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Lake Tahoe to Yosemite: The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

One of the best things about living and traveling in California is that there are so many incredible places to explore.

Recently, I took a road trip from Lake Tahoe (where I was currently living) to Yosemite National Park. The trip was absolutely beautiful, and I was able to see so many amazing sites along the way.

This route goes through some of the most iconic scenery in the state, from the clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe to the soaring peaks of Yosemite National Park, and is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Road trips are – in my opinion – the best way to see the United States, but sometimes they can be hard to plan.

In this comprehensive guide, you will find the best stops and sights along the way from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite, a full itinerary, and all the other information you need to plan this trip.

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Why go on a Lake Tahoe & Yosemite Road Trip

The Sierra Nevada mountain range is one of the most gorgeous places on earth, and a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite is the perfect way to experience it.

The route takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the world, including alpine meadows, towering mountains, and pristine lakes.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore iconic destinations like Tahoe National Forest and Sequoia National Park. And best of all, the trip can be taken at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the view.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing getaway, a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

How far is Lake Tahoe from Yosemite

The distance between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe is approximately 150 miles. Assuming you are starting from Yosemite National Park, the drive to Lake Tahoe should take around 3-4 hours. 

While the two destinations are close together, they offer very different experiences.

What to pack for a Lake Tahoe & Yosemite Road Trip

There are a few essentials you’ll need to pack for your road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite.

First, make sure you have a reliable car (or rental car) and map. The route can be winding and mountainous in parts, so you’ll want to be prepared.

Second, Pack plenty of food and water. There are some great stops along the way, but it’s always good to have snacks and drinks on hand in case you get hungry or thirsty.

Third, pack layers of clothing. The weather can change quickly at high altitudes, so it’s important to be prepared for both warm and cold weather.

Fourth, don’t forget your camera! You’ll want to document your trip with plenty of photos.

Packing list

• Rain jacket
• Hikin g boots
• Camping tent
• Sleeping bag
• Bear horn (if camping)
• Hydration backpack
• First-aid kit
• Hiking poles

About Lake Tahoe

Every year, millions of people visit Lake Tahoe to enjoy its pristine beauty.

Straddling the border of California and Nevada in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and is known for its clear blue waters and stunning scenery.

Its depths reach more than 1,500 feet, making it one of the deepest lakes in the United States.

Visitors can hike in the surrounding forests, relax on the sandy beaches, or enjoy a variety of water sports. In winter, the lake is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. 

Best time to visit Lake Tahoe

Many people believe that the best time to visit Lake Tahoe is in the summer when the weather is warm and the days are long.

However, there are plenty of reasons to visit during other times of the year as well. Autumn is a beautiful time to see the changing leaves, and winter offers the opportunity to experience the area’s world-class skiing and snowboarding.

Spring is an ideal time for hiking and biking, and winter, of course is also popular due to all the winter sports and ski resorts in the area,

So whatever your interests, Lake Tahoe has something to offer at any time of year.

Where to stay in Lake Tahoe

There are many great places to stay in Lake Tahoe, depending on your budget and interests. For those looking for a luxurious experience, the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is a great option. This resort offers stunning mountain views, an on-site spa, and easy access to the area’s best ski resorts.

If you go during ski season, you should also definitely consider staying at one of the area’s many ski resorts, like Northstar California or Heavenly Mountain Resort. These resorts offer convenient access to the slopes, as well as a variety of amenities like restaurants and shops.

For a more budget-friendly option, the Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa is a great choice. This lodge is located right on the shores of Lake Tahoe and offers easy access to hiking and biking trails.

There are also many camping options in the area for those who want to experience the great outdoors.

Best things to do in Lake Tahoe

There’s no shortage of things to do in Lake Tahoe, whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or a relaxing day by the water.

In the summer, you can go hiking, biking, and camping in the Sierra Nevada mountains or enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming in the lake.

Winter is the perfect time to hit the slopes at one of the many nearby ski resorts or go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through the snow-covered forests.

More incredible things to do in Lake Tahoe

• Snowshoeing in Emerald Bay
• Visiting the Vikingsholm Castle
• Hiking to Cascade Falls
• Stand-up paddleboarding on Sand Harbor
• Kayaking on Fallen Leaf Lake
• Renting a pontoon boat in Tahoe City
• Snowboarding or skiing at Northstar California

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the most breathtaking places on earth.

From its soaring mountains and pristine valleys to its crystal-clear rivers and hidden waterfalls, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy in this enchanting place.

The park is located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and spans over 748,000 acres of land. Visitors to Yosemite can enjoy various activities, including hiking, camping, rock climbing, and horseback riding. The park also features a number of beautiful waterfalls, including the famous Yosemite Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in North America.

In addition to its natural beauty, Yosemite is also home to several historic sites, including the world-renowned Ahwahnee Hotel.

With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Yosemite National Park is one of the most beloved parks in the country.

Best time to visit Yosemite National Park

While Yosemite can be visited year-round, the best time to go is from late spring to early fall. During this period, the weather is warm but not too hot, and precipitation is minimal.

This makes it perfect for exploring all that the park has to offer. Additionally, due to the high demand, hotel prices are at their lowest during this time of year. 

Where to stay in Yosemite Valley

There are many different places to stay in Yosemite National Park, depending on your budget, preferred amenities, and desired location.

If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, the Ahwahnee Hotel is a great option, offering elegant accommodations and dining options.

For a more rustic experience, campgrounds are available throughout the park, ranging from primitive sites to those with full hookups. There are also a number of lodging options outside of the park, which can be a good choice if you’re looking for more affordable rates or more amenities. No matter where you stay, Yosemite is sure to offer an unforgettable experience.

Best things to do in Yosemite National Park

With over 800 miles of trails, Yosemite is a hiker’s paradise. From easy strolls to multi-day backpacking trips, there’s a hike for everyone. And with so much to see, you could spend months exploring the park on foot and still not see it all.

One of the most popular attractions in Yosemite is Half Dome, a massive granite dome that rises more than 4,000 feet above the valley floor. Hiking to the top of Half Dome is a challenging but rewarding experience, and on a clear day, the views from the summit are simply breathtaking.

Yosemite is also world-renowned for its rock climbing, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber.

More incredible things to do in Yosemite

• Hike Half Dome
• Drive through Tunnel View
• Hike the Yosemite Upper Falls Trail
• Explore Mariposa Grove
• Walk along Mirror Lake
• Visit Yosemite Village
• Explore Hetch Hetchy Valley

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite road trip itinerary

This itinerary will take you on a journey from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite and back again. You’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery on the West Coas t and get to experience all that California has to offer.

1- Kings Beach, Emerald Bay, and South Lake Tahoe (45 minutes drive)

Start your trip exploring some of Lake Tahoe’s most stunning places.

Kings Beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun, while Emerald Bay is perfect for exploring by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. South Lake Tahoe is also worth a visit and is home to a number of great restaurants and shops.

From there, drive to Jackson.

2- Jackson (1:50 hour drive)

Jackson is a charming town located in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

The town is home to a number of great shops and restaurants and is the perfect place to stretch your legs after the long drive from South Lake Tahoe.

3- Angels Camp (37-minute drive)

The next stop is Angels Camp.

Angels Camp is a charming town with a rich history. Founded in 1848, the town was named after a nearby gold-bearing stream called Angels Creek. During the Gold Rush, the creek attracted thousands of prospectors, and Angels Camp became one of the largest mining towns in California. 

4- Big Trees State Park (30-minute drive)

30 Minutes away from Angels Camp, is Big Trees State Park.

Big Trees State Park is a California state park located in the Sierra Nevada, east of Arnold on Highway 4. The park, which is part of the Calaveras Big Trees State Park, contains three groves of giant sequoia trees.

The North Grove has about 500 sequoias, some of which are over 2,000 years old and 300 feet tall. The South Grove has 1,500 sequoias, including the “Empire State Tree,” which is the largest tree in the park and one of the largest Sequoias in the world. The park also contains a number of smaller groves, as well as meadows, streams, and hiking trails.

From there, it’s time to drive the final stretch to Yosemite National Park.

5- Yosemite National Park (1:50 hour drive)

Welcome to Yosemite!

Make the most out of your time at one of the most beautiful national parks in the world by hiking, rock climbing, or simply exploring the incredible scenery.

6- (Optional) Sequoia National Park

Consider adding Sequoia National Park to your itinerary.

Sequoia National Park is located in the southern Sierra Nevada, east of Visalia. The park is home to a number of giant sequoia trees, as well as other plants and animals. The park also contains a number of hiking trails, camping sites, and scenic viewpoints.

With his itinerary, it is totally possible to travel from Lake Tahoe to Sequoia National Park.

Tips for your road trip

Now you have the perfect road trip itinerary for anyone looking to explore California’s stunning Lake Tahoe and Yosemite regions!

Here are some extra tips for your trip:

• Tioga Road is the most scenic route to take from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe.
• Make sure to spend at least two days in Yosemite National Park.
• If you have time, visit Mono Lake after Yosemite. It is so beautiful!
• Remember to gas up before entering any national parks – there are no gas stations inside the park boundaries!

Best tours from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite

Want to travel from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite but don’t really feel like driving? That’s totally okay!

There are a number of great tour companies that offer day trips or multi-day tours from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite.

This is the one I recommend:

Small-Group Day Trip to Yosemite from Lake Tahoe

Explore the scenic highlights of Yosemite National Park on a full-day, small-group guided trip from Lake Tahoe with a lunchtime picnic beside Cascade Falls.

Capture unforgettable images of the park’s soaring rock walls and craggy peaks then enjoy an invigorating hike to Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Falls, where high-mountain rivers tumble from sheer granite cliffs.

Spot rock climbers scaling the face of El Capitan, watch for deer in alpine meadows and take in the timeless beauty of California’s High Sierra mountains.

Wrap-up: The perfect two-day itinerary for a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite

That’s a wrap! Now you know the perfect road trip itinerary for exploring California’s stunning Lake Tahoe and Yosemite regions.

For more tips and travel photos, make sure to follow me on Instagram.

You might also enjoy:

15 Awesome things California is known for

Two days in Yosemite: The perfect itinerary

The Ultimate Half Dome Packing List

Point Lobos vs Big Sur: Which One Should You Visit?

Travelcami Inspires the best solo travel destinations ✈️, and unique experiences

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Two Days in Yosemite: The Perfect Itinerary

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite: A Scenic Road Trip Itinerary

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Are you planning to drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park? I’ve got you covered!

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite is one of the best road trips in California . We drove around the California National Parks and included Lake Tahoe as a favorite stop. There are a lot of options for driving and how to get from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite , and it changes depending on the time of year and what is open. However, I’m confident that you’ll be able to have an amazing time, visit breathtaking sites and make memories with your family. I’m a road tripper myself and have been for many years. Whether it’s camping at Yosemite or visiting some of the lesser-known National Parks throughout California, my expertise can help you plan out your dream vacation. From scenic drives to restaurants and tourist attractions off the beaten path, I’m sure you’ll find something special on your journey from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite.

🚗 Save $5 on my favorite road-tripping app with code: BTR5QTP

Table of Contents

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park Distance

South Lake Tahoe is about 225 miles or just over 5 hours to the western park entrance, or El Portal Road, to Yosemite National Park. Arch Rock Entrance is one of the more popular entrances and accesses Yosemite Valley.

Tioga Pass Entrance is about 180 miles from South Lake Tahoe and about a 4 1/2 hour drive. Keep in mind, this route is closed in the winter and may not open until as late as June due to snow or floods. In early 2023, many roads have been flooded, so be sure to check conditions before you head out.

We’ll explore what to do from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park on both of these popular routes.

How to Get to Lake Tahoe

Getting to Lake Tahoe is convenient, thanks to its proximity to several airports and nearby cities.

If you’re traveling by air, the most convenient option is to fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) , located approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers) northeast of Lake Tahoe. RNO offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, making it easily accessible from major cities.

Another option is Sacramento International Airport (SMF), located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Lake Tahoe. From both airports, you can rent a car to reach Lake Tahoe.

Alternatively, you can fly into San Francisco and go from San Francisco to Yosemite to Lake Tahoe. This is also a great place to rent a campervan if you plan on camping from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Drive

How many hours drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park? Depending on the time of year, you can drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park between 4 1/2 to 5/12 hours.

Visiting Lake Tahoe and Yosemite is an unforgettable experience. Here are the best routes to take when traveling from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite: Route 1: Follow U.S. Route 395 south from Lake Tahoe toward Mammoth Lakes, then take California State Route 120 east to Yosemite Park. This route is quicker than Route 1 and covers about 145 miles (233 km) in four and a half hours. This is the Tioga Pass entrance and it is closed in winter. Jump to this route here. Route 2: Take Highway 89 south to CA 49 south, then follow the signs for California State Highway 120 east into Yosemite Park. This is a scenic route that takes approximately four hours and covers about 160 miles (258 km). This is the Big Oak Flat entrance to the park. Jump to this route here Route 3: Similar to Route 1 above, take Highway 89 and CA 49. Instead of going towards Big Oak Flat, you’ll follow signs to the Arch Rock entrance and Mariposa, Route 140. This route covers about 200 miles (320 km) in five hours but is less scenic than Route 1. This is the most popular entrance to Yosemite, Arch Rock. Jump to this route here.

**Note in early summer 2023, Route 1 has road closures. No matter which route you take, traveling from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park is an unforgettable experience! Be sure to bring a camera and plenty of water as you traverse the Sierra Nevada mountain range. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife along the way – from black bears to mule deer, you never know what you’ll see!

How Many Days to drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite?

I would recommend 3 – 5+ days for this adventure. A full day to explore Lake Tahoe, a full day to explore stops along the way to Yosemite, and at least 1 full day in Yosemite Valley, but 2-3 days is better.

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite via Tioga Pass East Entrance

Heading out on a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park? The best way to get there is via the Tioga Pass, a stunningly scenic drive that winds through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

It’s worth noting, however, that this pass closes for the winter due to snowfall and late spring floods . If you are planning on taking this route in winter, you will, unfortunately, need to take an alternate path — but don’t worry, there are many great ways to get between these two spots regardless of the season!

Of course, be sure to check the updated information before setting off, and always adjust your journey according to weather and road conditions.

Stop 1: South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to start your road trip . With its stunning Emerald Bay State Park, as well as the historic Vikingsholm castle, it’s a great destination for adventurers of all types.

Plus, with plenty of hikes and trails to explore, you and your family will have everything you need for an unforgettable experience!

Recommended stops in South Lake Tahoe:

• Emerald Bay State Park – Hike along the shore of Emerald Bay, which is part of Lake Tahoe. We enjoyed this moderate hike to the base of the bay where we explored.
• Kayak Emerald Bay State Park – One of our highlights in Lake Tahoe. We rented kayaks after our hike in the state park at the base of the bay. You could also book a clear kayak tour of Lake Tahoe here .
• The Gondola at Heavenly Village : Take a scenic gondola ride that ascends to the top of Heavenly Mountain, providing panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.
• Pope Beach : One of the most beautiful beaches in South Lake Tahoe, Pope Beach features a long stretch of sand, picnic areas, and a marina. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities.

Stop 2: Bridgeport

Bridgeport is a small town located along Highway 395 in California, between South Lake Tahoe and Mono Lake. It offers visitors a charming and picturesque stop along their journey. Here’s more information about Bridgeport and Travertine Hot Springs.

Bridgeport is about 120 minutes from South Lake Tahoe.

Bridgeport is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the lush meadows of the Bridgeport Valley . The area is known for its rugged beauty and breathtaking vistas.

The town itself has a historic charm, with several well-preserved buildings dating back to the 1800s. The Mono County Courthouse, built in 1880, is a notable architectural gem and a registered California Historical Landmark.

Bridgeport offers access to a range of outdoor activities. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in nearby lakes and rivers, including the renowned fly-fishing destination of the East Walker River . Hiking, backpacking, and camping opportunities abound in the surrounding wilderness areas and national forests.

Located just outside Bridgeport, the Travertine Hot Springs are a popular attraction. These natural hot springs are a short walk from the road and feature a series of small pools and terraces with warm mineral-rich water flowing through them. The pools vary in temperature, and visitors can find their preferred spot to relax and soak in the soothing waters.

Please note that when visiting natural hot springs, it’s important to practice Leave No Trace principles, respect the environment, and follow any posted regulations or guidelines to help preserve these natural treasures for future visitors.

Stop 3: Bodie State Historic Park

About an hour and a half from Bridgeport, Bodie State Park is a perfect glimpse into the California Good Rush days with this historic location.

Step back in time to the thrilling days of the California Gold Rush. This place is a real treasure trove of history, and it’s perfect for the whole family to explore.

Once a booming gold-mining town in the late 1800s, Bodie is now a well-preserved ghost town that will transport you to the wild and wild west.

Picture this: dusty streets, saloons, and even an old jailhouse where mischievous bandits used to cool their heels.

You can wander through the deserted buildings and peek into the past, feeling like you’ve stepped onto the set of a classic Western movie.

Keep your eyes peeled for authentic artifacts and fun tidbits of information about the people who once called Bodie home. So, gather your posse and get ready for an adventure that’ll make you feel like you struck gold at Bodie State Park! Yeehaw!

Stop 4: Mono Lake

From Bodie State Historic Park it’s about an hour to Mono Lake.

Marvel at the mesmerizing Tufa Towers that rise from the lake’s surface. These unusual limestone formations , created by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water, create a surreal and otherworldly landscape. Take a stroll along the shoreline to observe these striking natural sculptures up close.

Visit the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve , which protects a significant portion of the shoreline and tufa formations. Explore the reserve’s trails and interpretive exhibits to learn about the lake’s ecology, migratory birds, and the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem.

Mono Lake is a crucial stopover point for millions of migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway . Grab your binoculars and witness the spectacle of thousands of birds congregating at the lake during spring and fall. The lake’s brine shrimp and alkali flies provide a vital food source for these feathered visitors.

Kayaking and Canoeing: Experience Mono Lake’s serene beauty from the water by renting a kayak or canoe. Paddle along the shoreline, admiring the tufa formations and the vast expanse of the lake. It’s a peaceful and immersive way to connect with the surroundings and appreciate the tranquility of the area.

Stop 5 – Tuolumne Meadows

From Mono Lake, head to Lee Vining and take the Tioga Pass entrance into Yosemite National Park . If you’re heading to Yosemite Valley from here, you still have a few hours ahead of you.

Welcome to Tuolumne Meadows (pronounced “too-ahl-uh-mee) in Yosemite National Park!

Start your adventure by stopping at the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center , where you can gather information, get trail maps, and learn about the natural wonders that await you.

From there, set off on the scenic trails that wind through this picturesque alpine meadow. Keep an eye out for Soda Springs, a bubbling mineral spring that adds a unique touch to the landscape.

In the summer, the meadows come alive with vibrant wildflowers, painting the surroundings with a kaleidoscope of colors. Take plenty of time to immerse yourself in the beauty of this high-elevation paradise, with its meandering rivers, granite peaks, and sweeping vistas.

Whether you choose to hike, have a picnic, or simply find a peaceful spot to soak up the serene atmosphere, Tuolumne Meadows is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

🤩 Take a Private Tuolumne Hiking Tour

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Via CA 88 & CA 120 Northern Entrance

This is the shortest route from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite, at about 150 miles and just over 3 hours. This was the route we took during our California National Parks road trip . Be sure to check road conditions however as this route also has road closures due to snow or flooding as it did in early 2023.

Stop 1 – Lake Tahoe

Obviously you can do a lot of the same things in South Lake Tahoe as you did above.

A few of our other favorites include walking the Tahoe Rim Trail , which offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. We did this trail starting on the north side of the lake and enjoyed an incredible breakfast at Rosie’s Cafe.

The north side of Lake Tahoe is less crowded and offers a charming and walkable downtown area.

Explore the town of Tahoe City on the North Shore , which offers a vibrant atmosphere and a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Stroll along the Truckee River, visit art galleries, or relax in one of the lakefront parks.

Stop 2 – Echo Summit

Echo Summit is a scenic location situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains along Highway 50, approximately 10 miles west of South Lake Tahoe.

It is a notable high mountain pass at an elevation of 7,382 feet (2,250 meters) and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Here’s more information on how to get there and where to stop:

Along the stretch of Highway 50 near Echo Summit, there are several pullouts and scenic viewpoints . These spots offer fantastic opportunities to stop, stretch your legs, and admire the panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and forests. Keep your camera handy for capturing memorable photos.

If you have some extra time, consider exploring the nearby hiking trails around Echo Summit. The area offers various trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Some popular options include the Echo Lakes Trail, Echo Lake to Lake Aloha Trail, or the Pacific Crest Trail section near Echo Summit.

Stop 3 – Placerville

Placerville has a fascinating history tied to the California Gold Rush . It’s about 1 hour and 48 miles (77 km) from Echo Summit. If you’re leaving North Lake Tahoe and skipping south lake, add about an hour

The town earned its infamous nickname, “Hangtown,” due to its reputation for swift frontier justice during the Gold Rush era.

Today, you can immerse yourself in the town’s history by visiting the Placerville Historical Museum or taking a walking tour of the historic downtown area.

Placerville’s Main Street exudes small-town charm, lined with beautifully preserved buildings that harken back to the town’s gold-mining days.

Stroll along the street and explore unique shops, art galleries, antique stores, and boutiques. You’ll find everything from local crafts and jewelry to vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Stop 4 – Groveland

Located along CA 120, Groveland is a natural place to stop. Considered a gateway to Yosemite national Park, it even has the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum. Groveland is a little over 2 hours and 97 miles (156 km) from Placerville.

Groveland is also a historic Gold Rush town located just outside Yosemite National Park, offering charming shops and restaurants.

Near Groveland is Rainbow Pools, located along the South Fork Tuolumne River.

Rainbow Pools is known for its beautiful natural swimming holes , making it a perfect place to stop on your road trip and take a dip! The South Fork Tuolumne River flows through this area, creating pools and cascades that are perfect for swimming, wading, and cooling off during the hot summer months.

One of the highlights of Rainbow Pools is the unique rock formations and small waterfalls that add to its charm. The rocks create natural water slides and jump-off points for those seeking a bit of adventure.

Stop 5 Yosemite Valley Vista Point

Finally, stop at Yosemite Valley Vista Point for a preview of what you’ll see once you enter the park.

Follow CA 120 from Groveland towards the Big Oak Flat entrance. It’s less than an hour from Groveland and closer if you’ve stopped at Rainbow Pools.

At Yosemite Valley Vista Point, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic Yosemite Valley and its prominent landmarks.

El Capitan, a massive granite monolith, is one of Yosemite’s most famous rock formations. Rising approximately 3,000 feet (900 meters) above the valley floor, it’s a prominent feature visible from the vista point.

Another iconic symbol of Yosemite National Park is Half Dome, a towering granite dome that stands at over 8,800 feet (2,700 meters). From the vista point, you can catch a glimpse of this majestic peak and its distinctive shape, known for its sheer face and recognizable profile.

This is a great place to take some photos before you enter the park.

🤩 Take a Private Beginner or Advanced Photography Lesson in Yosemite.

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite via El Portal Road and Arch Rock Entrance

This route is one of the most popular ways to access the magnificent Yosemite National Park, offering stunning scenery and convenient year-round access.

Follow South Lake Tahoe sights to see above. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time in South Lake Tahoe, be sure to visit Emerald Bay State Park. This was by far one of my favorite places we visited while in California.

Take a hike to Eagle Falls, visit the historic Vikingsholm Castle, or simply soak in the beauty of the turquoise waters and scenic vistas.

Stop 2 – Carson Pass

As you head south, drive through Carson Pass on Highway 88. This mountain pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, alpine meadows, and the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Take a moment to stop at the overlooks and capture the magnificent scenery.

Carson Pass and Carson City is about 30 miles (48 km) from South Lake Tahoe and a 35-minute drive.

Stop 3 – Mariposa

Mariposa serves as the gateway to the iconic Yosemite National Park. Situated just outside the park’s western entrance, the town offers convenient access for visitors exploring the park’s wonders. Founded in 1849, it quickly became a thriving mining town. Today, you can still see remnants of its past in the well-preserved historic buildings that line its streets.

Mariposa is a great place to stop and stock up on groceries if you’re planning to camp at Yosemite National Park.

Stop 4 – Yosemite Valley

Finally, drive along El Portal Road, the main route that leads to the Arch Rock Entrance of Yosemite National Park. As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by the magnificent beauty of Yosemite Valley. Marvel at the towering granite cliffs, such as El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome, and the breathtaking waterfalls, including Bridalveil Fall.

For more Yosemite waterfalls , plan to add an extra day to see as many as you can.

🤩 Book a Campervan for your Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Road Trip!

Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe

In South Lake Tahoe, you’ll find a variety of accommodation options to suit your needs. Campgrounds offer a rustic outdoor experience, while rental homes provide a cozy retreat with amenities. Hotels and resorts cater to different budgets, offering comfortable rooms and proximity to attractions.

Zoom out in this map to see the north side of Lake Tahoe.

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

If you want to stay at one of the National Park Service campgrounds or resorts, visit the Recreation.gov website to find available campsites and lodging. Note, these fill up fast especially in Yosemite National Park, so plan and book early.

Yosemite is next to the Stanislaus National Forest . National Forests also offer campgrounds, usually without hookups, but a place to stay nonetheless. You can check the Recreation website for camping in that area as well.

For lodging and resorts inside of the National Park, such as the Ahwahnee Hotell and the Yosemite Valley Lodge, you’ll visit the National Park Reservations site here .

For other hotels and home rentals near the park, check below.

How long is the road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite?

The journey from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park is roughly 5 hours and 220 miles.

What is the best time of year to take this road trip?

Peak season for traveling to Yosemite is in summer, between June and August. That being said, many visitors enjoy a road trip through California any time of year as scenery and temperatures vary significantly depending on where you go. Driving from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite in Winter is going to see many more road closures, but if you’re skiing in Lake Tahoe, this will still make a nice add on.

Are there camping sites along the way?

There are plenty of camping spots available along the route from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite. Depending on your route, you could stay at campgrounds located in Tuolumne Meadows Campground in Yosemite, or any of several other campgrounds located between those two destinations. You can also visit California State Parks, or Campspot to seek out campgrounds.

What activities can I do while visiting Lake Tahoe and Yosemite?

There are endless possibilities! At Lake Tahoe, you can go swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, biking or skiing in winter. In Yosemite National Park, some popular activities include taking scenic drives around the park’s landscape; visiting awesome waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls; marveling at giant sequoias; or exploring one of its many trails and backcountry areas.

Final Thoughts: Road Trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite by car

After exploring the majestic beauty of California’s most stunning national parks, driving through the Sierra Nevadas from Lake Tahoe and Yosemite was a magical experience for me and my son. This trip has been a great opportunity to experience the epic scenery and unique hiking trails that each park offers. If you’re looking for more information about California National Parks , be sure to check out our full California road trip itinerary which includes Lake Tahoe to Yosemite.

Tack on to your trip and make it a Lake Tahoe to Sequoia National Park by following Sequoia to Yosemite National Park this article in reverse.

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Lake Tahoe To Yosemite: The Only Guide You'll Need

June 22, 2023

If you have a few days on hand for a road trip and want to visit two of the greatest places on earth (no exaggeration!), here’s a how-to guide for combining a trip to Lake Tahoe with Yosemite National Park!

How far is it from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite park?

The drive to get from Tahoe to Yosemite is a journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes in California, covering about 200 miles. It’ll take you about 4 - 5 hours, depending on the route taken and the number of stops you make along the way.

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Road Trip Map

What is to see from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite?

This is considered to be one of the most scenic routes in the entire United States. You’ll pass through breathtaking mountain passes, dense forests, and stunning valleys. And there will be plenty of opportunities to stop and explore charming towns, visit historic sites and take in all that natural beauty.

