in Lee Vining at The Lake View Lodge .

Due to our full day of hiking and driving, we packed a lunch and snacks in our cooler.

• Whoa Nellie Deli – Fantastic dinner to wrap up a long day! Inconspicuously located inside a gas mart, the food here is phenomenal! We feasted on the Fish Tacos and Buffalo Meatloaf.

Boots to the ground before sunrise is the only way to truly enjoy Yosemite National Park without battling the crowds! We recommend traveling all the way to Yosemite Valley to start your day, and wrap up near the Tuolumne Meadow area in the evening.

Although it is one of the most popular trails in the park, hiking the rigorous 9 mile loop from Vernal Falls to Nevada Falls , is an unforgettable experience! This hike is easily one of the most scenic and rewarding hikes we’ve ever completed. The trail is definitely challenging, so don’t attempt the entire loop unless you feel confident in your hiking abilities. Even an experienced hiker may experience jelly legs by the end of the ordeal.

At the end of the day, park near the Lyell Canyon Trailhead along Tuolumne Meadows Lodge Road and enjoy a short, but steep hike up Lembert Dome . The 2.5 mile out-and-back trail is mostly a bunch of switchbacks, however, the 360 degree view at the top is well worth the effort. I am a big, fat scaredy cat when it comes to heights; therefore, the dome took me a bit of time and courage to make it to the top. But, it’s not so bad once you’ve finally made it!

Below are other easy to moderate trails and viewpoints along this route:

• Tioga Pass Road Valley View
• Ellery Lake Lookout
• Tuolumne Meadows Footbridge
• Cathedral Lakes Trail
• Tenaya Lake
• Half Dome View
• El Capitan Meadow
• Yosemite Falls

Yosemite —> Lake Tahoe

• Total Drive Time: 3 hours

ALERT! ALERT! An actual road trip day in this itinerary that does not include waking up before sunrise?! Believe it, friends! You earned a relaxing day after all that hiking in Yosemite yesterday!

Lake Tahoe Accommodations

We stayed at an Airbnb studio cabin. Eagle Cabin at Emerald Bay was clean, cozy, and conveniently located in South Lake Tahoe.

• Latte Da Coffee Cafe (Lee Vining) – Delicious organic coffee from a family run business!
• Base Camp Pizza, Co. – Try the Thai Chicken Curry pizza- ahhhhmazing!

Things to See & D o

Day ten’s road trip festivities centered around getting settled at Lake Tahoe and taking the kayak out on the water. Did you know that Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States?

Of course, there are a couple gems along the route. Explore Fallen Leaf Lake, and if you have time, check out the Glen Alpine Trail . You’ll be rewarded with stunning waterfalls.

Once we had driven around Emerald Bay (and gawked, took photos, and gawked some more) , we then headed to Baldwin Beach to set out on our kayaking adventure. There was plenty of parking and the lot was very close to the beach. Even though we only kayaked for a couple hours due to the rough winds, we enjoyed being out on the water soaking in the stunning mountain views.

Pro Tip from Brian: If you lose your wedding ring, it’s probably in the kayak. Ask me how I know.

Below are other fun things to see & do around Lake Tahoe:

• Vikingsholm
• Squaw Valley Skiing
• Spooner Lake
• Cascade Falls
• Eagle Falls
• Cave Rock Tunnel

Lake Tahoe —> Napa Valley

• Total Drive Distance: 215 miles
• Total Drive Time: 3-4 hours

Road trip day 11 is another day that you don’t HAVE to leave at the break of dawn, if you don’t want to! We like to hit the road early so we had most of the afternoon/evening to spend in Napa Valley. You can also choose to take the route around Lake Tahoe and through Tahoe National Forest , if you want a bit of a longer drive.

Napa Valley Accommodations

Check out local bed and breakfasts or hotels with DoNapa . Or, just look into a trusty VRBO or Airbnb !

• Glazed and Confuzed Tahoe Donut – Grab this yumminess on your way out of Lake Tahoe!
• Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch – Pricey, but an incredible outdoor dining experience- including wine!

Truthfully, we spent our entire afternoon in Napa Valley eating, drinking, and doing nothing! We used this opportunity to recharge and indulge. Below are a couple suggestions to look into while you’re visiting California’s wine country.

• Napa and Yountville’s Art Walks
• Sharpsteen Museum in Calistoga
• St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery
• Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Take a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa Valley —> Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Total Drive Distance: 240 miles

Lassen Volcanic National Park Accommodations

About 45 minutes outside of Lassen Volcanic National Park is a small town called Westwood. It’s so small that if you want to try any restaurants or stores, you’ll have better luck in the neighboring town of Chester. However, we enjoyed our stay at the remote and quiet Log Cabin in Westwood.

• Broderick Roadhouse in Sacramento – Try the poutine fries! Almost felt like I was in Canada- haha
• Happy Garden in Chester – No frills Chinese restaurant with tasty flavors!

Enjoy another relaxing morning in Napa Valley! Then, head out on a slow drive to your destination for the night. We opted to arrive at our Airbnb in the late afternoon so we would have an opportunity to rest before our full day of hiking at Lassen Volcanic the next day. You could also choose to spend an hour or two in Sacramento as you drive to Westwood.

Below are other fun things to see & do along the route:

• Putah Creek State Wildlife Area
• California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento
• California State Capitol Museum in Sacramento
• Sacramento Zoo
• Oroville Dam
• Lake Almanor

Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Total Drive Distance: 185 miles
• Total Drive Time: 5 to 6 hours

Lassen Volcanic National Park is probably the least popular national park on our California road trip itinerary. It’s a bit of a mystery why this park isn’t crawling with more hikers (not that I’m complaining, though) . Lassen Volcanic kind of reminded me of a combination of Yellowstone and Kings Canyon with the abundance of mud pots, colorful rock formations, and heavily forested trails.

We spent a second night at the Log Cabin in Westwood.

Due to our full day of hiking and driving, we packed lunch and snacks in our cooler.

• Buffalo Chip’s Pizza – Casual, rustic restaurant with endless exciting pizza options!

The first stop of our day in Lassen Volcanic National Park began at sunrise (surprise, surprise) . We had the entire trail to the Cinder Cone to ourselves. We encountered a lot more than we bargained for on this hike. Before we ever reached the cinder cone, we stumbled upon a bear foraging on the trail. Unfortunately, to be safe, we decided to turn back. However, I was truly pleased to have seen a bear! I love spotting wildlife on the trail.

Since we didn’t complete our first hike, we had a little extra time to explore the park. We stopped at Hat Creek Rim Scenic Viewpoint where you can see the volcanic ridges of Lassen Peak, Mt. Shasta, and Crater Peak. Then, we explored the Subway Cave Lava Tubes . No crawling is required to check out the cave, but you’ll definitely need a flashlight as it is completely dark as you follow the 1,300 foot tube.

Following the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, we made our way around the park. The afternoon grew foggy, drizzly, and overcast. However, the sights remained spectacular. We stopped at Reflection Lake and Sulphur Works . It was mesmerizing to see bubbling, stinky mud pots so close to the road!

Finally, we wrapped up our day at Lassen Volcanic with a moderate, 2.5 mile loop trail around Boiling Springs Lake . If you aren’t up for the entire loop, you can simply walk to the lake and turn around at the first overlook. The thermal features of the lake are definitely an exciting sight to behold and much less crowded when compared to Yellowstone!

Lassen Volcanic —> Redwood National Park —> Crescent City

• Total Drive Distance: 320 miles
• Total Drive Time: 6 hours

Although, you will be driving around part of Lassen Volcanic National Park again, if you leave early enough you won’t be seeing much of the views. The primary focus for the last road trip day is to enjoy the redwoods and witness more cliffside coastal views.

Crescent City Accommodations

The last night of the best California Road Trip was spent at the Lighthouse Inn in Crescent City. The king room was clean, but basic. The stay was adequate for one night.

Our final road trip day was spent finishing up the leftover snacks and meals in our cooler.

Once you’ve entered Redwood National Park , we encourage you to take exit 753 onto Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway to immerse yourself in the forest. There are plenty of opportunities to stop on the side of the road and photograph the coastal giants. If you’ve never seen redwoods, this drive will change your world forever as you drive past hundreds of trees with trunks bigger than your car.

The coastal redwoods have a different aesthetic and presence than the giants in Sequoia. It’s difficult to explain until you’ve seen the two for yourself. For a list of other unforgettable scenic drives through Redwood National Park click here .

After checking into our hotel, we drove out to Battery Point to watch the sunset and see the Battery Point Lighthouse from the shoreline.

• Burney Vista Point
• Moonstone Beach
• Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse
• Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
• Klamath Tour Thru Tree

In conclusion, California provides endless opportunities to lose yourself in the wilderness. This road trip itinerary can help you plan two weeks across the state to see a variety of forests, mountains, oceans, and deserts, featuring rare geothermal pools, earthquake faults, and rock formations. In short, California has it all and that’s why it makes the perfect choice for the best road trip.

Other Road Trip Blog Posts:

• 5 Steps to Plan Your Next Road Trip
• Keto Road Trip Snacks
• 7 Tips for Road Tripping with Your Spouse

What are you most excited to see in California? Do you have other road trip stops in California that you love that aren’t listed here? Let me know in the comments below!

Did you enjoy this read? Please share and pin for later!

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Epic 9 Day Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Last Updated May 1, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » Epic 9 Day Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

When planning the ultimate 9 day Northern California road trip itinerary, you’ll be overwhelmed with all the different ways you can do it but if you’re looking to blown away by a legendary national park, other-worldly landscapes, award-winning wines, crystal-clear lakes, giant sequoias, Gold Rush western vibes, a famous bridge, and more, this is the real California Dreamin’ trip.

Use this as planner, to-do list, and bucket list guide as you build out your dream trip, or if you’re looking to go care-free, learn how I booked this exact trip through Globus .

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• Hottest deals – Bookmark the travel deals page .
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In This Article

What to Know Before Choosing Your Itinerary

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Northern California is a traveller’s paradise and truly has it all. It’s the perfect road trip destination because it has such a diversity of things to see, do, eat and sip.

With NorCal you’ve got the Sierra Mountains, wine country, vibrant cities, and glorious lakes. With 9 days to work with or even 8 if you are crunched for time, you’ll be able to put together an itinerary that ticks off plenty of bucket list items, will be unbelievably photogenic, and will also want you coming back for more.

Northern California is HUGE. Even with 9 days you’ll be scratching the surface of the state and a bit of Nevada (just the tip!).

As you start planning out your road trip itinerary, you’ll be making concessions and be forced to cut things out because you’ll be balancing the time required to drive to get around and also what makes sense to fit in.

The biggest recommendation we can make is to put some of that FOMO aside and just know that you won’t be able to see it all. That said, the plan we’ve put together here thanks to Globus’ own California Dreamin’ tour really does combine the best of the best and is especially good for first timers.

At the end of the day though, this itinerary is a good foundation to build on so totally feel free to tweak it and make it your own. I won’t be upset if you decide to do Napa vs. Sonoma or if you decide to cut Sacramento a bit shorter in order to increase your time in Yosemite.

The good news is that if you keep reading, you’ll find that we provide a nifty spreadsheet to help you which is part of our secret to the art of planning trips .

This is a road trip after all, so you’ll need something with wheels to get you around. While most people think about San Francisco when it comes to NorCal but once you look at everything above and around it in the Golden State, you realize that there are a lot of miles to cover.

Your best bet to getting around with this Northern California road trip itinerary is to rent your own car once you arrive at SFO. This is great for folks that want full independence and enjoy driving long distances and comfortable with winding mountain roads.

Car Rental Deals: For the best deal, make sure you know about car rental coupon codes that you can apply.

If you’d much rather have someone else do the driving (trust me, that back-and-forth driving you have to do in Yosemite is not as fun as you think), you should consider booking a tour like the Globus California Dreamin’: Northern California by Design where all the details are taken care of. More on that next.

