The evergreen sunshine of bright, colourful California state gloriously blesses the country with natural gems and an abundance of joyful experiences. It’s one of the most visited United States, and there are plenty of reasons to justify why. One of them is its scenic road trips. California naturally houses some of America’s best routes, leading to unspoiled paths, off-beat places, and iconic national parks. This guide will cover a popular route that’s been famous for ages and has been driving tourists like crazy – Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip.
The natural wonder of Yosemite National Park is relatively easy to arrive at from Los Angeles. It quickly becomes a weekend destination for day-trippers and locals to spend a couple of nights camping at Yosemite. The park features more than 1,200 miles of rugged landscapes, towering peaks, raw wilderness, and serene vantage points. Furthermore, the hiking trails and camping sites add the right amount of adventure you need for a perfect vacation.
Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip isn’t a lesser-known route anymore. If you’re travelling to California for the first time, you would expect the journey to be filled with romantic settings, palm trees, glistening beaches, and towering pines. However, it’s the opposite of what you actually imagine. The locals of California who have driven the LA to Yosemite route know the path is filled with barren landscapes and local farms. However, if you take the alternative way we suggest – you might experience the best of the Los Angeles to Yosemite drive.
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is California’s best scenic coastal route. Dotted with picturesque viewpoints, quaint villages, charming towns, and unique stops, the PCH is ideally the best option for any Los Angeles to Yosemite drive. Although it’s a longer route to drive, the journey is definitely going to be a delightful experience. This article details the interesting stops worth exploring along the LA to Yosemite National Park road trip. Moreover, you’ll find in-depth resources to plan your travels, such as accommodation ideas, maps, itineraries, and much more.
How to Plan Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip
When you look at your maps, you ideally get instructed to take the CA-99 route to reach Yosemite National Park. This is the most direct route to the park if you drive non-stop. But, as mentioned before, it’s less scenic, and you’d wind past mainly through livestock farms. Please look at the below sections, where we have detailed some practical info to help you plan a smoother road trip.
Driving Times for Los Angeles to Yosemite
The drive from Los Angeles to Yosemite via CA-99N is 279 miles. If you were to drive non-stop, it would take 4hr 49mins to reach. Considering that you accept our suggested Pacific Coast Highway route (PCH) route, it will take approximately 13hr 15mins (693 miles) of driving time to reach Yosemite National Park. This total time includes the stops mentioned below in our road trip guide.
As you can see, CA-99N takes the shortest to reach Yosemite. So, if you were to skip en route places and attractions, it would take less than a day to arrive and spend some time at the park. However, if you prefer scenic vistas and gorgeous mountain terrain, it’s worth taking time to drive a longer route for this road trip.
How to Rent a Car in California
Choosing the right vehicle for your road trip is as important as planning your entire journey. You could either book a campervan for your trip or rent a car for a budgeted journey. For our Californian road trip, book your rental service from Rentalcars.com. They tend to offer an affordable service for the vehicles you rent and also provide a detailed comparison of the prices you can expect to pay for each duration. I’ve used them as my preferred partner for my rental services too.
Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip Map
Here’s your driving route to reach Yosemite National Park from Los Angeles (including stops):
Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip Stops
Pismo Beach
Drive time from Los Angeles to Pismo Beach: 2hr 56mins (177 miles)
Gorgeously blessed with dunes, sea caves, piers, and incredible nightlife – Pismo Beach is one of California’s most under-rated coastal towns. This tiny beach region is a lesser-known attraction for weekend getaways. So, ultimately you can find fewer crowds occupying the interests.
Pismo Beach, as the name suggests, offers long sandy beaches against the backdrop of spectacular sunsets. You could go on and try out all the experiences you can at this beach town, but nothing can beat the pleasure of taking a relaxing stroll on its white sandy beach. And as you’re soaking in the lovely atmosphere, you’ll soon get the vibes of being in a Middle-Eastern region. Thanks to the outdoor recreation and local street vendors that line up the shoreline of Pismo Beach.
We included this coastal town in our LA to Yosemite road trip only because it’s unique. There are many activities, experiences to try out, culinary scenes to engage in, and nightlife to get wild. However, we list down the top three things to do on your first-ever visit to Pismo Beach below –
Visit Downtown Pismo Beach: The charming, energetic side of Downtown Pismo Beach is where all the fun starts. Take an hour and a half to explore the streets of Downtown and browse through some pretty cafes, boutique shops, and luxury stores that harbour the road. The restaurants located in this part of Pismo Beach have different culinary tales to praise about. Stop by for lunch at Penny’s All American Cafe or Ada’s Fish House to taste what this tiny coastal town offers.