Best Times To Visit

In order to truly experience and appreciate Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, you’ll need at least four days (two for Tahoe, two for Yosemite). And the best time of year to take this combined trip is in early fall. When the weather is mild but the crowds are smaller. 

Discovering Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is downright awe-inspiring. As you circle the lake, you’ll find:

• Hiking trails through mountains and forests
• Shops and restaurants
• Walking and biking trails along the lake
• Boat cruises
• Water sports

Note: During peak season in the heart of summer, Tahoe is packed with tourists. Parking lots at many of the most popular spots will close their gates once they fill up. Be sure to get an early start. 

RELATED: Know Before You Go: Lake Tahoe

Exploring Yosemite

Once you’ve circled Tahoe, it’s only a 4 or 5-hour drive over to spectacular Yosemite National Park, where you’ll be able to immerse yourself in some mind-blowing natural wonders, including the iconic Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan.

We’ll get to the details of the best places to see in both Tahoe and Yosemite later on in this article. But first, here are some logistics in order to plan this two-in-one road trip!

Tips for planning a road trip from Tahoe to Yosemite

1. choose your route.

There are two main routes to Yosemite from Tahoe, each offering unique experiences along the way.

The first option is to take Highway 50 east from Tahoe towards Sacramento. Then head south on Highway 99 to Merced, before heading east on Highway 140 into the park.

The second option is to take Highway 89 south from Lake Tahoe, go over the scenic Carson Pass, then connect to Highway 120 into the park. 

2. Plan your stops

There are many charming towns and attractions to explore along the way. Like the:

• Historic gold rush towns of Angels Camp and Sonora
• The scenic Tuolumne Meadows
• Giant sequoia groves of Calaveras Big Trees State Park

You can also stop at many viewpoints along the drive to see the stunning scenery of the Sierra Nevada mountains and valleys. 

3. Book your accommodations in advance

It’s important to plan your lodging, especially during peak tourist season, which runs from May through September. Yosemite offers lodging options from cabins to luxurious hotels and resorts. Or, you can choose to stay in one of the towns along the way, like Groveland, Mariposa, or Oakhurst.

In Tahoe, advanced reservations for hotels must be made far in advance if you want to secure lodging. Just make sure you plot your route in advance. So that you know which side of the lake you’ll be on when you’re planning to stop for the evening. This is to make sure your hotel isn't three hours away on the other side of the lake!

4. Pack and prepare

It’s important to take into account the weather and your planned activities. Bring comfortable clothing and footwear for hiking and exploring, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a cooler full of water and snacks.

From Tahoe to Yosemite, there are many attractions and places to see that make for great stops during your road trip. 

Where to start the tour?

My recommendation would be to start in South Lake Tahoe at the intersection of Highways 50 & 89 and circle the lake clockwise (with the lake on your right).

Book a hotel in Tahoe City on the north side of the lake, and then finish circling the lake the following day, ending up back in South Lake Tahoe to begin your drive to Yosemite.

Shaka Guide’s self-driving audio tour app does the navigating for you, with a clockwise loop around the entire lake (and an option to begin at the place I recommended), so that you get to see the best of both the Nevada and California sides of the lake.

Best Places to See in Lake Tahoe

1. vikingsholm castle on emerald bay.

Located on the southwest side of Lake Tahoe in California. This hidden gem can only be reached by hiking down a mountain to reach the Tahoe shoreline from high above it. It’s well worth the climb back up to see that castle, as well as the lake’s only island!

2. Balancing Rock at D.L. Bliss State Park

Located on the west side of Lake Tahoe in California. This is an improbable naturally-formed rock sculpture. A short nature trail leads you to this gigantic boulder that’s somehow resting atop a mere fist of granite. 

3. Tahoe City

This quaint and walkable town sits on the north side of Lake Tahoe in California. And it’s home to Lake Tahoe’s only outlet into the Truckee River, which is regulated by the adorable little Lake Tahoe Dam. Everything about this town from its lakeside path and pier to its local shops and restaurants, museums, and ‘Penny Bear’ statue, as well as the Truckee River Bike Trail , is the definition of picturesque.

4. The Tahoe East Shore Trail

This paved walking and biking trail hugs the stunning turquoise waters on the east side of Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, Nevada. Tahoe’s iconic boulders rise up out of the crystal-clear lake, providing a scene that looks more like heaven than earth. A walk or bike ride along this path is a must.

Ready for a travel adventure like no other? Our exclusive audio tour of Lake Tahoe  is your ticket to the ultimate travel experience.

5. Sand Harbor State Park Beach

On a beautiful, sunny Tahoe day, walking the nature boardwalk that meanders along this beachfront on the east shore of Lake Tahoe in Nevada is likely to use up all the cloud storage on your phone.

From the rock formations in the lake on the north end of the park, to the soft sand beaches and shallow waters perfect for paddleboarding, this shoreline rivals any tropical island for its beauty (although the lake water isn’t as warm).

6. Cave Rock

This volcanic formation jutting over Lake Tahoe on the southeast side in Nevada warrants more than a short drive through its tunnel. Take the sharp turn to drive down to its base, and then look up to really get a look at nature’s masterpiece.

7. Nevada Beach

This is another absolutely stunning landscape of Tahoe on the south side of Lake Tahoe in Nevada, where tall, pencil-thin trees dot the shoreline, and it feels like the Sierra Nevada mountains are wrapping you – and the lake – in a giant hug. 

8. The Heavenly Gondola

Open in the summertime for spectacular, birds-eye views of Lake Tahoe, and ride the Heavenly Village Gondola in South Lake Tahoe, California. You’ll glide up the mountain for a view of the lake like no other. Follow that up with a walk through Heavenly Village for some shopping and souvenirs!

Once you’ve circled Lake Tahoe and ended up back in South Lake Tahoe, it’s time to begin your road trip to Yosemite . Start by choosing which of the two routes (recommended above) you’re going to take. 

RELATED: Lake Tahoe Itinerary

Best Places to See Along the Way Between Tahoe and Yosemite

1. mono lake.

Located just east of Yosemite, Mono Lake is a large, shallow saline lake with unique rock formations called tufa towers. Bird-watch is popular here, and be sure to check out the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center.

2. Bodie State Historic Park

A well-preserved ghost town from the gold rush era, you’ll get a glimpse into California’s past. Tour the historic buildings, learn about life in the gold rush era, and explore the surrounding countryside.

Next stop: Yosemite!

Details for Yosemite

Once you reach Yosemite, the best way to experience the park is by downloading the self-driving audio tour of Yosemite National Park with the Shaka Guide app. 

Best Places to See in Yosemite National Park

1. tioga pass.

This is a high mountain pass that connects the eastern and western portions of Yosemite. Stop at Olmsted Point for stunning views of Half Dome and the surrounding landscape.

Note: A road trip from Tahoe to Yosemite along this route is only possible in summer and fall when Tioga pass is open!

2. Mariposa Grove

This is a grove of giant sequoia trees located near the southern entrance of Yosemite. You can take a leisurely walk through the grove, which features some of the largest and oldest trees in the world.

3. Tuolumne Meadows

Located in the heart of Yosemite, you’ll find yourself in a high-elevation meadow surrounded by mountains and forests. Hike the many trails in the area, go fishing in the Tuolumne River or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the meadow.

4. Yosemite Valley

This is the heart of Yosemite National Park , featuring some of the park’s most iconic landmarks, including Half Dome , Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan . Check out the trails, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the valley. 

Leave plenty of time for hikes, including the popular Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls.

Note: During peak tourist season in the summer, this park can become quite crowded, and some of the park’s most popular trails and attractions may require advanced reservations . (Check out Shaka Guide’s “ Know Before You Go ” on the app for details about reservations at Yosemite.)

So! Now you know, and I hope you go! Here’s to making memories that’ll last a lifetime, on a road trip like no other.

Ready to take a tour? Here's everything you need to  know before you go and places to go !

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LAKE TAHOE ARTICLES:

The Complete Guide to Enjoying Lake Tahoe in the Summertime

15 Best Hikes Around Lake Tahoe

17 Things To Do Near Lake Tahoe

Airports Most Convenient to Lake Tahoe

Best Time to Visit Lake Tahoe

Top 6 Best Lake Tahoe Hot Springs

The Best Restaurants in Lake Tahoe

How long does it take to drive around Lake Tahoe?

YOSEMITE ARTICLES:

Best 8 Hikes and Trails in Yosemite National Park

Where to Stay In Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley Shuttle Service Guide

Getting To Yosemite National Park

Epic Things To Do in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite vs Yellowstone: Which National Park to Visit?

How to Get From San Francisco to Lake Tahoe

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Amazing six-day Yosemite to Sequoia National Park road trip

One of the best parts of California is how easily accessible its National Parks are. Starting in Los Angeles, you can reach four beautiful destinations within 7 hours. We’ll focus on the Yosemite tot Sequoia road trip sections.

This guide is a perfect getaway for anyone wanting to see two of the most magical parks in the nation . So let’s dive into this Yosemite to Sequoia itinerary and get you all ready for a fantastic trip.

Below, you’ll find a handful of activities to plan your trip. I’ve designed this to include moderate difficulty levels for families who enjoy hiking, camping, and time outside!

Your 6-day Yosemite to Sequoia National Park Itinerary

Day 1: la to sequoia national park.

Unless you’re hampered by flight times, I’d suggest leaving by 8 am to allow for a half-day of adventuring in Sequoia National Park. The drive-up will be straightforward until you head toward Fresno. Once you enter the park’s entrance, you’ll begin a 40-minute drive of slow switchbacks into the mountains and the heart of the Giant Forest.

This is where the good stuff lies. If you do this during winter, check road conditions, as you may need 4×4 or chains.

General Sherman Tree and the Congress Trail: This is one of the best parts of Sequoia and allows you to get up close to the largest trees on Earth. The Congress Trail is three miles long, with a significant elevation gain/loss near the parking lot. I love this area, and you could spend hours hanging out there.

Moro Rock : If you have time left in the day, watching the sunset from Moro Rock is a moment you won’t forget. The hike up is about half a mile and over 350 steps. Those with fears of heights may not like it, but there’s no fall or injury risk. Remember to bring a headlight with you.

Related: All you need to know about visiting Sequoia NP

Day 2: Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park

You could split it between both parks on your first full day or head into Kings Canyon National Park. If you saw the Congress Trail and Moro Rock, I’d drive into KCNP and check out those views.

Must See Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park Spots

Redwood Canyon: Down a narrow dirt road, you’ll head into a stunning sequoia grove that doesn’t get a lot of traction. I’d say it’s more densely populated than the Congress Trail and has 80% fewer people.

Grant Grove: Take a short walk to see the second-largest tree in the world. The estimated age is over 1,600 years old and is known as the “Nation’s Christmas Tree.”

Kings Canyon Panoramic Point: This short hike shows off the vastness of Kings Canyon and the Sierra Nevada mountain range above it. This is a perfect place for sunrise or sunset.

Drive to Roads End: If you’re looking to drive to the bottom of Kings Canyon or do some hiking into the mountains, this is for you. The drive will take a couple of hours round trip, but you’ll get to experience an entirely different part of Kings Cayon National Park. I would recommend this as part of your Yosemite and Sequoia road trip.

Day 3: Sequoia National Park to Yosemite National Park

Before driving out, head up to Crescent Meadow and take a 2.5-mile stroll among the Sequoias! This route is mostly flat and has some significant Giant Sequoia clusters. This should be less crowded than Congress Trail. If you want to leave early and get to Yosemite (I can’t blame you there), there will be plenty to do for a half-day plus of fun!

I definitely recommend this on your Yosemite and Sequoia itinerary.

Tunnel View: As you’re coming in, stop at Tunnel View. It’s arguably the most extraordinary entrance into a national park. It will be crowded but take your time finding a place to park. As we continue our Yosemite and Sequoia itinerary, I suggest coming back at sunrise or sunset.

Vernal Falls (and Nevada Falls?): The mist trail is one of the park’s most popular and must-see destinations. While the first mile is paved, it is still a reasonable incline and will get your heart beating. After the bridge, you’ll head up to Vernal Falls, where you will get misted – hence the trail name. Make sure to go slowly as the steps are slippery.

Once up, you’ll be able to look down on the falls and hear the rush of the waterfalls. For speedier hikers or those with more time, keep going to Nevada Falls. Overall, this will be a 7-mile day. It’s worth it, though.

Day 4: Yosemite – Explore the Valley

This is the day to explore Yosemite Valley and soak it all in.

Float the Merced River: Rent tubes and float down the Merced River if the weather’s warm. This offers visitors a perfect chance to see the massive canyon walls at a slow speed while cooling off.

Hike Yosemite Falls: This one’s a bit harder of a hike – 7 miles, 2,900 feet of elevation gain – but so well worth it. As one of the tallest waterfalls in North America , it has its’ best flow rate in spring and early summer. I’d recommend doing this hike earlier in the day as the switchbacks towards the top offer no shade and can be brutal on a hot day.

Mirror Lake: Best hiked in the spring when the lake has water; this 2.5-mile hike is excellent for all families. You should see a stunning reflection of the canyon walls and Half Dome above it.

Glacier Point: about 2 hours before sunset, head up to Glacier Point and watch the sunset from Glacier Point or Taft Point. Both offer some of the best views in the park. You’ll be blown away, I promise!

Related: Yosemite Valley Hikes

Day 5: Yosemite – Tuolumne Meadows

This area has become my favorite part of the park because it sees fewer people. (It’s not empty but just less chaotic.)

Must-See on your Yosemite and Sequoia road trip

Cathedral Lakes: One of my favorite hikes in the upper elevations. Cathedral Lakes has stunning rock formations along with dark blue waters. If you can hold out for sunset here, it won’t disappoint!

Lembert Dome: A moderate 3.7-mile hike to the top of the granite dome will give you views across Tuolumne Meadows.

Lyell Canyon: This is a long and flat trek into Lyell Canyon. After about 9 miles, you’ll start a serious incline. I’d imagine most won’t hike this far, but if you’re looking to do some time on the PCT, this is a great place to do it. It’s also a wonderful place to backpack.

Olmsted Point: A significant turnoff to grab some food and soak in the backside views of Half Dome. If you bring binoculars, you may be able to see the cables that help hikers reach the top.

Clouds Rest: A challenging 13-mile hike to one of the best views in the park. You’ll find yourself looking down on Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. Highly recommend it for sunrise.

Day 6: Yosemite to LA

Before heading back, take a trip to Lower Yosemite Falls and get the full taste of the waterfall. This is a half-mile roundtrip walk at best, and you’ll love it. If you’re also looking to prolong the end of the trip, stopping at Vasquez Rocks would be a great place to watch the sunset and stretch your legs before returning home.

Hopefully, your Yosemite and Sequoia road trip was as unique as you had hoped, and you came away with a lifetime of memories.

Planning Yosemite to Sequoia Roadtrip

Can you do yosemite and sequoia in one day.

Yes, you can, but it will be a long day. As you can see below, it is about a 4.5-hour drive between the two parks. In my guide, you’ll be able to do activities in both parks. Just be prepared to move fast for both!

How many days to see Yosemite and Sequoia National Park?

I think a six-day trip is pretty darn good to see both parks. Obviously, the longer, the better as you can spend weeks in each and hardly crack the surface. But overall, a six-day itinerary will let you see a ton of things.

Is Sequoia or Kings Canyon better?

Great question. Sequoia National Park is better on the surface and has more accessible things (Congress Trail, Moro Rock , More tree groves, etc.). Kings Canyon, though, has incredible backpacking ( Rae Lakes basin ), and a lot of it is harder to reach than what’s connected to the road.

Yosemite and Sequoia Road Trip Drive Time

• LA to Sequoia: 4.5 hours
• LA to Yosemite: 6 hours
• Sequoia to Kings Canyon: 45 minutes
• Sequoia to Yosemite: 4.5 hours

What you’ll need:

• National Parks Pass
• Outdoor hiking gear
• Camping equipment (if necessary)
• Appropriate seasonal clothes
• Download your maps to offline mode
• AllTrails to plan your hikes

Hiking gear to have on your trip:

• Wool base layer to keep you dry:  Men’s  and  Women’s
• Nice comfy fleece as a mid-layer:  Men’s  and  Women’s
• Down Jacket for extra warmth:  Men’s  and  Women’s
• Comfy yet durable pants:  Men’s  and  Women’s
• Rain jacket:  Men’s  and  Women’s
• Wool Socks:  Men’s  and  Women’s
• Sturdy Hiking Shoes:  Men’s  and  Women’s
• Midsized hiking backpack:  20L ,  25L ,  30L

Where to Stay on your Yosemite and Sequoia National Park Road Trip

Near yosemite national park.

There are a handful of options for lodging while doing your Yosemite to Sequoia National Park trip

• Inside the park (The Awahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge)
• Just outside the west entrance (Yosemite View Lodge)
• South of the Park (Wawona Hotel, Tenaya Lodge, or Bass Lake)

Near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

• Fresno – I’ve stayed here, and it’s about an hour’s drive out of the park if you’re already in South Sequoia National Park.
• Visalia – I would only stay here in the summer as the switchbacks can get closed during the winter months.
• A few spots near the parks (will be more expensive)

Wrapping up Yosemite to Sequoia

This is a road trip you’ll never forget. It will wow you, connect you with nature, and show you the best of the American west. Enjoy your Yosemite to Sequoia adventure, and take care!

Until next time adventurers, take care and be safe.

You can follow along the journey on TikTok , Facebook , and  Instagram.

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If you would like to support my writing, you can donate  here .

Author: Alec Sills-Trausch

Title: founder of explore with alec, expertise: hiking, backpacking, photography, and road trips.

Alec Sills-Trausch is a hiker, backpacker, landscape photographer, and syndicated travel writer. He enjoys showing off the beauty of the world through his photos, videos, and written work on ExploreWithAlec.com . Alec is also a 2x cancer survivor and bone marrow transplant recipient, showing the world that there is a future from this terrible disease.

He lives in Washington, where he gets to enjoy the stunning PNW mountains in addition to all the other places he attempts to visit each year! You can see more work on IG at @AlecOutside 

Scenic Stops On A Yosemite to Lake Tahoe Road Trip

Ready for the ultimate Yosemite to Lake Tahoe road trip? We’ve got you covered!

Notorious for its world-class rock climbing opportunities, Yosemite National Park is also famous for its ancient sequoia trees, impressive granite monoliths, and roaring waterfalls that spew over cliff sides. And more than that, the breathtaking scenery that comes with these natural wonders!

Then, we have Lake Tahoe , reputed for its crystalline turquoise waters that functions as one of the purest lakes known on the planet.

People flock from all over the world to reach these two main attractions, and that’s why we’re creating the ultimate road trip to explore these two natural wonders along with other enigmatic natural and historical attractions to cherish with the family. 

Thankfully, the distance from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe isn’t bad, and with all the top attractions along the way, the family will be begging for the next attraction to take on together! 

Distance From Yosemite To Lake Tahoe

How long do i need if driving yosemite to lake tahoe, best time of year to drive from yosemite to lake tahoe, yosemite national park, rainbow pools, stanislaus national forest, groveland, columbia state historic park, columbia, calaveras big trees state park, black chasm cavern national natural landmark, newcastle lavender farms, donner memorial state park, accommodation in lake tahoe, more tips for road tripping yosemite to lake tahoe, where to next – more road tripping ideas in california & nevada.

A non-stop route from Yosemite National Park to Lake Tahoe totals about 235 miles. This route takes CA-120 W to CA-4 E. Follow this path, then turn onto CA-49 N, continuing on this road until you hit CA-193 W and then hit US-50 E to Lake Tahoe. 

Our recommended scenic route, with stops at some of the top attractions and activities, spans 287 miles. On the scenic route, leaving Yosemite National Park:

• Take CA-120 until you reach the Rainbow Pool.
• Follow CA-120, then take a slight right onto CA-49 N to Jamestown Road to find Columbia State Historic Park.
• Leaving the park, use Parrotts Ferry Road to turn right onto CA-4 W, continuing along the path to find Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
• For the next attraction, head down CA-4 W to CA-49 N to merge onto CA-88 E, then onto Pine Grove Volcano Road to Black Chasm Cavern National Monument.
• Follow Pine Grove Volcano Road back out of the national monument to Ridge Road, drive the path to turn right onto CA-49 N to CA-16 W, then turn right onto Latrobe Road to reach Empire Ranch Road to Auburn Folsom Road to Newcastle Lavender Farms.
• Next, use Auburn Folsom Road to get onto I-80 E to find Donner Memorial State Park.
• And then, finally, leave the park and follow CA-89 S to end the road trip at Lake Tahoe . 

With mountainous driving, the non-stop route from inside Yosemite to South Lake Tahoe takes around 4 hours to reach the end destination. Plus, we recommend taking at least two days to experience Lake Tahoe to get the most out of this fabulous family lake vacation trip . 

For the scenic route, stopping at the recommended attractions, it takes around six and a half hours to complete. Therefore, to enjoy each attraction and activity to the fullest on the scenic route, we advise taking at least four days to visit each. 

Note that with seasonal road closures, the route will take longer in winter.

If you’re trying to avoid the crowds at Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe, the best time of year to visit is March to May and September. These months are less crowded than the summer months of June, July, and August.

Of course, the summer months are also an excellent time to take a Yosemite to Lake Tahoe road trip. Just be prepared to experience more people at these top attractions and a lot more time crawling along than driving. 

Best Stops On A Yosemite To Lake Tahoe Road Trip

Touted as one of the world’s most iconic and best climbing spots, Yosemite National Park is a hot spot for rock climbers. They travel from all across the globe to take on numerous challenges, including Half Dome and El Capitan.

The wall of El Capital is the largest continuous wall in the U.S. and a mecca for rock climbers. Yosemite National Park presents opportunities for beginners to safely try rock climbing in the park, thanks to the Yosemite Mountaineering School !

Another popular attraction at Yosemite National Park is Tuolumne Meadows, a scenic meadow along the Tuolumne River. It has one of the highest-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada range, drawing in visitors to picnic and stroll through the meadow while basking in the rugged mountain backdrop.

• Climbers should be aware of the summer lottery system for using the Half Dome Cables. Late snowfall this year (2023) may delay opening.

Natural swimming holes, the Rainbow Pools are a part of the Stanislaus National Forest and Tuolumne River east of Groveland. This spot is popular for swimming, picnicking, hiking, fishing, and simply relaxing in the glorious scenery!

The large natural pools, sometimes called Rainbow Falls, are a well-known swimming hole featuring a small waterfall. The Rainbow Pools attract families, friends, tourists, and locals alike to dip in the water. 

No hike is required to reach the swimming hole as it is situated near the parking lot and is free to access. There is a picnic area with tables, restrooms, and other spots to set up to bathe in the sun or enjoy a picnic with the family surrounded by the scenic Rainbow Pools.

A National Historic Landmark District, Columbia State Historic Park is also called Columbia Historic District, as it encompasses and preserves the historic downtown area of Columbia, California. Nearly 30 buildings are included in the historic park and district, all constructed during the legendary California Gold Rush .

Previously known as the “Gem of the Southern Mines,” Columbia, California, more than one billion dollars in gold (today’s value, not the value back then!) was mined in this area. And while other mining towns were abandoned to the fate of becoming ghost towns, Columbia remained standing, never fully abandoned.

Because of this, Columbia State Historic Park can dedicatedly preserve the historic gold rush town to personify and image to visitors what a California gold rush mining town would look like back in the day! 

Visit a historic saloon. Watch a performance at the Fallon Theatre. Ride a stagecoach. Take a photograph dressing up in old fashion clothes with the family. There’s so much to do and see at Columbia State Historic Park!

Dedicated to preserving two special groves of the world’s largest trees, giant sequoia trees, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a fulfilling attraction to stop at during this road trip from Yosemite National Park to Lake Tahoe. 

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The park was first established in 1931 to protect the North and South Groves. Stop at Calaveras Big Trees State Park to see the magnificence of the towering sequoia trees and ancient volcanic formations, prosperous meadows, and the rushing waters of Stanislaus River. The trails at the park allow a refreshing opportunity to bask in the beauty of nature and to stand amongst the giant sequoia trees.

Designated in 1976, the Black Chasm Cavern National Natural Landmark protects an awe-inspiring display of unique helictite formations. 

Visitors can experience an educational and unforgettable tour of the Black Chasm Cavern to see these stunning formations and learn about the early history and geology of the cave. The abundance of helictites in the Black Chasm Cavern is exceptional, hence its designation as a National Natural Landmark. 

A tour of the Black Chasm Cavern National Natural Landmark includes a walk through the three chambers in the upper levels, where extravagant formations grow and, within the second chamber, an eye-catching blue lake surrounded by the helictites.

Family-owned and operated, Newcastle Lavender Farms is a striking attraction, settled perfectly amongst the Northern California foothills. The lavender farm was planted in 2016, and the family’s mission is to promote sustainability and natural beauty in the area. 

You and the family can walk amongst fragrant blooming lavender at Newcastle Lavender Farms. Harvest your lavender or buy handmade lavender products. Snag some pictures or enjoy a photo shoot with the vibrant purple background of blooming lavender with the family to remember the trip. 

Settled stunningly in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Donner Memorial State Park is a well-known alpine park that offers plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy with the family!

The park holds a rich and somber history that can be learned more at the Visitor Center, where exhibits educate visitors on the local area’s history. For example, the infamous Donner Party was caught in a terrible storm in the winter of 1846-1847 and had to resort to cannibalism. The Pioneer Monument was also constructed to honor California emigrants that traveled west in the mid-1800s. 

In the great outdoors of Donner Memorial State Park, take on various activities, such as camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and more! 

Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in the continent and the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada, the second-deepest lake in the United States. 

Lake Tahoe boasts more than a few top attractions you don’t want to miss out on with the family—for example, Emerald Bay State Park , which protects the National Natural Landmark, Emerald Bay.

The park is home to natural stunners such as Eagle Falls and architectural wonders like the 38-room mansion Vikingsholm , one of the best examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. 

Our complete family guide to Lake Tahoe coming soon!

There are numerous spots you can stay around Lake Tahoe on both the California and Nevada sides of the lake. If you want the closest point to Yosemite, look at South Lake Tahoe , or for more small town appeal, try Zephyr Cove or Kings Beach to the north.

• Pack warm clothes if you plan on going from Yosemite National Park to Lake Tahoe in the less tourist-crowded months of March to May or September. It can get chilly at night and during the day in March and April. 
• Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated!
• Also, pack and wear sunscreen to protect the skin from potential sunburn while traveling through the parks and attractions at and around Lake Tahoe. 
• For a neat idea, we recommend packing a cooler full of drinks and treats (don’t forget reusable utensils to enjoy them!). Much of the trip’s attractions require spending time outdoors, and there’s no better way to cherish the spectacular views and fresh air than enjoying a cute picnic with the family in nature! 
• To avoid traffic jams, redlight cameras, and blocked roads, we recommend downloading the app Waze on your phone. This app keeps track of real-time data to make a safe and quick route to your desired destination. 

Although short relatively to some of our scenic US driving itineraries , the drive from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe is packed full of interesting stopping points.

If you want to continue your journey through northern California and Nevada , you may also be interested in:

• The 12 Most Incredible Scenic Drives in Northern California
• The Most Scenic Drives in Nevada
• Drive from Lake Tahoe to Vegas in this Ultimate Nevada Road Trip
• Scenic Stopping Points Between Yosemite and San Francisco
• San Francisco to the Redwoods Along the Pacific Coast
• Our Compete Family Guide to San Francisco

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Everything Dee

Petite Travel Blogger

Ultimate Road Trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park

It’s so crazy how many amazing sites there are to see in California. It’s hard planning a trip to California and only visiting one place. I love combining multiple cities and destinations in one trip when I travel to see as much as I can. Carl and I spent one week in California and took a road trip at the end of September from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park. This scenic route goes through some of the state’s most iconic scenery, from the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe to the massive granite domes of Yosemite National Park. A road trip is the best way to see all these natural wonders. It was an amazing adventurous week! In this travel guide, I am sharing a week itinerary and all the details of how you can plan a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park.