Lastly, something else you could consider are to do smaller day trips in between the driving you’re doing from spot to spot. For instance, you can look for tours in San Francisco , Sacramento , Lake Tahoe , and Yosemite .

For a carefree travel experience, I actually got to see Northern California through Globus.

The tour you want to look at is Golden State of Mind: Northern California By Design and this is one of their newest tours that incorporates what’s called Choice Touring.

Choice Touring is awesome because it allows you to decide what kind of excursions you do throughout the journey. For someone like me that loves outdoor adventure and photography, you can pick those activities.

While I’m normally not a tour bus person, I’ve certainly done it before with the likes of Flying Kiwi in New Zealand. Count this as another excellent experience where I loved that I didn’t need to do much of the planning, logistics, and planning and could just enjoy the moment and also meet a ton of like-minded travellers as well.

We dive into what it was like to travel with Globus so make sure to check out our in-depth review of the tour!

As with all of our detailed itineraries such as 2 days in Istanbul , 8 day Iceland itinerary , 3 days in Kauai , and more, we provide you with as much detail as we can about each sight and destination based on what we actually experienced on the ground and practical tips that only someone that’s been there would know.

At the same time, we understand that everyone’s travel style is different and every group has different interests. That’s why we’ve included alternatives whether it be bookable tours, restaurants, and places to stay.

You can easily do this itinerary in reverse if you’d like and you can also tear it apart to reconstruct in your own way. For instance, this doesn’t include much of the Pacific Coast Highway including favourites such as Point Reyes, Mendocino, and Trinidad, although arguably, that’s a very different NorCal road trip itinerary.

You’ll just have to come back for a separate trip!

9 Day Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

The below is a map of the entire itinerary including points of interest broken out by day and the driving route. Within each location, you can learn more about each spot by clicking on the links inside.

TIP: To save this onto your phone, expand the map and then make a copy of the map to your own account. This will give you access to the map on the Google Maps app.

Your Northern California road trip adventures starts off with a bang. If you’ve never been to San Francisco, you’ll want to cram in as much as you can in the city. If you’ve been before, you’ll be able to spend a relaxed day settling in and picking a few of your favourite spots to revisit.

For everyone, you’ll want to account for time for your commute to San Francisco whether you’re taking the car, bus, train, or plane. If you’ve read our NorCal driving tips , you’ll know that we don’t recommend you to rent a car from the airport. This way, you don’t need to worry about driving and parking in the city and you can save some money on your rental.

Once you get settled into your hotel, it’s time to go out and explore on foot. Since you’ll be staying downtown, you’ll be able to get to many of the city’s highlights but keep in mind that the walk from the Marriott Marquis to Pier 39 is considerable which is why your best bet is to take the cable car .

After you stroll around the Union Square area and do a little shopping, head over to Power and Market where you can board a cable car, a quintessential San Francisco experience. Single trips are currently $8 USD where you can pay by cash at the kiosk but has to be exact change. We recommend that you take the Powell/Hyde route to get you as close to the pier as possible although Powell/.

Ride the cable car all the way down to the Beach Street turnaround. From here, you can explore Fishermans Wharf , Pier 39 , Fort Mason , all the way out to Fort Point if you’re ambitious and get right up to the base of Golden Gate Bridge , or just plan on grabbing lunch at the In-N-Out and have a leisurely afternoon.

Alternatively, you could walk from your downtown hotel after a ramen lunch at Ippudo and explore the historic China Town , stop by Golden Gate Bakery if it’s open, have bubble tea at Boba Guys , catch views from Coit Tower , and pick up some coffee at Blue Bottle at the Ferry Building before walking back.

If that’s too much walking, there’s always the Hop-on-Hop-off bus which can be combined with an Alcatraz and Bay Cruise tour . Let’s just say there are a lot of options!

For dinner, San Francisco is your oyster! Our recommendations is Tadich Grill to have the famed Cioppino that originated in this very city.

Day 1 Summary

What you’ll see:

This is a free day to either explore on your own with a mix and match of places of interest or to join a city tour.

• Union Square
• Fishermans Wharf
• Fort Point national Historic Site
• Lombard Street
• Alcatraz Island
• San Francisco Cable Cars

What you’ll do:

• Alcatraz and Bay Cruise Tour
• Alcatraz Cruise + City Tour Combo
• San Francisco Hop-on-Hop-off
• San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise
• GoCar Kart Tour
• Secret Food Tour

Where you’ll eat:

• Lunch – Ippudo – Depending on how tight you are on time, you can eat ramen by the hotel or snack at Boba Guys , Golden Gate Bakery , Blue Bottle , and In-N-Out as you walk the city.
• Dinner – Tadich Grill – Highly recommended by friends where ordering the Cioppino (Italian fish stew) is a must.
• Drinks – The View Lounge – Trendy and hip spot with night views of the city. Great for drinks or even dinner.

Where you’ll stay:

• Marriott Marquis San Francisco – Fabulous hotel in the heart of San Francisco downtown. I stayed here.
• Staypineapple Union Square – A more affordable option.
• Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf – Perfect for those that want to be by the wharf area.

Get off the beaten trail beyond San Francisco

Find our top suggestions to further explore this area of Northern California

After a fun day in San Francisco, it’s finally time to hit the road!

For those that decide to book with Globus , you’ll be getting on your bus here. If you’re renting a car, pick up your in the city.

Have your cameras ready as you cross the Golden Gate Bridge but if you miss it, you can stop at the convenient Golden Gate Bridge View Vista Point .

Your first main stop for the day is the harbor town of Sausalito that has uninterrupted views of San Francisco (if the fog hasn’t taken over), a whole community of houseboats, a cute seaside-type village, and the backdrop of the hillside.

Early in the morning, you’ll be able to have a calming walk along the water with a cup of coffee in hand. Stop by a couple of shops and galleries along the way. There’s also nothing wrong with having the famed Lappert’s Ice Cream which hails from Hawaii.

From Sausalito, Sonoma is a 1.5 hour drive. You might be wondering why Sonoma over Napa. Having done both, you’ll find that Sonoma Valley is unapologetically laid-back and way more laid back than what can be a more pretentious Napa.

The winery that you’ll be visiting is Gloria Ferrer that’s nestled in the picturesque valley and fertile hills of Carneros. In fact, they were the first sparkling winery in the Carneros area of Sonoma. With breathtaking views of vineyard from their terrace, there are a number of tasting and dining experiences available that’ll give you a great opportunity to be delighted by their featured wines.

Another big difference from Napa is that Sonoma’s downtown plaza is highly walkable and approachable town square that’s also in the shape of a square.

Start the afternoon grabbing lunch at any one of the eateries in town. From there, you’re free to discover the hidden alleyways, art galleries, boutiques, and green space. There’s plenty of history that you’ll notice whether it’s the Old West culture in its facades, Mission San Francisco Solano , and well-preserved military barracks ( Presidio of Sonoma ) built to house Mexican army troops in the early 1800s.

Plan to leave Sonoma a little earlier because it’s a 2 hour drive to get to Sacramento.

After getting settled at the Embassy Suites , you’ll be able to enjoy an evening in the Old Sacramento where the whole area oozes the Gold Rush-era with historic old time boardwalks and the highest concentration of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places .

Evenings come to life with a lively atmosphere and numerous eateries including Fanny Ann’s Saloon which is such a fun place to have a delicious burger with its eclectic decor.

Day 2 Summary

Driving time: 2.5 hours (115 miles / 185 km)

• Town of Sausalito
• Sonoma State Historic Park
• Mission San Francisco Solano
• Sonoma Plaza
• Evening in Old Sacramento Waterfront
• Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards – Culinary Expedition Experience (reservations required)
• Breakfast – Marriott Marquis San Francisco buffet
• Lunch – Basque Boulangerie Cafe – There are plenty of food options in Sonoma. If you want to eat at Sunflower Caffé , make sure to line up early as they don’t take reservations.
• Dinner – Fanny Ann’s Saloon – Their burgers are epic and you’ll love the energetic Western vibes here.
• Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade – Fantastic location and walking distance from Old Sacramento. I stayed here.
• Delta King Hotel – Stay on a boat!

Out of everywhere on your Northern California road trip, Sacramento is easily one of those places that you don’t expect to encounter. On your third day, get to know the state capital (that’s right, it’s not Los Angeles or San Francisco).

Start your day off by doing a mini-tour of Sacramento by driving through its neighbourhoods, passing by its galleries, museums, and historic landmarks such as the California State Capitol , Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park , and the Johnny Cash mural created by the same artist that did Obama’s “Hope” poster.

The nice thing about the Globus bus tour is that our guide was stellar at telling us about the stories, people, and history behind the many places we drove by, allowing us to learn quite a bit as the driver took us on a well-curated route.

This is also the first day of YourChoice excursions. There were several activities to choose from but I ultimately chose one called “Off the Rails” to learn about Sacramento’s important role in the California Gold Rush, the Pony Express, and it also being the terminus of America’s first transcontinental railroad.

Spend a few hours at the incredible California State Railroad Museum where you’ll be blown away by the number of classic locomotives they have on display. Unlike many train museums where they’re outdoors, this is fully indoors, allowing you to comfortably learn how the “iron horse” connected California to the rest of the country including a huge diorama of how tracks were laid through the Sierra Nevada, the important role of the Chinese, and a massive toy train collection.

Since the museum is right next to Old Sacramento , you’ll be able to easily find a restaurant to grab lunch in one of the many saloons.

Now that you’ve learned about trains, it’s only fitting that you get to ride a locomotive just outside of Sacramento. River Fox Train is a scenic train ride through Yolo County farmland while paired with drinks that’ll be nostalgic and a good old-fashioned fun time.

To round out your day in the city, you’ll head back to Old Sacramento and its riverfront one last time. A restaurant we recommend checking out is Rio City Cafe which has a spacious outdoor patio that has views of the Tower Bridge and the river.

Day 3 Summary

Driving time: 38 minutes (27.3 miles / 45 km)

• California State Capitol
• Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
• Johnny Cash Mural
• California State Railroad Museum
• River Fox Train

Tours you can book:

• Sacramento Historic River Cruise
• Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour
• Breakfast – Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade buffet
• Lunch – La Terraza – Mexican restaurant that’s great for people watching on their second floor terrace.
• Dinner – Rio City Cafe – Historic restaurant along the waterfront with views of the river, serving farm-to-fork dishes.

Get pumped for day 4 of the road trip because you’ll making your way towards Lake Tahoe or Mammoth Lakes and through what is considered to be one of America’s Most Beautiful Drive .

The first pitstop you’ll make is in Truckee where you’ll have to brush up on a bit of US history and learn the story of the Donner Party . It’s here where Donner Lake and Donner Pass got its name.

From here you’ll make start descending into the Lake Tahoe region. The lake is a shimmering freshwater lake that’s known for its emerald clear waters, beaches, and ski resorts.

The famous drive circumvents North America’s largest alpine lake but you’ll be doing the eastern side of the lake which is considered to be a National Scenic Byway. Since the state line between California and Nevada bisects the lake, you’ll actually be driving on the Nevada side.

You could easily spend a ton of time doing hikes, side routes, and water adventures here if you’re here in the summer but in the interest of time, you’ll be making stops at the Memorial Point Scenic Overlook in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park and at Logan Shoals Vista Point .

Both stops are provide a unique vantage point of Lake Tahoe, giving you an appreciation for how large it is, the dominating mountains that surround it, the clarity of the water, and rounded boulders that dot its shores.

For lunch, you’ll cross back into California and the ski resort village of South Lake Tahoe . The town centers around the Heavenly Village resort. You’ll find plenty of shopping and food options here for lunch.

You won’t be able to linger too long though because you have a long drive ahead of you. It’s 2 hours and 45 minutes to make it into Mammoth Lakes and your hotel for the next 2 nights, Mammoth Mountain Inn .

Have a low-key night in the mountain village by grabbing yourself a pint and bahn mi or juicy burger at Mammoth Brewing Company . You deserve it!

