san francisco monterey yosemite trip

San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip [Scenic Drive + Best Places to Stop]

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Direct Route via 120 E (3 hrs 20 mins) : Easy drive except for a short steep and windy section on New Priest Grade Rd, with notable stops at a few gold rush towns.
• Scenic Route via 140 E (3 hrs 40 mins) : A beautiful drive along the Merced River and a safer route if driving in the winter.
• If traveling in the peak summer season, we recommend leaving as early as possible to prevent getting stuck behind a long line of cars at the entrance.

Are you going on a San Francisco to Yosemite road trip? Then you’ve come to the right place.

With so many beautiful sights along the way, choosing which stops and detours to take can be overwhelming. 

As California locals, we’ve created this list to provide you with options for interesting towns for stops along the way to make the most of your San Francisco to Yosemite scenic drive. 

This itinerary has you covered with specific stops , from where to grab some lunch to practical tips for turning the drive to Yosemite into a fun-filled road trip. 

How long is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite?

The most direct route to Yosemite from San Francisco takes about 4 hours which is 190 miles away.

The more scenic drive takes only 15-20 minutes more and is worth the extra drive time.

💡 Read this article if you need to get to Yosemite from San Francisco without a car .

San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip Itinerary

• Direct Route via 120E : 4:05 hrs, 192 miles 
• Scenic Route via 140E : 4:15 hours, 212 miles

*Directions are for Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

This itinerary gives you an overview of the two different routes you can take for your drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. 

The most direct route from the Bay area is via 120 East which is less scenic than taking 140 East. 

However, there is a section where the road gets really windy, steep, and twisty, so make sure to take a Dramamine .

Taking the more scenic route via 140E doesn’t add too much drive time and the roads are better for those who get motion sickness. This is the route that we prefer when we go to the park.

Remember, getting from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park as early as possible is the goal to minimize the wait at the entrance and get more time in the park.

This World Heritage Site is visited by millions of tourists each year, and it’s especially busy in the summer.

For those with a little more time, you can plan for a few extra days for your trip so that you can take your time and check out the stops along the way. 

You can grab a meal, purchase snacks, go for a tour around town, take photos of nearby historical landmarks, fuel up, and be on your way. 

❄️Note on Weather Conditions: If you are driving to Yosemite in the winter or snowy conditions, it is recommended to take Hwy 140 instead of 120 but make sure to check any road closures before leaving.

Also, carry snow chains or drive an AWD with snow tires when passing through from early fall to late spring.

🚘 If you need to rent an AWD or 4WD, make sure to check RentalCars.com for the best deals.

Drive from San Francisco to Yosemite: Best Places to Stop

Direct route: san francisco to yosemite national park road trip.

• Description : Direct route but winding mountain roads, 4:05 hrs without stops
• Yosemite Entrance : Big Oak Flat

When taking the most direct route from SF to Yosemite, you will find yourself driving along I-580 E to CA-120 E past Oakdale. 

You will drive through a few notable Gold Rush towns, to Groveland, then through the western entrance of Yosemite at Big Oak Flat. 

This route’s road is nicely paved and mostly flat, but it does involve driving through winding mountain roads, especially as you get closer to the park. 

Make sure to bring some motion sickness pills for those in your party who get car sick. 

Also, if you’re considering visiting Tuolomne Grove to see the Giant Sequoias before heading to the park, then this route is what you should take.

San Francisco to Yosemite National Park Drive via 580 to 120 E: Best Places to Stop

• Gas : Oakdale, Big Oak Flat
• Coffee : Starbucks (Oakdale), Mountain Sage (Groveland)
• Food : In-n-Out (Manteca), Oakdale Cheese & Specialties (Oakdale), The Grove Mercantile for ice cream (Groveland)
• Grocery Stores : Raley’s (Oakdale), Mar-Val (Groveland) 

Oakdale, also known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” is a great place to stop during your road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, especially if you’re a fan of the Old West. 

This historic town in the Central Valley has a Cowboy Museum you can visit and a quaint center where you can fill up on gas, buy some coffee, and grab some snacks. 

Make sure to take a picture with the Bronze Cowboy Sculpture at the Visitor Center Plaza.

Gold Rush Towns

During your San Francisco to Yosemite drive, you will pass some famous gold rush towns that remain charming and inviting even to this day. 