Days 1-3 – Lake Tahoe

Days 4-7 – Yosemite National Park

Best Month to Visit Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is great to visit all year round so it depends on the activities you want to do. If you want to snow tube, ski, and snowboard, Lake Tahoe is a beautiful winter wonderland. November through March is the best time to visit for winter activities. If you want to visit Lake Tahoe to hang out at the beach and go swimming, the best time to visit is from June to August.

I visited Lake Tahoe in September and I personally think September is a great time to visit Lake Tahoe. It’s not as crowded as the summer months and the weather is a little cooler making it perfect for hiking and it can still be warm enough to go swimming.

I recommend doing this Lake Tahoe road trip in late spring, summer, or in the fall!

Day 1: Arrive in South Lake Tahoe

The first day of your Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park road trip will be in South Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is absolutely beautiful. You will be surrounded with crystal clear waters, pine trees, and amazing mountain views. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and South Lake Tahoe is located on the border between California and Nevada.

What airports are closest to South Lake Tahoe?

The nearest major airports to South Lake Tahoe are Reno-Tahoe International Airport and Sacramento International Airport. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is about an hour drive. Sacramento International Airport is a two drive. Flying into San Francisco is also an option, but it is a long drive of about four hours. For this itinerary, San Francisco is a good option to fly home from because it is closer to Yosemite National Park.

Grab Lunch + Explore the Town

Once you arrive in South Lake Tahoe, I recommend grabbing lunch. You can get a burger at California Burger Company or pizza at Basecamp Pizza . A cool and unique pizza option they have is their Thai Chicken Curry pizza! It was so good!

After lunch, you can spend some time exploring the town and checking out the shops and boutiques.

Day 2: Hiking + Beach

On day two of your Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park road trip, I recommend getting an early start to your day! After a good breakfast, it is time to check out a few of Lake Tahoe’s awesome hiking trails! Two great hikes that you can combine together in one day is Granite Lake + Maggie’s Peak and Eagle Lake trail. 

Granite Lake + Maggie’s Peak Hike

Granite Lake + Maggie’s Peak trail is a hard 4.1 mile hike and takes about 3-4 hours to complete. You gain about 1,000 feet in elevation so it is pretty steep. The trail begins at Bayview Trailhead and winds through a forested area where you get occasional glimpses of Lake Tahoe. After about 1.5 miles, you will reach Granite Lake. The lake is surrounded by granite rocks and it’s pretty serene! 

From Granite Lake, continue on the trail towards Maggie’s Saddle. This part of the trail involves some elevation gain, but you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Tahoe.

From Maggie’s Saddle, you will continue with a short and steep scramble to the top of Maggie’s Peak. You will get breathtaking 360 degree views of Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness, Emerald Bay, Granite Lake, Cascade Lake, and part of Fallen Leaf Lake. It was a rainy and foggy day when we did this hike, but the views were still amazing.

This trailhead for this hike is accessed from the Bayview Trailhead. You can park at the end of Bayview Campground on Highway 89. There are no signs that specifically say “Granite Lake” or “Maggie’s Peak”, but just follow the signs for “ Desolation Wilderness ” and you will be on the right trail. The trail is easy to follow and well marked.

Since you are hiking in the Desolation Wilderness, which is a protected area, a day permit is required. You can get a permit at one of the ranger stations or in the green box that is located at the start of the trailhead. Read all the regulations, fill it out, and sign the permit. Before starting the hike, tear off the bottom portion of the permit and deposit it in the box at the trailhead.

Emerald Bay State Park Lookout

Before starting on the next hike, take a break and drive to Emerald Bay State Park lookout and check out some of the great viewpoints. This lookout is located on the edge of Emerald Bay. There is a parking lot you can park at along Highway 89. The lookout is easily accessible from the parking area. From the lookout, you will get a stunning view overlooking Emerald Bay and Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe. This is also the perfect time and great place to relax and have a snack before the next hike!

Eagle Lake Trail

The second hike you will be doing for the day is Eagle Lake. This is a moderate 1.9 mile hike that takes about an hour to complete. It’s a beautiful trail that leads you to the stunning Eagle Lake.

The trailhead for Eagle Lake is accessed from the Eagle Falls Trailhead, which is located at Emerald Bay on Highway 89. A day permit for this hike is also required.

The trail begins with views of Eagle Falls and as you ascend, you will be treated to panoramic views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe. The highlight of this hike is reaching the beautiful Eagle Lake.

After this hike, drive back into town to get some lunch!

Sand Harbor Beach

After a morning of hiking, I recommend spending the rest of the day relaxing at the beach. There are a bunch of beautiful beaches near South Lake Tahoe. Even if it is a chilly and not a good day for swimming, I would still make time to visit the beaches and coves. It’s magical to see how clear the water is and I love all the unique rock formations throughout the beaches.

One of the beaches I would visit is Sand Harbor Beach . It is a beautiful and popular beach to visit. Sand Harbor Beach is located on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, within Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. It is easily accessible from Highway 28.

There is a designated parking area at Sand Harbor, but keep in mind that during peak times it can fill up quickly. There also is an entrance fee to access Sand Harbor. Entrance fees are $10 for Nevada vehicles and $15 for non-Nevada vehicles.

You can relax on the sand, go swimming, and even rent kayaks, paddle boards or canoes. There are also a few hiking trails. The Sand Harbor to Memorial Point Trail is a short half-mile hike that provides access to many secluded beaches and rock areas.

Day 3: Beach + Hiking + Biking

The third day of your Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park road trip will be another fun filled day of hiking trials, beautiful beaches, and scenic views.

Secret Cove Beach

I would start your morning visiting Secret Cove Beach so you can have it all to yourself. Secret Cove Beach is a hidden gem nestled along the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. This is my favorite beach that I visited in Lake Tahoe. It’s surrounded by granite boulders making it a signature photo spot and a perfect place to relax.

It can be tricky to find since the trail to the beach starts at the side of the road on Highway 28. But – if you put “Secret Cove Beach” in Google Maps, it will take you to the exact spot. It is a 20 minute walk to the beach and totally worth it! There is no entrance fee to enter this beach.

I loved that this beach gives you a unique and off-the-beaten-path secluded experience. We got there early in the morning and there were only a few people there.

Rubicon Trail

My favorite hiking trail that I did in Lake Tahoe was the Rubicon Trail . This trail is filled with beautiful views of the crystal clear lake, mountains, and pine trees. The Rubicon Trail is located on the western shore of Lake Tahoe. It is a 16.4 mile trail that extends between the Vikingsholm Estate and D.L. Bliss State Park.

This trail can be accessed from various trailheads, including D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park. You can choose your starting point based on the length and difficulty you would like. It is 4.5 miles between D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park. I recommend starting your hike from D.L. Bliss State Park.

This trail is pretty cool because it covers a diverse range of terrain like rocky paths, forested sections, and open meadows. Portions of the trail hug the shoreline so you get stunning views of the lake.

Along the trail, there are also some landmarks you will come across like Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian-style mansion, and the Rubicon Point lighthouse.

Also, if you want to see a bear, this is the hike to do! The trail is in bear habitat so you have a very high chance of seeing one like we did!

Bike the Lake Tahoe East Shore Bike Path

For your final activity in Lake Tahoe, I highly recommend biking the Tahoe East Shore Trail . It is considered the most beautiful bike trail in America. This trail is three miles long and ten feet wide. Visitors can walk, run, or bike ride. Throughout the path, you get incredible views of the crystal clear waters and surrounding mountains.

The first mile is on the mountain side where you get an amazing view of Lake Tahoe and then you cross through a tunnel and get to enjoy two miles of the shoreline. The East Shore Trail has a bunch of beach access points and vista points where you can stop along the way to relax and enjoy the views.

There are parking spots at the northern end of the trail where you have to pay during the peak season. If the parking lot is full, you can take the East Shore Express shuttle at the old Incline Elementary School on Southwood or the Sand Harbor Visitor Center. The shuttle fee is $3 per person.

There are two bike rental shops in the area. You can rent a bike at  Flume Trail Bikes  or at  Village Ski Loft .

Where to Eat in South Lake Tahoe

Basecamp Pizza  – you have to try their Thai Chicken Curry pizza!

California Burger Company  – serves gourmet burgers in a hip tavern with live bands

Sprouts Cafe  – healthy cafe that serves juices, smoothies, and sandwiches

Izabella Ristorante Italiano  – popular Italian restaurant

Cold Water Brewery and Grill  – great brewery with a seasonal food menu

MacDuff’s Pub  – you have to try their Shepherds Pie and Artichoke Spinach Dip!

A Cup of Cherries  – perfect spot for breakfast – you have to try their Rum-Chai French Toast!

Black Cabin Coffee  – great spot for coffee!\

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the United States! It is located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains and known for its iconic granite rock formations, amazing waterfalls, and scenic landscapes. It is every adventure seeker and nature lovers’ dream. Yosemite is filled with spectacular sights and incredible hikes. 

Day 4: Drive to Yosemite National Park

On the fourth day of your Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park road trip, we will be leaving Lake Tahoe and driving to Yosemite National Park. The driving distance is about four hours. 

When you arrive, I recommend stopping at a grocery store and getting water, snacks, and something to bring to eat on the hikes like sandwiches. There is limited dining around the park. The park is huge so depending on where you are, dining might not be convenient. For breakfast, Carl and I brought to-go oatmeal cups and milk to eat overnight oats right before our hikes and for lunch, we packed sandwiches.

You can spend the rest of the day settling into the hotel and go to dinner.

How Many Days to Spend in Yosemite National Park

Carl and I spent three days in Yosemite National Park and we thought it was the perfect amount of time to see all the highlights and different areas of the park. If you are interested in doing more challenging hikes, I recommend spending at least four days.

Best Lodging Near Yosemite National Park

If you are deciding where to stay, one of the best lodging near Yosemite National Park is  Rush Creek Lodge and Spa . We loved our stay here! It has the perfect balance of sophisticated and “cabin in the woods” feel and the rooms are great and spacious! The drive from Rush Creek Lodge to Yosemite Valley is about 45 minutes.

There are not a lot of dining options around Yosemite National Park so we ate at the restaurant at Rush Creek Lodge and Spa every night for dinner and loved it. They had a good selection so we were able to have something different every night. I highly recommend their crispy fried cauliflower and the king salmon.

Rush Creek also has fun daily activities. You will find many things to do for both adults and children. They have nature trails, a heated pool and hot tubs with a pool bar. You will find a bunch of games like bocce ball, corn hole, ping pong, shuffleboard, foosball, kid zip lines and a kid playroom. Every night they have smores. They also offer fitness classes and various seasonal activities.

Our favorite part of Rush Creek Lodge was their spa. Their spa features incredible indoor and outdoor spa elements inspired by the natural beauty and power of Yosemite. They have an aromatherapy steam room, Himalayan salt block sauna, a cool mist room, sensory room and warm river rock beds. After two and a half days of hiking, it was so nice getting a massage and spending an afternoon relaxing at the spa.

Yosemite National Park Entrance Fees

There is an entrance fee to visit the park. If you are visiting in a non-commercial car, pickup truck, RV or van, it is $35 which is valid for seven days. If you are visiting in a different type of vehicle or are interested in an annual pass, check out this  Fees & Passes page  on their website.

Please note that from May 20th to September 30th, you must make a reservation to drive into Yosemite National Park. Driving through the park between 6am – 4pm requires a reservation. Each reservation costs $2 and counts for a three day period.

Day 5-7: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is huge! It can take 5-6 hours to drive across the entire park. If you are planning on visiting different areas of the park, be prepared for it take 1-1.5 hours to get there. When planning your trip, I recommend exploring a specific area of the trip each day so you don’t spend a lot of time driving. Also, remember to get gas before entering the park – there are no gas stations inside the park!

Best Things to do in Yosemite National Park

Bike Riding

Biking is a fun way to explore Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Valley has over 12 miles of bike paths to explore between early spring and fall. If you need to rent bikes, there are three rental locations: Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, and Yosemite Village.

Challenging Hikes

Half Dome is one of the most challenging hikes in Yosemite National Park. It is an extremely steep and strenuous 14-16 mile hike. You gain almost 5k feet in elevation and it can take between 10-14 hours to complete. For the last 400 feet, you have to pull yourself up using steel cables to get to the top! The summit of Half Dome has panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, the High Sierra, and surrounding peaks. This is the ultimate bucket list hike! 

If you are interested in doing this hike, you must have a permit for Half Dome.  You can find out more information here!

Cloud’s Rest

Cloud’s Rest is another challenging hike in Yosemite. It is a 12.2 mile hike that takes about 7 hours to complete. This hike has very similar views to Half Dome. You will be rewarded with a 360 degree vista that includes Tenaya Canyon, the Cathedral Range, the High Sierra peaks and Half Dome. One of the highlights of Cloud’s Rest is the unique perspective it provides of Half Dome. You will also pass by beautiful alpine lakes along the trail. This hike isn’t as crowded as Half Dome so a permit isn’t required. 

Upper Yosemite Falls

Upper Yosemite Falls is a challenging 7.6 mile hike near Yosemite Valley that takes a little over 5 hours to complete. The trail ascends to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls. You will be rewarded with amazing panoramic views of Yosemite Valley. The best time to do this hike is spring and early summer when the waterfall is flowing.

Moderate Day Hikes

The Mist Trail is one of the most popular trails in Yosemite National Park. You will find everything from waterfalls, rivers, picturesque mountain views and beautiful views of the Yosemite Valley. It is a challenging 7 mile hike that leads you to two of Yosemite’s most famous waterfalls: Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls.

The trail begins at Happy Isles and ascends along the Merced River. After about 1.5 miles, you will reach the base of Vernal Falls. The waterfall is 317 feet tall and in the spring and early summer, you will get a refreshing mist as you hike by. During that time of year, the waterfalls are at their peak flow so I recommend wearing waterproof gear and sturdy hiking shoes with good traction since the trail can be slippery. We hiked this trail in September so the waterfall only had a small flow.

Beyond Vernal Falls, the trail continues to climb to the top of Nevada Falls. Along the way, you will pass by Emerald Pool. This is a great spot to relax and have lunch or a snack.

Nevada Falls is the taller and larger of the two waterfalls along the trail. It drops 594 feet and has breathtaking views from the top.

It took us six hours to complete the trail, including stopping for a lunch break and photos.

Glacier Point

The hike to Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park has breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic landmarks of the park including Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra peaks. There are different trail options to reach Glacier Point – the most popular route is via the Four Mile trail .

The Four Mile trail is approximately 4.8 miles one way, making it about 9.6 miles round trip. The trail has significant elevation gain where you climb 3,200 feet from the Yosemite Valley floor to Glacier Point. The trailhead is located near the Swinging Bridge Picnic Area in Yosemite Valley. You can also take the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle to the Four Mile trail.

This trail has one of the most breathtaking views in the park. You will get stunning views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Sentinel Rock, and the Cathedral Rocks. At the top of Glacier Point, you can see Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the High Sierra peaks.

Lower Yosemite Falls

Lower Yosemite Falls is an easy 1.2 mile loop trail. It’s a beautiful scenic trail that is perfect to do after a long hike. This trail is a flat and paved pathway and great for a relaxing and leisurely stroll. When we did this hike in September, the waterfall was dried up, but it was still a great trail to explore.

Sentinel Dome Trail

The Sentinel Dome trail is a short but rewarding hike to the top of Sentinel Dome. It is 2.2 miles round trip. The summit provides breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and Bridalveil Falls. One of the main attractions of Sentinel Dome is the unparalleled view of Half Dome. On clear days, you can also see the High Sierra peaks in the distance. This is also a great hike to do at sunset!

Taft Point is a spectacular viewpoint in Yosemite. It can be reached via the Taft Point Trail, which starts from the same trailhead as the Sentinel Dome trail. The Taft Point trail is approximately 2.2 miles round trip. 

The main highlight of Taft Point is the dramatic overlook that provides a sheer drop-off with breathtaking views. It is also known for its distinctive fissures (cracks) in the granite rock. It’s such an incredible view!

Must See Sights in Yosemite National Park

Tunnel View

Tunnel View is one of the most famous views of the Yosemite Valley. The view is absolutely stunning. You will see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls.

To get to this view, no hiking is required! You can find it just outside the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41. There is a parking lot right by the vista. During the summer, it can get pretty popular so I recommend coming here first thing in the morning.

El Capitan 

El Capitan is one of the most iconic rock formations in Yosemite National Park. It is 3000 vertical feet of sheer rock granite. You can get an up-close and clear view of it in the El Capitan Meadow. You can find the meadow on the north side of Yosemite Valley. It makes such an awesome photo spot.

Hetch Hetchy Valley

If you want to get off the beaten path in Yosemite National Park, head to the peaceful northwest corner to explore Hetch Hetchy Valley. It is a reservoir that supplies water to the San Francisco Bay Area. The Valley is drained by the Tuolumne River. Trails around Hetch Hetchy offer great views of the water and granite cliffs.

Here is the list of hiking trails that you can explore in Hetch Hetchy Valley:

• Lookout Point  (moderate) – 2 miles that takes about an hour. It involves moderate uphill climbing and takes you to a viewpoint overlooking Hetch Hetchy Valley
• Wapama Falls  (moderate) – 5 miles that takes about two hours. This hike includes up and downhill hiking. You will see amazing views of Tueeulala and Wapama Falls.
• Rancheria Falls  (moderate) – 13.4 miles that takes about 6-8 hours. This trail continues past Wapama Falls and you will see more beautiful views of the valley.
• Smith Peak  (moderate to strenuous) – 13.5 miles that takes about 6-8 hours. This trail takes you through a forest and meadow to Smith Peak, which is the highest point in the area.
• Poopenaut Valley  (strenuous) – 3 miles that takes about two hours. This trail leads you to the Tuolumne River below O’Shaughnessy Dam.

We did the Wapama Falls trail. It was a relaxing hike that had amazing views of the Valley. We loved seeing a different area of Yosemite National Park. Since this area is not as popular as Yosemite Valley, there were only a few people there and it felt like we had the entire place to ourselves.

Olmsted Point

Olmsted Point is a famous overlook off Tioga Pass Road in Yosemite National Park. From this viewpoint, you can see amazing views of Half Dome, Tenaya Lake, and Cloud’s Rest. The elevation at Olmsted Point is a little over 8,000 feet! When we were there, it was snowing!

Sequoia Trees in Yosemite

Did you know you can find Sequoia Trees in Yosemite National Park? You can find them in these three groves:

• Mariposa Grove  – this is the largest grove in the park and home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. You can find a variety of trails to explore. It’s located an hour and 15 minutes from Yosemite Valley.
• Tuolumne Grove  – this is where I went to visit and it’s home to about two dozen giant sequoias. They have a one mile hiking trail. The drive is 45 minutes away from Yosemite Valley.
• Merced Grove  – they also have about two dozen sequoias that you can see on their 1.5 mile hiking trail. The drive is 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley.

Sample Three Day Itinerary

Here is a sample Yosemite National Park Itinerary to explore different areas of the park.

Day 1:  Explore Yosemite Valley. Start the day by hiking the Mist Trail. Then, check out the famous sights in the Valley like Tunnel View and El Capitan. End the day with hiking the Lower Yosemite Falls trail.

Day 2:  You can do a challenging hike like Half Dome or Cloud’s Rest. If you are not up for a challenging hike, you can drive through Tioga Pass Road, check out the view at Olmsted Point, and relax at Tenaya Lake.

Day 3:  Check out the sequoia trees in Yosemite at Mariposa Grove in the first half of the day. For the second half, explore the hiking trails at Hetch Hetchy Valley.

What to Pack

We visited Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park in September. In the mornings and evenings, it was chilly and throughout the day, the weather was warm. It even rained one day while we were there. If you are deciding what to wear on your Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park road trip , I recommend packing layers so you can easily take off or put on a layer as it gets cooler or warmer. I also suggest packing a rain jacket just in case there is a chance of rain during a hike. 

Here is some outfit inspiration on what to wear on your trip:

Hiking Shoes

Hiking outfits, final stop: san francisco.

One of the final stops that you can add on your Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park road trip is San Francisco. It makes a great final stop since you can also fly home from here. The drive from Yosemite National Park to San Francisco is three hours.

There is so much to see in San Francisco so I recommend spending a few days here. But if you only have one day like us, it is definitely possible to see a few highlights and get the vibe of the city.

One of the things I highly recommend is checking out one of the awesome viewpoints to see the Golden Gate Bridge. There are many great viewpoints, but the one that I went to was at Battery Spencer. You can find it on Google Maps by searching “ Golden Gate View Point .”

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California Road Trip: The Tahoe to Yosemite Loop

Raft, Hike and Explore California’s Scenic Sierra Nevada

This unforgettable California road trip takes you from the mesmerizing blue waters of Lake Tahoe to the raging waterfalls of Yosemite and back. Along the way, pass over stunning mountain passes, stop for some whitewater action, stretch your legs on a hike or two and enjoy a dip in a natural hot spring.  Here’s the route…

Gateway: Lake Tahoe

Plan a day at the beginning of your trip to drive the 72-mile loop around Lake Tahoe and take in the stunning vistas and charming mountain towns along the way. Don’t miss your chance to get out on that crystal-clear water either. Stop by one of the many outfitters in the area like Kayak Tahoe and rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard for the afternoon. Then, head to Baldwin Beach, which gives you the chance to paddle the lake’s rugged shoreline to iconic Emerald Bay.

Leg 1: South Lake Tahoe to Auburn/Coloma

From the north shore of “Big Blue,” take CA-267N to Truckee where you’ll head west on I-80 through the Tahoe National Forest toward Auburn. About 10 minutes outside of this charming Gold Country town, you can meet up with an outfitter for an ultra-exciting, 1-day Middle Fork of the American River rafting trip . This Class IV+ adventure is best-known for taking paddlers on a wild romp through notorious Tunnel Chute Rapid.

For a more first-timer and family-friendly experience, continue to Coloma , the hub for South Fork American River rafting trips and spend a fun-filled day (or two!) splashing down one of the best stretches of whitewater in California .

Leg 2: Auburn/Lotus to Yosemite National Park

After your American River rafting adventure in Auburn, or nearby Coloma, follow California’s historic Highway 49 south past other picturesque gold rush towns like Angels Camp and Sonora, which offer a variety of shops, creative eateries, wineries and pubs. Take your time to savor this unique corridor and consider a side trip to Moaning Caverns or Big Trees State Park , which are short detours along the route. Once in Sonora, take CA-108W to CA-120E which takes you into Yosemite National Park via the Big Oak Flat Entrance. Plan to spend at least three days in the park if you can, but if you’re short on time, the classic hike to the top of Nevada Falls via The Mist Trail never disappoints. Otherwise, if you have more time, check out this ultimate 3-day Yosemite itinerary for other hiking recommendations, hidden gems, lodging info and more.

Leg 3: Yosemite to Tahoe

Head east out of the park via Tioga Road/CA-120 to explore the off-the-beaten-path Eastern Sierra. In Lee Vining, grab lunch at the infamous Whoa Nellie Deli before heading north on before heading north on California’s scenic Highway 395, a stretch of road known for its sweeping mountain views, hidden hot springs and eclectic pit stops. As you make your way back to Tahoe, take a short stroll to see the curious “tufa towers” at Mono Lake , and stop for a soak at Travertine Hot Springs near Bridgeport, the ultimate finale to this California road trip.  

For more road trip inspiration, check out our library of itineraries from some of the West’s biggest travel hubs.

Explore Yosemite Adventures

An earlier version of this article was published in 2012. It was updated with new information and republished February 2021.

Photos: Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay – Photo by  Stephen Walker /Unsplash; Rafting on the South Fork American River – Hotshots Imaging; Nevada Falls in Yosemite – Wanderlove; Mono Lake tufas – Photo by Eniko Polgar /Unsplash

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WILL TRAVEL FOR SUNSETS

• Jun 5, 2020

3 Days Exploring Lake Tahoe and Road Tripping to Yosemite National Park

Updated: Sep 22, 2022

Spend a long weekend taking in the trails and dining of Lake Tahoe and add on a day trip that packs the best of Yosemite National Park into one day.

Jump ahead to any day, click a link below:

Day One: Lake Tahoe Hiking

Day Two: Yosemite

Day Three: Fallen Leaf Lake Hiking

Jump ahead to other planning tips, click a topic below:

Build an Itinerary

What to Wear and Pack

Where to Eat

Getting around

Lake Tahoe Hiking

The hiking trail options below are assuming you are staying near South Lake Tahoe. See Lodging for more information. On your way to a trailhead, stop at Inspiration Point for panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and a photo. You can do one or multiple of these hikes in a day or hike in the morning and then relax at a beach in the afternoon.

1. Rubicon Trail- A 4.5-mile trail each way. You will start in D.L. Bliss Park and end in Emerald Bay State Park . You can add 2 miles to go to Vikingsholm (see #2 below). The trail wraps around the edge of the lake, with lake views most of the way. There is an elevation gain of 1,381 on the trail which is mainly in a couple of areas. Much of the trail is flat.

2. Emerald Bay/Vikingsholm - This hike can be added to the hike above or can be a stand alone hike down to Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm. Vikingholm is Scandinavian designed home that was one of the first homes built on the lake in 1929. Tours are offered of the home as well. The hike is one mile down into the bay, dropping 500 feet in elevation and then 1 steep mile back up.

3. Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake Trail - This hike is 2 miles each way, and has 383 feet in elevation gain with some carved stairs. It leads to upper views of Eagle Falls and then the trail continues on to Eagle Lake.

4. Rubicon Peak Trail - This trail is a 3.6 mile loop with 2,087 feet in elevation gain. It is a less popular trail (ie less crowded!) and you’ll earn 360 degrees of the lake from the top. To find the trail follow Highland Road to where it dead ends and park there. Then hike up Lonely Gulch for 1.6 miles until you are on Rubicon’s ridge. Follow the ridge for slightly under a mile to reach the peak.

5. Cascade Falls Trail - A 1.5 miles round trip hike. To access this trail park near the Bayview Campground across from Inspiration Point. The trail leads to the top portion of the Cascade Falls and gives panoramic views of the Lake on the way up.

See “ Where to Eat ” for dinner options in the evening.

One Day Road Trip to Yosemite National Park

*For this road trip day I recommend packing lunch and snacks. Then you can maximize your time hiking and seeing sites, rather than buying food.”

Wake up as early as possible to drive to Yosemite. It is a four hour drive from South Lake Tahoe to Yosemite. Once in Yosemite National Park there are two main roads that are each one ways. Southside Drive is a one way road heading east into the Valley. Northside Drive is a one way road that heads west out of the Valley. A useful map on the national park webpage is here .

I would recommend starting your Yosemite day at the Tunnel View viewpoint. It gives panoramic views of much of the park, including Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridal Veil Falls in the distance. Next stop at Bridal Veil Falls and take the short 5 minute, .5 mile walk to view the falls up closer. Drive further into the park and then park your car as close as possible to whichever trail option(s) you chose. Traffic in the park is time consuming, so parking then biking or walking to sites is easiest.

There are a couple hike options you can accomplish in one day along with seeing the main sites. Which hike(s) options you choose will depend on how early you were able to arrive at the park and how late you want to stay.

Trail options to fit in a one day visit:

Mirror Lake - A 2 mile round trip hike to a lake with reflecting views of the surrounding rock formations and forest.

Vernal Fall - You can hike part of the trail to either of the below points. The trail continues on to Nevada Falls as well, but the long hike there would be hard to fit in a day with other stops.

Vernal Fall Footbridge - 1.6 miles round trip, 400 foot elevation gain, 1-1.5 hours. The first part is paved, but the trail gradually becomes steeper.

Top of Vernal Fall - 2.4 miles round trip, 1,000 foot elevation gain, 3 hours. This is a steeper, tougher hike.

After the hike(s) drive, walk or bike to see Yosemite Falls up close on the 1 mile lower Yosemite Fall trail. Yosemite Falls is the third tallest waterfall in the world. The walk around the lower park of the falls was the most crowded part of the park, but was still worth seeing. To hike to the top of the Falls is 7.2 miles round trip with a 1,000 foot elevation gain, so it is hard to fit in a day trip.