Day 4 Summary

Driving time: 5 hours 46 minutes (288 miles / 463.5 km)

• Donner Pass Rest Stop
• Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
• Logan Shoals Vista Point
• The Shops at Heavenly Village
• Lakeside Beach
• Zephyr Cove Helicopter Tour
• South Lake Tahoe: Sightseeing Cruise of Emerald Bay
• Lunch – Azul-Latin Kitchen – Mexican fare that’s part of Heavenly Village.
• Dinner – Mammoth Brewing Company – Amazing restaurant with great beer, fusion cuisine, burgers, and other pub fare in the Mammoth Lakes village.
• Mammoth Mountain Inn – Mountain lodge right at the base of Mammoth Mountain with comfy loft-style rooms. I stayed here.
• Tamarack Lodge – Right next to Twin Lakes which means you have much better access to the hike trails to get out to say Crystal Lake and Lake George.
• The Westin Monache Resort – If you’re looking for something more upscale, this is a great option and nestled right in the main village.

I’d say after Sacramento, Mammoth Lakes was also quite the revelation on this Northern California road trip. Mostly known for being a haven for skiing, the majestic scale of the surrounding mountains here is on full display when you visit here in other parts of the year.

After a good night’s rest at the mountain lodge in their loft-style rooms, have an early morning breakfast there so you can catch the sunrise at Brees Lookout , adjacent to Hot Creek Geological Park .

Steaming geysers and the bubbling creek winds its way through the gorge and leads your eye to dominant Sierra Nevada mountains behind. As the sun rises, its beams catch the lifting fog and the rainbow of colours below. The scene is absolutely magical.

TIP: This is only accessible by car. It’s a gravel road but there is plenty of space for cars at Brees point. The view is right at parking so you don’t have to hike far. If you’re with Globus, you can arrange your own transportation to get there. You can book a cab for the morning. Although it can get expensive, it’s totally worth it!

As another part of the Globus Choice Touring, there were 3 options but I opted to “Strike Gold in a Ghost Town”.

Next, you’ll head to a gold mining ghost town called Bodie State Historic Park . Only part of it remains but what’s left is in what they call “arrested decay”. This means that nothing has been touched. Everything you see inside the buildings were left as they were found.

In its heyday, 10,000 residents and produced more than $35 million in gold and silver from 1877 to 1882. Today, 200 buildings are left. Through their free public tours or on your own, you’ll be able to peer into a place frozen in time.

Photographer’s will love shooting here as well. If you’re keen, the Bodie Foundation also offer photography workshops so make sure you take a look to see if you’re interested in booking any in advance.

For lunch, head to the the diner, Nicely’s Restaurant , which is known for their killer milkshake and pie.

In the afternoon, make your way to “The Dead Sea of California”. Mono Lake has a very high concentration of salt which not only makes you float, has a unique ecosystem of brine shrimp, attracting millions of migratory birds each year.

The main sight to see at Mono Lake State Nature Preserve are the tufa towers. These are calcium-carbonate spires that have formed through the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. They are a striking feature along the coastline and jut out from the water, creating an other-worldly landscape of jagged rock in the shimmering blue water.

With an awesome sunrise, why not wrap up the day with a sunset hike. The nice thing about staying at Mammoth Mountain Inn is that the hike trail to Minaret Vista is right at the parking lot. This trail is a gentle 1.5 mile climb through the pine forest and takes only 30-40 minutes.

From the viewpoint area, you’ll get iconic views of Mammoth Lakes with a sheer wall of jutting spires and the Ritter Range with the sun dropping right behind it.

Close off the day with dinner at Mountainside Bar & Grill inside the lodge. Think about ordering the bacon-wrapped elk chop!

Day 5 Summary

Driving time: 3 hours 36 minutes (149 miles / 239.8 km)

• Brees Lookout at Hot Creek Geological Park
• Bodie State Historic Park
• Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
• Rock Climbing Mammoth Lakes Half Day
• Breakfast – Mammoth Mountain Inn buffet
• Lunch – Nicely’s Restaurant – Authentic roadside diner restaurant in Lee Vining.
• Dinner – Mountainside Bar & Grill – For a hotel restaurant, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how good their food is. The have an amazing elk dish that you should definitely consider.

Today’s the day! You’ll be making the long-awaited entry into the legendary Yosemite National Park . This is an outdoor lover’s paradise and with 3 days to work with, you’re going to be making most of your time here.

At Yosemite, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the most epic granite formations, ancient sequioa groves, thundering waterfalls, and jaw-dropping valleys. Photographs simply don’t do it justice. It’s the scale of everything that you see that will blow you away.

Leaving Mammoth Lakes, you’ll be entering the national park from the east entrance through Tioga Pass .

TIP: Before making that turn into the pass, stop by the Tioga Gas Mart & Whoa Nellie Deli to stock up on souvenirs, snacks, drinks, and sandwiches for lunch because they’ll be harder and more expensive to get inside the park.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Website: Yosemite National Park

Reservations:  

• Reservations aren’t required to visit Yosemite National Park however there were periods in 2020 and 2021 when a reservation system was put in place to reduce overcrowding. Currently, there are no fixed plans for future years but it’s worth checking the reservations page.
• One of the nice things about Yosemite passes are that they don’t charge a per-person fee.
• You can pay upon arrival with credit card only or you can pay in advance (you should do this).
• $35 USD per vehicle (car, pickup truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer people)
• $30 USD per motorcycle
• Yosemite Pass (annual pass to Yosemite for 12 months) – $70
• America the Beautiful Annual Pass (annual pass that covers all national parks) – $80
• There are free entrance days at all national parks
• If paying for your pass in advance, make sure you print your pass as connectivitiy is limited.
• There are a number of campgrounds available throughout the park but all of them have different times that they’re open, fees, and different processes for reservations (many are lottery).
• Campsites don’t have showers.
• Campfires are not allowed.

Official Yosemite accommodations:

• Housekeeping Camp – Three-sided concrete structures with canvas roofs and privacy curtains.
• Curry Village – Hotel rooms, cabins, and tent cabins.
• Wawona Hotel – Victorian-era hotel.
• Yosemite Valley Lodge – Central location in Yosemite Valley and near Yosemite Falls.
• The Ahwahnee – Iconic national park lodge.
• White Wolf Lodge – Canvas tents and traditional cabins 30 miles from Yosemite Valley and close to Lukens and Harden Lakes.
• Glacier Point Ski Hut – A hut that’s part of the guided the cross-country ski trip.
• Toulumne Meadows Lodge – Canvas-tent cabins.
• High Sierra Camps – A rest camp for those backpacking. These are available in several spots in the park.
• Be on the lookout for wildlife – While driving in Yosemite, you never know what kind of wildlife you’ll encounter. Think bears, deer, and wolves!
• Winter road closures – Tioga Pass and Glacier Point Road are often closed in the winter because of snow.
• Cellular service – You won’t have any service in the park for the most part until you’re in Yosemite Valley.
• Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias – There’s parking at Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza but will require a 4 mile roundtrip hike to get to Mariposa Grove since the shuttle isn’t running.
• Tire chains – Tire chains are required from November 1 through April 1.
• Shuttles and tours – During the pandemic, these are currently not running.
• Permits required – Half Dome and overnight wilderness hiking requires permits .
• More driving than you think – If you look on the map, places look close but with the lower speed limit and winding single-lane roads, it takes longer to get around than you expect.

YOSEMITE REVIEWS

After entering the park, your first stop is Tenaya Lake . This is a gorgeous alpine lake with spectacular views of the surrounding granite mountains, beach along the western shore, and inviting blue waters.

Since you’re coming in from the east gate, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Olmstead Point . Normally you get to see Half Dome from the traditional angle but from here, you get vistas of the famed landmark from the northern side. When you’re here, make sure you take the path down to where the vistas open up. Wander the entire granite slope to see “erratic” boulders, and also Tenaya Lake and Tenaya Canyon to the east as well.

The winding Tioga Pass eventually connects with Big Oak Flat Road that takes you down into Yosemite Valley .

When you think about Yosemite National Park’s major highlights and the work of Ansel Adams, almost everything is concentrated in this glacial valley surrounded by massive granite summits and densely sprawling pines. It’s only 1% of the park area but as visitors, this is the base of most of your exploration.

The valley floor has so much to see that it’s a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure. As you drive in you’ll see Bridalveil Fall on your right. Stop here and do the easy 0.5 mile round trip hike. The water peaks in the spring and early summer but will be quite dry in the fall.

Bridalveil Fall Rehabilitation Project: Until fall 2022 , the entire trail is closed so you won’t be able to hike to the waterfall.

After you have your own picnic lunch or grab something to eat at Base Camp Eatery , you’ll be able to explore on foot, a good chunk of the valley including Lower Yosemite Falls, Cook’s Meadow Loop, Sentinel Bridge, Berg Bridge, and Yosemite Valley Chapel.

Don’t worry if you don’t get to do it all in an afternoon as you’ll be coming back.

Back in your car or bus, make stops at El Capitan Meadow . Grab your binoculars to see if you can spot climbers hanging precariously on the sheer cliff walls.

Another epic view you can’t miss is Yosemite Valley View . There’s pull off parking here and it’s here that you get another iconic shot of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and the Merced River flowing in the foreground.

On your way out of the valley, you’ll arrive at the view that Ansel Adams made famous. Tunnel View is a scenic viewpoint where in one panorama, you can see El Capitan, Yosemite Valley, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and a lush carpet of green below. It’s simply perfectly framed.

Finally, make the drive south towards your home for the next 3 nights, Tenaya Lodge . Located in Fish Camp and outside of park grounds, this is a luxury and rustic resort nestled in the mountains with an award-winning spa, a range of outdoor activities, restaurants, and tours.

Where else to stay in and around Yosemite?

Follow our guide for recommendations of where to stay in Yosemite National Park whether inside the park or just outside.

Where To Stay in Yosemite National Park

A challenge with any Northern California road trip is deciding where to stay in Yosemite because you have options like Tenaya Lodge which are at the highest level of quality but the tradeoff is that it’s far and takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Yosemite Valley. Alternatively, you could try to stay within the national park but prices are sky high and difficult to book.

The good news is that there are a number of options and for this itinerary, we’ve selected several accommodations that could work for you.

For dinner, since Tenaya Lodge is a bit isolated, you’ll be having most dinners at the property’s main restaurant, Jackalopes Bar & Grill which is surprisingly good.

Day 6 Summary

Driving time: 3 hours 55 minutes (139.1 miles / 223.7 km)

• Tioga Gas Mart & Whoa Nellie Deli
• Tenaya Lake
• Olmstead Point
• Bridalveil Fall
• Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
• Cook’s Meadow Loop
• Sentinel Bridge
• Berg Bridge
• Yosemite Valley Chapel
• El Capitan Meadow
• Yosemite Valley View
• Tunnel View
• Yosemite Valley Private Hiking Tour
• Yosemite Sunset & Champagne Tour
• Half Dome Guided Backpacking Hike
• Yosemite Valley Orientation Tour
• Yosemite Valley, Giant Sequioas, and Glacier Point
• Lunch – Base Camp Eatery – Basic cafeteria-style eatery in Yosemite Valley.
• Dinner – Jackalopes Bar & Grill – There are limited choices if you’re staying at Tenaya Lodge but the good news is that this restaurant has a great menu, beautiful patio seating, and huge fire pits for s’mores (you can buy them at the gift shop).
• Tenaya Lodge – Aside from The Ahwahnee , this is the other premiere property just outside the park entrance at the southern gate in Fish Camp. I stayed here.
• Yosemite Valley Lodge – If there’s availability here, I would jump on this as they’re in Yosemite Valley which makes exploring the park that much easier.
• Sierra Sky Ranch – This is a bit further out in Oakhurst, south of Tenaya Lodge but a very nice property that’s part of the Ascend Collection.
• White Chief Mountain Lodge – For something a little more basic and spartan, this is also located in Fish Camp, near Tenaya Lodge.
• Yosemite View Lodge – Located in El Portal which is on the western entrance to Yosemite, this is an excellent option just outside of the national park.
• Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite – Just outside the Highway 120 West entrance to Yosemite National Park, this is a fantastic lodge option that also has a spa.