Explore Pismo Beach Pier: You can call the pier the highlight of Pismo Beah. It’s a great vantage point to soak in panoramic views of the Pacific Coast side while engaging in soft adventures like swimming and surfing. It’s not as popular as Santa Monica Pier but still a great tourist attraction for day-trippers to relax.
Be adventurous at Pismo Reserve: How about hiking across the scenic coastal trails of Pismo? Sounds cool, right? If you’re a little adventurous, make sure to take advantage of Pismo Reserve’s fun. The eight varied hiking trails at this park combine an unforgettable experience of viewing wildlife and ocean views. Take the Spring to Spring Trail or the Historical Price Park to experience the best of Pismo Reserve.
Explore | Find out budgeted hotels in Pismo Beach, CA.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Drive time from Pismo Beach to Julia Pfeiffer Burns: 2hr 10mins (106 miles)
The drive from Pismo Beach to your next road trip stop is filled with incredible scenery and jaw-dropping terrain. And as you scan through the vistas presented by the Pacific Coastal Highway, you’ll soon find yourself amidst the wild platform of the famous Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
The park features secluded hidden coves, unspoiled hiking tracks, and dense, lush green forests for you to explore and discover. In total, seven trails lead you to mini waterfalls, redwood-clad forests, and curved coves. The shortest one, Waterfall Overlook Trail, is the most visited path that takes you to the park’s important attraction: McWay Falls. This site has been praised by many for its impressive geological features. The other popular trails worth checking out are Canyon Trail, Lookout Trail, and Partington Cove Trail.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is also one of California’s best-camping sites. Although it has only two campgrounds, it still provides good accessibility options and amenities for those wishing to stay the night. Moreover, it’s a surreal experience to witness the star-studded sky in action.
Carmel
Drive time from Julia Pfeiffer to Carmel: 55mins (36.4 miles)
Carmel, or ‘Carmel-by-the-Sea‘, is one of California’s fantastic central coast destinations. As quaint and charming as the town looks, the buzzing atmosphere makes a different impression on travellers altogether. With family-friendly activities, Carmel has become a trendy coastal town to attract all age groups. Be it a typical weekend escape or a romantic holiday getaway – this beautiful, lovely town doesn’t fail to magnify its note-worthy attractions.
The coastal town of Carmel is occupied by busy cobblestone streets that line up unique boutique shops, world-class restaurants, and great wine-tasting rooms. Alongside the coast, the shimmering beaches and crescent-shaped white sand shines through all its glory. And in the heart of this town, storybook cottages and historical monuments feature their presence. No matter which part of the town you visit, Carmel-by-the-Sea makes you dwell in its dreamy natural vistas.
While this depends on whether you want to spend a night in Carmel or not, we recommend visiting the below-listed places –
Visit Carmel Beach: For all beach lovers, you wouldn’t find anything more blissful than Carmel Beach itself. This place has always been on the bucket list of many travellers and is often crowded by tourists during the peak season. Despite being one of the busiest beaches in California, Carmel Beach remains unspoiled and well-protected. On a bright sunny day, visitors will be sunbathing, relaxing under the soft carpeted sand, playing in the surf, and rejuvenating with a nice drink.
Travel Tip: To get the best views of Carmel Beach, head down the Scenic Road from the blue Pacific. The road is absolutely studded with blue coastal vistas, alluring beaches, and panoramic vantage points.
Carmel River State Beach: If you prefer a quieter place to explore, visit Carmel River State Beach. The place is relatively calmer than Carmel Beach and could be a great alternative for you. Check out some of the amazing accommodations in & around Carmel.
Go Wine Tasting: There’s no way you could miss wine tasting in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Home to more than 20 wine-tasting cellars, Carmel is a great coastal town to explore the vineyards and sip their signature refined wines. Read this guide to find out about various wine estates spread across Carmel.
Monterey
The drive from Carmel to Monterey is only 10 minutes. It’s an excellent stop for those looking to unwind, relax and rejuvenate from a tiresome journey. However, we have Monterey on our road trip because of the diverse experiences it presents. There are plenty of things to do in this small town, and you could easily spend two days exploring the surrounding region.