After seeing the lower falls, walk to the open area near Sentinel Bridge . In this area you’ will be able to take classic Yosemite pictures with all of Yosemite Falls in the background.

On your drive heading out of the park, pull over by El Capitan . Use binoculars and watch advanced rock climbers on the granite rock.

Fallen Leaf Lake Hiking and Lake Tahoe Paddle boarding

I would recommend spending the morning visiting a smaller glacial lake near Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake. Its waters are so clear you can see pebbles and tree roots below the surface.

A couple hike/walk options near Fallen Leaf Lake are:

1. Fallen Leaf Lake Road - A paved trail/road that wraps around half of the lake for 7.8 miles. Park near the Fallen Leaf Lake Campground and walk towards the lake to see it’s clear waters up close. There is also a waterfall near the start of the trail. As you follow the road you can cut in towards the lake at various campgrounds and beaches. We followed along the lake staying close to the lake and campgrounds instead of on the paved road. There’s no clear trail the whole way if you aren’t on the road, but it’s hard to get lost following the lake. You can turn around when you hit private property.

2. Lake Aloha - A 12.5 mile loop trail with 1,873 feet in elevation gain. The trail will wrap around 5 glacial lakes, including Echo Lake.

In the afternoon head back to Lake Tahoe and go paddle boarding or kayaking. I would rent a paddle board or kayak near Meeks Bay and then paddle through Rubicon Bay to see areas of the lake different from where you hiked on day one. The turquoise blue waters in Rubicon Bay are stunning. If you are an avid kayaker you could kayak all the way back down to Emerald Bay where you hiked on day one. West Shore Sports offers rentals in the Meeks Bay area. Rentals start at $20/hour.

For our last night we took a sunset boat cruise around the lake with Tahoe Cruises on their Safari Rose boat. The sunset views out on the water made the cruise worth the outing. Don’t expect a luxury experience though (their website is a bit deceiving). The boat decor is dated and they serve inexpensive beers, chips and salsa and cheese cubes. It’s a fun experience if you know what to anticipate though. The cruise was $90 per person with drinks and snacks included.

Build an Itinerary with a Lake Tahoe Stop

When planning a trip to Lake Tahoe, try to strategize your days according to the day of the week. Aim to visit Yosemite on a weekday to avoid crowds, even more ideally Monday through Thursday. Also avoid Yosemite around US summer Holidays.

This itinerary works well as a stand alone long weekend trip, but if you are doing a longer road trip out West you could add it on to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone as well.

Lodging Recommendations for Lake Tahoe

We stayed in a home rental for this trip to be able to make our own breakfasts, wash clothes, make packed lunches and afford better views and space to spread out within our budget. Check both Airbnb and VRBO for rental options in Lake Tahoe. We stayed closer to the South side of the lake. Booking a place near South Lake Tahoe will make the drive to and from Yosemite shorter. South Lake Tahoe is also known for having the better hiking options. It is a 72 mile drive to drive around the full lake, so be aware of where you do end up booking for driving distances to dinners, hikes and Yosemite.

What to Wear And Pack for a Lake Tahoe and Yosemite Trip

Read My Packing List for more recommendations on specific gear.

What to Wear

Hiking boots or shoes

What to Pack

A daypack for hiking and biking

A Water bladder or water bottle for hiking

Binoculars for animal sightings and rock climber viewing in Yosemite

A collapsible cooler for the National Park road trip days. You could also buy one at a grocery store once you arrive.

Where to Eat while in Lake Tahoe

Many of the restaurants around Lake Tahoe close early, so check a restaurant’s hours before making plans.

Sunnyside Restaurant and Bar - This restaurant is closer to the Western side of the Lake, near Meeks bay. It offers casual waterfront dining with lake views, friendly service and quality food. ​

Riva Grill on the Lake - This restaurant is an option for after a sunset cruise or in lieu of a sunset cruise. It has lake and sunset views from its indoor seating and expansive patio. They offer a classic American menu including burgers, seafood and steak.

West Shore Cafe - A fine dining option with a dining room designed to show off its lake views.

Getting Around in Lake Tahoe

To follow this itinerary you will need to rent a car. Several of the roads around Lake Tahoe do wind around the edge of mountains, so be prepared for mountain driving.

When to go to Lake Tahoe ​ This is a spring or summer based itinerary but Lake Tahoe is also known for its skiing. You can visit Lake Tahoe year round but your choice in activities will vary depending on the season. The waterfalls in Yosemite only have water flowing November through July. May is the best month to visit Yosemite to see the waterfalls at their peak.

Additional Reading: My Packing List ​ Trip Dates: May 3rd-May 7th, 2019 Article Updated: June 2020.

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Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Road Trip with Map!

Plan your ultimate Lake Tahoe to Yosemite road trip! Explore shimmering lakes, breathtaking landscapes, and iconic parks with our guide and map. Ideal for travelers seeking nature's wonders.

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Road Trip -  Lake Tahoe is one of the largest freshwater lakes in California. With its shimmering cobalt blue waters, its a magical place to visit. Whereas Yosemite offers roaring waterfalls and breath taking vistas which overlook pure mother nature at her best!

A road trip between the two allows you to loop around easily and experience both magnificent places from all angles. So dive Right into our Bucket-list Road trip Itinerary below!

How far is Yosemite from Lake Tahoe?

Yosemite is 124 miles from Lake Tahoe via US-395 S it takes approximately 2 hours 34 mins.

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Road Trip Map

Dive into our interactive Map below!

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User Guide:  Use the +/- arrows to zoom in an out of the landmarks. Many users choose to  share the post on facebook  and access the map that way.

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Tip:  Turn your phone sideways for easier use. Click the directions button top right to be routed to an attraction.

Do you own a website?  If you have your own website feel free to embed our map in it by clicking the button in the top right hand corner. Just be sure to credit us at:  www.townandtourist.com/road-trips/lake-tahoe-to-yosemite-road-trip/

How long does it take to Drive around Lake Tahoe?

It takes around 3 hours to drive around Lake Tahoe.

When is the best time to visit Lake Tahoe?

The  best  time of year to visit  Lake Tahoe  is between March and May or from September to November. However,  the area attracts visitors throughout the year thanks to the wide variety of attractions/activities.

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Road Trip Loop:

• Carson City, NV
• Fales Hot Springs
• Tuolumne Meadows

Yosemite Valley

Yosemite National Park

In our road trip Itinerary shown above we started in  Lake Tahoe  then headed down US-395 S with a quick stop at  Topaz Lake , we took a dip in the warm  Fales Hot Springs  before heading to the mars like  Mono Lake  and then through  Tuolumne Meadows,  to the big daddy  Yosemite National Park .

After 3 days at  Yosemite , you can also loop around through the cowboy town of  Oakdale  before heading up to  Sacramento , it's then pretty easy to head to  San Francisco  if you are catching an international flight.

1. Lake Tahoe

Spanning an area of  496.2 km² , Lake Tahoe is one of the largest and most scenic Lakes in California/Nevada. At  1,645 feet  deep  Lake Tahoe is the 2nd deepest lake &  never Freezes over and it is also the  clearest Lake  in the  United States of America .

Emerald Bay State Park  is the most enchanting part of  Lake Tahoe.  Close to the southern end of the lake there are many viewpoints offering breath taking views along highway 89.

Here you can also find the famous 1929 Nordic-style mansion  Vikingsholm . If you drive to the  north east side  you will be greeted with Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park which includes  Sand Harbor,  where the crystal clear waters are most prominent.

lake Tahoe to Yosemite Road Trip

Insider Tip:

Sand Harbor is one of the best beaches in the Lake Tahoe area and the best place to go swimming.

Here the water is shallow near the beach and gets deeper as you go further in which makes it ideal for families with small children. There are also many granite boulders nearby where you can practice jumps!

Also in the Northeast you will find Spooner Lake, a popular gateway to the long-distance  Tahoe Rim Trail.

Highlights of Lake Tahoe:

• Emerald Bay State Park
• Inspiration Point  - Stunning 360' views great for a photo.
• Tallac Historic Site  -

With pine groves and a wide, sandy beach, this national historic site was a former swish vacation retreat for San Francisco’s upper class society in the 20th century.

• Donner Memorial State Park  - Hiking, Picnics and gruesome history!
• DL Bliss State Park

The nicest beaches on the western shore can be found at  Lester Beach  and  Calawee Cove . Follow the short nature trail to the  Balancing Rock , a giant granite rock perched precariously.

Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe

• Sugar Pine Point State Park

Here you will find a mix of pine, aspen and fir. The area is popular with swimming, biking hiking and  fishing  at  General creek !  There is also 20km of cross country ski trails during the winter

• Heavenly Gondala

Head to the top of the world as you ride the gondola, which take you from  Heavenly Village  2.4 miles up the mountain in just over 10 minutes! Head to the observation deck at  9123ft,  for breath taking views of  Tahoe Basin  and  Carson Valley .

• Kings Beach State Recreational Area

A hub of action during the summer time! Kings Beach State Recreational area offers a 700ft long beach which is popular with barbecues, kayaking, jet skiing, Paddle boarding and there is even a kids play area.

Activities at Lake Tahoe:

Popular activities at Lake Tahoe include:

• Windsurfing,
• Stand up paddle boarding (SUP)
• Boat cruises
• Pack rafting
• Hiking - Just make sure you have the correct  Hiking Gear

Want to capture some Instagrammble photos of Lake Tahoe?

Check out our recommended  Travel Photography Gear

When is the best time to Ski at Lake Tahoe?

During the winter you will find plenty of resorts to go skiing at Lake Tahoe. The last week of January or the first week of February are ideal times. Avoid mid-January and February if you want to miss the busy school holidays.

For more info see:   23 Awesome Cross Country Skiing Resorts|U.S.A

Lake Tahoe in the winter

Fun Fact:  Some famous people which live near Lake Tahoe include Charles Bronson, Sammy Davis Jr and Cher!

2. Carson city, Nevada

Carson City  is the capital of Nevada and known for it authentic wild west history! You can discover this at the  Nevada State Railroad Museum  and the  Nevada State Museum .  At the Nevada State Museum you can find an underground mine, a mammoth skeleton and an 1800s coin press!

Other popular landmarks in Carson city include the  Bowers Mansion Regional Park.   Former home to millionaires Eilley and Sandy Bowers who made there money from the Comstock mining boom. Theses days you can have a picnic, swim and explore these historic grounds which are open seasonally between Memorial Day through Nevada Day weekend.

Another historic Mansion in Carson city is the " Governors Mansion " a  Neoclassical 1909 mansion is located in the heart of Carson City's historic district. A prestigious house to drive by!

Carson city, Nevada. For more on Hot Air Balloon Festivals check out:

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Best places to eat in Carson City?

You would never think to find some of the best Thai cuisine outside Asia in downtown Carson City! Try the green papaya salads and the spicy aromatic meats.

Address:  311 N Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701, United States

The  Cracker Box Diner

Cozy, old-school throwback which has been operating since the 1980s preparing homestyle American standards for breakfast & brunch.

Address:  402 E William St, Carson City, NV 89701, United States.

Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint

Funky venue with an inventive menu of unique, globally inspired dishes, plus draft brews, cocktails & live music.

Address:  1500 Old Hot Springs Rd, Carson City, NV 89706, United States

Fun Fact:  Carson City is also nearby to the mining ghost town of Virginia City

3. Topaz Lake

As you are driving down Highway 395, Topaz Lake offers a tempting place to stop. Here you will find a peaceful area where you can have a picnic overlooking the lake and breath taking mountain views! Enjoy the peace & quiet as all the tourists are at Lake Tahoe!

There are also some beaches where you can  sun bathe and take a  swim . Boat launching is available at  Topaz  Marina or Douglas County Park. You can also try hiking and mountain bike riding.

Camping at Topaz Lake:

Topaz Lake offers full RV hook ups, partial hook ups and over 40 dry campsites. For reservations, call 775-266-3343 or 775-782-9828.

Fishing at Topaz Lake:

Topaz  Lake covers 2,500 acres. Which makes fishing from a boat the best option. Trolling is usually a great way to hook into the of Topaz Lake’s trophy brown and rainbow trout!

4. Fales Hot Springs

Fales Hot Springs  is part of Stanislaus National Forest in California.  Here you will find a geothermal stream which flows from a pipe under highway 395 and into a man made rocky spring. The perfect place to take a quick dip to warm those muscles after a long drive.

Fales Hot Springs is  easily accessible  as its alongside highway 395, you can park up on the gravel shoulder on the east side of the highway.

Fun Facts about Fales Hot Springs:

• The pool averages 95'F (35'C)
• Clothing is optional
• Dogs are ok in the area but should NOT go into the spring

5. Mono Lake

Mono Lake is a saline soda lake, which was formed at least 760,000 years ago! Unique rock formations look like something from the terrains of Mars and offer some of the strangest scenery known to man!

Sunrise or Sunset are the best time to visit Mono Lake.

MONOLAKE-STATE-PARKI

After visiting Mono Lake, you can also take the short  June Lake loop  and then drive to  Mammoth Lakes.

Mono Lake was included in our list:   15 BEST California State Parks! Camping Tips!

6. Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows  is a tranquil, picturesque sub-alpine meadow area along the Tuolumne River in the eastern section of Yosemite National Park.  Overshadowed by the Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows is perhaps Yosemites best kept secret!

Best Time to Visit to Tuolumne Meadows?

Tuolumne Meadows is beautiful in the summer/spring when the Meadow is a deep green and dotted with wildflowers. The Tuolumne Meadows visitor center is open during the summer only and offers some useful info on the area. During the winter the road entering can sometimes be closed.

Highlights of Tuolumne Meadows:

• Olmstead Point:  Just a few miles west, this area offers one of the best Yosemite vistas in the world.
• Tenaya Lake:  A incredible alpine lake close to the road a few miles before you reach Tuolumne Meadows.
• Soda Springs:  A quick half-mile trail to Soda Springs, which is famed for its naturally carbonated waters.
• Hiking:  Take a hike through Tuolumne Meadows, they are short and pretty easy.

Where to park?

There is parking around the length of the Meadow in small parking lots or on the road shoulder.

Where to eat?

There is a grill & convenience store for snacks near the east end of the meadow

In wet, marshy areas yo need mosquito repellent during the evenings. See our:  Travel Accessories

Where to stay?

Head to  Tuolumne Meadows Lodge  if you want a off the grid digital detox. Here you will find 69 cabins, and a rustic experience, there is no electricity but they provide candles & a wood burning stove.

7. Tioga Pass

Tioga Pass is 9,941 feet above sea level on  CA Hwy 120 which leads you to the eastern entrance of Yosemite . It is the highest automobile pass in the Sierra moutains. So be sure your vehicle is up to it, with a full tank or a fully charged battery. If you fancy rented a reliable car, check out:  Ultimate Car Rental Travel Hacks!

As CA HWY 120 passes through Yosemite National Park, you'll have to  pay an admission fee to use it . If you're not stopping inside the park and just want to get across the mountains without paying to pass, try  Sonora Pass  on  CA Hwy 108  instead.

[caption id="attachment_10897" align="alignnone" width="810"]

Lake tahoe to Yosemite Road Trip[/caption]

8. Yosemite National Park

How much does it cost to enter yosemite.

Yosemite costs approximately $35 per car valid for seven days

How many days should I spend in Yosemite?

Yosemite covers 3,027 km² of sequoia forests, granite cliffs, lakes and waterfalls. So seeing it all in one day is a challenge. I would recommended giving yourself 2-3+ days to see the highlights.

If you just have one day in Yosemite I recommended bookings one of these  one day guided tours  or even take a bucket list  plane/helicopter tour  over the mountains!

Yosemite Valley is what most visitors think of when Yosemite comes to mind. Seven miles long and one mile wide at its widest, its glacier-carved granite walls are near vertical, with mile-high cliffs.

Day 1: Hiking Cooks Meadow to Glacier Point

Cooks Meadow Loop hike  spans 2.25 miles and take you around the Yosemite Valley. This is the ideal introduction to Yosemite and is fairly easy, flat and offers breath taking views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Afterwards we took the drive to the base of El Captain.

You should check out Yosemite Village, where you can pick up a useful hiking map and visit the Ansel Adams gallery. There’s also a shop and some restaurants where you can grab lunch…or alternatively bring a packed lunch like we did!

Drive up Glacier Point Road:

From the valley you can take the 1 hour drive Glacier Point which offers panoramic views of Yosemite. On the way you will find some nice hikes so it’s well worth stopping of.

Glacier Point:

Glacier Point is one of the most popular viewpoints of Yosemite National Park. From the top you will be able to enjoy incredible views of high country, Half Dome, Nevada Falls to the forests in the valley below! This is a must see for any trip to Yosemite!

Yosemite-National-Park

There are now restrictions on driving on Glacier Point Rd from Mid-May to September between 10 am and 4.30 pm.

If the Glacier Point parking lot is full, you will have to park at Badger Pass and then take the shuttle bus to Glacier Point, this shuttle also stops at the Sentinel Dome/Taft Point trailhead. See the  NPS website  for the latest updates.

Sentinel Done and Taft Point Hikes

Sentinel Dome and Taft Point hikes are both short but I would budget at least an hour for each to really enjoy the spectacular views along the way. The Taft Point Hikes (2.2miles) offers a forested hike with epic views of the valley and deer which can get really close!

There is a Sentinel Done and Taft Point combo hike which takes around 4 hours. However, we chose to return to the trailhead after each to grab water and use the toilet.

Day 2: Mist trail & Vernal Falls

Mist Trail is a 7 mile hike which is really popular during the summer months. The steep trail, which has rock stairs for some parts which take you past the spectacular Vernal and Nevada Falls. These both offer fantastic flows even during the summer!

Hike down Muir Trail on the way back rather then retrace your steps this routes offers some unique views of the Nevada falls.

Afterwards head to Curry Village for lunch, where they have everything from Pizza to Ice cream and some tasty coffee.

Where to stay in Yosemite National Park?

The best accommodation is inside the park and better still Yosemite valley. A few favourites we stayed at included, the  Tenaya  Lodge  which is a luxurious hotel in the park and the  Rush Creek Lodge  at Yosemite which is in an ideal location.

Be sure to book far in advance as the best rooms sell out a year ahead.

Road Trip Tips:

• Make sure you have all your  Travel Essentials
• Make sure you have all your  Travel Accessories
• Bring a  Great Travel Camera  to capture some scenic shots.
• Bring some High Quality Hiking boots: See Recommended  Hiking Gear
• Make sure your Car is serviced, with a spare tire or alternatively rent a fully reliable car.

How to get the unreal car rental Deals??

Check out:  Ultimate Car Rental Travel Hacks!

To find out the secret of getting great hotel deals, check out:  How to find the Best Hotel Deals??

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When you're planning your next trip, safety is probably at the top of your mind. And if you're considering flying with American Airlines, you're likely wondering just how safe it really is. It's a valid concern—after all, you're cruising at 35,000 feet!

Is Biman Bangladesh Airlines Safe? Unveiling the Truth for Anxious Flyers

When you're planning a trip, especially one that takes you across borders, the safety of your chosen airline is a top priority. You've probably come across Biman Bangladesh Airlines in your search for flights, and it's natural to wonder about its safety record. After all, you're entrusting them with your most precious cargo: you and your loved ones.

Is Arkia Israeli Airlines Safe? Unveiling the Truth That Every Traveler Must Know

When planning a trip, you're likely to ponder over which airline to choose, especially when it comes to safety. If you've got your eyes set on Israel, Arkia Israeli Airlines might have popped up in your search. It's Israel's second-largest airline, but how does it stack up in terms of safety?

Is Air Albania Safe? Unveiling the Truth About Your Next Flight's Security

When planning your next trip, you might wonder about the safety of your chosen airline. It's a valid concern, especially if you're considering flying with a relatively new player like Air Albania. Founded in 2018, it's the flag carrier of Albania, but how does it stack up in terms of safety?

Is Jeju Air Safe? Unveiling the Truth Behind Your Flight Fears

When planning a trip, especially by air, safety is always at the top of your mind. You've probably come across Jeju Air, a popular low-cost carrier in South Korea, and wondered, "Is Jeju Air safe?" It's a valid question, considering the budget-friendly tickets and the airline's growing network across Asia.

Is Air Tahiti Nui Safe? Unveiling What Every Traveler Needs to Know

When planning a trip to the enchanting islands of Tahiti, you're likely considering Air Tahiti Nui for your journey. It's the flagship carrier that promises an exotic travel experience, whisking you away to paradise. But amidst the excitement, a crucial question pops up: Is Air Tahiti Nui safe?

Is Avelo Airlines Safe? Unveiling the Truth for Anxious Flyers

When you're planning your next trip, safety is always at the top of your mind, right? You're probably wondering if Avelo Airlines, the new kid on the block in the aviation world, ticks all the boxes for a safe journey. It's a valid question, especially with so many options out there.

Is PenAir Safe? Unveiling the Truth for Nervous and Aspiring Travelers

When you're planning your next flight, safety is probably at the top of your list. You've likely come across PenAir in your search for regional flights, but you're wondering: is PenAir safe? It's a valid question, especially when flying to some of the more remote locations PenAir serves.

Is Ravn Alaska Safe? Unveiling Truths Behind Your Flight's Reliability

When planning a trip to the Last Frontier, you might wonder about the best way to hop between its vast landscapes. Ravn Alaska pops up as a popular option, but there's a big question on your mind: Is Ravn Alaska safe? Let's dive into what makes an airline tick in terms of safety and see how Ravn stacks up.

Is Breeze Airways Safe? Unveiling the Truth for Anxious & Aspiring Travelers

When you're eyeing those tempting deals from Breeze Airways for your next trip, it's only natural to wonder about their safety record. After all, who doesn't want a smooth and secure journey to their dream destination? Breeze Airways, a newcomer in the sky, has sparked curiosity among travelers seeking both value and peace of mind.

Is Cape Air Safe? Unveiling the Truth Behind Pilot Training and Fleet Safety

When planning your next adventure or business trip, you're likely to ponder over the safety of your chosen airline. If Cape Air's on your radar, you're probably asking, "Is Cape Air safe?" It's a valid question that deserves a closer look, especially when your comfort and peace of mind are at stake.

Is Silver Airways Safe? Unveiling the Truth for Anxious Flyers

When planning your next trip, you're likely juggling a lot of decisions. Where to stay, what to pack, and, crucially, which airline to trust with your safety in the skies. If you're considering Silver Airways for your journey, you might be wondering just how safe it is. After all, flying can be nerve-wracking enough without worrying about the reliability of your chosen airline.

Is GoJet Airlines Safe? The Truth Behind Passenger Reviews and Safety Concerns

When you're planning your next trip and considering flying with GoJet Airlines, one question might pop into your mind: "Is GoJet Airlines safe?" It's a valid concern, especially in today's world where safety is paramount. Let's dive into what makes an airline safe and see how GoJet stacks up.

Is Endeavor Air Safe? Unveiling the Truth Behind Your Secure Journey

When you're planning your next trip and considering flying with Endeavor Air, it's natural to wonder about safety. After all, you want your journey to be as smooth and worry-free as possible. Safety is a top priority for any airline, but how does Endeavor Air stack up?

Is Trans States Airlines Safe? Unveiling the Truth Behind Pilot Training & Safety

When you're planning your next trip and considering flying with Trans States Airlines, it's natural to wonder about their safety record. After all, ensuring a safe journey is at the top of everyone's list. You're not alone in your curiosity, and the good news is, we've got the scoop for you.

Is Air Wisconsin Safe? Unveiling the Truth Behind Your Flight's Safety

When you're planning your next trip and considering flying with Air Wisconsin, safety is likely one of your top concerns. It's a big deal choosing an airline, especially with the myriad of options and opinions floating around.

Is Envoy Air Safe? Unveiling the Truth Behind Your Next Flight

When you're planning your next trip and considering flying with Envoy Air, it's natural to wonder about the airline's safety record. After all, your safety is paramount, and you want to ensure you're making the best choice for your travel.

Is Mesa Airlines Safe? Discover What Passengers Aren't Telling You

When you're planning your next trip and considering flying with Mesa Airlines, safety is likely at the top of your mind. It's a big world out there, and knowing you're in good hands while jetting off to your next adventure can make all the difference.

Is Compass Airlines Safe? Uncovering What Every Traveler Must Know

When you're planning your next trip and considering flying with Compass Airlines, it's natural to wonder about their safety record. After all, ensuring a safe journey is at the top of everyone's list. But diving into the world of airline safety can feel like navigating through a maze. Don't worry; we've got you covered.

Is Republic Airways Safe? Insights That Every Nervous Flyer Must Read

When you're planning your next trip and considering flying with Republic Airways, it's natural to wonder about their safety record. After all, ensuring you're in good hands while thousands of feet up in the air is pretty crucial. You're not alone in your concerns; it's a question on the minds of many travelers.

Is SkyWest Airlines Safe? Unveiling the Truth That Every Traveler Must Know

When planning your next trip, you might be wondering about the best airline options out there. Safety, no doubt, tops your list of concerns. You've probably heard of SkyWest Airlines, a major player in the regional airline sector. But the burning question remains: Is SkyWest Airlines safe?

Is Icelandair Safe? Discover Why Flyers Trust Their Journey With Us

When you're planning a trip that involves flying, safety naturally tops your list of concerns. And if Iceland's stunning landscapes are calling your name, you're probably considering Icelandair for your journey. But how safe is this airline, really?

Is Luxair Safe? Unveiling What Really Matters to Nervous Flyers

When planning your next trip, you're likely scrolling through countless options, wondering which airline will get you there safely and comfortably. Luxair, Luxembourg's flag carrier, often pops up as a top choice for European destinations. But in the sea of airlines, you might ask yourself, "Is Luxair safe?"

Is SpiceJet Safe? Uncovering the Truth Behind Passenger Reviews

When you're planning your next trip, safety is always at the top of your mind. And if you're considering flying with SpiceJet, you might be wondering just how safe it is. After all, flying can be daunting, and choosing the right airline is crucial for a worry-free journey.

Is El Al Safe? Debunking Myths & Unveiling the Truth for Nervous Flyers

When you're planning a trip, especially an international one, safety is likely at the top of your list. And if your travels are taking you to or from Israel, you've probably heard of El Al. It's Israel's national airline and has a reputation that precedes it. But what's behind the buzz? Is El Al really as safe as they say?

Is China Eastern Safe? Unveiling the Truth Behind Your Flight Fears

When you're planning a trip, especially one that spans continents, safety is likely at the top of your list. You've probably come across China Eastern Airlines in your search for flights, and it's natural to wonder about their safety record. After all, you're entrusting them with your most precious cargo - yourself and your loved ones.

Is China Southern Safe? Unveiling the Truth Behind Your Flight Concerns

When it comes to air travel, safety is always at the forefront of everyone's mind. You might be planning your next trip and wondering, "Is China Southern safe?" It's a valid question, especially when venturing far from home.

Is Malaysia Airlines Safe? Unveiling the Truth for Anxious Travelers

When you're planning your next adventure or business trip, the airline you choose is a big deal. You want comfort, good service, and most importantly, safety. Malaysia Airlines often pops up as a tempting option with its attractive routes and competitive prices. But there's that nagging question in the back of your mind: Is Malaysia Airlines safe?

Is Japan Airlines Safe? Unveiling the Truth for Anxious Flyers

When planning your next trip, safety is likely at the top of your list, especially when it comes to choosing an airline. You might be wondering, "Is Japan Airlines safe?" Well, you're in the right place to find out. Japan Airlines, known for its impeccable service, also prides itself on its safety record.

Is ANA Safe? Discover How They Ensure Your Peace of Mind in the Skies

When you're planning a trip, especially one that involves flying, safety is likely at the top of your mind. You might be wondering about All Nippon Airways, commonly known as ANA, and its safety record. Is it a reliable choice for your next journey?

