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Planning a San Francisco to Yosemite road trip isn’t something that people usually give a lot of thought to. As two of the most famous locations in California, you’ve likely spent a lot of time researching what to do while you’re actually in San Francisco and Yosemite National Park. But what about the time in between?
Sure, it’s a fairly quick drive that could be knocked out in an afternoon, but if you’re willing to make a longer day out of it, there’s plenty to do and see along the road. From Bay Area shopping to valley wineries to historic landmarks to gold rush towns, the drive is littered with worthwhile detours.
Check out our favorite stops and make the most of your road trip.
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Planning a San Francisco to Yosemite Drive
The drive from San Francisco is fairly easy and the roads are well cared for. You’ll start off driving through the East Bay, so be prepared for lots of traffic. In fact, if at all possible, avoid leaving during commute hours as traffic around the area gets really bad between 8-10 AM and 4-6 PM.
When you get about two hours in, you’ll hit some winding mountain roads that take you into Yosemite, but they are well-paved and easy to navigate so long as you don’t hit the gas too hard.
Speaking of gas—there’s about an hour stretch between Oakdale and Groveland that doesn’t have any gas stations. But as long as you plan for that, you’ll be good to go.
The most direct route from San Francisco is taking I-80 E out of the city to I-580 E to CA-120 E, which leads directly to the Big Oak Flat Entrance on the western side of Yosemite.
That said, if you want to hit all the stops in this guide, the best route from San Francisco to Yosemite is to take US-101 North to get out of the city, then connect with I-580 E and onwards to CA-120 E.
If you need to rent a car for this trip you can browse Rentalcars.com which aggregates prices across a number of car rental companies. Alternatively, it is also possible to rent an RV or campervan from Outdoorsy.
How Far is San Francisco to Yosemite?
The distance on the drive to Yosemite from San Francisco is about 170 miles and 3.5 hours driving time if you take the I-80 E out of the city. If you take the US-101, the total distance will be around 200 miles and 4 hours of driving.
With the drive being as short as it is (at least, in California terms, where we don’t call a drive long until it’s over 5 hours — the LA to Yosemite drive is much longer!) it could easily be done in one go. However, there’s so much to see along the way, I recommend leaving early and making a whole day (or even two days!) out of your road trip.
Best San Francisco to Yosemite Road Trip Stops
Mill Valley Public Library
Perhaps a strange addition to your San Francisco to Yosemite drive, believe me when I say this is not your everyday library. Adding this to your route will take you a few miles north, but it’s worth the detour. Plus, it’ll line you up for the next location on our list.
The Mill Valley Public Library is a library, yes, but it’s so much more than that. The towering architecture and cozy fireplace are gorgeous in their own right, but the real attraction is the deck surrounded by California’s famous redwoods.
There aren’t many places where you visit a redwood grove in California without paying park entry fees, and the chance to do so in a spot as peaceful and removed as the Mill Valley Public Library is a truly spectacular experience.
Whether you spend a few hours here reading and resting up before your long drive, or just soak up the sun on the deck, this is a great way to get up close and personal with trees older than the state itself.
Berkeley
As you head off on your road trip, you’ll head just south of one of the East Bay’s main attractions: Berkeley, CA. Berkeley is a beloved college town known for its Northern California hippie aesthetic and dedication to all things bohemian.
If you don’t have a chance while you’re in SF to do a full-day trip to Berkeley, it’s worth at least stopping by on your way out. Telegraph Ave. is littered with thrift stores, used book stores, a local game store, bars, cafes, and of course, home to Berkeley’s famous ice cream sandwich shop, CREAM.
Start at the intersection of Telegraph Ave. and Bancroft Way and just walk south until you’ve seen (and shopped) enough!
Lake Chabot Regional Park
A favorite of Bay Area natives, Lake Chabot Regional Park is a beautiful place to enjoy some hiking, swimming, and general lake activities on your way east.
There is a small parking fee per vehicle and, once parked, you can take your time enjoying the beauty of the lake and hike on a scenic trail in the surrounding greenery. If you’re planning a longer visit, you can sign up for the Lake Day Tour, the guided kayak tour, or even charter a boat!
Alternatively, pack yourself a picnic and just enjoy some fresh air alongside a stunning 315-acre reservoir to break up your drive.
San Francisco Premium Outlets
For a very different Californian experience, either instead of or in addition to your Lake Chabot visit, head over to the San Francisco Premium Outlets. Strangely named, as they are actually located in Livermore, CA, these outlets offer San Francisco shopping at a fraction of the price.