Stop by one of them for a quick meal, perhaps a bit of antique shopping, or just to stretch your leg with a quiet stroll around town.

Jamestown is best known as the place where gold was first discovered in Tuolumne County. 

Much of the historic town’s structures from the 1870s and 1880s remain intact and now house boutique inns, shops, restaurants, and a few other commercial businesses. 

Spend a few hours visiting the Railtown State Historic Park , where you will find locomotives featured in movies and TV shows, take a photo with the “movie star locomotive” Sierra No. 3, and even ride old steam or diesel trains.

Known as one of the oldest cities in California and nicknamed the “Queen of the Southern Mines,” Sonora is another gold rush era town you can visit. 

Rich in history, it’s nice just to explore its charming historic downtown, where you will feel a sense of the old well adapting to the new in this bustling town. 

Shop at one of its many boutique shops for some unique gifts and souvenirs, or check out Gianelli Vineyard and perhaps buy a bottle for your trip.

Stopping at Columbia will make you feel like time-traveling is possible. 

Visit Columbia State Historic Park , a living gold rush town that still has its original structures and an authentic stagecoach you can ride. 

You can sign up for gold panning activities, and the townspeople dress in period attire. 

It’s like you are stepping back in time and visiting the old gold country. 

Stop by the old Jack Douglass Saloon and get a cold glass of their Famous Sarsparilla.

Once you reach Groveland, you’re less than an hour from the Big Oak Flat entrance. 

This gold rush era town has quite a lively and quirky reputation, having elected a dog as the town’s Honorary Mayor . 

If you happen to be stopping by here during the summer, you’ll most likely catch a community event that will keep you busy during your stop. 

However, make sure to drop by the Iron Door Saloon for good food, drinks, live music, and even a classic game of pool.

Rainbow Pool

During your SF to Yosemite road trip, if you happen to be using the same route back to the City, you can stop by the Rainbow Pools on your return trip instead. 

This beautiful swimming hole is located just outside Yosemite National Park, making it a perfect side trip for a “last hurrah” of fun and relaxation. 

Some pools are shallow and perfect for dipping your toes, while others are deep enough to plunge in for a refreshing swim.

Carlon Falls

The hike to Carlon Falls involves the moderately challenging 3-mile out-and-back on the Carlon Falls Trail, which is located near Groveland. 

What’s special about these falls is that it’s known to flow all year round, unlike some of the falls in Yosemite. 

So, if cooling off and relaxing by the falls is your thing, this stop is perfect for you.

San Francisco to Yosemite Scenic Drive

• Description : It takes a bit longer but is a more scenic drive, 4:15 hrs without stops
• Yosemite Entrance: Arch Rock

This less direct route from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park will take you from Highways 580 to 99 to 140 E. 

This drive is the better option if you are not in a mad rush.

You will pass lovely backroads and have the option to stop for some awesome grub, but at some point, you might wonder if there’s anything else to see on this route. 

But don’t worry, it may seem like there’s nothing much on this route, but it gets quite scenic the closer you get to the park. 

Highway 140 E snakes along the Merced River inside the canyon before arriving at the Arch Rock entrance to the park. 

Yosemite from San Francisco Drive via 580 to 99 to 140 E: Best Places to Stop

• Gas : Modesto, Merced, Mariposa, El Portal (Expensive)
• Coffee: Giacomo’s Espresso for Specialty Coffee drinks (Modesto), Starbucks (Modesto & Merced)
• Food: H&W Drive-in, Sinaloense Mariscos & Taqueria (Turlock), In n Out in Merced, Happy Burger Diner (Mariposa)
• Grocery Stores : Trader Joe’s (Modesto) Smart n Final (Modesto & Merced), Walmart (Turlock), Pioneer Market (Mariposa)

Livermore is California’s oldest wine region which is located in beautiful Alameda County. 

This charming city has more than 50 wineries you can visit and explore though enjoying wine tastings here can be a trip of its own. 

This doesn’t mean you can’t stop and pick up a couple of bottles for your trip to Yosemite. 

If you’re only visiting for a short stop, enjoy a stroll in Livermore’s historic downtown and grab a cup of coffee or eat at one of the many quaint restaurants and cafes.

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Factory

If you have a sweet tooth, this route might be well worth it just for this stop alone. 

The Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Factory has a very extensive display of chocolates that you can buy at discounted prices . 