As part of the Globus trip , there are a number of excursions options for this day. Whether you’re with the tour or on your own, I highly recommend booking one of the educational classes offered by The Ansel Adams Gallery .

Stewards of the famed photographer and advocate for Yosemite, the gallery and their photography instructors run various guided photography walks including one called “In The Footsteps of Ansel Adams”.

The Globus YourChoice excursion included with the itinerary I was on turned out to be an incredible custom tour that took us to several hidden locations and vantage points and at the same time, teaching us about natural framing, scale and perspective, and various stories of Ansel Adams’ life.

The highlight of the tour though was our guide setting up a traditional view camera , the same kind that Ansel Adams would have used back in the day, complete with expanding out the bellows and using the dark cloth over the head.

For those that are interested, the secret photography spots we went to were the Swinging Bridge and the unnamed hiking trail that leads to the bridge from Yosemite Valley Lodge.

After the tour, you can either grab lunch again at Base Camp Eatery or take advantage of the time to explore other parts of Yosemite Valley such as going to the actual Ansel Adams Gallery , taking a peek at The Ahwahnee , or one of the spots you missed the previous day.

On the bus ride back, stop at the Pioneer Yosemite History Center which is where the original horse-drawn stage coaches entrance to Yosemite was located. Here, you’ll find a fleet of original stage coaches, a wood-covered bridge, and original historic structures.

Back at Tenaya Lodge , you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the resort itself, enjoying time at the pool, a spa session, or take on the hike to the waterfalls that starts from the property.

Day 7 Summary

Driving time: 2 hours 11 minutes (69.5 miles / 111.8 km)

• Pioneer Yosemite History Center
• The Ansel Adams Gallery – Photography education classes
• Breakfast – Tenaya Lodge buffet – As an alternative, you can also exchange your breakfast ticket for $25 worth of goods at the Parkside Deli instead.
• Lunch – Parkside Deli – You can pick up a grab-and-go lunch at the Tenaya Lodge shop.
• Dinner – Jackalopes Bar & Grill – You can also eat at Timberloft Pizzeria at the property if you’re looking for an alternative.

It’s been quite the NorCal road trip and you’ve got one full day to go so make it count!

With a full day to work with, the Globus itinerary has this as a free day at Tenaya Lodge but we suggest that you make alternative plans to see more of Yosemite National Park. To do this, look at booking with a reputable brand such as Discover Yosemite or one of the tours linked to below for a small group or private tour.

If you have your own car, you can put together your own plan as well but here’s a look at what our private full day tour included.

With Discover Yosemite , you’ll be picked up by a black Escalade for your private group. Their tours are fully catered to what you want to do. Given everything that you’ve seen so far in the park, there are still 2 major places that you’ve missed – Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and Glacier Point.

Having a guide to take you to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is critical because for one, large tour buses can’t get in and because shuttles aren’t running right now, you need an experienced guide to get you in as close as you can so you can focus on hiking within the actual grove.

Only someone with insider knowledge will know to take you through secret logging roads as a shortcut to bypass the hike from the lower parking lot to the Grove Arrival Area Trailhead. Instead, this route has you coming in through the Sierra National Forest and the Perimeter Trail.

Expect to spend 4-6 hours here, doing the full Mariposa Grove Trail visits both Lower and Upper Grove. Even if you don’t easily impress, you’ll be in amazement as you literally walk amongst giants and be in the shadow of the ancients that can be close to 3,000 years in age. You’ll pass through many famous named trees including Grizzly Giant, the Bachelor, and Three Graces. Just as impressive are the fallen trees as well with their roots hoisted from the earth.

TIP: Photographing sequoias is a challenge so a trick we learned from our guide is the use your smartphone’s panorama mode and do it vertically instead of horizontally.

For lunch, a packed picnic lunch is included with the tour which you’ll have in Wawona near the Pioneer Yosemite History Center.

Continue your afternoon by driving up towards Glacier Point . Where you’ve so far seen most of Yosemite’s wonder from the valley floor and other viewpoints along your drive, the reason why this overlook is so impressive is because you’ll have a towering view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Vernal Falls from this vantage. It’ll almost feel like you’re at a point that matches the peak of Half Dome.

Something you’ll notice is that the panorama views aren’t just limited to the official Glacier Point or where the Glacier Point Amphitheater is. I found that the views from the point where the Glacier Point Road curves and presents Half Dome in full view and the area around it to be even more photogenic especially with fewer crowds. That said, Glacier Point does have quite the aerial view of Yosemite Valley.

Another stop you can make along the way up is Washburn Point .

TIP: Remember to be on the lookout for bears and other wildlife along your drive!

For your final night, Globus has a special farewell dinner with the group followed by a stargazing event organized by the National Park Service.

Day 8 Summary

Driving time: 2 hours 38 minutes (77 miles / 123.9 km)

• Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
• Glacier Point
• Discover Yosemite – Private Full Day Tour

These are a few alternative day tours you can look into.

• Yosemite Small Group Tour – Giant Sequoias & Glacier Point
• Yosemite Private Tour by Echo Adventure Cooperative
• Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour
• Private Guided Hiking Tour in Yosemite
• Lunch – Packed picnic lunch included with Discover Yosemite tour.
• Dinner – Jackalopes Bar & Grill – The Globus group will have a catered farewell dinner at Tenaya Lodge.

Your final day is a transit day back to San Francisco. For most, this means flying back home but for others, you might want to consider extending your stay so that you get to see more of the city. The choice is yours!

With Globus, you’ll be dropped off directly at the airport.

If you’ve rented a car in the city, you’ll need to drop that off first. From there use a private airport transfer service .

Day 9 Summary

Driving time: 3 hours 36 minutes (207 miles / 333.1 km)

• Lunch – SFO Airport

As you start planning your epic road trip, it’s worth noting a couple of things when it comes to driving around Northern California:

• Driving in San Francisco isn’t fun – If you’re going to spend time in San Francisco, you’re better off relying on a hop-on-hop-off , taking Muni (their subway), or using Uber/Lyft to get around (watch the Uber airport hack ). Traffic is bad and it’s very hilly (as if parallel parking wasn’t hard enough).
• Parking rules in San Francisco – If you do plan on driving in the city, it’s worth noting all the parking rules , and more importantly, not how NOT to get a ticket. Know your curbs !
• Rent a car from the city and not the airport – Since you’re starting in San Francisco, it’ll be a smart move to book a rental car in the city instead of picking it up at SFO in combination with car rental coupon codes .
• Gas is expensive – This part of the US has some of the most expensive gas prices (similar to Hawaii) so don’t be too surprised. If you’re hunting for cheap gas prices, you can hunt around using apps like GasBuddy or check Google Maps.
• Tolls – This one’s easy to forget but there is one toll you’ll encounter and that’s the Golden Gate Bridge and depending on how you come back to San Francisco, most likely the San Mateo/Hayward Bridge or Bay Bridge. Thing is, especially since COVID, cash isn’t accepted anymore and car rental companies love dinging renters with exuberant fees unless you rent their FasTrak Toll Tag . Online booking doesn’t often mention it so you’ll have to ask in-person.
• Freeway driving – You’ll notice that on the major freeways, some Californians drive quite fast on the fast lane. If you’re not comfortable, stick to the slower lanes.
• Yosemite speed limit – You’ll be tail-gated from drivers wanting to go fast. Instead of driving faster, it’s better to let them pass. On single-lane roads, there are periodic pull offs where you can let them through so use them. Follow the posted speed limits which ranges from 25 mph to 45 mph. Another good reason to follow this is that wildlife (including bears) can pop out of nowhere so its good to be safe.
• Don’t drink and drive – If you’re doing any wine tastings, make sure to do so safely and have a designed driver.

When it comes to weather and the most favourable conditions for a road trip, I’d pick the shoulder season so that’s April to May and September to October with autumn having a slight edge.

Hear me out. Summer is a great season but if you’ve never been to San Francisco, those are actually the coldest and foggiest months.

With spring, you get the warmer weathers, smaller crowds, and with the snow melt, raging waterfalls as well. The only challenge with spring is that Tioga Pass is closed and doesn’t typically open until mid to late May.

In the autumn season, you have comfortable warm weather with fewer crowds. The tradeoff is that water levels are low so many of the famous waterfalls at Yosemite National Park are down to a trickle or completely dried out.

You could do a variation of this in the winter but it would depend on what month. Winter would be great for Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes because all of the ski resorts would be fully operational. The downside is that much of Yosemite National Park would be inaccessible as there is a chance that roads there and other parts of the Sierra Nevada could be closed due to snow.

Planning for what to wear and gear to pack for a Northern California road trip isn’t as easy as you think and a lot of it has to do with how dynamic the weather is and the various altitude and climates you’ll be dealing with. Ultimately, the key is to be prepared.

Here are a few tips on what to pack.

• Binoculars – Even if you’re not birding, these come in handy especially when encounter wildlife when you least expect it.
• Layers – No matter how warm it may seem, you’ll want to have a good hoodie/sweater and light jacket especially for the cold breezes that you’ll encounter in San Francisco and higher up in altitude when in Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, and Yosemite National Park.
• Windbreaker jacket – On the topic of jackets, this Columbia rain jacket for men and this one for women are great options.
• Buff headwear – Along the lines of layers, something I swear by for all of our packing guides , are the same buffs that you see on Survivor which I use either as a headband, scarf, or wristband to wipe off sweat.
• Wifi hotspot – If you live outside of the US, you’ll need a hotspot for data. I recommend using something like Pokefi (use code GAP24300 to get $20 off) or Solis (rebranded from Skyroam).
• Sunscreen – It may not feel like it but when you’re at higher altitudes whether cloudy or sunny, the UV is really strong so make sure you put on a good 50 SPF Sun Bum .
• Headlamp – If you plan on doing any sunrises or sunsets, this is going to be mandatory equipment. Check out our review of the Fenix headlamp which is the best one we’ve ever owned.
• Hiking shoes – A quality waterproof hiking shoe is recommended especially on any of the hikes you’ll be doing or even if you’re getting on a boulder for a photo at Lake Tahoe. The Keen Targhee II for Men and Women is highly recommended.
• Water bottle – You shouldn’t be buying water bottles. Instead, bring your own refillable bottle like this one from Hydroflask where you’ll be able to fill up at the hotel. You can always refill your bottle at breakfast!

Through the Globus California Dreamin’ tour , I had an incredible time exploring Northern California so throughly on this road trip itinerary. This gave me a greater appreciation for the incredible natural beauty here from its lakes to the mountains.

While I had an idea of what to expect from its main sights, this trip was also very much about the unexpected.

I didn’t know there was that much to see and do in Sacramento. Not knowing about its history in the Westward expansion and the development of America’s trans-continental railroad, I had so much fun in Old Sacramento with its old-timey atmosphere.

Lake Tahoe certainly could’ve used a bit more time than what we had but I was expecting a much smaller lake but it turned out to be way larger with a ton more to see.

Mammoth Lakes was also a revelation with surprises such as Mono Lake, the ghost town of Bodie, and the geothermal activity that can be found there.

Overall, Globus did a fantastic job putting this Northern California road trip together. In many ways, I’m glad I didn’t have to do the driving, bookings, and trip planning because it allowed me to have a truly stress-free vacation.

It depends on where you are but you won’t be able to fly the drone in any national parks, national forests, or natural reserves featured in this Northern California road trip itinerary. Outside of these and other restricted zones, you may fly the drone. Review California drone laws and rules in State Parks .

