The reason you’re visiting might be Yosemite National Park but don’t rush to get inside the park. Plan your trip so that you can immerse yourself in all the culture that exists here. Besides the beauty inside Yosemite Valley, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the deep history of the Gold Rush, sample renowned wines, and even get a dash of Hollywood with this SF to Yosemite itinerary.
Be aware that if you visit Yosemite National Park during peak times, a reservation maybe required. Visit the National Park Service’s website for more details.
Day 1: Arrive
Start the trip off right by visiting what Frommer’s Travel Guides has designated as “One of the Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America” – Murphys California. After a long flight, get an in-house massage or better yet indulge a little by sampling Calaveras’ renowned wines while wandering the tree-lined Main Street of Murphys where a variety of tempting restaurants await.
Day 2: Gold Panning, Wine Sipping, & Giant Trees
Rather than rushing into the park, consider spending the day exploring Calaveras County’s rich Gold Rush history. Swing by the Angels Camp Museum and explore the charming historic downtown, perfect for a leisurely stroll among unique shops and galleries. Continue to the old mining town of Murphys and explore the Ironstone Heritage Museum, home to the largest gold leaf specimen ever found—weighing a whopping 44 pounds. Don’t miss the chance to tour Moaning or Mercer Caverns, each offering a unique underground world of ancient stalagmites and stalactites.
Where the Giant Sequoias Were Discovered
For a scenic journey, head up the Highway 4 corridor to Big Trees State Park, where the majestic Giant Sequoias were first discovered. The easy one-hour walk along the North Grove trail provides an unforgettable experience that photos simply can’t capture.
Day 3: A Dash of Hollywood And History
It’s time to head south to the historic town of Columbia and Columbia State Historic Park. Here, you can ride an authentic stagecoach, pan for gold, or swagger into an 1856 saloon called the St. Charles. Inside the watering hole, sip sarsaparilla and enjoy the locals’ favorite pizza. Also, stroll by several buildings and homes that have been movie sets in numerous Western movies and television shows. Then, head further south to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. At Railtown, history comes to life with vintage steam trains, a working roundhouse, movie props, and park tours. Known as “The Movie Railroad,” Railtown and its trains have been featured in hundreds of movies and TV shows, such as Back to the Future Part III.
Movie Star Lodging and Dining
Spend the night nearby at the newly renovated Sonora Inn, the home-away-from-home for movie stars such as Grace Kelly and Drew Barrymore while they filmed in Tuolumne County. The historic hotel provides modern comfort and amenities in the heart of Downtown Sonora. There are plenty of dining options and shopping temptations within walking distance. The Armory, just a block away offers a perfectly-curated and seasonal menu along with beer, wine, and hand-crafted cocktails.
Day 4: See the Crown of Yosemite
Begin your journey into Yosemite by heading up Highway 120, which ascends Priest Grade to Groveland and the historic 1852 Iron Door Saloon, one of California’s oldest watering holes. Walk around town, and step into the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum for a look into the area’s diverse past. From there, enter Yosemite via the Big Oak Flat station. If time allows visit two lesser-known Giant Sequoia groves and walk among the magnificent trees in the Merced and Tuolumne groves.
Wildflowers in the High Country
Continue following the scenic byway of Highway 120 (Tioga Road) up into the high country. Be sure to stop at Olmsted Point, a dramatic vista offering a unique perspective of Yosemite Valley and the backside of Half Dome. Once you’ve taken in the views, continue your ascent into what John Muir affectionately called the “Crown of Yosemite.” Here, you’ll find some of the highest mountains and most rugged terrain in the park, including the iconic summit of Cathedral Peak. Be sure to pack a lunch and enjoy the Instagram worthy waters and scenery surrounding Tenaya Lake. Due to its high elevation, the blooming wildflowers in these alpine meadows can happen as late as August.
A Jewel Box of the Sierra
Spend the night in the town of Mariposa, a jewel box of the Sierra lined with antique and boutique shops, foodie-fired restaurants, tasting rooms, convivial bars, and art galleries. Mariposa also offers the greatest selection of vacation accommodations in Yosemite Mariposa County.
Day 5: Heart of the Park
As the day begins, head early into the heart of Yosemite Valley. The waterfalls, granite cliffs, and expansive meadows that define Yosemite Valley give Yosemite National Park its worldwide acclaim. Prepare to be awestruck!
Falls, Hikes, and Bikes
For an easy hike with a big reward, visit the base of Bridalveil Fall. For the more adventurous, consider the full-day, 7.5-mile hike to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall. Alternatively, you can rent a bike and glide along the 13-mile paved Valley Loop Trail, which hugs the base of Yosemite Valley’s granite walls.
Yosemite’s Photographer
Break for lunch at one of the cafes or restaurants in Curry Village. Afterward, continue taking in the Valley’s splendor or, if you need a bit of rest or are looking for a unique gift, stop by the Ansel Adams Gallery. No one has captured Yosemite’s beauty more than this famed photographer.
As you leave the valley, stop at Tunnel View for a breathtaking panorama featuring El Capitan, Half Dome, Clouds’ Rest, and Bridalveil Fall. Continue your journey through the Wawona Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in California.
As you exit via the Southern Gate, decide whether to spend the night at what has been nicknamed the “Mini Lake Tahoe” – Bass Lake, or base yourself in the quaint town of Oakhurst.
S’more Views
For dinner, The Elderberry House stands as the crown jewel of fine dining in the Yosemite Region. For incredible food paired with breathtaking views and lakeside ambiance, Ducey’s on the Lake is a must. End your evening with after-dinner s’mores around their cozy lakeside fire rings, creating unforgettable memories.
Day 6: Wawona & Mariposa Grove
Today’s journey takes you back in time to experience what it was like for the first tourists visiting Yosemite in the mid-19th century in Wawona. On your way back into the park, start with an early morning trail ride via horseback to get yourself into the mood at Yosemite Trails. Ascend into the park and feast your eyes on the Wawona Covered Bridge, which was the only way into the park from 1857 until 1937. Then walk through a collection of historic buildings that’s part of the Yosemite Historic Center, including the Wells Fargo Office where stagecoaches used to stop. For a slice of nature, enjoy the rolling 3.6-mile Wawona Meadow Loop to catch wildflowers under a tall forest canopy.
Dine Like It’s 1899
Have lunch in a Victorian-era setting inside the historic Wawona Hotel Dining Room. Afterward, visit one of Yosemite’s most awe-inspiring attractions: the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Here, you will discover more than 500 mature giant sequoia trees, some over 3,000 years old and among the oldest living things on Earth.
Lumberjacks and Western Sing-Alongs
Then finish the SF to Yosemite itinerary strong with a historic adventure on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. The 4-mile railroad excursion can be extended into the evening with the Moonlight Special BBQ dinner program. Enjoy a starlit sing-along by the campfire, savoring the ambiance of a bygone era.
A Foodie Alternative
Feeling a bit exhausted and want to slow it down? In Oakhurst, you can experience “The Toast of Oakhurst.” Start with delicious pub grub at South Gate Brewing Company. Enjoy farm-to-fork delights at Idle Hour Winery and Kitchen, and top it off with a nightcap at Oakhurst Spirits , the only distillery in the Yosemite area.
Day 7: Leave
Depending on the timing of your flight from SF, you can extend your adventure with a few hidden gems along the way. Visit the Fossil Discovery Center to see one of the largest collections of fossils in California, along with other intriguing artifacts. Explore the oldest wine region in the state on the Madera Wine Trail. If time allows to extend your trip, consider taking the Majestic Mountain Loop, where you can explore all three national parks: Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite!
Author: Alex Silgalis
Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.
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