What’s more, the ice cream bar here has over 30 flavors you can choose from – talk about ice cream heaven! 

Taco Food Truck in Salida

If you’re taking this route, make sure to stop by Salida and say ‘hi’ to the lovely Sinaloense Mariscos & Taqueria crew. 

This bus-turned kitchen on wheels offers authentic Mexican recipes, and their seafood dishes are a definite must-try. 

They keep their recipes as close to the original as possible, so they source ingredients from Sinaloa, Mexico. 

Try their shrimp tacos , and you might end up ordering more for the road.

Turlock is the second largest city in Stanislaus County and is the home of California State University Stanislaus (CSUS). 

During your stop here, you might find that the city has more of a small-town rural feel, but that is not to say that it lacks things to do. 

With over 24 parks, several galleries, museums, and restaurants, you won’t have a hard time finding things to do here during your stop. 

Visit the Dustbowl Brewery Taproom and Kitchen and buy a few cans of their local beer to enjoy. 

Most will make this a quick stop for a quick bite and a fill-up of gas.

Nothing says small-town charm like Mariposa. 

This historic town, which was first settled in 1849, remains one of the few remaining California towns yet to have a stoplight. 

You will enjoy a laid-back visit strolling downtown with no big strip malls or chain stores in the area. 

You can take a peek inside the oldest courthouse in continuous use west of the Rockies, or you can fuel up with some food at the Happy Burger Diner before continuing your trip.

Planning your Drive from SF to Yosemite

To make your drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park as efficient and problem-free as possible, it’s a good idea to plan your trip ahead of time. 

Consider finalizing your park entrance reservations, visit date, and itinerary well before getting behind the wheel.

• Entrance Reservations

Currently, reservations are NOT required to visit Yosemite National Park. 

There is a $35 entrance fee per vehicle, which is valid for 7 days.

If you plan on visiting other national parks in the US, consider getting a National Park Pass which is a steal at $80 since it’s valid for an entire year.

2. Time of the Year

The best time of the year to drive from San Francisco to Yosemite is during the summer , as it is when the park is most accessible. 

Bad winter conditions and other seasonal closures limit access to some parts of Yosemite National Park, so going during the summer would be the most practical choice. 

However, as this is also the busiest time of the year for the park, make sure to plan for the added wait to enter the park and traffic, especially as you’re getting close to the park.

• Driving in the Winter

Wintertime in Yosemite is a magical part of the year to visit as the domed peaks and the valley’s trees will be flocked with snow . 

If you don’t mind braving the cold and snow to visit the park, make sure that you drive an AWD or 4WD or bring chains with you . 

You can also rent snow chains along Highway 120 if needed, but they will be expensive. 

Road access can be very challenging when there is a snowstorm, and without proper equipment, you might end up getting stranded. 

3. Packing Food in your Car

If you can’t avoid leaving food in your car, keep it in an ice chest in your trunk to prevent bears from breaking into your vehicle.

If you park in a well-trafficked area, this isn’t too big of an issue but try to avoid it if possible.

Yosemite to San Francisco Drive

Once you’ve had your dose of outdoor fun at Yosemite National Park and it’s time to make your trip back to San Francisco.

You can circle back on your route for spots you’ve missed, or you can take a different route entirely. 

You can take the more direct route on your way to the park and visit as many of the stops along the way, and then on your way back, you can take the longer and more scenic route.

Tunnel View

Tunnel View is a definite must-stop, especially if it’s your first time visiting Yosemite Valley.

We make it a point to stop here every time since the majestic views never get old. 

Located at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel, this pull-off vista does not require you to pay any admission fee. 

Just park and make your way to the vista point, where you can enjoy some of the best views of the El Capitan, Sentinel Rock, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, Cathedral Rock, and the rest of the Valley. 

Plan to arrive here early as this place can get crowded, especially during peak season.

Glacier Point

Stop by Glacier Point for one of the best viewpoints of Yosemite Valley , Half Dome, and the High Sierra. 

Although it’s about an hour’s drive from the visitor center, the jaw-dropping panoramic views here are well worth the drive.

Glacier Point road is typically closed due to snow around November until early or late May so plan your visit accordingly.

Mariposa Grove

If you haven’t had the opportunity to see giant sequoias, a visit to Mariposa Grove is a no-brainer. 