Forest fires are more and more prevalent in the summer and so you do need to be aware of where they are if you are travelling during fire season. In serious cases, roads can be closed and neighbourhoods evacuated because of forest fires which means you’ll need to find a detour. Smoke and visibility can also be a factor and this may just end up being a matter of luck depending on when you go.

A reservation system was in place during the summer season in 2021. No official announcements have been made about whether this will be put back in place in future years. As of now, there are no reservations required for Yosemite.

There are many approaches to a Northern California road trip but for those that love the outdoors, an itinerary that includes Sonoma, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, and Yosemite National Park is the best.

Due to the vast distance and time it’ll take to drive a full loop in Northern California, a minimum of 8 days is recommended. However, 9 days or more is recommended.

What you should read next

• Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park
• A Few of My Favourite Spots in California
• 4 Awesome Weekend Trips from Seattle
• The Best California Destinations Along the Pacific Ocean
• 9 Getaway-Worthy Northern Ontario Resorts in the Summer
• How To Shoot The Northern Lights in Iceland

This article was brought to you as a result of the Globus trip, a project between Monograms and iambassador but all opinions on Going Awesome Places are our own.

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Data: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices like PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are so good and you can use it globally but recently, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. TripAdvisor is also useful for reviews and bookings.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental.

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Our top picks for the best outdoor activities, sightseeing, dining and vacation fun on the way to Yosemite and other California national park sites.

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>", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/buellton-ca/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "8 things to do in the central coast town of buellton"}}'> 8 things to do in the central coast town of buellton, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/highway-1-discovery-route/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "9 stops on the california highway 1 discovery route"}}'> 9 stops on the california highway 1 discovery route, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/stockton-ca/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "amazing food and world-class art in stockton, california"}}'> amazing food and world-class art in stockton, california, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/ridgecrest-ca/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "ancient art and strange formations are rockin' ridgecrest"}}'> ancient art and strange formations are rockin' ridgecrest, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/santa-maria-valley/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "barbecue central in santa maria valley"}}'> barbecue central in santa maria valley, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/pismo-beach-ca/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "california dreamin’ at pismo beach"}}'> california dreamin’ at pismo beach, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/axel-erlandson-circus-trees/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "deep-rooted secret at gilroy gardens"}}'> deep-rooted secret at gilroy gardens, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/san-francisco-ca/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "dive deep into bay culture at 9 san francisco gems"}}'> dive deep into bay culture at 9 san francisco gems, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/bakersfield-ca/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "driving the streets of bakersfield"}}'> driving the streets of bakersfield, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/bishop-county-ca/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "explore bishop’s big backyard"}}'> explore bishop’s big backyard, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/santa-barbara-ca/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "explore santa barbara from pier to peak"}}'> explore santa barbara from pier to peak, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/fresno-california/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "fantastic fresno county finds"}}'> fantastic fresno county finds, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/sacramento-california/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "farm to fork in sacramento"}}'> farm to fork in sacramento, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/atascadero/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "find utopia on the laidback side of the california coast in atascadero"}}'> find utopia on the laidback side of the california coast in atascadero, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/oakdale-california/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "find western heritage in oakdale"}}'> find western heritage in oakdale, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/tri-valley-ca/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "follow the trails on the bay’s sunny side in tri-valley"}}'> follow the trails on the bay’s sunny side in tri-valley, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/paso-robles/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "grapes of robles"}}'> grapes of robles, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/oxnard-ca/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "harboring fun in oxnard, calif."}}'> harboring fun in oxnard, calif., >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/calaveras-county/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "jumping for calaveras"}}'> jumping for calaveras, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/lompoc-ca/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "lompoc’s top 7"}}'> lompoc’s top 7, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/modesto-ca/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "marvelous modesto, california"}}'> marvelous modesto, california, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/visalia-tulare-sequoia-national-park/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "naturally outdoors at sequoia and kings canyon"}}'> naturally outdoors at sequoia and kings canyon, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/santa-cruz-california/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "santa cruz 7"}}'> santa cruz 7, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/gilroy-california/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "savor the local flavors of gilroy, california"}}'> savor the local flavors of gilroy, california, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/san-simeon-ca/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "see the hearst castle and elephant seals in san simeon"}}'> see the hearst castle and elephant seals in san simeon, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/morro-bay/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "slow tides in morro bay"}}'> slow tides in morro bay, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/elk-grove-california/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "spend the weekend in elk grove"}}'> spend the weekend in elk grove, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/ventura-county-coast/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "start your channel islands national park trip in ventura county’s seaside towns"}}'> start your channel islands national park trip in ventura county’s seaside towns, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/fresno-chaffee-zoo/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "take a trip around the world at fresno chaffee zoo"}}'> take a trip around the world at fresno chaffee zoo, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/inyo-county-ca/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the most extreme in california’s eastern sierra"}}'> the most extreme in california’s eastern sierra, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/san-benito-county/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "the pinnacle of a getaway in san benito county"}}'> the pinnacle of a getaway in san benito county, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/mono-county-ca/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "tufas, devil's postpile, and a ghost town in mono county"}}'> tufas, devil's postpile, and a ghost town in mono county, >", "path": "https://www.myyosemitepark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/ventura-harbor-village/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "waterfront fun at ventura harbor village"}}'> waterfront fun at ventura harbor village.

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Yosemite National Park to Napa Valley drive

Yosemite national park to napa valley road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Yosemite National Park to Napa Valley. If you're planning a road trip to Napa Valley, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start at Yosemite National Park drive for about 2 hours

11:57 am   Angels Camp stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:57 pm drive for about 60 minutes

1:57 pm   Stockton stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:57 pm drive for about 1 hour

4:02 pm   Jelly Belly Factory stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:02 pm drive for about 41 minutes

5:43 pm  arrive at Napa Valley

driving ≈ 4.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Angels Camp   (3 answers) Stockton   (6 answers)     questions about Stockton:         What is your favorite restaurant in Stockton? Jelly Belly Factory   (3 mentions)

What are some things to do in Napa Valley?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Napa Valley. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Napa Valley.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Napa Valley to Yosemite National Park drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Yosemite National Park? Try searching for places within 4 hours of Yosemite National Park .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Yosemite National Park to Napa Valley . Or get a full Yosemite National Park to Napa Valley flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Yosemite National Park well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Yosemite National Park!

More info on this route:

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• National Parks

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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California Road Trip Part 3 – Napa Valley, Yosemite National Park & Death Valley

February 1 |  0 comments

Welcome to part 3 of my California road trip travel diary. If you missed part one and two you can check them out here and here before you continue 🙂

Day 11 – San Francisco to Napa Valley

• Saturday 12th September 2015
• Accommodation –  Embassy Suites , Napa Valley
• Number of nights – 2

Today was Liam’s birthday! Happy Birthday!

We checked out and were on the road by 10.30am. Today we were heading to Napa Valley.

On the way we were stopping at Muir Woods National Monument to see the giant redwoods. Once we got nearer to the woods the journey started to become a little hair-raising. The road was far too near to the edge for my liking.

We spent a long time trying to get a parking spot as the car park was tiny. There weren’t even any spaces left along the edge of the roads. I would recommend getting here a lot earlier than we did.

We finally got lucky and grabbed a spot as someone was leaving. Before heading into the woods we grabbed some food from the cafe as we hadn’t had any breakfast.

It was pretty amazing being around the giant trees. The experience was spoilt a little by noisy tourists who thought everything was hilariously funny.

We were probably only in the woods for around an hour before we left at about 2pm to continue on to Napa. Along the way we spotted an In-N-Out Burger which was on our bucket list. We pulled off the freeway specifically to experience this!

It was a bit confusing to order but eventually we got there. It was well worth it as the burgers were amazing! We were parked up near a supermarket so we headed in and bought some snacks and drinks for the next hotel room.

We finally arrived at Embassy Suites around 5pm. On check in, as a honeymoon treat, we were given free Wi-Fi access and a code to use the vending machines for free.

The room was amazing, it’s one of my favourites from the whole trip. There was even a separate living room! The hotel was beautiful and spotless I would definitely stay here again.

The first thing we did was head down to happy hour at the bar area. This was actually 2 hours and we were taken aback when we found out the drinks were actually free! I ended up having a few sangrias and got a bit tipsy. There were also free snacks which we filled up on.

We ventured outside to sit for a while and duck watch (there was a pond!). We spied someone having a pizza delivered and I instantly also wanted pizza. You know how it is!

We collared the delivery guy on his way out to get the phone number and returned to the room about 8pm so we could order our pizza. Half an hour later pizza arrived on the scene and was absolutely delicious!

Day 12 – Napa Valley

• Sunday 13th September 2015
• Accommodation – Embassy Suites , Napa Valley

Today we had a much needed lay in. We headed out to Dennys for brunch around midday. I had blueberry pancakes, sausages, hash browns and scrambled egg. It was amazing as usual. Liam just had a side dish as he wasn’t as hungry as me!

The original plan whilst in Napa Valley was to visit some vineyards and go wine tasting. The weather wasn’t great so we ended up just heading over to Napa Valley Premium Outlets to spend the day shopping.

It was soooo quiet at the shops. Maybe because it was a Sunday, so I really enjoyed the day.

On the way back to the hotel we stopped and grabbed a Panda Express takeaway. THE best Chinese takeaway in the world!

We just chilled out for the rest of the evening as we had a long 5-6 hour drive the next day. We are off to Yosemite in the morning.

Day 13 – Napa Valley to Yosemite National Park

• Monday 14th September 2015
• Accommodation –   Yosemite Lodge at the Falls , Yosemite National Park
• Number of nights – 3

Checkout at Embassy Suites was at 11am so we packed up the car and went to check out dead on time. I took some quick photos of the hotel before we left. It has a cute little pool area we hadn’t got around to using.

The drive to Yosemite was long and uneventful. Mainly freeways and long empty roads. We arrived around 5.45pm and were in our room within half an hour.

We were advised to empty everything from the car. Apparently anything that smells like food attracts bears and they could damage the cars trying to get in. This took us a long time as we had somehow accumulated a lot of stuff over the past 12 days!

The room was lovely, quite rustic. We had been given a room on the second floor with a balcony directly facing Yosemite Falls. Unfortunately, as it was September the waterfall was dry. Had we been here earlier in the year it would have been amazing to watch from the room.

Once we had settled in we decided to walk to the bar and have some drinks. It was about 8pm and pitch black outside. I was terrified we were going to get attacked by a bear on the way!

We made it safely, much to my delight, and we settled in with a strawberry daiquiri with whipped cream, yum!

Day 14 – Yosemite National Park

• Tuesday 15th September 2015
• Accommodation –  Yosemite Lodge at the Falls , Yosemite National Park

Today we were up bright and early at 8am. It was raining and overcast, the first bad day of the holiday.

Before we did anything we booked a tour for the afternoon up to Glacier Point. Then we decided to do an easy walk to the bottom of Yosemite Falls through the woods.

In the woods we saw numerous deer and they were fascinating just to stand and watch.

Once the afternoon rolled around we settled on our coach for the tour to Glacier Point. Our coach driver was a very friendly lady. She was telling us stories all the way there and back.

I’m glad she was confident in her driving abilities as had to navigate the coach up tiny winding roads.

The views from Glacier Point were amazing even though it was cloudy. On a clear, sunny day it must look ten times better.

We had the choice to either jump back on the coach or hike back down into Yosemite Valley. The hike takes a few hours so we opted to get back on the coach.

We got back into the valley around 5pm so we headed straight to for food. We decided against the food court and headed for the Mountain Room Restaurant.

The food was ok but the service was extremely slow. I ordered the burger and it comes with crisps rather than actual chips! Weird!

After dinner we went back to the room to chillax after a long day. We had to decide what hike we wanted to embark on in the morning.

Day 15 – Yosemite National Park

• Wednesday 16th September 2015

Today we were up and out by 9am. We were doing the hike to Vernal Falls to start the day.

We caught the shuttle bus to stop number 16 and jumped off. Before we set off we wanted some food so we had to wait for the food kiosk to open. We bought some snacks to keep us going then off we went.