With far too many outlet stores to list here, you can find everything from Adidas to Gucci to Yankee Candle. This outdoor outlet mall is a great way to get any of the styles you saw in San Francisco without having to spend your entire vacation budget.
Plus, there are tons of restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat or stock up on snacks for your drive.
Livermore Wine Region
While Napa and Sonoma are famous for their Californian wines, Livermore has slowly been growing in popularity for those interested in equally delicious wines without the crowds of the more famous locales. If you haven’t had a chance to revel in the California wine tasting experience, stop by Livermore’s wine region on your way out.
Wente Vineyards is a personal favorite where you can not only enjoy a delicious tasting, but can check out their 18-hole golf course. There is a standard wine tasting, but if you’re looking for something more luxurious, they offer a food and wine pairing tasting, a reserve tasting, and a library tasting.
Reservations are not required, but highly encouraged to ensure you get a seat.
Sons Farm Fresh Fruit Stand
After Livermore, the drive to Yosemite gets a little… well, I’ll be honest: boring. Any drive through Central California tends to be lacklustre, especially compared to the coastal cities you’re leaving and the stunning National Park you’re driving towards.
That said, there is one undeniable perk to Central California: the fruit stands. There are few other states in America that can boast nearly year-round access to fresh berries, mouth-watering peaches, and true California-grown avocados.
As you pass through Oakdale on your San Francisco to Yosemite road trip, make sure to stop at Sons Farm Fresh Fruit Stand to fill up on delicious, locally grown, California produce.
Columbia State Historic Park
In the last hour of your drive, take a small detour north of the town of Merced to visit Columbia State Historic Park for a snapshot of Gold Rush-era California. What Colonial Williamsburg is to the East Coast, Columbia State Historic Park is to California.
The entire town is built to model what 1850s architecture looked like and all the staff double as re-enactment actors so when you step on site, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the days of the California Gold Rush.
In addition to learning a healthy dose of local state history, you’ll be able to peruse museums, shop at historic-themed stores, pan for gold, or even make your own candles. The best part? Entry to the park is entirely free!
Priest Station Café
Just before you head up the mountain and into Yosemite Valley and the National Park, stop in Big Oak Flat for a bite to eat at Priest Station Café. Deceptively close to the highway, this restaurant might not look like much, but it serves absolutely delicious food and provides an unreal view of the rolling hills leading into Yosemite.
If you time it right, the deck offers an unbeatable sunset viewing opportunity. In addition to killer food and stunning views, Priest Station Café has a rich history deeply connected to the growth and development of Yosemite National Park as it originated as a miner’s supply store owned and operated by the wife of Yosemite’s first park commissioner in 1853.
Iron Door Saloon
Just 30 minutes before you arrive in Yosemite you’ll pass through the small, historic town of Groveland, CA. The town is pretty small without all that much to offer, but it is home to some truly historic California landmarks, including Iron Door Saloon.
Built in 1852, the Iron Door Saloon is the only historic building in the country built out of granite, as opposed to the more common construction material of the time, slate. In addition to simultaneously serving as the county’s post office from 1863-1880, the Iron Door Saloon (then called Granite Store) is the oldest continuously operating saloon in California.
Not only can you get a drink here, but you can trace bullet holes from centuries past, peruse antique gold mining equipment, and check out photos of the famous John Muir enjoying the area.
Where to Stay Near Yosemite National Park
When going on a road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite, you’re going to need to find a great place to stay near the Park entrance. If you’re looking for a suitable accommodation option in, make sure to have a look at these suggestions:
Little Valley Inn – Situated in the town of Mariposa within spitting distance of the park entrance, this lovely inn is the perfect place to base yourself when exploring this iconic national park. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available and there is also a hearty buffet breakfast on offer each morning.
Mariposa Lodge – Another well-reviewed accommodation option located in Mariposa, this lodge makes for a perfect base for exploring Yosemite National Park. They have countless lovely rooms available, an on-site swimming pool and they even allow pets.
Private Rental – Finding a private vacation rental is another fantastic accommodation option in Yosemite. There are a number of fantastic options available – like this cosy hilltop cabin – you’re sure to find something that suits your travel style and needs.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Yosemite hotels!
After Groveland, it’s just half an hour before you hit the Big Oak Flat Entrance and your San Francisco to Yosemite road trip is complete! As you can see, there are lots of things to do between San Francisco and Yosemite and it’s worth taking your time to enjoy some of them!
Are you planning to drive to Yosemite National Park? Have any questions about this road trip? Let us know in the comments!
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