It has the largest redwood grove in Yosemite , and over 500 mature giant sequoias call this park home. 

A free shuttle will take you from the parking lot at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza to the grove, where you can take photos of the famous Fallen Monarch, Bachelor of Three Graces, and Grizzly Giant.

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Book your tickets and enjoy a scenic rail ride aboard a classic logger steam train with the whole family. 

The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers a one-hour tour narrated by the conductor. 

You will learn more about the area’s history and even see where loggers used to cut trees for the nearby town of Madera. 

Ticket prices start at $16 for visitors ages 3-12 and $28 for visitors ages 13 and up. Kids under three years old may ride for free. 

Yosemite Travel Planning Guide

Best time to visit yosemite.

If you want to avoid crowds, the best time to visit Yosemite would be around late May and October . 

This is when summer is just about to start, and the waterfalls are flowing. 

While visiting in October or early fall, the tourists are gone for the season, and most kids are in school. 

When we visited in November , the park was pretty much empty and quiet.

Take note also that many of the roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for parts of the year due to heavy snow that can come as early as October and stay until March .

We also recommend going on weekdays if you can for fewer crowds.

How many days do you need in Yosemite?

You want at least two full days to explore the Valley. To say that Yosemite is huge is an understatement. 

With numerous trails, large granite monoliths, beautiful falls, giant sequoias, and so much more, it’s best to spend at least two full days.

If you have more time to spare or want to explore the surrounding areas (which you should), then plan to spend at least 3 to 4 days here.

READ MORE : If you have more time, why not do a road trip to Sequoia National Park after Yosemite?

Where to Stay in Yosemite

If you’ve made your plans well ahead, the best place to book your stay is inside Yosemite Valley . 

However, this often takes booking at least six months in advance for stays during the busy summer months. 

Thankfully, the surrounding areas of Yosemite offer plenty of accommodations all year round. 

So, if you can’t secure your dream accommodation in Yosemite Valley, the list below provides you with alternative stays outside the park. 

• Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort (Mariposa)

Yosemite Bug is about an hour’s drive (35 miles) to the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.

If you don’t want to worry about driving and parking, the shuttle bus to Yosemite (YARTS) stops here, so staying here makes it extra convenient. 

This beautiful resort is quietly situated on an oak forest hillside and offers multiple accommodation types, such as dorm rooms, private room cabins, and tent cabins with shared bathrooms.

This well-priced rustic lodge also features an on-site restaurant and spa with a super chill and laid-back vibe.

After a full day of hiking in the park, this is a perfect place to relax and meet other travelers. 

📍 Check availability and rates for Yosemite Bug here

What is YARTS? A public bus service that connects various cities such as Mariposa, Merced, Fresno, Sonora to Yosemite National Park. It has several hotel stops along Highway 140, as well as Mariposa and El Portal. See sched u le .

➡️ Local Tip: Your bus ticket includes an entrance to Yosemite so you can save some money this way. See fares here .

• Rush Creek Lodge and Spa (Groveland)

Rush Creek Lodge and Spa at Yosemite is about 27 miles or 45 minutes from the Valley. 

There is a restaurant and bar on-site, so you can grab a bite before heading to the park and enjoy a nice meal at the end of your day with some s’mores by the fireplace.

They also have a seasonal outdoor pool, children’s playground, and two hot tubs – one for families and one that is adults-only.

📍 Check availability and rates for Rush Creek Lodge here

• Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn (Oakhurst)

Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn is about a 1.5-hour drive to the Visitor Center located closest to the South Entrance on Hwy 41. 

This pet-friendly accommodation near Yosemite features an indoor pool, an outdoor jacuzzi, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant.

If you’re traveling with your family, they offer rooms and suites that can accommodate up to 8 people, and a delicious hot breakfast is included with your stay. 

📍 Check availability and rates for Best Western Plus Gateway Inn here

Practical Tips for Your Road Trip

• Leave early (around 4:00-5:00 am)

If you only have time for a short trip, the goal should be to get to Yosemite National Park as early as possible, especially if you plan to enter the park the same day. 

To avoid as much of the traffic and crowds, especially as you near the park entrance, leave SF the earliest you can.

It’s better to plan an extra day at the park so you do not have to rush. 

• If possible, avoid the weekends

Yosemite National Park is the most crowded on weekends during the summer when kids are out of school and families are taking their vacations. 