It was, as you would imagine for a waterfall hike, uphill all the way. We took the mist trail on the way up as it was shorter.

It was exhausting as I’m not fit at all. We kept stopping to have a rest and a drink.

Finally, after an hour and half we arrived at the bottom of Vernal Falls. There was water in the falls at least, even though it wasn’t a lot.

We decided to continue on to the top of the falls. I’m not going to lie the trail was pretty terrifying at times. Towards the top you are climbing up the side of the mountain on a tiny ledge. I can imagine this trail must be pretty dangerous when it is wet.

It was a relief to finally reach the top. Once we were up there we found a nice rock to sit on to eat some snacks.

We continued on the trail towards Nevada Falls. On the way Liam nearly trod on a snake whilst he was taking some photos of me!

We wanted to continue to the top but as it was already 2pm we thought we had better head back down.

We decided to take the winter trail back down. It was much longer than the mist trail but I was not up for climbing back down the way we came.

We were back on flat ground around 4.45pm so we took the shuttle bus to the meadow. I wanted to take some photos of the landscapes. The sun was just going down so it was very pretty.

We had wanted to do the Mirror Lake trail as well today but we hadn’t realised how long the hike to the falls would take. I was a bit disappointed as the photos I’d seen of Mirror Lake were amazing but we will have to save that for our next visit.

We decided to have dinner at the food court which is like a big canteen. We had mediocre spaghetti and meatballs followed by cake. Before we retired for the evening we browsed the shops and bought some souvenirs.

Day 16 – Yosemite National Park to Lone Pine

• Thursday 17th September 2015
• Accommodation – Best Western Plus Frontier Motel, Lone Pine
• Number of nights – 1

Today unfortunately we were leaving the beauty of Yosemite behind. We were heading to our checkpoint in Lone Pine before our day in Death Valley tomorrow.

We checked out around 10.30am after repacking the car with all our stuff. Thankfully it survived the bears!

Luckily for us the Tioga Pass road is open at this time of year. There are plenty of places to pull over on the way out to take photos.

The scenery is absolutely stunning, we got some beautiful photos

On the way out we also drove through Tuolumne Meadows. It was so beautiful. I was so disappointed we hadn’t made it up there. I definitely want to go back and stay in the meadows next time.

The drive to Lone Pine was uneventful and we arrived around 3.30pm. I was really impressed with the Motel. It was very nice for the price we paid.

We were both exhausted so we ended up having a nap for a few hours. I then had the mammoth task of trying to cram all the stuff we had purchased into our suitcases.

Our aim was to minimise our loose luggage. Tomorrow after Death Valley we would be arriving in Vegas and handing the car back.

Day 17 – Lone Pine to Las Vegas via Death Valley

• Friday 18th September 2015
• Accommodation – The Venetian, Las Vegas
• Number of nights – 7

Even though we still had a week left of the honeymoon today was a sad day. It was the final day of the ‘road trip’.

Once we arrived in Las Vegas we were handing back the rental car. I had become quite attached to it at this point and didn’t want to give back!

First we wanted to explore Death Valley though so we set off around 10am.

I had a very specific photo in mind for the Death Valley landscape, one that I’d seen before and wanted to recreate. I kept my eyes peeled the whole journey.

As soon as I saw the spot we pulled off the road and played photographer for a bit.

Possibly my favourite shot of the whole honeymoon! It was exactly what I had envisioned.

Here it is…

The best thing was that the road was genuinely empty. There was nobody else around, just us and the open road.

Once we actually got into the park it started to get hot. I mean properly hot. It was nearly 40 degrees outside (that’s 104 Fahrenheit!).

We blasted the air con for a few minutes at a time. We had to keep turning it off so the car didn’t overheat.

I basically melted, I was sticking to the leather seats. It was very unpleasant. I feel super sorry for the next person to sit in that seat.

We visited a few of the sights. Artists drive and Badwater Basin. I’m not going to lie to you I didn’t really enjoy my time in Death Valley.

I love the photos we managed to get but I don’t think I would return here in a hurry! The heat made me very grumpy.

After seeing Badwater Basin we set off on our drive for our last stop, Las Vegas!

We arrived at McCarron International airport around 5pm and handed back the car. Can you believe we had driven a total of 1,400 miles on our little journey (!).

We jumped straight into a cab to take us to our hotel, The Venetian, for the start of our next adventure.

Continue on the journey with me:

• Part 1 – Los Angeles, Santa Barbara & Cambria
• Part 2 – Carmel, Monterey & San Francisco
• Part 3 – You are here!
• Part 4 – Las Vegas (Coming Soon!)

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Bae Area and Beyond

7 Epic Road Trips to Yosemite From A Local

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

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: DiscoverCars (save up to 70%)

Explore the most adventurous trip possible to Yosemite by picking and choosing stops along your journey. Create your own road trip to Yosemite for as little as 1-2 days or 1-2 weeks on your way to the park. 

 Here are 7 epic road trips to Yosemite that you can take: 

Table Of Contents

1. San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip

• Distance: 180-200 miles depending on the city
• Time: ~4 hours
• San Francisco to Yosemite Valley via HWY 120  
• Oakland to Yosemite Valley via HWY 120  
• San Jose to Yosemite Valley via HWY 120

Need a car to go to Yosemite? Find the  best car rental deals here !

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. 

Here are the stops you’ll see along the San Francisco to Yosemite road trip :

• San Francisco (or San Jose )
• Knight’s Ferry
• Chinese Camp
• Lake Don Pedro

Check rates & availability at Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite and enjoy their 2 spa tubs, spa services and outdoor pool.

2. [Alternative Route] San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip

• Distance: ~200 miles depending on the city
• San Francisco to Yosemite Valley via HWY 140
• Oakland to Yosemite Valley via HWY 140
• San Jose to Yosemite Valley via HWY 140

Why take this route? This route is an alternative route from the Bay Area cities (San Francisco, Oakland, 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. 

Here are the stops you’ll see along this alternative San Francisco to Yosemite road trip:

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

3. Oregon to Yosemite Road Trip

• Distance: ~610 miles
• Time: ~11 hours
• Directions: Google Maps Link

Why take this route? If you’re visiting from Oregon, Lake Tahoe , Reno, Carson City, you would need to take HWY 395, a highway that goes through 4 states California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. This road trip to Yosemite takes you through gambling cities, ghost towns, lakes, and more!

Find the  best car rental deals here !

Here are the stops you’ll see along the Oregon to Yosemite road trip :

• Carson City, NV

Stop for the night in Bridgeport and stay at Silver Maple Inn , the best accommodation in the area ! We stayed here and it was a nice cozy place after driving through Tioga Pass.

4. Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip

• Distance: 310 miles
• Time: ~6 hours

Why take this route? From you’re driving from Los Angeles or farther south, from the San Diego area, take this road trip to Yosemite. Or if you’re visiting Mariposa Grove and/or Wawona or staying at Oakhurst, you’ll take the HWY 41 to enter into Yosemite through its South Entrance. 

Here are the stops you’ll see along the Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip :

• Los Angeles
• Santa Clarita
• Bakersfield

Escape from the crowds and stay at this luxury hotel: Hounds Tooth Inn

5. Death Valley National Park to Yosemite Road Trip

• Distance: ~250 miles
• Time: ~5 hours

Why take this route? If you’re interested in a road trip with two national parks, take this route to start at Death Valley National Park and end at Yosemite National Park. Drive through contrasting environments; from sand dunes, and salt-flats to mountains, valleys, and canyons. This road trip to Yosemite also explores 4 well-known lake attractions in California.  

Save by purchasing the Annual National Parks Pass ! We saved $53 last year!

Here are the stops you’ll see along the Death Valley to Yosemite Road Trip :

• Death Valley National Park
• Crowley Lake
• Convict Lake
• Mammoth Lakes

Looking for the perfect place to stay for skiing with gorgeous views of Lincoln Mountain? Check rates & availability at Sunstone Lodge Vacation Rentals .

6. Las Vegas to Yosemite Road Trip

• Distance: ~400 miles
• Time: ~7 hours

Why take this route? If you’re driving from Las Vegas, this is the road trip to Yosemite to take on with many unique stops on the way including ghost towns and natural springs!

Here are the stops you’ll see along the Las Vegas to Yosemite Road Trip :

• Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
• Death Valley Junction or Amargosa

Reserve an overnight stay at this family-friendly vacation home: Death Valley Gateway .

7. Seattle to Yosemite Road Trip

• Distance: 915 miles
• Time: ~16 hours

Why take this route? If you’re driving from Seattle, starting from Portland or Sacramento, or also visiting Lassen Volcanic Park.

Here are the stops you’ll see along the Seattle to Yosemite Road Trip :

• Lake Tulloch

Stay at Candlewood Suites for a budget-friendly room with a full size kitchen.

Where To Stay In Yosemite

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

Budget-Friendly Option:  Curry Village

Mid-Priced Option:  Yosemite Valley Lodge

Lux Option:  The Ahwahnee

What To Pack For A Road Trip To Yosemite

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.  

Yosemite Day Trips From Bay Area

If driving isn’t your style and you’re looking for day trips from San Francisco Bay Area, check out these tours:

Frequently Asked Questions: Road Trip to Yosemite

What city to fly into for Yosemite?

You can fly into Oakland as it’s the closest major city near Yosemite and the nearest airport to Yosemite is Oakland International Airport. But San Francisco International Airport and San Jose International Airport have more connections and aren’t too far away.

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 would cost $100 per person daily. 

Does it cost to enter Yosemite?

Yes, it does cost to enter Yosemite. Yosemite charges of $35 per vehicle that’s valid for 7 days. But if you’ve got the America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass , then the entrance fee for Yosemite is waived. 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 this post on the best viewpoints in Yosemite to guide your trip!

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: Road Trip to Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is a natural wonder. You can get there from many directions, but we’ve outlined seven of the most epic routes to take you on your way. Choose the road trip to Yosemite that best suits your needs and make sure to pick your favorite stops along the way!

As always, we hope you found this article helpful. 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.

California National Park Road Trip & Itineraries

Yosemite Road Trip and Beyond!

Summer will be here before you know it – the long days of sun-filled warmth and possibility radiating from the soles of your sandals to the tip of your sun hat. The smell of sunscreen, and best of all, the sound of the key in the ignition and a car packed with the essentials for adventure.

It’s time to start planning that summer national park road trip! Goodbye to the same four walls we’ve been staring at for months. Goodbye to urgent deadlines, the growing pile of demands, and the stale routines that we promised ourselves months ago we would kick. Hello to a Yosemite road trip and to the freedom of the open road and national parks – America’s Best Idea.

Think about it.

California has nine — count ’em NINE — different national parks, more than any other state. That’s plenty to keep everyone busy for a whole host of summers. And that doesn’t even count 18 national monuments, over 270 state parks, the miles of coastal highway and more.

On a California national parks road trip, you can visit everything from one of the hottest dessert environments on earth at Death Valley National Park , to the island national park with world-class marine exploration at Channel Islands National Park . There are volcanic mountains ( Lassen Volcanic National Park ).

Photograph the distinctive trees and rock formations at Joshua Tree National Park . Wander through the cobblestone cliffs at Pinnacles National Park. Stand in awe below the most massive trees in the world in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and visit the tallest trees at Redwoods National Park .

And naturally, you can’t visit California’s National Park system without stopping in the crown jewel of them all, Yosemite National Park. The park is so beautiful that people travel from around the world to see the towering granite cliffs and waterfalls.

There is so much to do in California, you won’t be able to get to all of it in one trip unless you have much more time than most. And take our word for it, each of these destinations is so rich and so unique that they are worth slowing down for.

Leave time to follow your curiosity. Linger in the places that bring you the most joy. Soon find yourself making plans to return again next year to revisit your favorites, and become inspired by new spaces.