Monterey has got an impressive history and is often regarding the best to host the world’s richest marine environments. The town is a perfect place to go whale-watching year-round, while the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a great enjoyment for families and kids.
Some must-see places in Monterey include exploring Cannery Row, Monterey State Historic Park, Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and Point Sur Lightstation.
Book Now | Reserve your dream hotel for our California Road Trip.
San Jose
Drive time from Monterey to San Jose: 1hr 13mins (72.3 miles)
From centuries of history to unravel, monuments and museums to explore, and hiking and biking trails to discover, San Jose perfectly houses some of the best Californian gems. It’s the largest city in Northern California and sits comfortably outside the Bay Area for perfect weekend escapades. Whether you’re here for a couple of hours, a day trip, or a week-long vacation, there’s a shedload of things to discover in the heart of Santa Clara Valley.
San Jose often gets overlooked by its neighbours – San Francisco, Monterey, and Carmel, but it’s still one of the most visited regions of California. Thanks to its incredible experiences, travellers savour visiting this place. Below are some of the recommended things to do in San Jose –
Winchester Mystery House: This classic attraction highlights any guided tour in San Jose. Winchester Mystery Houe is often known for its striking beauty, quirky rooms, and paranormal activity beliefs. The entire house is filled with misleading doors and false stairs, and it’s a pretty unique thing to discover, especially in a great place like this. The best way to tour Winchester Mystery House is through guided tours, as they give a complete presentation of its spooky corridors and spaces.
San Pedro Square Market: Perfect for families to relax, San Pedro Square Market hosts fantastic musical shows, concerts, and energetic vendors from different parts of the world. This local market is also home to some of the best gastronomy scenes of California, serving varietal cuisines from continental and Indian to classic American delicacies. Events such as stand-up comedies, book signings, and live screenings of a game – all happen at this bustling San Pedro Square Market.
Santana Row: Need a little retail therapy? Head to Santana Row to refresh yourselves with a cluster of amazing eatery shops, boutiques, branded shopping outlets, and local independent producers. This is one of the best regions to purchase anything you ever need! So, always keep Santana Row on your bucket list of places to visit in San Jose.
San Francisco
Drive time from San Jose to San Francisco: 55mins (48 miles)
We needed to leave San Francisco out of our Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip. This city doesn’t fail to amaze travellers with its impressive landmarks. Be it anything – cross-cultural roots, friendly neighbourhoods, shimmering beaches, lively parks, eclectic music scenes, or gastronomical delights – San Francisco is a playground for those looking for a superior experience.
When I visited San Francisco, I enjoyed exploring the outdoors. This city tends to surprise you with its numerous charm works that only enlighten your mood in every way. The locals are pretty friendly in San Francisco. They help you discover some of the city’s unknown, secluded gems.
Honestly, San Francisco could overwhelm you with loads of things to see and do, and for first-timers, it’s a nightmare figuring out which places to cover. But, if you take my suggestion, keep your city exploration simple and limited to major highlights. Below I’ve recommended some of the top sites which are ‘must-ones’ to visit in San Francisco –
Take a city tour of SF: The best way to let San Francisco introduce you is to hop on a guided city tour. There’s no better exploration option than to cover multiple sites in one go. This saves time and money rather than spending dollars on each attraction. Yes, the flexibility is limited. But isn’t that a trade-off to a cheaper option you’re getting?
This guided city tour traverses some of SA’s top landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alamo Square, Union Square South, Ferry Building, Washington Square, Lombard Street Corner, Haight Ashbury, and Pier 39. You will be visiting all these places in a comfort of a double-decker bus!
Tour the Waterfront and Alcatraz Prison: San Francisco’s landmarks aren’t only limited to the city attractions but also local markets, waterfront areas, and short day-trip excursions. This guided tour introduces you to places that offer sweeping coastline views. You’ll be boarding a ferry to cruise Alcatraz Island. Learn about the prison’s intriguing history and tour the cell houses that store the darker side of Alcatraz. Later in the evening, visit the markets to drool over the fresh produces that serves crab and clam chowder in bread bowls.
Golden Gate Bay Cruise: The ending to your San Francisco exploration should feel right, so I suggest hopping on a sunset cruise to the Golden Gate. As you sail along the city’s breathtaking waterfront, watch the Golden Gate Bridge soaring high in all its glory. It’s a nostalgic moment for tourists to witness this magnificent bridge once in their lifetime.