If you want to avoid long lines at the park entrance and large crowds at the valley’s attractions, visit during the midweek when the park’s volume is about half. 

Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons in May or October.

• Make sure to set your destination as Yosemite Valley Visitor Center  

As much as we love all the advancements in technology, putting Yosemite National Park on your GPS does not guarantee accurate directions. 

The park is huge, and the drive from the coordinates for Yosemite National Park to the Valley Floor is over 25 minutes. 

Make sure to enter the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center in your GPS instead.

• Take a motion sickness pill

Both direct or scenic routes involve a bit of driving around winding mountain roads, which can prove dizzying for some. 

Make sure to take a motion sickness pill, Dramamine , before the trip or at least have one on hand if you get car sick.

• Use the free Yosemite Valley shuttle or rent a bike

Not only is it cost-efficient, but it can also be quite relaxing not having to drive and navigate around the Valley. 

So, once you arrive, take advantage of the free shuttle service to get around. You can also rent a bike if you want a bit of exercise while going around. 

Parking can fill up fast, so it’s best to secure a spot and leave your car for the day.

•  Download an offline map due to low reception

If you’re visiting other areas of the park such as Tioga Pass there is little to no cell phone service. 

So, make sure to download an offline map of the route and the stops you plan on taking, so you won’t have a hard time navigating or end up getting lost.

How far is Yosemite from San Francisco?

The distance from Yosemite to San Francisco is about 167 miles, and it would take around 4 hours to drive.

Is it easy to drive to Yosemite from San Francisco?

The drive from San Francisco to Yosemite is relatively easy, with flat roads. 

However, as you near Yosemite National Park, you will have to drive through winding mountain roads which can cause some people to get motion sickness.

Is Yosemite a day trip from San Francisco?

The drive to Yosemite from San Francisco would take around 4 hours each way , which means it’s not practical to go on a day trip here unless you want to spend 8 hours in the car driving. 

The 4-hour drive does not include gas and restroom stops, food stops, or sightseeing. 

Waiting to enter the park at the entrance can take up to two hours on busy weekends, even if you have a reservation.

If you only have the time to see Yosemite for a day, then taking one of these tours from SF is your best option.

Road Trip Ideas from San Francisco

• San Francisco to Lake Tahoe for stops at gold rush towns
• SF to Monterey Bay for a short day trip
• San Francisco to Big Sur for gorgeous coastal views along the way.
• For a long drive seeing multiple national parks, do a road trip to Vegas from SF .

Yosemite Valley Quick Facts

• Fees: $35 per car, valid for 7 days
• Reservations: Not Required
• Best Time to Visit: Spring is the best time to go to Yosemite when the waterfalls are gushing and the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet. Summer is the busiest time but you can guarantee good weather.
• Where to Stay : Rush Creek Lodge in Groveland or Yosemite Bug in Midpines for better availability.
• Getting there: The closest airport to Yosemite is Fresno Yosemite International which is 35 miles away. For the best flight deals, use Skyscanner to browse various airlines and prices.
• How to Get Around: Having your car is the easiest way to get around, especially if you’re visiting other nearby sights. Check RentalCars.com to find the best deals on rental cars.
• Best Self-Guided Tour: This audio tour from GyPSy Guide provides engaging commentary to make your trip more fun and interesting at such an incredible price!
• Insider Tip: Make sure to get the America the Beautiful National Park Pass for only $80 which allows entry to over 400+ national park sites valid for an entire year.

Wrap-Up: SF to Yosemite Drive

Driving from San Francisco to Yosemite is an adventure and something that you definitely should try at least once in your life. 

With plenty of beautiful stops along the way, it’s easy to spend more than a day just exploring the distance between these two places. 

So what do you say? Plan your SF to Yosemite road trip today.

• Sacramento to Yosemite
• Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Road Trip

Gabriel is the head writer for Chef Travel Guide and has been featured in the Huffington Post, Martha Stewart, Eat This, Not That, Real Simple, Muscle and Health, and many more. He was born and raised in California and has worked as a professional restaurant chef for over 20 years. After escaping the “kitchen life”, he is now focused on his passion for the outdoors and world travel. Gabriel’s passions include trail running and hiking on California's incredible trails, camping in the redwoods, and exploring the golden state from the Eastern Sierras to the rugged North Coast.

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