The key to an epic road trip is balancing the time in your vehicle on the road, and the time you spend actually exploring the national parks. Make sure you’re not so focused on your checklist that you miss out on discovering all there is to see in each destination.

The One Must-See National Park

If you had to pick just one national park to road trip to this summer, it would have to be Yosemite.

The renowned park ranger, Carl Sharsmith was once famously asked what he would do if he only had one day in the park. His answer: he would sit by the Merced River and cry. That’s because he spent a lifetime exploring and discovering every nook and cranny of this magical place as a Yosemite National Park Ranger. So, in case you were wondering if there is enough to do, the answer is yes.

There are spectacular historic and cultural locations. You could spend three days alone following in the footsteps of the famous naturalist John Muir on his first visit to Yosemite.

• Start that route in Gilroy, the Garlic Capital of the World.
• Cross Pacheco Pass.
• Take the back roads through welcoming small towns like Snelling, Coulterville, and Greeley Hill on your way into Yosemite filled with a wide array of lodging and dining options.

You can also break up your drive from the Bay Area with a stop at Lake McClure and Lake McSwain . These are beautiful places to camp, fish, and enjoy some of the area’s “˜off-the-beaten-path’ activities. Take a lap at Exchequer Mountain Bike Park ““ a 700-acre park with views of Lake McClure dedicated exclusively to mountain biking. Cool off at the Splash and Dash Aqua Park .

Yosemite is one of the most popular parks in California, and its popularity is growing. You’ll want to plan for your visit, so make sure you’re signed up for the Yosemite.com newsletter to get the best and most current information as well.

California National Park Road Trip Loops

Given its location in the center of the state, Yosemite is also an essential part of any California National Park loop trip. Making the scenic trip over Tioga Pass is the ideal, and most scenic way to cross the Sierra Nevada. If you have two weeks or more, and you’re looking for some longer loops, check out these itineraries. Just remember to take your time and linger in the places that are bringing you the most joy.

The Northern National Park Road Trip Itinerary

The northern national park road trip boasts three national parks, four if you are willing to go outside of California (we will forgive you). But wait, that’s not all! It also includes three National Monuments and a National Seashore.

If you start in San Francisco , you’ll find several outdoor parks nearby worth a visit. Take your time exploring parks like Fort Point with its unique history and vantage point overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge . Gaze up into the towering tops of the old-growth coastal redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument . Wander Point Reyes National Seashore’s windswept beaches, and keep your eyes open for wildlife like tule elk or elephant seals.

Start your trip with a visit to the world-famous, Yosemite National Park . Breathe in the sweet pine-scented air and dangle your toes in playful mountain rivers. With the diverse natural landscapes in the region, you could easily spend 3-4 days (or a lifetime) exploring the trails , rock climbs , and other things to do . Don’t forget to get a taste of history and some “˜spirited’ refreshment in Mariposa on your way back to San Francisco .

From Yosemite, you’re ready to head north to Lassen National Park . Lassen is the southernmost volcano in the Cascade Range, and the park is filled with fascinating mud pots, fumaroles and hot springs.

At this point, you’ll be close to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. We would forgive you a detour beyond the California boundary, or you could stick to California-based sights and visit two National Monuments on the way to Redwoods National Park. Lava Bed National Monument’s volcanic landscape includes more than 800 caves, Native American rock art sites, and historic battlefields. Tule Lake National Monument provides a sobering reminder of the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.

After visiting the most massive trees in the world in one of the giant sequoia groves in Yosemite, you should visit Redwoods National Park, which boasts some of the tallest trees on Earth. Then take a leisurely trip down the Pacific Coast Highway back to San Francisco .

The Southern Coastal National Park Road Trip Loop

If the three (or four) national parks on the northern route were not enough to tempt you, then check out the southern national parks loop with a whopping SIX national parks, plus three iconic cities and a national monument.

Starting again in San Francisco , take your time driving to Yosemite National Park . This gives you more time to enjoy gold country along the way. Try your luck panning for gold or cast a fishing line in a clear lake or mountain stream.

If you have time, there is plenty to do here for a week or more if you have the time. Yosemite is the kind of destination that people return to year after year because there is so much to see and do.

From there head south to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks . Take your time to get one of the best views in the Sierra Nevada from Moro Rock, then visit the famous sequoias and contemplate the most massive trees in the world, like the General Sherman. Each grove has it’s own unique character.

Discover how these compare with the Tuolumne , Merced and Mariposa sequoia groves in Yosemite National Park. Don’t forget to also stop to wonder at the striking cave formations at Crystal Cave or watch the sunset at Moro Rock.

Once you’ve filled your mind with the ancient giants, head south to Joshua Tree National Park and marvel at the photogenic trees and scramble the natural rock formations. Many diverse hikes and viewpoints await your exploration.

From Joshua Tree National Park, drop south to explore San Diego and learn about 16th century exploration and go tide pooling at Cabrillo National Monument .

Follow the Southern California Coast to Ventura and Channel Islands National Park. Hopefully you’ve made a reservation to visit the national park for the day, or spend the night on the island. Just getting to the islands is a scenic journey on its own, and filled with opportunities for wildlife viewing.

More coastal exploration awaits you on the way to Pinnacles National Park to relish the quiet hiking there before returning to your starting point.

This one is for mountain lovers! But how do you top the six national parks in the southern coastal loop? Easy, with seven national parks in the southern mountain loop.

Start this loop the same way you started the Coastal loop from San Francisco , through Mariposa County into Yosemite National Park .

This time, instead of turning South, drive across the Sierra through Yosemite’s gorgeous high country. Olmsted Point , Tenaya Lake , and Tuolumne Meadows provide scenic stops and spectacular hiking options that are worth at least a day or two if you can manage it.

Emerge from Yosemite at Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve to see the delicate calcium-carbonate towers and abundant bird-life.

From here, the drive down Highway 395 parallels the scenic serrated edge of the Sierra Nevada. If you manage to get a highly-prized permit to hike Mount Whitney, you can go from the highest point in the contiguous US to the lowest point in Death Valley National Park .

From Death Valley, continue South to visit the unique trees and rock formations at Joshua Tree National Park. Then continue west to Ventura Harbor and Channel Island National Park .

This time, instead of following the coast, head inland past César E. Chávez National Monument toward the giant sequoia groves of Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park .

From there, drive west to visit Pinnacles National Park before finishing your loop.

The Complete California National Park Road Trip Itinerary

If you have a lot of time, love the open road and can’t bear to choose between these amazing options, by all means, visit them all. Simply combine the northern road trip with the southern mountain loop. You’ll be in for an epic California National Park road trip itinerary that hits all the bases.

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Classic Itinerary

Northern California Road Trip

A Northern California Road Trip’s Greatest Treasures

This 10 day Northern California road trip itinerary really covers just about everything you’d want in a west coast road trip. Experience the great city of San Francisco, stop for a drink in Napa Valley, spend time on the water in Lake Tahoe, and explore iconic Yosemite National Park. This route covers many highlights that the northern part of the state has to offer, making it one of the best California road trip itineraries out there.

STATES: California, Nevada START/END: San Francisco TOTAL MILES: 900 miles (1450 km) SUGGESTED DAYS: 10-12 SUGGESTED SEASON: Year-round (altered route for winter)

Northern California Road Trip Overview

This loop route begins and ends in San Francisco, where there are three major international airports within an hour drive. Since the loop takes road trippers’ into the mountains, there is an alternative winter route shown on the map to avoid road closures that often happen due to snow. Depending on the season, this 10 day Northern California road trip itinerary can be ideal for families looking for casual adventure and summertime activities, or for winter-obsessed folks needing their ski-fix and unique winter wonderland experience.

PREPARATION  

Travelers should expect a higher number of people during the summer and fall when the weather is best. They can also expect winter road closures to extend into the spring season. 

Whether you choose warm or cold-weather adventures, we recommend taking at least 10 days for this trip. 

SAN FRANCISCO

There are three international airports in the Bay Area: San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK), and San Jose (SJC). The Bay Area is pretty large and includes many cities. We suggest exploring San Francisco if you haven’t already. 

You obviously won’t want to miss big attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge or even Alcatraz Island, but don’t forget that San Francisco is known for its steep city streets, cable cars, and its unique architecture, so even just exploring the city by foot could be a fun way to spend a day. The colorful city is also known for its seafood like fresh oysters, Dungeness crab, and chowder.

Best spot to photograph Golden Gate Bridge: Baker Beach Best hike: Tennessee Valley Trail Best experience for the whole family: Alcatraz Island Most unique dessert: Matcha Ice Cream

WINE COUNTRY Travel Time: 1 hour – 50 miles / 80 km (to Napa)

If you’re over the legal drinking age of 21, you can’t just drive past some of the world’s best vineyards without stopping! From Interstate-80, towns like Napa , Sonoma , and Santa Rosa are only a short detour north and are well known for their vineyards. This is a great way to relax if you’ve just traveled a far distance.

For the wine connoisseurs: Spend a day wine tasting For the kids: Ride in a hot air balloon For the beer-drinkers: Visit a brewery or distillery Great place to grab a bite in Rutherford: Auberge du Soleil

PLACERVILLE Travel Time: 1 hour 30 min. – 103 miles / 165 km

Just after passing through the capital of California, Sacramento , you’ll reach the charming town of Placerville . The town got its name during the California gold rush when placer gold deposits were found in its river beds and hills in the 1840s. Downtown Placerville’s architecture reflects that 19th century time period. Raft the river or learn to pan for gold, there’s so much to do here . 

Best place for dinner: Smith Flat House Best place to take the kids: Gold Bug Park & Mine Best short hike: Greenwood Creek Can’t miss: Wine Tasting

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Travel Time: 1 hour – 60 miles / 97 km

Summer or winter, it doesn’t get much better than Lake Tahoe . Warm sunshine beaming over the clear, blue water or snow-covered peaks and fresh powder in the winter. We recommend spending at least two days in South Lake Tahoe, as you can’t really relax unless you’ve spent a full day on the beach and a full day out on the water, right?

If you do plan to take this trip in the winter, Tahoe might be the best stop along the route. With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year and world-class ski resorts, it’s a great place to get away during the winter months. Lake Tahoe is a top experience that makes this the best California road trip, but truly, every stop is amazing!

Best hike: Hike on the Tahoe Rim Trail from Van Sickle Bi-State Park Most luxurious stay: The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe Best experience for the whole family: Standup Paddle Board on the Lake Most unique adventure: Go fly-fishing

SUMMER: LEE VINING & YOSEMITE Travel Time: 2 hours – 110 miles / 177 km

Just two hours south of Lake Tahoe is the town of Lee Vining , a gateway to Yosemite National Park . The small town is located just beneath Mono Lake, and right at the intersection of US 395 and Tioga Pass, which is the east entrance of the park. Lee Vining is a great place to stay if you want to spend a few days in Yosemite. 

For the adventurers: Hike Half Dome Most unique dining experience: Mono Cone Best sight-seeing: Glacier Point Most unique spot for photographers: Mono Lake

WINTER: JACKSON & YOSEMITE Travel Time: 2 hours – 88 miles / 142 km

Tioga Pass is closed during most of the winter months due to snow, which is why we’ve included an alternative Northern California road trip route to Jackson and Yosemite National Park. The town of Jackson is a great place to stop on your way to the west entrance of Yosemite. Black Chasm Cavern National Natural Landmark outside of Jackson offers tours of the underground caves. If you’ve never been to Yosemite in the winter, you’re missing out. 

What to do in the park: More Info on Yosemite in Winter Most unique lodging: The National Hotel Best spot for breakfast: Andrae’s Bakery & Cheese Shop Best winter photographic spot in Yosemite: Bridalveil Falls

OAKHURST/MARIPOSA Travel Time: 1 hour 30 min. – 50 miles / 80 km

From the Yosemite National Park Visitor’s Center, Oakhurst is just an hour and a half away. Mariposa is another 30 minutes. Both are charming historic towns that offer easy access into Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. If you’re doing this route in the winter, consider staying here for a few nights as a basecamp into the mountains. 

