San Francisco to Yosemite: Best Road Trip Ideas

The best way to get from San Francisco to Yosemite is by car. The drive takes about four hours, depending on traffic, and passes through some of California’s most beautiful scenery. Once you arrive in Yosemite, you’ll be able to explore all that the park has to offer, from hiking and camping to sightseeing and photography. There are lots of things to do in Yosemite. The best time to visit Yosemite is when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, no matter what time of year, you’re sure to have an incredible experience. So start planning your road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite today!

Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular road trip destinations in the United States. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, the park is renowned for its dramatic landscape. You will see towering cliffs, pristine waterfalls, and giant sequoia trees. Although there are many ways to get to Yosemite, the best road trip from San Francisco is definitely the most scenic. The journey takes you through some of California’s most beautiful countryside. The distance from San Francisco to Yosemite is just under 200 miles. So whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled Yosemite road trip or a leisurely drive through stunning scenery, the journey to Yosemite from San Francisco is sure to please.

How Far is Yosemite from San Francisco?

You’ve enjoyed all the Bay Area sites such as downtown San Francisco’s Union Square and the Golden Gate Bridge. Now it’s time to see more of California! Why not enjoy one of the most beautiful national parks in North America?

Yosemite National Park is one of the nine national parks in California. From San Francisco, your travel time is just under 4 hours. The 167 miles start by taking 580 East to the 205. Keep going east to take the most direct route on Hwy 120. If you want to get to the national park in the quickest amount of time, this is the best route. You will enter the park through the Big Oak Flat entrance.

Yosemite is EV-friendly as well. You will find electric vehicle charging stations in the gateway towns as well as in the park itself at the Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge, and the Yosemite Village Store. 

The Most Scenic Route From San Francisco to Yosemite

While some may want the fastest way, you may want to enjoy all the beautiful scenery that California has to offer.

The beautiful vistas don’t have to wait until El Capitan, giant Sequoia groves, Half Dome, or Yosemite’s famous Bridalveil Fall tunnel view. Take the more scenic route on this road trip by turning onto 99 South from 205. This route takes you through Modesto to Merced to Hwy 140. Here you’ll be able to travel through Mariposa to Yosemite National Park.

Taking the time to research which route provides you with the most site-seeing opportunities is worth the effort. You can stop to explore an old mining town or parallel the Merced River while enjoying beautiful views. Traveling from Hwy 140 you’ll enter the park through the Arch Rock entrance.

San Francisco to Yosemite Bus

If you are looking for public transportation travel options check out the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System, or YARTS. This bus service will pick up passengers from locations on Hwy 120, Hwy 140, Hwy 395, and 41 to take you up to Yosemite. Check the website linked above to get the updated bus trip routes and rates.

This may not be the fastest route. But if you are traveling solo it allows you to step out of the driver’s seat. You can feast your eyes on a scenic route that will be a beautiful part of your Yosemite trip. The additional cost may be worth it if it means you can enjoy the best views. Check current road conditions before choosing your route as only the Merced-based route is labeled as open year-round and still there are winter limitations.

The YARTS bus service routes are as follows:

• Merced – Hwy 140 with connections from the Merced regional airport and stops at Mariposa and El Portal
• Fresno – Hwy 41 with connections from Fresno Yosemite International Airport and stops at Tenaya Lodge, Fish Camp, and Wawona
• Mammoth Lakes – Hwy 120/395 with connections from Mammoth Lakes Airport and stops at Tuolumne Meadows
• Sonora – Hwy 120 with stops in Jamestown and Buck Meadows

Things to Do

This road trip isn’t just all about how to get to the destination. We encourage you to extend your itinerary, stop frequently, and explore all that California has to offer. If you’re looking for a great place to have a fantastic lunch, stretch your legs in the central California city of Modesto. Enjoy a great meal at any one of the highly-rated restaurants. Or stay the night to catch a show at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Ticket prices vary depending on the event so be sure to check out the website ahead of time.

Whichever route you take to Yosemite there’s no end to the numerous opportunities to indulge in California’s history, outdoor activities, and wonderful views.

• Heading up Hwy 120 stop at the Cowboy Museum in Oakdale then grab lunch at the Lucky Buck Cafe in Groveland just an hour away
• Take a hike in the Emigrant Wilderness
• Relive the Gold Rush just a few miles from Sonora off Hwy 49 at Columbia State Historic Park
• Treat yourself to an adult beverage at the Indigeny Reserve
• Enjoy Pinecrest Lake
• Get a taste of history at Jamestown Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
• Traveling up Hwy 140 educate yourself at the Mariposa Museum

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Road Trip

Keep in mind that planning for emergencies might seem a morbid thing to do, but it’s a good idea. These tips help you feel prepared for any challenges that could come your way while driving. With your own vehicle or a rental car, do the following to give your trip the highest chance of success:

• Check your car’s tires, fluids and always start out with a full tank or charge
• Pack a first aid kit, battery cables, flares, blankets, simple snacks, and water
• Make reservations at your destination for dining and lodging
• Download your Google Maps route or GPS directions to your phone in case there is a loss of signal

Where to stay

Lodging options are plentiful in and around Yosemite. To get the most out of your experience consider staying in the park at one of these locations:

• The Ahwahnee Hotel – $500 – $600 a night to start for a room for 2
• The Yosemite Valley Lodge – $300 a night to start for a family room and views of Yosemite Falls from your hotel
• Wawona – $231 a night to start for a room with a bath
• White Wolf Lodge or Curry Village – $150 to $200 a night for heated canvas tent cabins

Once settled in Yosemite check out our helpful post on how to enjoy all of Yosemite’s iconic sites. We share how to best enjoy El Capitan, where to catch amazing views from the Yosemite park valley floor, enjoying the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, and hiking to Glacier Point as well as other tips for a great trip.

Check out the National Park Service’s official park site to get up to date on the park conditions.

Ready for More?

If you are ready for more after your Yosemite road trip, continue traveling in California. Head west toward the coast for a glimpse of the Pacific. Then you’ll have the chance to stop at other national park sites like Pinnacles National Park and coastal treats such as Big Sur.

Continue south to see the iconic southern California city of Los Angeles for a few days.

Or if you are returning to San Francisco International Airport for your flight home don’t miss our helpful article on all the fun outdoor activities you can tackle or a luxurious night out in the city before you leave.