Is Singapore Airlines Safe? Unveiling the Secrets Behind Their Flawless Safety Record

When you're jetting off to exotic locales or crucial business meetings, the last thing you want to worry about is your safety in the sky. That's where Singapore Airlines comes into play. Known for its impeccable service, it's natural to wonder about its safety record too.

Is Emirates Safe? Unveiling What Happy Travelers Really Think

When you're planning your next journey, safety is likely at the top of your list. You've probably heard a lot about Emirates, known for its luxurious experience, but how does it stack up in terms of safety? Let's dive into what makes an airline safe and see where Emirates lands.

Is LOT Safe? Unveiling the Truth Behind Your Flight's Safety

When you're planning a trip, the safety of the airline you choose is a top priority. You might've heard about LOT Polish Airlines and wondered, "Is LOT safe?" Well, you're not alone in asking. Safety concerns are valid, especially when it's about flying thousands of feet above the ground.

Is Aeromexico Safe? Unveiling What Every Traveler Needs to Know

When you're planning your next trip and considering flying with Aeromexico, safety might be at the top of your mind. It's natural to wonder about the safety records of airlines these days, especially with the amount of travel we all do. Aeromexico, as one of the leading carriers in Latin America, often comes under scrutiny.

Is Norwegian Safe? Discover Why Travelers Trust Its Skies

When you're planning your next adventure, safety is always at the top of your list. And if Norway's on your radar, you're probably wondering, "Is Norwegian safe?" Let's dive into what makes this Nordic country a destination worth considering from a safety perspective.

Is Allegiant Air Safe? Unveiling the Truth About Your Flight's Safety

When you're planning a trip, the safety of the airline you choose is a top priority. You've probably heard mixed reviews about budget airlines, and Allegiant Air often comes up in those conversations. It's natural to wonder, "Is Allegiant Air safe?"

Is Hawaiian Airlines Safe? Discover Why Flyers Trust This Paradise Airline

When you're planning a tropical getaway, the last thing you want to stress over is whether your flight will be a smooth sail or a turbulent ride. Enter Hawaiian Airlines, a name that's almost synonymous with the aloha spirit and island hopping. But beyond the lei greetings and in-flight POG juice, you're probably wondering, "Is Hawaiian Airlines safe?"

Is Frontier Airlines Safe? Unveiling the Truth Behind Your Flight Fears

When you're planning your next adventure or business trip, the airline you choose can make all the difference. You've probably heard about Frontier Airlines, known for its budget-friendly fares, but you might be wondering, "Is Frontier Airlines safe?" It's a valid question that deserves a closer look, especially in today's travel climate.

Is Spirit Airlines Safe? Unveiling the Truth Behind Your Flight Fears

When you're planning a trip and looking for budget-friendly options, Spirit Airlines often pops up as a tempting choice. But amidst the excitement of snagging a great deal, you might pause and wonder, "Is Spirit Airlines safe?" It's a valid question, especially when you're about to trust them with your most precious cargo—yourself!

Is JetBlue Safe? Uncovering the Truth Behind Their Safety Measures

When you're planning your next trip, the airline you choose is as crucial as your destination. You've probably heard a lot about JetBlue, known for its comfy seats and ample legroom, but how does it stack up in terms of safety? It's a question worth asking, especially in today's travel climate.

Is Alaska Airlines Safe? Discover Why Flyers Trust Their Journey With Them

When you're planning your next trip, safety is likely at the top of your list. You're not just looking for a smooth flight; you want peace of mind from takeoff to touchdown. That's where Alaska Airlines comes into play. It's a name you've probably heard tossed around when talking about reliable air travel, but how safe is it really?

Is Southwest Airlines Safe? Uncovering What Every Traveler Needs to Know

When you're planning your next trip, safety is always at the top of your mind. And if you're considering flying with Southwest Airlines, you might be wondering just how safe your journey will be. It's a valid concern, especially in today's world where travel safety has become more important than ever.

Is United Airlines Safe? Real Passengers Share Their Experiences

When you're planning your next trip, safety is probably at the top of your list, especially when it comes to choosing an airline. You've likely come across United Airlines, a major player in the aviation industry, and wondered, "Is United Airlines safe?" It's a valid question that deserves a closer look.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Hawaii for Every Lifestyle

Dreaming of living in paradise? Hawaii's got you covered, with its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and Aloha spirit. But with so many amazing spots, deciding where to plant your roots can be tough.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places to Live in Florida for Everyone - Beaches, Festivals & More

Thinking about moving to Florida? You're not alone! The Sunshine State is famous for its gorgeous beaches, vibrant cities, and laid-back lifestyle. But with so many great places to choose from, deciding where to plant your roots can be tough.

Ultimate Guide: Top Family-Friendly Spots in NC - From Asheville to Outer Banks

Looking for the perfect spot in North Carolina to plant your family roots? You're in luck! This state's got a little something for everyone, from bustling cities to quiet, leafy suburbs.

Top Places to Thrive in Your 20s: A Guide to Affordability, Adventure, & Opportunities

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Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Houston for Everyone - From Retirees to Families

Houston's a big city, with even bigger opportunities for finding the perfect spot to call home. Whether you're all about the hustle and bustle of city life or looking for a quiet corner to settle down, there's something here for everyone.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Missouri for Everyone - From Retirees to Young Adults

Thinking about moving to Missouri or just curious about the best spots to call home in the Show-Me State? You're in luck. Missouri's got a little something for everyone, from bustling city vibes to quiet, leafy suburbs.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places to Live in Connecticut for Every Lifestyle

Thinking about making a move to Connecticut? You're in for a treat! This state's got a little bit of everything – from cozy small towns to bustling cities. It's all about finding the spot that feels just right for you.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Indiana for Everyone - Schools, Costs & Lifestyle

Thinking about calling Indiana home? You're in for a treat! The Hoosier State is packed with charming towns, bustling cities, and everything in between. Whether you're after the quiet of the countryside or the buzz of city life, Indiana's got you covered.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places to Live in Illinois for Everyone - Families to Retirees

Thinking about making a move to Illinois? You're in for a treat! The Prairie State is not just about deep-dish pizza and the Windy City. There's a lot more to discover, from cozy small towns to bustling suburbs that offer the best of both worlds.

Ultimate Guide: Top East Coast Havens for Every Lifestyle & Age

Dreaming of waking up to the sound of waves or perhaps craving the vibrant city vibes only the East Coast can offer? You're in luck because we're diving into the best spots that just might make you want to pack your bags today. From quaint towns with rich history to bustling cities with endless opportunities, the East Coast has something for everyone.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places to Live Near Nashville for Every Lifestyle

Thinking about moving close to the heart of country music? Nashville's got more than just tunes to offer. It's surrounded by some pretty sweet spots that give you the best of both worlds: serene living and easy access to the city vibes.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in New Mexico for Every Lifestyle

Thinking about making a move to New Mexico? You're in for a treat! With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and sunny weather, it's no wonder you're considering it. But with so many awesome places to choose from, where should you start?

Ultimate Guide: Top Places to Live in New Hampshire for Every Lifestyle

Thinking about making a move to New Hampshire? You're in for a treat! From the stunning White Mountains to the serene lakes, there's a spot for everyone in this charming New England state. Whether you're after the hustle and bustle of city life or the peacefulness of the countryside, New Hampshire offers a unique blend of both.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Delaware for Everyone [2024]

Thinking about making Delaware your new home? You're in luck! This little gem of a state might be small, but it's packed with some of the best places to live on the East Coast. From cozy beach towns to bustling city life, Delaware's got a spot for everyone.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places to Live in Massachusetts for Everyone

Thinking about making a move to Massachusetts? You're in for a treat. This state's got a little bit of everything, from bustling cities to quiet, quaint towns. Whether you're after top-notch schools, vibrant cultural scenes, or just some stunning nature, Massachusetts delivers.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Minnesota for All Lifestyles

Thinking about making a move to Minnesota, or just curious about the best spots to call home in the Land of 10,000 Lakes? Well, you're in luck. Minnesota's not just about the cold and snow; it's packed with cities that boast great jobs, vibrant communities, and plenty of outdoor fun.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Alaska for Everyone - From Retirees to Families

Thinking about making the big move to Alaska? You're in for a treat! It's not just about snow and sled dogs; Alaska's got some of the most stunning landscapes and tight-knit communities you'll find anywhere.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places to Live in West Virginia for Every Lifestyle

Thinking about calling West Virginia home? You're in for a treat. This place isn't just about stunning mountains and rivers; it's got some hidden gems where life feels just right. Whether you're after that small-town charm, vibrant city vibes, or a quiet spot surrounded by nature, West Virginia's got a spot for you.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places in Florida for Families - Live Happily Ever After

Thinking about moving your family to Florida? You're not alone! The Sunshine State is famous for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly communities. But with so many options, deciding where to plant your roots can be a bit overwhelming.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places in North Carolina for Retirees & More

North Carolina's got a charm that's hard to beat, especially if you're looking to enjoy your retirement to the fullest. From the cozy mountains to the sunny beaches, there's a spot for every retiree to call home.

Ultimate Guide: Best Affordable NJ Spots Near NYC for Every Lifestyle

Living close to NYC is a dream for many, but let's be real, it can get pricey. Good news, though! New Jersey offers some gems that won't break the bank and still keep you close to the Big Apple. Whether you're after the bustling streets or a quiet corner, there's a spot for you.

Ultimate Guide: Top Vermont Havens for Everyone - From Retirees to Young Families

Thinking about making a move to Vermont? You're not alone. This charming state, known for its stunning landscapes and cozy small towns, is a magnet for those seeking a quieter, more scenic life. With its mix of vibrant communities and peaceful countryside, Vermont offers the best of both worlds.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Arkansas for Everyone (2024)

Thinking about making a move to the Natural State? You're in for a treat! Arkansas is known for its stunning natural beauty, friendly folks, and a cost of living that's hard to beat. Whether you're drawn to the hustle and bustle of city life or the peace and quiet of the countryside, Arkansas has got something for everyone.

Idaho's Top Living Spots: The Ultimate Guide for Everyone - From Retirees to Families

Thinking about moving to Idaho? You're not alone. With its stunning landscapes and friendly communities, it's no wonder more and more people are calling it home. But with so many great spots, it can be tough to decide where to plant your roots.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Wyoming for Everyone

Thinking about making a move to Wyoming? You're in for a treat! This state's known for its wide-open spaces, stunning scenery, and a lifestyle that's both laid-back and adventurous. Whether you're drawn by the call of the wild or the promise of a peaceful, community-focused life, Wyoming's got a spot for you.

Ultimate Guide: Top Spots in South Carolina for Young Adults - Live, Work & Play

South Carolina's charm isn't just in its sweet tea and beaches. For young adults looking for a fresh start or a new scene, it's got some hidden gems that might just be your next home sweet home. From bustling cities to cozy coastal towns, there's a spot for every vibe and ambition.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Washington State for Everyone

Thinking about making a move to the Evergreen State? You're in for a treat! Washington's got a bit of everything, from bustling city life to quiet, cozy towns. Whether you're after the techy vibes of Seattle or the serene landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula, there's a spot just for you.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places to Live in Montana for Everyone – From Retirees to Families

Thinking about calling Montana home? You're not alone. With its breathtaking landscapes and wide-open spaces, it's a place that calls to the heart of adventurers and peace-seekers alike. But with so many amazing spots, picking the best place to plant roots can feel overwhelming.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Virginia for Every Lifestyle

Thinking about making a move to Virginia? You're in for a treat! This state's got everything from bustling cities to quiet, cozy towns. Whether you're after top-notch schools, job opportunities, or just a beautiful place to call home, Virginia's got you covered.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places to Live in North Carolina for Happiness, Weather & More

Thinking about making a move to North Carolina? You're in for a treat! From the bustling streets of Charlotte to the serene beaches of the Outer Banks, North Carolina's got a little something for everyone. Whether you're after the hustle and bustle of city life or the quiet charm of small-town living, you'll find your perfect spot here.

Ultimate Guide: The Best Places to Live in Georgia for Everyone—from Retirees to Families

Thinking about making a move to Georgia? You're not alone. With its warm climate, rich culture, and booming job market, it's no wonder people are flocking to the Peach State. But with so many great places to choose from, where do you even start?

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Florida for Every Lifestyle

Thinking about moving to Florida? You're not alone! The Sunshine State is a magnet for folks seeking sunshine, beaches, and that laid-back lifestyle. But with so many awesome spots, picking the best place to plant your roots can feel overwhelming.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Indianapolis for Everyone

Thinking about moving to Indianapolis? Great choice! Indy's got a lot to offer, from vibrant neighborhoods to bustling city life. But with so many spots to choose from, finding the perfect place to call home can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Orlando for Families & More

Orlando's not just about theme parks and tourist spots; it's a fantastic place to plant roots, especially if you've got a family in tow. With its sunny weather, great schools, and endless activities, it's no wonder families flock here. But with so many neighborhoods, choosing where to live can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places in Oregon for Young Adults - Live, Play, Thrive

Oregon's got a vibe that's hard to beat, especially if you're a young adult looking for the perfect spot to plant your roots. With its mix of bustling cities, laid-back towns, and everything in between, there's a place for every taste and lifestyle.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places to Live in Columbus Ohio for Every Lifestyle

Looking for the perfect spot to call home in Columbus, Ohio? You're in luck! Columbus is a city brimming with charm, diverse communities, and endless opportunities. Whether you're all about the nightlife, a fan of quiet suburbs, or somewhere in between, there's a place just for you.

Ultimate Guide: Top Affordable Places in North Carolina for Everyone

Thinking about moving to North Carolina but worried about the cost? You're in luck! North Carolina's got some hidden gems where you can enjoy the good life without breaking the bank. From cozy mountain towns to vibrant cities, there's a spot for everyone.

Ultimate Guide: Top East Coast Havens for Everyone - From Retirees to Partygoers

Thinking about making a move to the East Coast? You're in for a treat! From bustling cities to quiet seaside towns, there's a spot for everyone. Whether you're dreaming of fresh seafood by the ocean or a fast-paced city vibe, we've got you covered.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places to Live in Brooklyn for Every Demographic

Brooklyn's got a vibe like nowhere else. It's where the cool kids hang and the artists create. But with so many neighborhoods, picking where to call home can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in San Antonio for All Lifestyles

San Antonio's got a vibe that's hard to beat, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and killer food scene. If you're thinking about making the move or just curious, you're in the right spot. Finding the perfect neighborhood in this sprawling city can be a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack—but a whole lot more fun.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Kentucky for Everyone

Thinking about calling Kentucky home? You're onto something special. Known for its rolling hills, horse farms, and friendly communities, the Bluegrass State offers a unique blend of natural beauty and welcoming neighborhoods.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places to Live in Maryland for Everyone's Wish List

Thinking about moving to Maryland? You're in for a treat! This state's got a mix of everything - from bustling city vibes in Baltimore to the laid-back, scenic beauty of its coastal towns.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Portland for Every Lifestyle

Thinking about making Portland your new home? You're in for a treat! This city's got a vibe like no other, with its quirky culture, amazing food, and stunning nature spots. But with so many cool neighborhoods, picking the perfect spot can be a bit of a head-scratcher.

Ultimate Guide: Top Austin Neighborhoods for Every Lifestyle & Budget

Thinking about making a move to Austin? You're not alone. This vibrant city has been pulling folks in with its unique charm, incredible music scene, and mouth-watering BBQ. But with so many cool neighborhoods, picking the right spot can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live on East Coast for Everyone – From Retirees to Families

Dreaming about moving to the East Coast? You're not alone. With its charming towns, bustling cities, and stunning beaches, the East Coast offers a little something for everyone. Whether you're after the vibrant city life or a quiet seaside retreat, you'll find your perfect spot here.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places to Live in Washington DC for Every Lifestyle

So, you're thinking about moving to Washington, DC? Great choice! The city's not just about politics and monuments. It's got neighborhoods that'll make you wanna stay forever. From trendy spots buzzing with cafes and galleries to quiet, leafy streets perfect for Sunday strolls, DC's got a bit of everything.

Ultimate Guide: Best Affordable Places to Live in North Carolina for Every Lifestyle

Looking for a spot in North Carolina that's easy on your wallet but still ticks all the boxes for a great place to live? You're in luck. North Carolina's got a bunch of hidden gems that offer a fantastic quality of life without breaking the bank.

Ultimate Guide: Top Family-Friendly California Locales for Every Lifestyle

California's got it all for families looking for their next home sweet home. From the sunny beaches to the scenic mountains and bustling cities, there's a spot for every family's taste and budget.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places to Live in the Midwest for Every Lifestyle

Thinking about calling the Midwest home? You're in for a treat! This heartland is chock-full of hidden gems, each offering its unique blend of charm, community, and comfort. From bustling cities with all the modern amenities to quiet towns where everyone knows your name, there's a perfect spot for everyone.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Georgia for Every Lifestyle

Looking for the perfect spot in Georgia to call home? You're in luck! Georgia's got a little bit of everything, from bustling city vibes in Atlanta to the laid-back coastal charm of Savannah. It's a place where you can find your niche, whether you're after top-notch schools, thriving job markets, or just a great community feel.

Ultimate Guide: Top Places to Live Near Orlando for Every Lifestyle

Looking to move close to Orlando but not sure where to start? You're in luck! Orlando's surrounding areas offer a mix of vibrant communities, each with its own unique charm. Whether you're after the buzz of city life or the tranquility of suburbia, there's a spot near Orlando that's perfect for you.

Ultimate Long Island Living Guide: Top Spots for Everyone's Lifestyle

Dreaming of a spot with sandy beaches, cozy neighborhoods, and endless bagels? Long Island's got you covered. It's not just about the stunning coastline; this place is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and communities. Whether you're a city escapee, a nature lover, or somewhere in between, there's a perfect corner here for you.

Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Live in Arizona for Young Adults - Explore, Thrive, & Enjoy

Thinking about making a move to Arizona? You're not alone. With its stunning landscapes, booming job market, and vibrant culture, it's no wonder young adults are flocking to the Grand Canyon State. But with so many cool spots to choose from, where should you set up camp?

Ultimate Guide: Best Affordable Places in Washington State for Everyone

Looking for a spot in Washington State that won't break the bank? You're in luck! We've got the scoop on the best affordable places that still offer that amazing Pacific Northwest vibe. Whether you're dreaming of cozy mountain towns or vibrant city life, Washington's got a little something for everyone.

Ultimate Guide to Arizona: Top Spots for Young Adults – Live, Play, Thrive

Looking for the perfect spot in Arizona to plant your roots as a young adult? You're in luck! The Grand Canyon State isn't just about breathtaking landscapes and sunsets that'll blow your mind. It's also home to some pretty awesome places that cater specifically to the younger crowd.

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Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary: From the Pacific to the Redwoods!

Are you looking for the best California road trip itinerary to explore the most beautiful places in the Golden State? Our 10 days in California itinerary will take you from the rugged coast and beautiful beaches to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. Hike the Mojave desert, sleep underneath a yucca tree, and visit the lowest place on the continent while you road trip in California. Read our 10 day California Road Trip guide now. You may also like our post on 20 Best Road Trips in the USA .

Welcome to our ultimate California road trip planner!

We created this planner to help you plan the perfect road trip around California and it contains all the essential information you need to plan your trip today including budget and costs, what to eat, where to stay, etc.

Here you will find recommendations for a variety of California itineraries as well as get more information on California road trip must-see attractions including the Golden Gate Bridge, Big Sur, Yosemite, and Los Angeles.

Our mission? To make sure you have a blast in California!

Also Read: Portland to San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary California To Texas road trip planner Best Things to do in Washington State

California is our favorite destination ever.

I have been enamored with California long before I visited it.

California, San Jose, and the West coast are randomly thrown around in conversations in India – because everyone knows someone working in Silicon Valley – and you can’t help but know about this slice of America.

Growing up, I knew more about Cisco, Apple, Google, and Yahoo (remember when everyone used Yahoo?!) than San Francisco, Yosemite, and Big Sur.

And Disney – because everyone knows Disney!

California has such a unique history.

The oldest, tallest, and widest trees live here and guess what, they have been around since prehistoric times – yes, even dinosaurs lived among the redwood trees!

One of the lowest, aridest, and hottest places on earth is right here in California in Badwater Basin.

And as for scenic places: California has so many of them!

We love Big Sur and its rocky coast, the wildflower super blooms, blue Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake and its tufas, unique shapes of Joshua trees!

There are so many things to see in California road trip that the list just goes on!

Also Read: 24 Best Places to Visit in California in winter

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And that’s why in our California road trip itinerary of 10 days, we take you around all these unique and beautiful places in the Golden State.

Our California 10 day road trip itinerary is perfect for driving around dreamy landscapes of yellow poppies, orange orchards, purple foliage, and lush green vineyards.

We have divided this California roadtrip itinerary into 4 essential stretches as per the geographic features of the state – yepp, we are that geeky – and you can customize it as you want. 

Best waterproof walking shoes for California beaches

If you are a beach person like me, then extend the Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary to 10 days.

If you are a mountain lover like my hubby, then take a 10 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite.

Pick your favorite area and stay there as long as you want. Or follow our California in 10 days itinerary exactly as described!

As always, we have also included suggestions for if you have more or less time.

Whatever you chose, you are going to have the time of your lives – because this is California!

“Every time I come, I’m still amazed at the breadth California has. Big Sur, Yosemite, the desert… I love it.” – Theo James, the English actor

Best of California Road Trip 10 Days Itinerary

We, like most people, have seen California in bits and pieces rather than in one go.

We first visited California almost a decade ago and did San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the theme parks.

Second time around, we visited Death Valley National Park on a road trip from Vegas.

Then I lived and worked in the Bay area in tech (oh, the irony!) and that’s when we explored the California National Parks, North Coast, and the Sierra Nevada side of the state.

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Most recently, we did the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip along the gorgeous Pacific Coast Highway – oh and also road-tripped Southern California and Disney with the kids.

On our next trip – we plan to do the North Coast and Redwoods Scenic Highway AGAIN.

Yeah – that’s how much we love California – have been to many destinations several times and still can’t have enough.

The best way to tour California is obviously by driving. The state is beautiful but huge and it’s not easy planning California trip that covers all the major attractions with limited time in hand.

And planning a California road trip with kids is even more difficult – how do you prioritize between theme parks and natural attractions?

And that’s where we rush in – your knights in shining armor – delivering the ultimate 10 day California road trip itinerary. 

Our California trip planner is more like going on a series of best California road trips – each more gorgeous than the previous.

Also, we follow this road trip along two of California’s most popular routes: south on the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway and then back north along the scenic SR 395 through Eastern California .

That’s what makes our itinerary the absolute best California driving trip planner!

You can also call it the California National Parks road trip because we will be visiting the most popular of them on an epic road trip.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Stretch 1: Down The Pacific Coast – 4 Days

Often enough, when someone talks about a California driving holiday, this stretch along the Pacific Coast Highway is the one they actually mean.

Constantly ranked among the top scenic drives in the world, the coastal drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is the best of both worlds.

It combines the urban getaways of California’s two largest cities with the natural panoramas of Big Sur and the Pacific. 

If you have limited time, we would recommend spending 3 to 4 days along this route.

If you want to focus only on this coastal road trip, then just drive south on a road trip from San Francisco on SR1.

Take your own time to enjoy roadside stops like Carmel-By-The-Sea, Morro Bay, and the stunning Big Sur.

Hike or camp and explore nature.

Here’s our suggestion for this stretch of 10 day California itinerary planner.

San Francisco – 1 Day

Start with our San Francisco road trip planner.

San Francisco is our favorite city to start a 10 day California trip.

The city is quite easy to fly into; the 3 airports of San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland are located close by and many airlines have deals to the Bay area.

We would recommend spending a minimum of one day in San Francisco before picking up your rental car and driving south.

Or you can rent a car before, see SF, and then drive the PCH.

You can also start your 10 day road trip from Los Angeles, in that case, adjust your plans accordingly.

Read this now! Whatever you do – don’t casually park your car at an empty garage in San Francisco. Car Break-ins in San Francisco are very common, as we discovered to our ill-fortune . On our latest trip to San Francisco, we had parked in a garage two blocks away from Pier 39 and came back to find the rear glass broken and both our children’s suitcases gone!  We had to spend quite some time to sort the issue and it left a sad memory on an otherwise awesome road trip around California in 10 days. We would recommend parking at your hotel while taking a cab or the tram to explore the city. 

San Francisco has many names – SF, San Fran, Fog City, the City by the Bay, Frisco (though don’t say that in front of locals) or simply, the City – going back to the days of the Wild West when there was nothing much in Northern California but the city.

San Francisco is colorful, vibrant, and bohemian.

It’s amongst our favorite US cities – right there at the top along with New York , Chicago , and New Orleans.

There are quite a few things to do in San Francisco: unsurprisingly most of them begin at or near the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco’s gigantic urban park.

Begin your visit at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center near the southern end of the bridge.

Learn interesting facts and see construction relics from the building of the Golden Gate Bridge before visiting the bridge itself.

Next walk across all 1.7 miles of this engineering marvel and icon of America.

The views of the bay from the bridge are beautiful and you feel an indescribable thrill while walking across it.

Definitely the highlight of your California travel itinerary!

Up for more adventure?

Bike the Golden Gate!

We have done it twice – most recently with our 3 yrs and 6 months old kids – it is a superb experience.

We love biking across to Sausalito, exploring the quaint town, and taking the ferry back to San Francisco.

You can also bike to the redwoods if you have more time.

Read our ultimate guide to biking the bridge here.

If not biking, then use the rest of your day to explore San Francisco’s highlights: Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square.

If you want to spend more time in San Francisco, see the Painted Ladies – those famous SF houses shown in Full House!

You can also check out the city from the Twin Peaks.

The Golden Gate Park is perfect for a stroll.

Ride the cable car to Chinatown and have some dumplings and noodles for lunch.

Spend an afternoon admiring the beautiful architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts or visit the prison of Alcatraz Island.

Visit the beautiful redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument or whale watch and hike at Point Reyes.

San Francisco is a beautiful city and you can easily spend a couple of days there as a part of your 10 day trip to California.

Read our San Francisco posts now to plan this part of the trip: San Francisco 3 to 5-day itinerary ideas 17 Best Things to do in San Francisco on your first visit

The area around San Francisco is also full of activities and tourist attractions.

Here are some suggestions if you want to spend a few more days exploring around the Bay Area during your California itinerary of 10 days:

Napa & Sonoma 

Take a day trip from San Francisco to Napa Valley along the Silverado Trail.

Sonoma County is also a great place to visit for wine lovers.

You can tour the many vineyards, taste local wines, dine at Michelin starred restaurants, and visit famous tasting rooms.

If you happen to visit in the fall, you will see beautiful fall colors in the vineyards and be able to attend grape stomping. 

San Jose is popular with millennials and those working in Silicon Valley.

You will find plenty of trendy nightclubs and bars in San Jose.

If you enjoy shopping, check out the high fashion brands on Santana Row.

For outdoor lovers, a hike to Mission Peak is a must while families will love the Winchester Mystery House.

Silicon Valley

If you love tech then you need to visit Silicon Valley.

It boasts the largest concentration of geeks and nerds – and as a fellow geek, I say it quite fondly!

Start your visit at the Computer History Museum to know everything about the machine that changed our lives.

Then see Google’s Android lawn sculptures in Mountain View or the garage where Hewlett Packard began in Palo Alto.

Visit Stanford University’s sprawling campus as well as Facebook and Apple!

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip – 2 Days

On to the next part of the 10 day road trip in California.

After seeing San Francisco, drive south along the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway.

Over the next 2 days, you will follow the coastal route to Los Angeles while making plenty of stops along the way.

Check the coastal communities of Half Moon Bay and Davenport before reaching Santa Cruz.

If you have kids, spend some time at the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk.

Next visit Monterey and Carmel by the Sea. Hike in Point Lobos or walk the coastal bluffs at Garrapata State Park.

On the way, you will see secret beaches, hidden coves, and beautiful views. 