Best hike: Lillian Lake Trail Best place to stay: Bed & Breakfast in Yosemite Where to get your produce: Oakhurst Farmers Market Most unique adventure: Fly-Fishing in Yosemite

MONTEREY AND CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA Travel Time: 3 hours – 154 miles / 248 km

It’s time to get back to the sea and take in the fresh smell of the salty ocean. Perhaps you’ve heard of Monterey or Carmel-by-the-Sea . They are both beautiful coastal cities known for their museums, libraries and of course, Monterey Bay Aquarium . Give surfing a shot at Marina State Beach, then walk along Carmel Beach at sunset and finish off the night with a cozy, beach fire. 

Best place for a romantic dinner: Beach House Restaurant at Lovers Point Best place to take the kids: Monterey County Youth Museum Hike with the best views: Point Lobos Loop Trail Can’t miss: Visit the Carmel Mission

HALF MOON BAY Travel Time: 2 hours – 91 miles / 147 km

We always like to end our road trips somewhere special so that we have good final memories of our vacation. Half Moon Bay is a great place for that. From beautiful sea cliffs to hiking trails through rolling hills, Half Moon Bay is one of northern California’s most underrated small cities. 

Where to watch big-wave surfers: Mavericks Surf Spot Best day-hiking: Rancho Corral de Tierra Where to take the kids: Exploring the Tide Pools Best spot for a walk: Downtown Half Moon Bay

As you wrap up your Northern California road trip, be sure to make any last-minute stops in San Francisco that you may have missed before. On your next trip around Northern California, maybe consider going even further north to Upstate California. Until next time!

Yosemite to Yellowstone Road Trip

Upstate California Road Trip

Family Kid Friendly Road Trip

San Francisco to Las Vegas Road Trip

Phoenix to Seattle Road Trip

Rural Nevada Loop Road Trip

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California road trip: from San Francisco to Yosemite and the Big Sur

“Driving down the 101, California here we come”: fans of the teen drama The OC will know this Phantom Planet song all too well, and no Californian road trip would be complete without humming along to this tune on loop as you take in the magnitude of sights that await you on the West Coast. Hiring a car in the states is somewhat of a necessity, but it bestows on you the freedom to explore so much more than you would by simply staying in one major city. San Francisco is an excellent starting place for the perfect Cali road trip, so buckle up and let’s begin.

San Francisco

Flying into San Francisco or Oakland airport puts you fairly equidistant from the centre of the city. Either pick up a car at the airport or somewhere in the city is equally as convenient. If you want to take in the sights of the city for a few days (and we suggest you do), read our guide to San Francisco and discover the hidden gems tucked between the infamous tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39.

After a few days in San Francisco, you’ll likely feel ready to head out of the city towards greener pastures, and what could be more tempting than Napa Valley, the home of Californian wine. Stay for a few nights in one of the beautiful guest houses in Napa, or the surrounding towns such as Calistoga. Park up as you won’t need the car for a few days (excellent news for those drinking) and take the local shuttle bus to any of the wine tastings offered in the multitude of wineries available to you. We highly recommend Chateau Montelena and Castello di Amorosa for the view, plus Robert Mondavi for the modernist architecture and delectable vintage.

Yosemite National Park

Once you’ve had your swill of the good stuff, we suggest heading south to Yosemite National Park. The drive will take approximately four hours, but once you get there, we promise it will be oh so rewarding. Cascading hills and open roads lined with the tallest fir, pine and sequoia trees you have ever seen will provide you with one of the most beautiful driving experiences of your life. For those who have the time, you could easily set up camp here for a week or more and enjoy some astounding (and at times challenging) hikes. For those who are more pressed for time, the park is vehicle friendly and you can drive to the top of Glacier Point for the most breathtaking views of the valley below. Be sure to wrap up warm, the air is a little brisk at this altitude. By night, the wonders of nature don’t cease, and after the most glorious of sunsets, you’ll find yourself under a blanket of stars (which are best enjoyed from an outdoor hot tub – a luxury, maybe, but totally worth it!). Finish the night with a S’more cooked on an open fire and you’ll be forgiven for thinking you just experienced something close to heavenly.

Monterey Bay

Ready for another drive? Hop back in the front seat and head back to the coast. Another four hours behind the wheel and you’ll find yourself in the gorgeous quaint seaside city of Monterey. Monterey Bay, at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, is well known as one of the best marine sanctuary sites in the world. The waterfront is lined with cute tourist shops, art galleries and amazing seafood eateries to satisfy the hungry traveller. By day, you could take a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and spot sea lions and otters from the external balcony. Perfect for little ones, the aquarium is just as mesmerizing to its grown-up visitors – the jellyfish exhibit is somewhat trippy! Think you’ve spotted something bigger further out to sea? Wake up early and hop on board one of the many whale-watching boats that leave the pier every day, and you’ll be wowed with Humpbacks, Gray whales, dolphins and possibly orcas, depending on the season.

Carmel and the Big Sur

Just a short drive from Monterey is the charming town of Carmel-by-the-sea. The main road is lined with designer and boutique shops, which all lead down to the glorious white stretch of sand on the beach (one of California’s finest). Stay for a picnic and bask in the crashing sound of the Pacific waves. Feeling active? Grab a surfboard – after all, California is one of the surfing capitals of the world! From Carmel, you can begin one of the most epic drives the mind can fathom, along Highway 1, more commonly known as the “Big Sur”. This dramatic stretch of road winds endlessly along the west coast providing you with the most breathtaking natural vistas. Roll down the windows, open the sunroof and feel the warm Californian air sweep in as you witness some of the most magnificent scenery this gorgeous state has to offer. The Big Sur winds for roughly 90 miles, so this road trip only has to end when you decide you’ve seen enough!

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8 incredible California road trips

I was probably no more than 50 metres away from the shaggy lump skulking around the low-lying waterlogged meadow. Its sodden brown fur shimmered in the morning sun as I watched on in disbelief. Remarkably, I was tracking a black bear. My road trip from the Bay Area saw me traverse Sacramento, Yosemite National Park and the San Joaquin Valley on a loop from San Francisco. At the time, Yosemite had experienced heavier than usual snowfall for February and March, and the national park had to be evacuated. When it reopened, I was one of the first back in.

California is versatile and holds a special place in my heart. Most of my fondest US road trip memories are in the Golden State — whether it was bear spotting in Yosemite, cruising along Highway 1 blasting The Beach Boys, or eating juicy peaches at family owned roadside fruit stalls in Modesto. Driving is not often the greenest method of travel, so I offset this by eating seasonal produce, buying local and getting around by public transport. I’ll also try to stay longer in one place to avoid driving daily.

Hiring an electric car across California is the obvious tip, but look for hotels with EV points to avoid wasting daylight hours charging. California’s roads are long and often winding, and depending on the season you’re never too far away from wintry or wet conditions — especially at high elevation beauty spots. Eating seasonally is easy too. California’s weather is comparable to the Mediterranean, and it’s these conditions that make it a favourable farm-to-table destination. Cities like Sacramento and Berkeley have long been flying the flag for fresh, seasonal produce, with locally grown almonds, pistachios, mandarins and tomatoes abundant on menus year-round, reducing food mileage. So with that in mind, here’s four alternative California road trips that incorporate those sustainable practices.

1. Highway 128

Start: Yolo County

End: Mendocino

Distance: 144 miles

Take it easy on this 144-mile road trip worthy of a long weekend, or more. You’ll start in Waters, among Yolo County’s bountiful wine country, and will head west towards the rugged Mendocino coastline, passing through four of California’s most fruitful states for wine, arts and outdoor recreation along the way ( visit128.com ).

With vineyards and tasting rooms across all four counties it certainly helps if you like wine for this one, but don’t be put off if you’re not: Sonoma County, for example, is also known for its seasonal food offering, buzzy arts scene and boutique shops, while Mendocino County adds outdoor exploration, serene beaches and vegan restaurants. If short on time, or would like someone else to do the driving for the day, consider a wine tour of Napa and Sonoma in a luxury, all-electric Tesla via Healdsburg Tours ( healdsburgtours.com ).

2. Bay Area to Yosemite National Park

From: San Francisco

To: Mariposa, via Yosemite National Park

Distance: 260 miles

There’s a few ways to do this one and while most will take the 580 and 120 across the Central Valley, it’s worth heading for Lake McClure in western Mariposa County for ample fishing and outdoor recreation activities. Then, take the John Muir Highway 132 directly into Yosemite National Park where it’s all about the trails, waterfalls and Valley views. After a few days exploring Yosemite, it’s then onto the historic gold rush town of Mariposa: home of the award-winning Mariposa County History Center, plus several craft breweries and independent restaurants spanning Mexican to Italian. ( yosemite.com ).

Yosemite offers a free bus service around the park, reducing the need to drive around — consider basing yourself somewhere like Autocamp Yosemite, near Mariposa, whose distinctive, sustainable airstream trailers are equipped with modern amenities and are great for couples and families ( autocamp.com ). To further your eco credentials, stop off in Berkeley on the way there or back for lunch at Chez Panisse, by chef Alice Waters, who pioneered the use of seasonal Californian produce (chezpanisse.com).

3. Modesto Almond Blossom Cruise

From: Modesto (there and back)

Distance: 60 miles

For just four weeks from mid-February onwards, 120,000 acres of almond groves around Modesto burst into a majestic pink and white bloom. It’s here that a mammoth 80 per cent of the world’s almonds are grown, with a self-guided audio tour of this agriculturally-rich region available to download for $14.99 via visitmodesto.com . It includes local stories and tips on the best almond blooms, where to stock up on local produce, and general sightseeing advice.

You’ll stop at Rodin Farms, a family farm whose roadside fruit stand sells flavoured almonds, fruits, nuts and honey; Sciabica Olive Oil, the oldest olive oil producer in the US; and Roberts Ferry Gourmet, where no-one should pass without trying their almond butter milkshake.

4. SoCal: Mountain towns, beach camping and craft beer

From: Idyllwild-Pine Cove

To: Encinitas

Distance: 98 miles, or 248 miles

Pack a tent for this one which begins in the village of Idyllwild-Pine Cove in the San Jacinto mountains. There’s plenty of easy trails leading to sweeping vistas, like the 2.5-mile Devils Slide Trail. From here you could take a 140-mile detour to Palm Springs, passing through the otherworldly Coachella Valley towards the frankly bizarre abandoned holiday resort of Salton Sea, before heading west across the Borrego Badlands’ dramatic desert to the coniferous Palomar Mountain State Park.

To stick to the original 98-mile route, swing south from Idyllwild to stop at Elim Hot Springs, then sample local wines at one of the many vineyards surrounding Palomar. Here, a number of camp grounds welcome small groups. You’ll then swap deserts and mountains for sea air: take the 76 and 78 towards the Encinitas coast, where a craft beer scene and camping on state beaches like Moonlight or San Elijo await.

Four iconic California road trips

Imagine California Dreamin’ blasting out of your classic convertible and you’re almost there. Hugging the coast for 650 miles, this trip includes stop-offs in beach cities like Monterey, Santa Barbara and Santa Monica, plus the dramatic Big Sur and Bixby Bridge.

This one needs little introduction but at an enduring 2,448 miles between Chicago and Los Angeles, it does need plenty of time. You’ll cross eight states and three time zones, so give yourself a couple of weeks to complete in full.

Highway 395

This offers everything from hot springs to mountains and deserts to skiing over a 557-mile route. Endless adventure awaits on this road trip which skirts the eastern Sierra, with Lake Tahoe, Bodie and Mt Whitney offering up highlights.

Los Angeles to Palm Springs

About 100 years ago, Hollywood bigwigs slipped a clause into actors’ contracts to ensure they were within a two-hour drive during all production. Coming in just 10 minutes shy of that radius, this is one of the most popular LA day-trips.

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