Sacramento
Drive time from San Francisco to Sacramento: 1hr 29mins (95.4 miles)
Unlike the other big Californian cities, Sacramento moves slowly with its laid-back lifestyle that presents amazing food and wine culture, local bars & pubs, vintage shops, breweries, and under-rated music and events. It isn’t a traveller’s preferred place to stay over a couple of nights, but rather an exciting place to stop by and wander what this town has in store.
What makes Sacramento a must-visit stop on our Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip is epic music festivals. You may or may not have heard of the music scenes reverberating in this town, but the grand scales concerts, rock events, and weekly live performances epitomize the sheer aura of Sacramento. If you’re in town, check out shows like Aftershock, Farm-to-Fork, and GoldenSky. You’ll have to check the dates for these events, but if you’re hitting this town at the right time, you’re in for a real treat!
Folks who are not really fans of musical shows and grand events can hit other exciting places in Sacramento, such as Capitol Park, Old Sacramento State Historic Park, Crocker Art Museum, Delta King, American River Parkway, and California State Railroad Museum. In addition to these places, you could go and experience some of the best outdoorsy things in Sacramento – visiting local wineries of Acheson Wine Company, savouring delicious ice cream from Vic’s, and wandering through Midtown Farmers Market for souvenirs.
Yosemite National Park
Drive time from Sacramento to Yosemite National Park: 2hr 43mins (141 miles)
Well, it’s time to bid goodbye to the California urban sets as we make our final road trip stop – Yosemite National Park. The drive from Sacramento is more than two hours, but it is worth it with scenic inland highlights. As you wind past towering mountains, you’ll soon spot the mighty peaks of Yosemite coming into the spotlight. It will be a surreal experience for those visiting this magnificent place for the first time.
Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the third-oldest national park. It’s one of California’s real natural landmarks that boasts a tremendous amount of tourist opportunities for travellers to take part in. From trekking to hiking, bush-walking to night camping – there’s always something to discover in this amazing Yosemite NP.
We highly recommend spending a minimum of two days at Yosemite National Park. Ideally, this is enough to experience what the park has to offer and the trails and walking paths you discover on the way. Upon your arrival, you could familiarise yourselves with nearby attractions in the heart of Yosemite Valley. Places like Tunnel View Outlook, Bridalveil Fall, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Yosemite Falls are unmissable spots. Even the world’s most incredible monolith, El Capitan, is based in Yosemite, NP.
For detailed info on things to do at Yosemite National Park, we recommend checking our guide on the 10-Day California Itinerary. This trip details a couple of amazing things to do at the park. Furthermore, you can also book optional tours below to elevate your Yosemite NP experience.
Where to Stay in California
California is home to a serious range of accommodations catering to all travellers. From luxurious beach villas and sea-view apartments to budgeted hostels and family guestrooms, California hosts all varietals to make your stay comfortable.
However, planning for a road trip requires research and time. The hotels you select need to be perfectly aligned with your schedule. Ideally, the suggestion that we give is not to book hotels that are far away from a city. Doing so will increase your travel time and can cost you more money. Ensure that you get yourself closer to a city/town to spend more time exploring the surrounding.
I recommend using Booking.com as your preferred partner to book your stay in California. It is more beneficial because the rates are always cheaper when compared to other booking engines. You can also use the platform to compare rates offered by different hotel operators. This way, you can ensure you’re always booking the right one.
Guided Tours for Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip
In addition to the places listed above, you would find the below-guided excursions exciting for your California road trip. The below tours complement our Los Angeles to Yosemite trip and can be added as per your preference.
Further Readings & Resources
Amarillo to Santa Fe – 9 Beautiful Amarillo to Santa Fe Road Trip Stops
Alaska – 7 Day Alaska Itinerary: How To Spend A Week in Alaska
California – 10 Day California Road Trip: One Epic California Itinerary
Sedona – Phoenix to Sedona: Top Things to Do + Sedona Itinerary
Yellowstone – Yellowstone Itinerary: How to Spend an Ideal Time in Yellowstone
Other popular reads –
Melbourne to Coober Pedy: 9 Sensational Melbourne to Coober Pedy Road Trip Stops
Melbourne to Gold Coast: 7 Ultimate Melbourne to Gold Coast Road Trip Spots
Yarra Valley: Yarra Valley 3 Day Itinerary : Ultimate Guide (+Map & Tips)
Whitsundays: Whitsundays Itinerary 7 Days: Ultimate Guide (+ Sailing Ideas, Tips)