As you begin driving PCH1 while following our 10 days in California itinerary, you understand why artists settle here, photographers and writers both wax lyrical about this region, and why the drive is called the most beautiful in the world.

We recommend staying somewhere in the vicinity of Carmel Highlands for the night.

The next day, rise early for the star attraction of the drive: the 90-mile long rugged, wild Big Sur.

Big Sur is 6 hours from Los Angeles and you have a big day ahead.

It is really hard to describe Big Sur.

Rocky cliffs, foaming waves, spring wildflowers, lighthouses, migrating whales, turquoise water, redwood trees: Big Sur has everything.

It is gorgeous in a wild way.

In Big Sur, you will find amazing state parks, some of California’s best hiking trails, iconic beaches, and tons of marine life, including otters, elephant seals, and dolphins.

Some areas of Big Sur can be closed at any given time of the year due to floods or landslides – so we recommend checking out the PCH status before your 10 days road trip California.

Read more about all the attractions including the beautiful McWay Falls in our post One day in Big Sur . 

Other attractions of the Pacific Coast Highway drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles include Monterey’s famous 17-mile drive, the seaside towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, the famous Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, and the beaches of Malibu.

For the purposes of this California Itinerary of 10 days, we would suggest 2 to 3 days on PCH.

However, if you have more time then the PCH is easily a 4 day to week-long road trip in itself.

To read more about all the awesome stops on PCH and planning a detailed itinerary, check out our article on Planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway . 

Also Read: Top 10 Convertible drives in the USA

Los Angeles – 1 Day

While San Francisco and Silicon Valley are for tech lovers, Los Angeles is for Hollywood fans.

How long to stay in Los Angeles is a tricky question.

If you only have one day in Los Angeles, start by seeing the famous Hollywood sign and then visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to take selfies with your favorite stars.

Also, see the Kodak Theatre (now Dolby Theatre) which hosts the Oscars and tour the movie star homes on Rodeo Drive.

If you have more time to explore Los Angeles, we suggest starting with lunch at the Santa Monica Pier.

Then visit the Griffith Observatory and see Los Angeles from above.

Or you can take a behind the scenes VIP studio tour at one of your favorite studios: pick from Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures or Sony!

You can also check out the beautiful exhibits at the Getty Center or the beautiful modern art at the Broad.

LA also has many other top museums and a large number of attractions – read our post on Best Things to do in Los Angeles for more ideas.

For more help in planning your day, read our Los Angeles itinerary for first-time visitors .

Here are some suggestions to explore the area beyond Downtown Los Angeles:

No California family road trip is complete without a trip to Disney.

Both of California’s Disney Parks are located close to Los Angeles in Anaheim.

On the best California vacation itinerary, you have to meet Mickey, Goofy and other beloved cartoon characters!

Kids also get to meet Disney’s princesses in full attire at the parks.

To plan a California family vacation itinerary including a trip to Disney, read our Disney posts .

Universal Studios

To understand all about movie-making, see movie sets, and enjoy thrilling rides visit Universal Studios.

This theme park has really cool attractions and the Studio Tour will take you through sets based on Shutter Island, Jaws, King Kong, and more.

Harry Potter fans will love visiting Hogwarts and taking thrilling rides based on the books and movies – and is a must-visit if you are spending 10 days in California.

Channel Islands National Park

For a unique experience, customize our itinerary for California 10 days and visit the remote Channel Islands.

Comprised of 5 islands, the park has excellent wildlife, sea caves, and lots of natural beauty.

You can take a ferry to the park from Ventura.

Optional: San Diego – 1 Day

From Los Angeles, you can venture on the next part of California 10 day itinerary or extend your trip down the coast by visiting San Diego.

Not many people know that San Diego is the oldest city on the West Coast.

It has beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture and lots of history. 

Read our post 22 Best Things to do in San Diego now to know more about this beautiful city.

If you have one day, you can visit the Historic Old Town and understand the Mexican and Wild West roots of the city.

Next, visit the famous Balboa Park with its beautiful architecture, renowned museums, and the San Diego Zoo.

Round off your time in the city by exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter and its Victorian architecture and trendy eateries, hotels, and pubs.

This area is perfect for ending the day with dinner and drinks.

If you have more than a day, visit the famous San Diego Sea World and see the dolphins in action.

San Diego is home to many beautiful beaches; the Mission Beach boardwalk is very popular.

Other things to see include Mission San Diego, Sunset Cliffs Park, and the bustling waterfront area of Seaport Village.

If you have more time on 10 day itinerary California, check out the dramatic sculptures in the desert city of Borrego Springs.

Related: For more California road trip ideas, check out our post on 12 Best California road trips

Stretch 2: Through The Arid Californian Desert – 2 Days

Continue on the California road trip route planner through deserts of southern California.

While most people associate California primarily with the coast and then with the dense redwood forests, the state is also renowned for its unique desert landscapes.

Most of these parts of southern California have a desolate beauty.

It is full of desert cities like Palm Springs which offer unique tourist attractions for visitors.

In this post, we focus our California 10 days itinerary on exploring two of the region’s national parks: Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

Located partly over the Colorado desert and the Mojave desert, Joshua Tree National Park is named after the iconic Joshua tree.

This is a type of Yucca tree that is twisted, scraggly, and found only in the Mojave desert of California.

The easily recognizable tree looks even more dramatic in the desert landscape and bare rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park.

The national park is one of the most underrated California road trip destinations.

Its unique vistas have drawn photographers and artists to the park for decades.

Read our post on One Day in Joshua Tree to plan your trip.

There are many things to do in Joshua Tree and its otherworldly landscape.

One of the best ways to see Joshua Tree is by driving around the paved road in the park.

Campsites in Joshua Tree are spectacular and hikes through Yucca trees and cacti adventurous.

The Hidden Valley Trail is a short mile-long trail that offers great desert landscape views.

The park has many popular geological rock formations that are used for rock climbing.

The park also has a dark night sky and is good for stargazers, astronomy enthusiasts, and night sky photographers.

Wildlife and birding opportunities around the park are also numerous.

Read more in our post 24 Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park .

While deciding how to plan a trip to California, we recommend keeping more time aside to explore the many attractions surrounding Joshua Tree.

You can easily include them on a South California road trip from San Diego to Joshua Tree in this order: San Diego – Anza Borrego – Galleta Meadows – Salton Sea – Palm Springs – Joshua Tree.

Here’s some more information about these desert experiences that are worth adding to your itinerary if you have the time.

Salton Sea 

The Salton Sea is an inland lake created by flooding from an irrigation canal of the Colorado River that carries water to the Imperial Valley in 1905.

Several resort communities were built along the new lake.

However, the lake has no discharge and as a result, the water became unusually saline causing the death of marine life.

As a result, the communities were abandoned and are extremely popular with ruin photographers.

If you have teens, then definitely include Bombay Beach ruins in your California vacation itinerary – they will love to see random objects lying on the beach.

Today, the Salton Sea shoreline is filled with deteriorating structures and RV communities.

The Salton Sea is also located directly on top of the San Andreas fault and geothermal activity including mud pools are present along the coast.

The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is popular for birding, boating, picnicking, and camping. 

Palm Springs

Palm Springs, located in the Colorado desert region, is one of the biggest Californian desert cities.

If you want a relaxing vacation, then Palm Springs is one of the best California ideas.

One of its main attractions is the Palm Springs aerial tramway which takes you up Mount San Jacinto and offers great views of the surrounding area.

Palm Springs also has many great museums, boutique stores, restaurants, and resorts.

It is one of the most popular winter vacation destinations in the USA.

If you plan to visit Palm Springs, then check out our post on 30 Best Things to do in Palm Springs, California.

Anza Borrego and Galleta Meadows Sculptures in Borrego Springs

While California has many beautiful state parks, few know about its largest – Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

This park is at its most beautiful in the spring when the cacti flower and the desert landscape comes alive with colors.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park is just two hours away from San Diego and can be seen on a San Diego Joshua Valley road trip.

In nearby Borrego Springs, you can see the unusual Galleta Meadows Estate sculptures.

These sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda are free to visit and beautiful works of art.

By driving all over the land you can spot dragons, serpents, wooly mammoths, and other fantastic creatures.  

Also, read our post on Planning the ultimate Southern California itinerary.

Coachella Valley Preserve 

Coachella’s Thousand Palms Oasis is a unique chance to see the oasis environment in the middle of the desert.

The oases directly sit on fault lines and the water seeping through the faults has given life to California Fan Palms and other big palms in the arid desert.

Wildlife including sheep, goats, bobcats, etc, also can be spotted at the oasis.

Entry to the reserve is free and it has many hiking trails plus offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

There are also other hiking areas close to Coachella Valley Preserve including Indian Canyons where you can hike through slot canyons. 

Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

Comprising of areas of the Mojave desert and the Great Basin desert, Death Valley is vastly different than Joshua Tree National Park.

For the most part, Death Valley is devoid of vegetation and is home to a variety of geological formations including the badlands, sand dunes, and the famous salt flats.

Death Valley also has the distinction of being the lowest point in North America and is also one of the hottest and driest places in the country.

No trip to Death Valley National Park is complete without visiting the Badwater Basin salt flats.

The salt flats, at 282 feet below sea level, are the lowest place in North America.

Death Valley National Park has many scenic drives that are perfect for exploring around the park.

Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes are good for taking a stroll, exploring the desert plants, viewing animal tracks, and sunrise/sunset photography.

The park has many interesting geological formations.

Death Valley also has a dark night sky and is great for stargazing and photographing the Milky Way.

Read our post on 14 Best Things to do in Death Valley National Park for more information.

We know you are planning to roadtrip California, but we can’t talk about Death Valley without mentioning Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is also a great city to begin your road trip to California.

The distance between Vegas and Death Valley is just over 2 hours and the route is quite scenic.

In fact, it is one of our favorite road trips from Las Vegas.

You can see the Sin City and then go on a road trip through California – an epic Las Vegas Los Angeles San Francisco trip, if you will!

Or you can also go on a memorable Las Vegas Grand Canyon road trip from California.

For Las Vegas travel inspiration, read our post on 52 Best Things to do in Las Vegas .

Stretch 3: Up Through The Sierra Nevada – 4 Days

After seeing Death Valley, take a road trip on California’s Scenic Highway 395.

This road trip is scenic whether you do it from north to south or like we recommend here, from south to north.

The best time to see the aspens turn yellow here is in fall.

The total distance from Death Valley to your final destination of Yosemite is 4 hours when the Lee Vining road to Yosemite is open in the summer.

However, we recommend keeping aside 4 days for this road trip as it has some of the most underrated road trip destinations in California including the Manzanar National Historic Site, Alabama Hills, Ancient Bristlecone pine forest, Bodie Ghost Town, etc.

For more information on these Route 395 stops, see this article .

For the purposes of this itinerary, we focus on the popular attractions of Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe. 

Route 395 will take you high up into the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for their spectacular beauty.

The Sierra Nevadas are home to many national and state parks including the mighty Yosemite and crystal clear high mountain lakes.

For the rest of your Californian road trip, you will be exploring the High Sierras and its many breathtaking attractions.

This is a welcome respite after the desert landscapes of Death Valley and Joshua Tree and depending on when you visit you will be able to see beautiful meadows, wildflowers, fall foliage, and even snow!

Mammoth Lakes And Mono Lake – 1 Day

Contrary to their name, Mammoth Lakes is not a lake but a winter ski town in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Mammoth Mountain is the main winter skiing area with a variety of ski runs.

In summer, it is a favorite with mountain bikers and hikers.

The town does have several beautiful lakes that are accessible only in the summer but none of them are named Mammoth.

The area has beautiful alpine meadows with wildflowers in spring and natural hot springs for some R&R.

In one day, we recommend taking the roughly one hour drive around the Lakes Basin and visiting all the lakes.

You can hike, picnic, kayak, and fish in whichever lake you like.

Or maybe just hang up a hammock and read a book by the lake.

Nearby Mono Lake is a saltwater lake surrounded by unique towering limestone formations called the tufa.

The lake visitor center has great information about the formation of the lake and the tufa while the short South Tufa trail is great for exploring the surrounding area.

The trail takes you along the lakeshore and among the tufas.

We suggest stopping here for an hour or so; Mono Lake accepts National Park Pass for entry.

On the way from Mammoth Lakes to Mono Lake, you will pass by June Lake and Devils Postpile Monument.

June Lake Loop Road is a great place to see the fall colors while the Devils Postpile National Monument is a unique geological formation of basalt columns.

Rainbow Falls, a 31m plunging waterfall, is another popular attraction of the monument.

Past Mono Lake, take the Lee Vining Road into Yosemite.

The official name of the road is Tioga Pass Road and it is closed in winter and spring (usually November to May) due to snow.

In that case, you can’t really visit Yosemite from the eastern side.

To know alternative routes in winter, check here . 

Yosemite National Park – 2 Days

Best known for its giant sequoia trees, bald granite cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yosemite along with Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park is known as the ‘Big Three’ and receives over 4 million visitors each year.

Yosemite is a must-stop on any Ca road trip itinerary.

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is from the summer to fall when Tioga Pass Road is open.

We suggest spending 2 days in Yosemite National Park to hike, drive along scenic roads, and see the major attractions. 

On your first day, start by taking a Yosemite Valley Tour.

The Yosemite Valley is surrounded by the bald granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.

Most of the waterfalls including Yosemite Falls are also located in the valley.

The Valley is also where most of the park services including accommodations, shuttle buses, etc are located.

The Valley has hiking trails for all difficulty levels that lead to stunning views of Yosemite.

Lower Yosemite Falls hike is a short and easy trail that goes to the base of the falls.

Touring the Yosemite Valley via the free shuttle bus is the easiest way to see the national park.

However, if you are visiting in summer (especially long weekends) it can get very crowded – so plan to start early in the morning.

The Valley Visitor Center has great information and exhibits about the history and geology of Yosemite, plus it is a good place to get souvenirs, postcards, and magnets.

The aptly-named Mirror Lake reflects Half Dome peak and is beautiful to visit.

However, it dries up towards the end of summer and is best seen in spring/summer. 

Another must in the Valley if you’re visiting in summer is Glacier Point.

Located along the valley rim, it can be reached only by car or private tour.

The views from Glacier Point are stellar. It is also the base for many of Yosemite’s rim hikes.

We suggest spending one day exploring the valley. Yosemite also offers paid guided tours if you prefer them.

On the next day, you can go up the Tioga Pass road if it is clear of snow.

This is your chance to experience Yosemite devoid of the crowds.

The shuttle bus will take you up the Tioga Pass road to Tuolumne Meadows.

To see Yosemite’s giant sequoia trees, visit the Mariposa Grove.

This area is also accessible by the park shuttle.

End your day by visiting Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village.

Photographer Ansel Adams’s stunning black and white photos of Yosemite are a great reminder of how Yosemite looked over half a century ago.

Lake Tahoe And Emerald Bay – 1 Day

If you continue along Route 395 from Yosemite, you will reach lake Tahoe.

Note: Route 395 itself does not reach Lake Tahoe, so you will be following 207 from the Nevada side. 

The deep blue water of Lake Tahoe surrounded by snow-clad mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevadas is one of California’s iconic images.

Located on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a popular travel destination for Californians throughout the year.

In winter it is popular for snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding.

Summer in Lake Tahoe is made for biking and camping.

In fall, the area around Lake Tahoe comes alive with spectacular fall foliage and is one of the top fall drives in the country .

South Lake Tahoe or the California side is best for enjoying the outdoors and nature with family while the Nevada side has lots of casinos and is more touristy.

Crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe (CC 2.0 – Christian Abend )

The drive around Lake Tahoe is 72 miles long and takes about three hours.

It is highly scenic and one of the best road trips in California.

Much of the shoreline of Lake Tahoe is public and the views of the lake from the drive are stunning.

The lake looks a pretty shade of blue during the day and taking a beautiful picture of the water is a highlight of your visit.

An essential stop along the drive is the Emerald Bay State Park.

The drive here is spectacular and the views of the turquoise lake are lovely.

There are many other ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe.

You can take a helicopter tour or enjoy watersports on the lake.

The Sierra Nevada mountain ranges are an absolute delight for outdoor and nature lovers.

What you will see in these 4 days is just the tip of the iceberg.

The High Sierras have many beautiful alpine valleys, lakes, ghost towns, waterfalls, and hiking trails worth exploring.

If you can spend more time in the Sierra Nevada, then here are some other must attractions:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 

These are the two other national parks located in the High Sierras.

The giant sequoias surround you as you drive the park roads creating a surreal and unique experience.

The twisting and turning roads here are not for the faint-hearted (hint: carry some Dramamine!).

Both national parks have great hiking trails and lots of wildlife.

John Muir Trail

While it is not possible to hike in a short time, John Muir Trail deserves a special mention.

This is a long-distance trail in the Sierra Nevada and passes through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.

It is as renowned as the Appalachian or the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Bodie Ghost Town

The old mining ghost town of Bodie is an hour away from Mammoth Lakes.

Preserved as a state park, the town is full of historic saloons and deserted buildings.

While Sacramento is not in the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, the city is on the way while returning to San Francisco from Lake Tahoe and makes for a great addition to our California road trip itinerary recommendations.

One of the top attractions in Sacramento is the California State Railroad Museum.

Stretch 4: Along The Wild North Coast

There are many things to do in Northern California including national parks, scenic drives, beautiful coastal towns, and more.

You will need another 5 days minimum to fully explore the Northern part of the state.

Hence, we do not recommend covering the North Coast if you are following this California Road Trip Itinerary for 10 Days – you simply won’t have time.

The best way to explore this region is to plan a separate road trip in the northern part of the state, the details of which you can read here in our post, Ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary .

California’s North Coast is less visited, unspoiled, and partially unexplored compared to the famous central Coast and the crowded southern coast.

The prehistoric coastal redwood trees grow in groves along the road all the way up to Oregon.

Hwy 1 ends at Leggett where it joins Hwy 101.

While the road follows the coast, for the most part, it turns inward in the area of the Lost Coast.

The remote Lost Coast as the name suggests is devoid of major highways and remains the ultimate adventure for a 10 day trip to California.

However, the coast is not the only unique thing about Northern California.

The northern part of the state is also home to geothermal activity.

You can climb lava tunnels at Lava Beds National Monument and see volcanic craters, domes, mud pools, etc at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Here are a few attractions of the region:

Redwoods National and State Park

The Redwoods National and State Parks were created to preserve the old-growth redwood forests.

The Redwoods are the tallest living trees on Earth and also among the oldest.

The National Park and state parks are also home to a number of endangered animals including spotted owl, species of sea lions, etc.

The unique environment of the dense redwood forests by the coast has resulted in the park being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seeing the Redwoods covered in fog during winter or spring is a surreal experience.

Point Reyes

Point Reyes National Seashore, located in Marin County, preserves a large swath of northern California’s coastal wilderness.

Most popular attractions at Point Reyes include Alamere Falls on Wildcat Beach and Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Other attractions include the endangered tule elk herd that can be seen around Tomales Point, Native American redwood houses, earthquake trail, and dramatic cliffside beaches.

Avenue of the Giants

Avenue of the Giants is an over 30 miles long scenic highway that passes through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and its mighty coastal redwood trees.

Roadside attractions include tunnels cut into redwood trees, giant groves, and unique roadside attractions like a house created from a single redwood log and a Redwood RV.

We suggest hiking in the Redwood groves to experience the truly gigantic trees.

The quaint seaside town of Mendocino is quite different from the coastal towns on the Central Coast.

It reminded me of Maine and the coastal upper East coast due to its Victorian mansions painted in pretty pastel colors.

The town is a historical landmark and very pretty to wander and explore.

Nearby Mendocino Headlands State Park and Russian Gulch State Park are worth a visit.

Nearby Fort Bragg is no fort but a lumber town on the North Coast.

The famous ‘Glass Beach’ of which I’m sure you have seen pics floating around on social media is in Fort Bragg.

The beach is a part of MacKerricher State Park, a state park with amazing views of the undeveloped headlands, beaches, and tide pools.

Another popular attraction in Fort Bragg is the Skunk Train – a railroad built to haul timber logs from the redwood forests.

Other attractions on the North Coast include the pretty Victorian towns of Ferndale and Eureka, Del Norte Redwood State Park, and the seaport community of Crescent City.

More 10 Day California itinerary ideas for slow travelers

You can use our California road trip planner to customize your itinerary based on your interests. 

If you can only spend 10 days in California, then seeing all the above attractions can be overwhelming; here are a few suggestions for those who like slow travel.

California coast road trip itinerary

One great option is to go on a 10 day pacific coast highway trip or 10 day west coast road trip.

That way you can spend more time in the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles while seeing Big Sur at a leisurely pace. 

On this San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip in 10 days, you can tour the lighthouses, hike the trails, picnic on the beach, visit the wineries of the Central Coast, and enjoy nature – seriously the best road trip in California. 

You can even do the San Francisco to San Diego road trip in 10 days.

In that case, we would recommend keeping aside 2 days each for the 3 major cities and spending the rest of the time in the Big Sur region. 

This San Francisco 10 days trip lets you enjoy the beauty of the coast while visiting the Sierra Nevadas and the desert later.

California National Parks itinerary

California has 9 national parks – all of them are unique and make for an exciting California National park road trip. 

You can visit either the most popular ones or all of them, depending on how much time you want to spend in each park. 

We would suggest starting from Los Angeles, then seeing Joshua Tree and Death Valley before visiting Kings Canyon and Sequoia. 

Then see the beautiful Yosemite Valley. From Yosemite, head north to Lassen and then finally see Redwoods parks before returning to San Francisco. 

You can also see Pinnacles and Channel Islands if you have the time, to complete the national parks in California road trip. 

You can also use this route for creating your own California RV trip itinerary, since most national parks have RV campgrounds. 

Northern California road trip itinerary

Another great option for those who like slow travel is to plan a Northern California itinerary for 10 days. 

Start your road trip from San Francisco and drive along the less visited North Coast and see the majestic redwood trees. 

Drive along the Redwoods Scenic Byway before turning towards the mountains and exploring the caves at Lava Tubes National Monument. 

Visit Mount Shasta on your way to Lassen Volcanic National Park and end your trip in Sacramento, a couple of hours away from San Francisco. 

For more information on how to plan a California road trip focusing on the northern part of the state, read our in-depth post on Northern California road trip .

If you have less time: California itinerary 7 days

If you can’t spare 10 days, then we also have suggestions for 7 day California road trip routes. 

With only 7 days in california, we would recommend focusing on one region and exploring it at a leisurely pace. 

Of course, you can opt for a 7 day southern California itinerary or a 7 day California coast road trip along the PCH, but you can also consider some unique road trip ideas in California which explore its most popular attractions. 

Here are our favorites if you want to see the best of California in a week:

7 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite

If you are wondering how to spend a week in California but still see the most popular attractions, then this itinerary is for you. 

Start your road trip in San Francisco, see the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Mission District, Fisherman’s Wharf etc in two days. 

Then spend a day in Napa Valley and nearby Calistoga before seeing Sacramento.

In Sacramento, see the state capitol and the railroad museum then make your way to Yosemite National Park. 

Take a tour of the Yosemite Valley and see the famous El Capitan as well as the many waterfalls.

Enjoy the panoramic view from the Tunnel View Outlook. 

Then depending on the season, visit the Tuolumne Meadows area.

Return to San Francisco to complete 7 day road trip in California.

North California coast road trip

This California 1 week itinerary is perfect for slow travel. 

Land in San Francisco and take a day or two to explore it’s many attractions.

Then rent a car and drive north. 

Part of this road trip is on the Pacific Coast Highway 1 till Legett, after which you will be driving along the famous Redwood scenic byway. 

For your first stop, explore the beautiful Point Reyes.

See the lighthouse and the shipwreck, then eat oysters in Tomales Bay. 

Drive along the Avenue of the Giants and pass through the Redwood tunnels. 

Hike in the prehistoric Fern Canyon and visit the glass beach at Fort Bragg, then last stop at Eureka or Crescent City to finish the California coast 7 day itinerary.

7 Day Southern California trip itinerary

For this ca road trip planner, begin your trip with a day or two in San Diego or Los Angeles and then wind your way around Southern California’s desert attractions. 

See famous Joshua Tree and Palm Springs.

Enjoy the fantastic landscape of the Mojave desert and drink a delicious date shake.

See the sculptures in Borrego Springs. 

Then visit Anaheim and enjoy the theme parks.

There are also many things to do in Anaheim besides Disney. 

7 Day California Coast Road Trip

This is one of the most popular california driving holidays itineraries.

Follow this California road trip itinerary 7 days along the world famous Pacific Coast Highway. 

See the major cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Explore the charming mountain side towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. Learn to surf and spot the elephant seals. 

Spend some time hiking and enjoying the wild, rugged vibe of Big Sur.

Take a tour of the Point Sur Lighthouse and hike down to Keyhole Rock. Go whale watching. 

If you have more time: California road trip itinerary 14 days

This two week california driving itinerary is perfect for long summer vacations, when most parts of the state including the High Sierras are completely accessible. 

Just use our main California trip planner, but add in all optional ideas including San Diego and the beautiful northern coast. 

Then see the Lassen Volcanic National Park area and visit the beautiful Burney Falls from Redding.

Spend some time in Mount Shasta and head back to San Francisco to complete California 2 week itinerary.

We hope you liked our California road trip blog.

Now you have everything ready to plan your perfect California trip itinerary, so make the most of it.

Did we miss any hidden gems in the Golden State?

Which part of the road trip did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments!

1 thought on “Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary: From the Pacific to the Redwoods!”

It’s really a cool and helpful piece of information. Thanks for share.

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1-Week Yosemite, Kings Canyon, & Sequoia Itinerary

This blog post may contain affiliate links.  I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click  here  for the disclosure statement.

All photos are original to the author unless otherwise noted. 

One of the most prolific photographers of all time, Ansel Adams, inspired many to fall in love with nature with his beautiful black and white images of Yosemite National Park. Millions of people visit Yosemite each year, but many don’t realize that just a few hours south is another slice of paradise that should be included in your itinerary. This 1 week itinerary will take you trough the Sierra Nevada Mountain range that gives Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks their spectacular views.

Yosemite National Park

Day 1: travel day.

The best combo of drive time and price was to fly in was the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport which is about 4 hour drive.  Closer airports are more costly and the additional layover time doesn’t save you much time. Plan on spending the first day of your trip traveling and getting settled in.

Day 2: Hike Mist Falls and John Muir Trail

Mist Falls? More like drenched falls, so come prepared to get wet! The Mist Falls trail is a moderate 1.5 mile out and back trail that ends at the base of Vernal Falls, if you are up for a challenge continue on the John Muir Trail to see the top Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. 

Difficulty:

The base of Vernal Falls – Moderate

Top of Vernal Falls – Difficult

Nevada Falls Loop – Strenuous

Mist Falls Out And Back – 3 miles round trip

Vernal Falls Out and Back – 4 miles round trip

Nevada Falls Loop – 7.5 miles 

Please enjoy this short video featuring Mist Falls’ namesake attraction! This video was taken with a phone as my camera was packed safely in my  Osprey Daylite Plus  which kept my pride and joy bone dry.

Pro Tip:  Don’t know how to tell if your gear is 100% waterproof? Create a seal around the material and your mouth and blow. If you can feel the air on your hand on the other side, it’s not 100% waterproof .

Day 3: Bridal veil Falls and other Quick Hikes In Yosemite Valley

Each of these hikes are flat and a mile or less (except Mirror Lake which is a flat 3). I recommend utilizing Yosemite’s very efficient bus to drop you off near all the main points of interest, If you don’t manage to hit all of these overlooks, just add them the morning you leave for Kings Canyon. You won’t need all day at Kings Canyon, so that morning is a great buffer zone for fitting in the things you missed.

Photography Tip: To capture the soft, flowy waterfall look use a long shutter speed .

Swinging bridge view.

The swinging bridge at Yosemite National Park provides an excellent view of the rushing waterfalls and rocky cliffs below. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll across the bridge, taking in the natural beauty of the park all around them.

Mirror Lake Trail

Mirror Lake Trail is a short, flat trail that leads to the namesake Mirror Lake. The trail passes through a forested area and offers great views views of the valley and the surrounding mountains, and the lake is a beautiful sight.

Bridal Veil Falls and creek

Bridal Veil Creek is one of the most beautiful features in Yosemite National Park. The creek cascades over a series of dramatic waterfalls, creating a lovely sight for visitors. The area is also popular for hiking, with trails leading to the best views of the falls.

Tunnel View

Tunnel View is one of the most popular stops on the Yosemite Valley Tour. From here, visitors can see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. The view from this vantage point is so popular that it has been used in many advertisements and postcards for the park.

Glacier Point

Perched high above Yosemite Valley on the south rim of the park, Glacier Point offers visitors a stunning view of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley. The drive to Glacier Point is spectacular, as visitors wind their way up the winding road that hugs the cliffs of Yosemite Valley.

Lower Yosemite Falls Vista Point

Lower Yosemite Falls Vista Point is a wonderful spot to take in the beauty of Lower Yosemite Falls. The viewpoint is located at the end of a short, wheelchair-accessible trail that provides lovely views of the waterfall and its surroundings.

Day 4: Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Difficulty :

Hard – Very Steep Incline

• Columbia Rock: 2 miles round trip
• Base of upper falls: 4 miles round trip
• Top of the Falls: 7 miles round trip

King’s Canyon National Park

Day 5: general grant tree and the king’s canyon scenic byway.

The drive through Sierra National Forest from Yosemite to Kings Canyon is about 2 hours and is equally as stunning as the parks themselves.  The byway begins at the General Grant Tree in Grant Grove and ends at the Copper Creek Trailhead; without stopping, the scenic byway takes about an hour each way. How long you stay at each of the 25+ lookout points is the real deciding factor in how long this highly underrated detour will take.

Roaring River Falls

Junction view lookout point, grizzly falls, sequoia national park, day 6: giant forest trail and moro rock hiking trails.

Start on the Giant Forest Trail and meander your way to various points of interest in the area – Bear Hill Trail, Hanging Rock, Moro Rock, Auto Log, and Tunnel Log. The trails in the area converge several times so it’s not critical to stay on the same path.

Moderate- There are steep inclines to access some of the view points, but there are also long periods of flat terrain.

This is a “choose your own adventure” kind of hike. It can range from 3-7 miles depending on how many points of interest you include.

Day 7: General Sherman Tree and Big Trees Trail

The famed giant sequoia, General Sherman, is the world’s largest tree by volume and it’s hard to imagine the magnitude of that until you see it yourself.

Photography Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the giant sequoias.  

Difficulty:  Moderate – The way down is easy, it’s getting back up that’s the problem.

Length:   1 mile

Big Trees Trail is a leisurely stroll around a meadow with an abundance of wildlife . As someone that loves capturing photos of  wildlife , I could have stayed there all day!

Difficulty:  Easy – Completely flat

Length:  1 mile

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9 Responses

Good blog you have here.. It’s hard to find high-quality writing like yours these days. I seriously appreciate people like you! Take care!!|

Thank you, I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my blog!

Informative article, exactly what I needed.

Great blog! This is super informative & helpful. Is there a certain time of year you suggest for this trip?

I would recommend early summer, so May/June timeframe. The waterfalls are at their best when the snow is starting to melt and the roads higher in the mountains, such as Glacier Point, open around mid to late May. Hope you enjoy your trip!

I typically don’t ever leave comments or reviews, but WOW. I loved every single part of this. So informative and helped me finalize my itinerary. Thank you thank you thank you! I’ll be going this September!

I’m so glad you found this helpful!

Following this itinerary from Yosemite with one day in KC and one day (for me) in Sequoia, where would you recommend staying?

Personally I think Kings Canyon lets you see the most in the shortest time if you only have one day. Kings Canyon and Sequoia are grouped together as one national park, so they aren’t far from each other.

Kings Canyon scenic drive starts near the General Grant sequoia tree so you’ll still see the sequoias, plus many views along the drive.

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Trip Information

Number of Nights: 8

Seasons: June – October

Start / End: San Francisco

Average Price: $5500

Detailed Itinerary

Start: san francisco, ca.

San Francisco to Coloma: 135 miles

1 night Coloma, CA

Beginning in San Francisco, you will start your road trip with one night on Coloma. This outdoorsy town will get you in the spirit of what is about to come. Go rafting, visit Sutter’s Mill and walk around the historic gold rush town. Learn more about Coloma .

Coloma to Lake Tahoe: 75 miles

3 nights Lake Tahoe

From there, you will drive to Lake Tahoe for three incredible days! Lake Tahoe is North America’s largest alpine lake, and it has dozens of activities for you to try, everything from kayak trips, mountain bike tours to jet skiing. Learn more about Lake Tahoe .

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite: 190 miles

3 nights Yosemite National Park

After spending three days on the lake, you will head to the famous Yosemite National Park. Here, you can hike along the trails as you hunt for waterfalls and watch the incredible wildlife. Learn more about Yosemite National Park .

Yosemite to Bay Area: 170 miles

1 night Bay Area

Lastly, you will spend your last day driving down the Foothills, through the central valley and back to the Bay Area. Enjoy your last night camping under the stars before you return your rental vehicles in the morning. Learn more about San Francisco. Learn more about San Francisco .

End: San Francisco, CA

Trip extensions.

3 nights Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks +$750

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada are the sister parks of Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. You can create incredible memories of exploration and discovery in both stunning locations, especially as you wander through the giant sequoia trees.

Learn more about Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park .

Yosemite to Lake Tahoe Road Trip

From the blue waters of Lake Tahoe to the granite walls of Yosemite, a Yosemite to Lake Tahoe road trip is a must when visiting California. Whether you love hiking, scenic drives, swimming, or dining, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy on this road trip.

I previously worked as a hiking guide, leading groups on trips from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe. I have packed this itinerary with everything I know from the hot spots to my local favorites to help you plan the best Yosemite to Lake Tahoe road trip!

Where are Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe?

Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe are located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains in Eastern California.

Lake Tahoe sits on the California-Nevada border about 4 hours east of San Francisco. Yosemite National Park is a few hours south. The western entrances to Yosemite are about 4 hours east of San Francisco.

How far is Yosemite to Lake Tahoe?

The distance from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite is about 4.5 – 5.5 hours apart depending on what part of Lake Tahoe you’re traveling from. South Lake Tahoe is about an hour closer to Yosemite than the north part of the lake.

With scenic views the whole way, the drive from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe is the ultimate California Road Trip. I definitely recommend renting a car for this trip because there is no bus or train from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite.

How Long Should I Spend Driving From Yosemite to Lake Tahoe?

Both Yosemite and Lake Tahoe offer many amazing sites and things to do. While it’s possible to complete this road trip in 3 days that would be a serious rush.

If you have the time, try spending 5 -7 days on your Yosemite to Lake Tahoe Road Trip. Spend at least 2 to 3 nights in Yosemite , and 2 or 3 nights in Lake Tahoe to go hiking , exploring, and relaxing. If you have a couple of extra days it’s worth spending a night on the east side of the Sierra in Lee Vining or on the west side in Coloma or Sacramento.

When to Plan your Yosemite to Lake Tahoe Road Trip

All the seasons offer a variety of things to see and explore on a Yosemite to Lake Tahoe Road Trip. However, depending on your interests will depending when it’s best for you to visit.

If you love snow and want to ski then visit in winter. Lake Tahoe is surrounded by ski resorts and is a prime skiing location in the United States. Park access is limited in Yosemite during the winter but it’s beautiful to see the valley covered in snow. Winter is the least crowded time of year to visit Yosemite.

Spring still offers the opportunity for skiing in Lake Tahoe as well as warmer weather in Yosemite National Park. High-elevation roads begin opening in Yosemite in the spring but part of the park is still inaccessible. Because spring is the shoulder season, both Lake Tahoe and Yosemite are less crowded in the spring than in summer.

The summer brings the warmest weather as well as full road access. However, summer is the busiest time of year. But you can drive from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe via Tioga Pass. Tioga Pass opens during the summer which opens up the opportunity to explore the east side of the Sierra.

The weather in the fall is cooler and Yosemite and Lake Tahoe are a bit less crowded. This is a great time to visit as all roads are accessible, provided an early snowstorm doesn’t roll in. Temperatures are comfortable for hiking and like in the summer, you can drive through Tioga Pass to explore the east side of the Sierra.

Yosemite to Lake Tahoe Road Trip Itinerary

There are 2 main routes to get from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe. One route follows the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the other route follows the west side.

The east side route is only possible when Tioga Pass through Yosemite is open. Tioga Pass usually opens in the late spring to early summer and closes in the late fall. Check for plowing updates here .

Therefore, I’d recommend driving the east side route during the summer and fall. The mountain roads offer more diverse and dramatic landscapes.

If you’re planning your Lake Tahoe to Yosemite drive during the winter or spring, you’ll have to drive the route along the west side. Tioga Pass, the main route through Yosemite, is closed during the winter. This makes it impossible to drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park via the east side.

A common road trip route is from San Francisco to Yosemite to Lake Tahoe, ending in Reno or back in San Francisco. Start and end in whichever city is most convenient for you.

Pro tip: If you fly in and out of the same airport, you’ll likely save a bit of money on a rental car. Because San Francisco is a larger airport the flights and rental cars are often cheaper.

Yosemite to Lake Tahoe Route by Season

Yosemite national park.

Yosemite National Park covers around 750,000 acres, meaning there is plenty to see and explore in the park. Whether you like gentle strolls through a meadow, strenuous day hikes, or hanging out by a waterfall, Yosemite has plenty of options for you.

Stroll through Cooks Meadow

1-mile loop, flat

Starting just behind the Yosemite Valley Lodge, take the paved path around Cooks Meadow , one of the highlights in Yosemite. This easy walk is suitable for all visitors including those in wheelchairs.

You’ll cross the Merced River over Sentinel Bridge and then continue along the neverending views of the high granite walls and stunning views of Yosemite Falls.

Hike up Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail

6.4 miles round trip; 2200 foot gain

With a name like the Mist Trail, you’ll definitely want to pack your jacket for this hike. The Mist Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass two rushing waterfalls, Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls.

Depending on your hiking ability, you have a few options for this trail; you can hike a paved trail to the base of Vernal Falls and then turn around. You can continue up to the top of Vernal Falls then turn around. Or you can complete the whole loop and see both Vernal and Nevada Falls.

Hike the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

6.6 miles out & back, 3250 foot gain

Yosemite Falls is one of the most iconic falls in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America dropping 2,425 feet. The hike to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls is steep and not for the faint of heart, however, the views looking down on the valley are pretty impressive.

This is a steep hike up slick granite rock so watch your footing and pack plenty of water.

Hike to Columbia Rock

2.2 miles out & back, 1000 foot gain

If you want something a little shorter than the Upper Yosemite Falls Hike then Hike to Columbia Rock ! It’s about 1 mile into the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail and offers some of the best views looking down on the valley.

You’ll see Half Dome standing tall and the Merced River flowing below. The hike up to Columbia Rock is steep but worth it. If you hike just past the Columbia Rock viewpoint you’ll reach the middle of Yosemite Falls where you can relax in the shade and enjoy the mist of the falls on your skin.

Visit Mariposa Grove

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is the largest Sequoia Grove in Yosemite National Park. Walk amongst some of the largest trees in the world here.

The Big Trees Loop is a 0.3-mile flat loop suitable for all visitors to the park. If you want to continue a bit further, the Grizzly Giant Loop is a 2-mile loop that gains 300 feet. This loop highlights some of the best trees in Mariposa Grove including the California Tunnel Tree, the Grizzly Giant, the Fallen Monarch, and the Bachelor & Three Graces.

Grab a Drink or Dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel

The Ahwahnee Hotel is a historic landmark hotel in Yosemite that offers luxury accommodations and fine dining. I love grabbing a cocktail and soft pretzel here on one of my relaxing days. The outdoor patio has views of Half Dome. The inside of the Ahwahnee Hotel, also known as the Majestic Hotel, has tall ceilings with fancy chandeliers, a huge ballroom, and beautiful stone fireplaces.

It’s a lovely place to enjoy a fancy dinner but make sure you call ahead to make reservations as the Ahwahnee books up early.

Grab a Pizza at the Pizza Deck

If you’re looking for a more casual meal, and the best food option following a hike, grab a pizza and beer at Yosemite’s Pizza Deck. Located in Curry Village this woodsy eatery makes delicious pizzas and even has vegan and gluten-free options.

If pizza isn’t your thing there is a large dining hall right next store with a variety of food options ranging from homestyle cooked dinners to bakery bites.

Check out Glacier Point

Glacier Point is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Yosemite National Park. You’ll have stunning 180-degree vistas overlooking about one-third of the whole park!

The walkways around Glacier Point are paved and wheelchair accessible. There is a gift shop at the top. Get up here early to avoid the crowds because parking is very limited.

*In 2022 Glacier Point Road was closed for reconstruction to the road. The plan is to reopen in 2023 but there will be 30-minute delays as construction continues.

Hike Half Dome

If you can score the coveted permits to hike Half Dome then you’re ready to venture on one of the most popular and spectacular hikes in Yosemite National Park.

Half Dome is most completed as a long day hike but can be turned into a backpacking trip too. Either way, it’s important to start your trip early so that you reach the Half Dome cables early in the day. The final 400 feet via the Half Dome cables to the summit require aren’t for the faint of heart, however, views are surely rewarding.

Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park

Tioga Pass is a stunning Yosemite drive through the park’s high country. And it’s the perfect road to take from Yosemite Valley to the east side of the park to continue on your way from Yosemite National Park to Lake Tahoe.

There are many can’t-miss stops along the way and plenty of hikes located right off of the route.

Enjoy Panoramic Vistas at Olmsted Point

Olmsted Point is the best roadside lookout from Tioga Pass Road. From Olmsted Point, you can see Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and look down to Tioga Lake in the distance.

Sitting at about 8,000 feet in elevation lots of granite and little vegetation make up the landscape. Glacial erratics, large boulders left behind, sit at the top of Olmsted Point. Have fun roaming around on the slabby granite while taking in the views.

Swim in Tenaya Lake

Tenaya Lake is a large alpine lake located right off Tioga Pass Road. It’s one of the most impressive spots in the high country of Yosemite. Bright clear blue water is surrounded by steep granite domes and peaks.

There are plenty of roadside pull-offs near the lake and there’s also a large sandy beach area located on the east side of the lake. It’s one of my favorite spots for a midday picnic or swim!

Stroll through Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows are stunning sub-alpine meadows and the largest meadows in Yosemite National Park. Surrounded by domes and granite peaks with the Tuolumne River cutting through, you must stop here when driving along Tioga Pass.

It’s also a popular spot to see wildlife. I’d recommend hiking out to Soda Springs. From Tioga Pass Road it’s a 1 mile out and back flat hike through the meadows to a bubbling spring. No one really knows why these springs exist but if you dare to taste them, prepare for a minerally taste.

Hike Up Lembert Dome

1.8 miles out & back, 700-foot gain

If you’re looking for a hike a little easier than Half Dome, then hike up to Lembert Dome for stunning 360-degree views looking at all of Yosmite’s high country. Like the top of Half Dome, Lembert Dome has a steep ascent to the summit, on a round granite dome.

The stone is very grippy but if you’re scared of heights you might be a little uncomfortable, however, the summit views are well worth it.

Hike Out to Clouds Rest

12 miles out & back, 3100 foot gain

If you’re looking for a long day hike with some of the most stunning views in the park hike out to Clouds Rest. It actually sits about 1000 feet higher than Half Dome and from the top offers 360-degree views of the whole park.

The trail to Clouds Rest is well-maintained however, the top is a bit of a rock scramble. Prepare yourself for exposure with steep drop-offs as you near the summit. Careful footing and some hand use are beneficial as you near the top and are rewarded with stunning views.

Lee Vining & Mono Lake

Located at the end of Tioga Pass Road (or the beginning) is a quaint small town called Lee Vining. Lee Vining sits on the shores of Mono Lake, a saline soda lake that actually has a volcano in the center of it. Mono Lake is famously known for its tufa rock formations.

The town of Lee Vining is small but it has a few lodging options and places to eat. It’s definitely worth checking out Mono Lake. Head to Mono Lake South Tufa Area for stunning views of the calcium carbonate tufa towers with the High Sierra peaks in the distance. It’s a stunning spot for sunrise or sunset.

Bodie State Historic Park

As you continue north of Highway 395 you’ll pass the turnoff for route 270 to check out Bodie State Historic Park. It’s a unique California State Park, now a famous ghost town. This abandoned gold-mining community has everything from an old school, homes, mining equipment, a church, and more.

Walk around on a self-guided tour or sign up for a guided public tour to learn even more about the park.

Just north of Bodie is the cute small town of Bridgeport. Highway 395 runs right through the center of the town. There are small motels and inns, a general store, a few restaurants, and some historic buildings.

My favorite place to hang out or grab a bite to eat is Big Meadows Brewing Company and Growlers Eatery. They’re located right next to each other and are a classic Bridgeport stop.

The next notable stop along your drive from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe is Topaz Lake. It’s located just over the border of Nevada, and therefore, home to a casino located on the state line.

There isn’t a whole lot to do here but it’s a good place to stretch your legs. There are a few day lake areas where you can hang out beside the lake.

Emerald Bay

Sand Harbor

Sand Harbor State Park is one of my favorite places around Lake Tahoe. It’s a protected area with large sandy beaches and boulders in the water. It’s an iconic photo spot in Lake Tahoe.

Here you can rent kayaks, go on a kayaking tour, swim in the water, or wander along the boardwalks and read fun facts about the lake.

The Sand Harbor parking lot fills up year-round and reservations are now required throughout the summer. Parking is not permitted along the side of the road.

Hike Mount Tallac

10.5 miles out & back, 3300 foot gain

Mount Tallac is one of the highest peaks in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The hike starts gradually as it passes Fallen Leaf Lake but as you cross into Desolation Wilderness it’s a steep ascent up to the summit.

Mount Tallac is one of the harder trails in the area however it offers rewarding 360-degree views. You’ll see the entirety of Lake Tahoe and the basin as well as the high peaks that rise in Desolation Wilderness.

Pro Tip: make sure you’re comfortable with the altitude. Mount Tallac reaches almost 10,000 feet in elevation so take your time on the ascent, drink plenty of water, and if you don’t feel well, turn back.

If you’re visiting Lake Tahoe in the winter or early spring you should definitely head to one of the ski resorts. Lake Tahoe is home to the largest concentration of ski resorts in North America, with over 11 downhill resorts.

With such diverse terrain, this is one of the best ski areas in the United States.

Heavenly Village

If you’re staying in South Lake Tahoe then you definitely want to spend some time in Heavenly Village. Located at the base of Heavenly Ski Resort this area is filled with shops, hotels, restaurants, and live music every night.

Everything is within walking distance in Heavenly Village. It’s also possible to pay for a ride up the Heavenly Gondola where you can enjoy views of Lake Tahoe at the top and dine in a cafe. 

Downtown Truckee

If you’re staying on the north side of the lake then Downtown Truckee is one of the cutest places to stroll around and grab a bite to eat. There are a bunch of shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes. The downtown is also located right along the railway. If you like history, check out the Truckee Railroad Museum.

My favorite thing to do in Truckee is walk along the Legacy Trail which follows the Truckee River.

Known as the first spot where gold was found and the best spot to whitewater raft on the American River, Coloma is a fun spot if you’re looking to continue your adventure after Lake Tahoe.

Whether you leave Lake Tahoe from South Lake Tahoe via Highway 50 or Highway 80 in the north part of the lake, it’s about an hour and a half drive.

If you like history Coloma is the perfect place to learn about the start of the California Gold Rush. And if you’re an adrenalin seeker, then rafting is the activity for you!

Also, on your way home from Lake Tahoe is California’s capital, Sacramento. There’s quite a lot to explore in Sacramento. From fine dining to breweries to walks along the river to the Old Sacramento Historic District.

It’s a great place to stop and explore on your way back to San Francisco or to spend a night and hang out.

What to Pack for a Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Road Trip

You’ll have to tweak your wardrobe depending on what time of year you’re planning your Yosemite to Lake Tahoe road trip however, this is a general idea of everything you need.

• Clothing layers – puffy jacket, rain jacket, warm base layer
• Comfortable hiking boots or trail runners
• Quick-drying hiking pants
• Day hiking backpack
• Road maps – downloaded offline & paper
• First aid kit
• Water filter

A Yosemite to Lake Tahoe road trip is a bucket list adventure. Enjoy some of the highlights that California has to offer. Learn about the history of the landscape and the state, hike through dramatic landscapes, dine on delicious meals, and enjoy the ride!

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Lake Tahoe To Yosemite: The Perfect Road Trip

Have you ever had the urge to just get away from it all? To hit the open road and explore new sights, sounds, and experiences? If so, then a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite is exactly what you need!

This stunning journey will take you through some of California’s most majestic scenery. From snow-capped peaks in the Sierra Nevada Mountains to cascading waterfalls and lush meadows, there truly is something for everyone along this route. Not only that, but you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to experience local culture and cuisine as well.

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure that will leave your soul feeling refreshed and inspired, come join us on our incredible trek from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite. We guarantee it won’t be one you’ll soon forget!

Plan Your Trip To California

Are you looking for a thrilling and unforgettable adventure? If so, then look no further than the perfect road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite! This journey is packed full of breathtaking sights and memories that will stay with you forever. So why wait any longer? Let’s get started planning your dream vacation now!

The first step in planning this incredible experience is deciding what route you want to take. There are many routes available depending on how much time you have and where else you plan to visit along the way. You could follow Highway 50 towards Placerville or opt for a more scenic drive through Route 88 towards Jackson. Whichever path you choose, there’ll be plenty of attractions and stops waiting for you during your travels.

Now it’s time to start thinking about packing for your epic road trip. What should go into your bag? When taking such a long journey like this one, it’s important to remember comfort as well as practicality. Make sure to bring warm clothes, sunscreen, snacks, water bottles, an up-to-date map, and anything else that might make the ride smoother. And don’t forget your camera – you won’t want to miss out on capturing all these amazing moments!

With everything planned out and ready to go, all that’s left is actually hitting the road. Imagine yourself cruising down the highway with nothing but open skies ahead – excitement builds within as each mile passes by until finally arriving at Yosemite National Park! Now that we’ve got our plans set in motion let’s explore why going on a road trip between Lake Tahoe & Yosemite makes for the ultimate California getaway…

Why Go On A Lake Tahoe & Yosemite Road Trip

A road trip between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite truly has it all. From the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range to shimmering alpine lakes, this journey is full of natural beauty that will leave you in awe. And there’s no better way to experience these wonders than by taking a leisurely drive through them! Plus, along the way you’ll get to explore fun towns with unique shops and restaurants, making for a great excuse to take breaks from driving.

But wait – what about when you actually arrive at Yosemite? Well, the park itself is packed with activities such as hiking trails and camping spots where you can really immerse yourself in nature. You can also enjoy some wildlife spotting or simply relax and admire the stunning views around every corner. No matter how much time you have, Yosemite National Park won’t disappoint!

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure without having to go too far away from home then look no further than Lake Tahoe & Yosemite – they make for the perfect two-in-one destination! TIP: Make sure to book accommodation ahead of time so that your arrival isn’t spoiled by not being able to find somewhere suitable on short notice. With everything set up now let’s learn more about how far apart these two amazing locations are…

How Far Is Lake Tahoe From Yosemite

When planning a road trip between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, it’s important to know how far apart these two amazing destinations are. After all, you don’t want to be stuck in your car for hours on end without any breaks! Fortunately, the distance from one location to the other is relatively short – about 3 hours of driving time should get you there with relative ease.

The route itself is quite scenic too: as soon as you head out of Lake Tahoe towards Yosemite National Park, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush forests and majestic mountain peaks. There will even be times where you can catch glimpses of alpine lakes or ancient groves of giant sequoias while making your way through this beautiful landscape. It’s an experience that won’t easily be forgotten!

Now that we have our destination sorted out, let’s focus on something else: what to pack before setting off on this incredible journey? With so many things to consider, it can be hard to figure out exactly what items should make their way into your bag – but worry not; we’ve got some tips ahead so keep reading…

What To Pack For A Lake Tahoe & Yosemite Road Trip

Before you head out on your incredible road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite, there are a few things you’ll need to pack. Your packing list should include items that will make the journey more comfortable and enjoyable – it’s all about making sure you have everything you need at hand!

First of all, make sure to bring some layers for cold mornings or evenings when temperatures can dip unexpectedly. It could be anything from a light jacket to a warm sweater – just make sure whatever you choose is comfortable and easy to move in. Also, don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses; after all, UV rays can still reach us even up in these high altitudes!

Finally, no road trip would be complete without snacks and refreshments. Pack plenty of water as well as healthy snacks such as fruit or nuts so that everyone stays hydrated and energized throughout the day. And if camping is part of your plan during this trip, then don’t forget sleeping bags, tents, cooking equipment, flashlights etc.. With these essentials taken care of, nothing will stand between you and the adventure ahead!

Now that we’ve gone through what needs to go into your bag before setting off on this amazing road trip let’s take a look at one of its most exciting destinations: Lake Tahoe itself…

About Lake Tahoe

With its crystal clear waters, majestic mountain views and endless outdoor activities, Lake Tahoe is an adventure-seeker’s paradise. From skiing to kayaking, hiking to biking – whatever your passion may be, you’ll find something for everyone here! Plus, the lake itself offers some of the most stunning sunrises and sunsets in California. Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend escape from reality that you’re after, Lake Tahoe has it all.

The best part about visiting this magical place? It can be enjoyed year round! During the summer months, temperatures range between 60°F (15.5°C) and 80°F (26.6°C), making it ideal for swimming, boating and beach days; while in wintertime the snow covered mountains provide perfect conditions for alpine sports like skiing and snowshoeing. No matter when you come there will always be plenty of fun activities waiting for you at Lake Tahoe!

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience filled with thrilling adventures and breathtaking scenery then put Lake Tahoe on your radar – you won’t regret it! Now let’s take a look at what time of year is best to visit…

Best Time To Visit Lake Tahoe

When it comes to visiting Lake Tahoe, there’s no wrong time of year – the spectacular beauty is something you can enjoy all year round! But depending on what activities interest you and which season you prefer, here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip:

• Summer (June-August) is the most popular time to visit due to its mild temperatures and sunny days perfect for swimming or boating. The downside? It’s also peak tourist season so expect larger crowds and higher prices at restaurants, hotels, etc.
• Fall (September-November) offers cooler temperatures ideal for outdoor activities like camping or hiking with fewer tourists around than during summer months. Plus, this is when the stunning fall foliage really starts to shine!
• Winter (December-February) brings snowfall that transforms Lake Tahoe into a winter wonderland making it a great spot for skiing, snowboarding and ice skating. Just remember that roads get slippery quickly so make sure you plan accordingly if driving up from nearby cities!
• Spring (March-May) has even more beautiful wildflowers blooming alongside crystal clear waters – providing an idyllic backdrop for those who love taking photos outdoors while still avoiding large holiday crowds.

No matter what time of year you choose, one thing’s certain: You’ll have plenty of amazing memories waiting for you at Lake Tahoe! So now let’s take a look at where to stay…

Where To Stay In Lake Tahoe

If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay during your visit to Lake Tahoe, there are plenty of amazing options available. From cozy cabins tucked away in the woods to luxurious resorts with all the amenities – no matter what kind of experience you’re after, this stunning destination has something that will fit the bill.

For those seeking a more remote escape from everyday life, look no further than one of Lake Tahoe’s many private cabin rentals. These secluded properties often come complete with breathtaking views and access to nearby hiking trails or beaches so it’s easy to get lost in nature while still being close enough to town if needed. Plus, they offer an ideal spot for stargazing since there is virtually zero light pollution!

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bit more pampering and indulgence then check out some of the area’s luxury hotels and resorts. Many feature world-class spas, fine dining restaurants, outdoor pools and hot tubs along with activities like horseback riding or wine tastings – making them an excellent choice for anyone wanting an unforgettable holiday experience. No matter which type of accommodation appeals most to you though, be sure to book ahead as rooms can fill up quickly around here!

With such a wide variety of places to stay at Lake Tahoe, choosing where to spend your days (and nights) won’t be hard! Now let’s explore some of the best things do while visiting…

Best Things To Do In Lake Tahoe

As soon as you arrive in Lake Tahoe, it’s easy to see why this destination has earned its reputation for being one of the best places to vacation. Whether you come here to take advantage of the incredible ski slopes or simply soak up some sun and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty – there are plenty of amazing activities to keep everyone entertained!

One of our favorite things about Lake Tahoe is that it’s home to a wide variety of attractions designed for all ages and interests. From epic boat rides on crystal clear waters to thrilling zip line tours – there’s something here for every type of traveler. Even if your idea of fun involves taking it slow, don’t worry – with miles upon miles of hiking trails winding through stunning canyons and lush forests, you won’t have any trouble finding peaceful spots where you can relax and reconnect with nature.

No matter what kind of experience you’re after during your stay at Lake Tahoe, rest assured that there will be no shortage of unforgettable memories made! But before we get into more incredible things to do around here, let’s talk about planning the perfect road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite…

More Incredible Things To Do In Lake Tahoe

Before hitting the road on your epic journey from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite, why not take some time to explore all that this stunning region has to offer? From adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures like kayaking and whitewater rafting to more peaceful activities such as horseback riding and stargazing – there are plenty of ways for you to create lasting memories here. Plus, a great way to get a feel for the area is by taking an organized tour – these usually include stops at must-see attractions, so you can learn about the history and culture of this incredible place while also getting familiar with its natural beauty.

If shopping is your thing, don’t forget to leave some room in your suitcase! The quaint towns scattered around Lake Tahoe have lots of unique boutiques where you can find everything from handmade jewelry and art pieces made locally to souvenirs that will remind you of your fantastic vacation long after it’s over. After picking up some special treats for yourself or loved ones back home, be sure to treat yourself by indulging in one (or two) of the delicious restaurants located throughout the area.

So whether you choose to spend your days exploring nature or simply soaking up the laid-back vibe of Lake Tahoe – rest assured that this destination has something for everyone! Now let’s hop into our car and set off on our adventure towards Yosemite National Park…

Yosemite National Park

Ready to hit the road? Yosemite National Park is just a few hours away and it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable journey. On your way there, you’ll be surrounded by stunning beauty – from towering granite peaks to lush meadows of wildflowers. Before you know it, you’ll have arrived at one of America’s most beloved national parks!

When you get there, take time to explore all that Yosemite has to offer. From its majestic waterfalls and breathtaking vistas to its incredible hiking trails – this unique landscape will leave you in awe. And if that weren’t enough, keep an eye out for the park’s wildlife – sightings of bears, deer, coyotes and even bighorn sheep are quite common here.

No matter how long your stay in Yosemite is, make sure that you don’t miss out on any of these amazing experiences! The natural beauty and abundant wildlife here create a sense of freedom like no other – so come prepared with plenty of camera batteries and SD cards because this place was made for memories! With all these wonders right outside your car window, let’s buckle up for yet another part of your adventure as we head towards finding out when is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park…

Best Time To Visit Yosemite National Park

Ready to get your Yosemite adventure started? The best time to visit this incredible park is in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller. If you’re looking for a truly magical experience, nothing compares to seeing Yosemite Valley blanketed in snow! But no matter what season you decide to go, it won’t be hard to find some way to enjoy nature’s beauty here.

When planning your trip, consider how long of a stay you want. Do you want a few days or weeks exploring every corner of the park? Or perhaps just an afternoon taking in the sights from one of the many overlooks? Whatever length of time you choose, there’s something special waiting for everyone at Yosemite National Park – so come prepared with plenty of enthusiasm because this place will take your breath away!

One thing’s for sure — the memories made here will last forever. So grab those camera batteries and look forward to soaking up all that natural wonder as we set our sights on finding out where to stay while visiting Yosemite Valley…

Where To Stay In Yosemite Valley

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Yosemite Valley, you’ve got plenty of options. From cozy cabins and rustic lodges to modern hotels and luxury resorts, there’s something for everyone here! No matter what type of accommodation you’re looking for, rest assured that your base camp will be just as breathtaking as the park itself.

Camping is a great way to immerse yourself in nature while visiting Yosemite and there are several campsites available both within the valley and around its edges. For those who prefer more creature comforts, staying in one of the nearby towns like Mariposa or Oakhurst can offer easy access to all of the area’s natural attractions. Or if you’re up for an adventure, try renting out a cabin deep in the woods where no other lights but stars shine at night – now that’s true tranquility!

Whether you plan on spending a weekend or longer exploring this beautiful corner of California, make sure you book ahead of time so you don’t miss out on any magical moments during your stay. And don’t forget: when it comes to lodging near Yosemite National Park, the earlier you reserve your spot – especially during peak season –the better chance you have at getting exactly what suits your needs best!

TIP: To get closer to nature without sacrificing comfort and amenities, consider taking advantage of some of Yosemite Valley’s unique glamping spots – they provide a truly unforgettable experience with all sorts of luxurious extras like fire pits and outdoor showers!

Best Things To Do In Yosemite National Park

From hiking to horseback riding, the options for activities in Yosemite National Park are endless. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, there’s something here for everyone! Here’s our list of some of the best things to do while visiting this breathtaking corner of California:

Hiking is one of the most popular activities at Yosemite and with hundreds of trails ranging from easy to strenuous, it’s no wonder why. There are several short hikes available within the park that offer beautiful views and plenty of photo ops – perfect for families with young kids who don’t want to venture too far away. But if you’re up for more of a challenge, try tackling Half Dome or Clouds Rest which will reward your efforts with some unforgettable panoramas!

For those wanting a different perspective on Yosemite Valley, take a ride on one of its iconic horseback tours. Led by experienced wranglers, these guided rides can take visitors through some remote areas deep in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains where they’ll get up close and personal with wildlife like bighorn sheep and golden eagles. Plus since you’re cruising along atop a trusty steed, there’s no need to worry about exhausting yourself out on foot!

No matter how long your stay may be, make sure you carve out time to explore all that Yosemite has to offer – from majestic waterfalls and towering sequoia trees to stunning rock formations and awe-inspiring vistas. It truly is nature at its finest! And after days spent outdoors taking it all in, cap off your visit with a cozy evening around the fire roasting marshmallows under starry skies – now that’s what we call living life authentically free!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should i budget for a lake tahoe & yosemite road trip.

Planning a road trip and wondering how much you should budget? It’s the perfect time to head out on a Lake Tahoe & Yosemite adventure! But before you start packing your bags, let’s talk about what kind of cash you’ll need for this epic journey.

First things first: transportation costs. Depending on your starting point, renting a car or taking public transport will be cheaper than flying – especially if there are more than two people in your travel group. If you choose to rent a car, don’t forget to factor in gas and insurance, as well as toll fees along the way. Make sure to also think about accommodation expenses – hotel rooms can add up quickly. As an alternative, camping is always an option if you want to save some money but still have a great experience!

Then there are other costs associated with any road trip: food and activities. Eating out every day can get expensive – so it might be worth considering cooking meals while staying at campgrounds or hotels that offer kitchen facilities. And why not try something new? There’s plenty of fun activities such as hiking trails, sightseeing spots and local attractions that won’t put too big of a dent in your wallet either!

It all comes down to careful planning and smart choices when it comes to budgeting for this amazing road trip. Do some research beforehand and make sure you know where you’re going before hitting the open road – then enjoy yourself without worrying about breaking the bank!

What Are The Best Restaurants Near Lake Tahoe And Yosemite?

Planning a road trip from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite? You’re in luck! Not only is the drive incredibly scenic, but you can also find some great restaurants along the way. I’m here to help you plan out your perfect foodie adventure. Here are my top three picks for delicious eats near Lake Tahoe and Yosemite:

First up is PlumpJack Cafe in Squaw Valley, which offers an incredible variety of dishes like wild mushroom ravioli, truffle fries, and pan-seared salmon tacos. Plus, they have views that just can’t be beat! Second on my list is Fire Sign Café in South Lake Tahoe where you’ll get a taste of their wood-fired pizzas made with farm fresh ingredients as well as craft beers and cocktails. And finally, head to High Sierra Grillhouse in Oakhurst for hearty steaks and burgers perfectly paired with local wines.

When it comes to planning a road trip between two stunning destinations like these, why not make sure each stop includes something special? Whether you’re looking for a cozy cafe or want to enjoy some fine dining, there’s plenty of options available. So grab your keys and hit the open road –it promises to be an unforgettable experience!

Are There Any National Parks Near Lake Tahoe And Yosemite?

Are there any national parks near Lake Tahoe and Yosemite? It’s a great question, especially if you’re looking for the perfect road trip! You’ll find that both Lake Tahoe and Yosemite have an incredible selection of national parks nearby.

Let’s start with Lake Tahoe, which is located in California on the border between Nevada and California. Not too far away are two stunning National Parks – Sierra National Forest and Lassen Volcanic National Park. The former is full of breathtaking mountains, snow-covered peaks, deep valleys, alpine meadows, and high desert terrain; while the latter offers unique volcanic features such as boiling mudpots and steaming fumaroles. Both provide plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, camping, fishing and more.

Yosemite also boasts some amazing national parks close by. To name a few: Kings Canyon National Park (known for its majestic canyons), Sequoia National Park (home to giant sequoias) and Death Valley National Park (boasting vast sand dunes). Plus, there’s Mount Whitney – the tallest peak in the contiguous United States – just three hours from Yosemite’s entrance gate. With all these options at your fingertips it will be hard not to make this dream road trip come true!

No matter what kind of adventure you’re searching for during your road trip journey through Lake Tahoe or Yosemite – you won’t lack for exciting possibilities when it comes to nearby national parks!

Is It Possible To Rent A Car For A Lake Tahoe & Yosemite Road Trip?

Are you dreaming of the perfect road trip? It’s totally possible to rent a car and drive from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite. But what do you need to know before making this journey?

First things first, it’s important to check your rental company’s policies. Some companies may have restrictions on how far away from home you can take their vehicles. Make sure there won’t be any additional fees for taking the car out of state or further than originally agreed upon. Additionally, don’t forget about insurance coverage – if something happens along the way, make sure that you are protected financially.

Next up is planning your route and stops! There are several national parks near both Lake Tahoe and Yosemite which could make great pit-stops during your road trip adventure. Plus, with all of the amazing scenery between these two destinations, I’m sure you’ll want plenty of time for sightseeing too! You should also look into booking accommodation in advance as some places may become fully booked quickly due to high demand.

The key takeaway here is that a road trip between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite doesn’t have to just stay a dream – with a bit of research and preparation it can become reality! With careful planning and an eye on safety protocols, you can enjoy the freedom of hitting the open road while visiting some incredible locations along the way.

Are There Any Guided Tours Of Lake Tahoe And Yosemite?

Have you ever dreamed of visiting the beautiful natural wonders of Lake Tahoe and Yosemite? If so, have you considered taking a guided tour to experience it all first-hand? Guided tours are an excellent way to get up close and personal with some of the most incredible sights in nature.

If you’re looking for a professional guide who can show you around these majestic places, there are plenty of options available. You can find companies that specialize in guided tours of both Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, as well as ones that offer multi-day trips with transportation from one destination to another. Many tour operators also provide activities such as kayaking or horseback riding, allowing visitors to explore every aspect of their chosen destinations. Your guide will be able to give you detailed information about each site’s history and ecology, making your trip even more memorable.

On top of all this, many tour operators offer discounts on group bookings, so if you’ve got friends or family members interested in joining you on your adventure then it could prove cost effective too! So why not consider taking a guided tour for your next vacation – it might just be the best decision you make this year!

Embark on an incredible journey from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite and back, immersing yourself in the stunning scenery and diverse experiences that California has to offer.

Begin your adventure by exploring some of the most breathtaking spots in Lake Tahoe, such as Kings Beach, perfect for soaking up the sun, and Emerald Bay, where you can glide along the water on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Don’t miss out on the vibrant South Lake Tahoe, home to a plethora of excellent restaurants and shops.

Next, take a leisurely drive to Jackson, a charming town nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Take some time to stretch your legs and explore the fantastic local shops and restaurants.

The next stop is the historic town of Angels Camp, named after the gold-bearing Angels Creek that drew thousands of prospectors during the Gold Rush era, making it one of California’s largest mining towns.

Travel just 30 minutes from Angels Camp to Big Trees State Park, part of the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. It boasts three groves of giant sequoia trees, including the awe-inspiring “Empire State Tree,” one of the largest sequoias in the world.

Finally, arrive at the breathtaking Yosemite National Park, one of the most stunning national parks in the world. Explore the park’s beauty through various activities such as hiking, rock climbing, or simply enjoying the serene landscape.

If time allows, consider adding Sequoia National Park to your itinerary located in the southern Sierra Nevada, east of Visalia. Here you can witness a variety of giant sequoia trees, along with other flora and fauna. Additionally, there are hiking trails, camping sites, and stunning viewpoints to take in.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite and beyond.

Congratulations on planning your road trip to explore California’s stunning Lake Tahoe and Yosemite regions! Here are some extra tips to make your trip even more enjoyable:

• The Tioga Road is the most scenic route to take from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe. It is a winding mountain road that offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada.
• Make sure to spend at least two days in Yosemite National Park to appreciate its beauty and explore its many hiking trails fully.
• If you have the time, visit Mono Lake after Yosemite. It is a unique and beautiful natural wonder, with towering tufa formations rising from its calm waters.
• Remember to gas up before entering any national parks, as there are no gas stations inside the park boundaries.
• Lastly, be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks for your journey, as some areas may be remote with limited options for food and drink.

If you’re not keen on driving, there are also excellent tour companies that offer day trips or multi-day tours from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite. We recommend the Small-Group Day Trip to Yosemite from Lake Tahoe, which offers guided tours of the park’s scenic highlights, including visits to iconic landmarks such as Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls, and a delicious picnic lunch by Cascade Falls.

Capture unforgettable memories of the park’s soaring rock walls, spot rock climbers scaling the face of El Capitan, and take in the timeless beauty of California’s High Sierra mountains.

The Lake Tahoe to Yosemite road trip is a must-do for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a first timer, this exciting journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes in North America promises to be memorable and rewarding.

To make your experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, it’s important to budget accordingly, research restaurants, plan out national parks visits, book car rentals ahead of time and consider guided tours if available. With all these pieces in place, we can guarantee that your road trip will be full of adventure and breathtaking moments that you won’t soon forget.

So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with snacks and supplies and start planning your perfect Lake Tahoe to Yosemite Road Trip today! You’ll have memories that will last a lifetime – so get ready for the ultimate adventure!

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10-Day California Road Trip Itinerary With Scenic Stops

• Planning a road trip through California requires accounting for its size and allowing enough time for both driving and enjoying each stop.
• Los Angeles is an accessible place to start a road trip with plenty of scenic areas to explore, such as Malibu Creek State Park and downtown LA.
• Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit on a 10-day California road trip, offering unique desert landscapes and opportunities for hiking and scenic driving.

California is one of the most beautiful and varied states in the US. Given its size and variety of attractions, it’s no wonder road trips are a popular way to explore the state. Indeed, there are a number of scenic road trips through California that explore every corner of the various landscapes.

The hardest part of planning a road trip through California is accounting for its size. Drivers need to allow enough time to navigate the coastal and mountain roads while also leaving enough time to actually enjoy each stop.

While a 10-day road trip through California may seem like ample time, those hoping to really explore their stops will have to pick and choose where they go. With such long distances to explore, this 10-day California road trip itinerary has balanced driving time with exploration. By sacrificing some of the more extreme driving distances to the north and south, this California road trip itinerary has four days without point-to-point driving, allowing travelers plenty of time to hike, take scenic drives, or explore spontaneous side trips.

Those with more time on their hands may consider starting further south in San Diego or moving further north past San Francisco to Redwood National and State Parks near Humboldt.

Related: 10 Scenic Road Trips In California And Their Best Stops

Day 1: Los Angeles

No driving, downtown sites and activities, nearby beaches and state parks.

Los Angeles is one of the most accessible places to start a road trip through California. Home to several major airports and a variety of places to stay, Los Angeles makes an ideal entry point to the rest of the state.

Despite being known for its major traffic jams and miles of concrete jungle, Los Angeles and the surrounding area is also a surprisingly scenic place to spend the first day of a California road trip. Long Beach, Malibu, and a variety of state parks within half an hour of downtown LA prove that even in Los Angeles County, there are a number of scenic areas to be one with nature .

Whether exploring the former M*A*S*H film site at Malibu Creek State Park near LA , or walking the downtown streets in the city itself, there is plenty of scenery to enjoy before even officially hitting the road.

• Driving Distance: 0 miles
• Straight-through Drive Time: 0 hours
• Scenic Things to Enjoy in and around Los Angeles: Malibu, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Malibu Creek State Park, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Scenic Hikes, Hollywood Sign

Malibu Creek State Park’s fees are determined by how long visitors intend to stay. Free to visit on foot, parking at Malibu Creek State Park costs $12 for a full-day parking pass , with cheaper options for one- and two-hour stays.

Day 2: Joshua Tree National Park

Distance: 131 miles, desert scenery, and night sky stargazing.

One of the challenges of planning a California road trip is trying to explore the wide variety of landscapes in this oversized state. While not every national park can fit in a 10-day California road trip, Joshua Tree National Park, which has plenty of activities to fill a full day’s itinerary, is a must.

Home to a number of ancient Joshua trees and a one-of-a-kind desert landscape, Joshua Tree National Park , which costs $30 per private vehicle , is perfect for hiking, biking, or even more scenic driving.

On day two of the 10-day California road trip, travelers can either spend the night near Joshua Tree ( which makes it easy to enjoy the night sky at Sky’s The Limit Observatory And Nature Center ) or get a head start on the next leg of the journey, as the drive to Big Sur is the longest driving day on the road trip.

• Driving Distance: ~131 miles
• Straight-through Drive Time: ~ 2.25 hours
• Scenic Things to Enjoy in Joshua Tree National Park: Scenic Desert Landscapes, Joshua Trees, Wildlife Watching, Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Hiking Trails , Dark Sky Stargazing

Looking to cut down on the 8-hour drive coming the next day? Leaving Joshua Tree National Park for Bakersfield or Santa Clarita cuts two to three hours off the upcoming drive and points drivers toward Highway 1.

Day 3: On The Road To Big Sur/Carmel Valley

Distance: 475 miles. drive the pacific coast highway for historic landmarks and ocean views.

Road trips are one of the best ways to see a variety of highlights in one vacation, but they do require plenty of time on the road to make a reality. With a state as big as California, at least one day of driving is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be a beautiful day.

One of the best ways to turn the drive from Joshua Tree National Park to Big Sur into a scenic day is to head towards the coast and connect with the famous Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). Taking CA-58 W to I-5 N, drivers can steadily move towards the coast while still making their way towards Big Sur. Connecting to Highway 46 W, drivers connect to Highway 1 just north of San Luis Obispo.

The Pacific Coast Highway is a scenic “stop” in and of itself, but additional detours can make this day on the road even better. Popular stops like Hearst Castle , which is open from 8 am to 6 pm every day and costs from $30 per person per tour , are right off the highway, and a guided castle walk may prove the perfect break in a long day on the road.

• Driving Distance: ~475 miles
• Straight-through Drive Time: ~ 8 hours
• Scenic Things to Enjoy on the Road to Big Sur: Pacific Coast Highway, Hearst Castle, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Slates Hot Springs , Pacific Ocean Views and Overlooks

Day 4: Big Sur, Carmel Valley, And Monterey

No driving, explore scenic beaches, state and national parks, and spot unique wildlife.

No scenic California road trip is complete without a little time taking in the ocean views. Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea are some of the most popular beachfront areas, with rocky coastline and sandy beaches all in one place.

There are a number of scenic hikes in Big Sur , and just 40 minutes away, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a variety of coastal activities to enjoy as well. Of course, Monterey and the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium (which costs $59.95 per adult ) neighbors Big Sur as well, providing a scenic and educational experience on the California road trip route.

If these beachfront destinations somehow aren’t enough to fill the full day, Pinnacles National Park lies just an hour inland and offers a chance to see a number of rare animals, including the California Condor. After a full day on the road, a day in and around Big Sur is undoubtedly one of the most scenic parts of a California road trip.

• Driving Distance: 141 miles
• Straight-through Drive Time: ~2.5 hours
• Scenic Things to Enjoy in and around Big Sur: Big Sur beaches, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pfeiffer Beach State Park , Pinnacles National Park, Public Beaches around Big Sur

Pinnacles National Park has a $ 30-per-vehicle entrance fee .

Related: 10 Affordable Resorts & Hotels That Offer Scenic Views In Carmel-By-The-Sea, California

Day 5: San Francisco

Distance: 141 miles. enjoy the port city experience and visit scenic, historic islands.

Moving further up the coastal side of the Golden State, adventurers on a California road trip will find their next major stop in San Francisco. A true must-see stop on a cross-country road trip , San Francisco is as exciting as it is scenic.

In San Francisco itself, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 49 are considered some of the most popular attractions, as is the iconic and walkable Golden Gate Bridge. Meanwhile, the Pacific Ocean surrounds even more unique attractions to enjoy near San Francisco. Those who plan ahead can enjoy a boat tour around the infamous Alcatraz Island or even set foot on the famed prison grounds themselves.

Just outside the city, Muir Woods National Monument provides a scenic alternative to the busy city streets, with a variety of hiking trails and quiet picnic areas in the redwood forest. In the forests or on the downtown streets, there is no doubt that San Francisco is a scenic place to spend the day on a California road trip.

• Scenic Things to Enjoy in San Francisco: Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 49, Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, Chinatown, Scenic San Francisco Hiking Trails , Golden Gate Bridge

Muir Wood National Monument has a $15 per person entrance fee .

Day 6: South Lake Tahoe

Distance: 188 miles. drive through the mountains and enjoy the mountain lake.

Leaving the coastal towns and ocean views, the 10-day California road trip moves inland for a change of scenery. Leaving the sandy beaches behind, the journey moves towards the Sierra Nevadas, home of towering granite structures and miles of pine forests.

One of the most popular and scenic parts of the Sierra Nevadas is Lake Tahoe, the cleanest lake in California and an exceptional year-round road trip stop. Many visitors planning to stay the night set up camp (or book a hotel) in South Lake Tahoe, the biggest city near the lake on the California side.

Driving from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe may seem straightforward on paper, but the actual driving can be a little more complicated. Despite being less than 200 miles, the intense mountain drive and variable traffic patterns mean that drive time varies widely, taking anywhere from three to five hours.

After spending the first half of the day on the road, California road trip travelers can dip their feet into the water at one of the free public beaches around Tahoe . With another day in the mountains ahead, there is still plenty of time to make the most out of this road trip stop.

• Driving Distance: 188 miles
• Straight-through Drive Time: ~3.5 hours
• Scenic Things to Enjoy in South Lake Tahoe (Day 1): Public Lake Beaches, Lake-side scenic walkways, Downtown South Lake Tahoe

Only interested in spending one day in Lake Tahoe? Consider stopping in Napa Valley from San Francisco instead of going straight to Tahoe. Just an hour north of San Francisco, Napa Valley is the heart of California’s wine country and an exceptionally scenic place to spend a day. Road trip travelers can then leave from Napa for a single-day outing at Lake Tahoe.

Day 7: Lake Tahoe

No driving, exploring hiking trails, nearby angora lakes, and spending time on the water.

After two days in a row of heavy driving, travelers on a 10-day California road trip may find themselves needing a break from the car. Thankfully, Lake Tahoe has plenty of activities to entertain for a full day, even for those who started their adventures the afternoon before.

The second day in Lake Tahoe is the perfect chance to truly explore this scenic part of the Sierra Nevadas. Numerous Lake Tahoe hikes with scenic views exist for every skill level, while the rustic yet modern town of South Lake Tahoe is perfect for wandering.

Nearby, the Angora Lakes offer plenty of reasons to visit for those wanting a quieter day on the water. Even those just hoping to spend a second day on the water itself, either by swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or boating, will find plenty of ways to spend the day at this scenic California road trip stop.

• Straight-through Drive Time: None
• Scenic Things to Enjoy in and around Lake Tahoe (Day 2): Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails, Angora Lakes, Emerald Bay State Park, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Boating, Fishing, Sand Harbor

Day 8: Yosemite National Park

Distance: 180 miles. spot iconic natural landmarks like firefall and glacier point.

On the road again, and this time headed for the most visited national park in California. Yosemite National Park is the poster child for scenic California, with sprawling evergreen forests, unusual granite formations, and even a fire waterfall (one of the best waterfalls in Yosemite !).

At nearly 750,000 acres, most of which is true wilderness, Yosemite requires at least a day and a half to fully explore. Getting to Yosemite National Park can be a challenge and another example of mountain roads elongating a deceptively short drive.

The drive from South Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park will take a minimum of four hours to safely do. Fortunately, the drive is almost as scenic as the destination and provides plenty of chances to turn off and simply take in the grand nature of the Sierra Nevadas of California.

• Driving Distance: 180 miles
• Straight-through Drive Time: ~4 hours
• Scenic Things to Enjoy in Yosemite National Park (Day 1): Tunnel View, Bridal Veil Falls, Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls, Wildlife Watching, Birding

Yosemite National Park charges $35 per private vehicle entering the park. This entrance fee is good for up to seven days after purchase, covering both days of this road trip itinerary.

Day 9: Yosemite National Park

No driving. enjoy hiking trails, horseback riding, and more scenic views.

Yosemite is a grand destination with a number of activities, including various Yosemite National Park scenic hikes , charming driving routes, and wildlife-watching areas. Guests can opt to either stay in the park itself or at one of the nearby hotels and lodges.

In addition to the scenic hikes and drives, those with a full day to spend in Yosemite National Park can take advantage of additional activities offered through the National Park Service , including guided tours and horseback riding outings.

Lucky visitors who have planned ahead can also participate in the permit-only hike in Yosemite, the Half Dome day hike , which has multiple route options, all of which are classified as strenuous. A 10- to 12-hour adventure straight up the granite formation, this hike is one of the most unique ways to spend the day at this scenic California road trip stop.

• Scenic Things to Enjoy in Yosemite National Park (Day 2): Half Dome, El Capitan, Scenic Hiking Trails, The Yosemite Firefall, Wildlife Watching, Backpacking Trails

Worried about drive time? Visitors looking to maximize the time of their last day of the California road trip in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks can start their Yosemite activities early and then do the drive to the next stop that night. This way, travelers can spend their entire last day at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Day 10: Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks

Distance: 138 miles. visit two national parks, views of river gorges, mountain lakes, & giant redwoods.

All good things must come to an end, but that doesn’t mean they can’t end with a bang. The last day of the 10-day California road trip takes travelers through the Valley of the Giants. Neighboring Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park are home to not just the largest trees in the state but the largest trees in the entire world (by weight).

The 47-mile Sequoia Scenic Drive is one of the best ways to visit the highlights of these national parks in a short time frame. Visiting General Sherman himself, as well as stunning views of Kings Canyon, mountain lakes, and various other giant sequoias, this byway is the perfect scenic spot to wrap up a California road trip.

• Driving Distance: 138 miles
• Straight-through Drive Time: ~2 hours 45 minutes
• Scenic Things to Enjoy in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: General Sherman, Giant Sequoias, Kings Canyon, Rae Lakes, Sequoia Scenic Road

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are frequently grouped together, and this is also true for their entrance fee. The $35 private vehicle entrance fee gets visitors into both Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park for seven days.