Gaze at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, explore the mighty Yosemite National Park, and bask in the sun-kissed Los Angeles. This San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip itinerary explores the best of California’s Pacific Coast.

The saying goes, “Roads were made for journeys. Not destinations.” And we wholeheartedly agree! Road trips are honestly some of the best ways to explore a country. Besides visiting the hidden gems in hard-to-reach areas, there’s nothing like singing (terribly) with friends, and sticking your head out the window to feel the wind in your face.

The reality is you don’t need to scrimp to enjoy your road trip. The trick is to travel in a group so you can split bigger cost items like car rental and food. For us, we travelled in a group of four and experienced the best of the West Coast for less than $1.8k. This includes accommodation so no one had to sleep in the car.

Driving towards El Capitan in Yosemite National Park - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

When in California, you cannot miss visiting Yosemite National Park. Being one of the most popular and beautiful parks in the USA, its gorgeous natural beauties will take your breath away. It sure took ours!

There are two ways that you can go about visiting:

Comparison Between Road Trip Routes (w words) - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

First, you can take a day tour from SF to Yosemite. This is the more convenient option, as the tour bus picks you directly from your hotel to Yosemite’s best sights. The next day, you can embark on your epic road trip from SF to LA along the Pacific Coast.

The second option is for those who prefer to self-drive to Yosemite, which will be elaborated on in the itinerary below. It’s a four-hour drive and takes quite a bit of planning but if you’re up for it, here’s how we did it! (Click here for our route plotted on Google Maps)

Four Friends Looking Out at Yosemite National Park - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

One of the beautiful views we got along our road trip.

Budget Breakdown for 11-Day Road Trip

Enjoying the Scenery from the Car at Yosemite National Park - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Accommodation: S$535.78
Transport: S$330.69 (excl. flights)
Activities: S$580.13
Food & Miscellaneous: S$338.07

Total: S$1,784.67/pax
Click here for detailed breakdown

Pre-trip Essentials

Hugging the Hertz Rental Car

Connectivity: Stay connected with a 4G pocket WiFi. These handy devices connect up to five devices, and provided us good coverage throughout our California trip (except in the mountainous regions).

Car Rental: From days 3–8, we rented a Mini Van (seven-seater, Auto Transmission) with Hertz for US$92/day (~S$124) inclusive of taxes and insurance. Prices might fluctuate so book early to secure your car before arrival!

Transport Passes: Within the city, prebook a GO SF or GO LA card for free entry into many of the cities best attractions.

Check Flights to San Francisco

This itinerary starts off in San Francisco. Flights are not in our budget breakdown since it depends on the season and airline, so check prices for your dates of travel more accurately here:


Can’t see the widget above? Click here to check flights from Singapore to San Francisco!

Day 1 – 3: San Francisco

Savour SF’s Food Scene on the Streets: Cruffins, Robot Coffee and Fortune Cookies

Eating a Cruffin from Mr Holmes Bakehouse - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Sink your teeth into Mr Holmes Bakehouse‘s cruffins (US$4.80, ~S$6.60), a delicious hybrid between a croissant and a muffin. They’re sold from 9AM but sell out quickly, so grab one early!

Cost: From US$3.30 (~S$4.50)
Opening Hours: 
7AM – 2:30PM (Mon – Fri), 8AM – 3:30PM (Sat – Sun)
Address: 1042 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Cruising around in a GoCar in San Francisco - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

No convertible? No problem! The GO SF Card gives you a free 30-minute rental in a GoCar, a GPS-guided storytelling car. You’ll need a valid licence to drive this vehicle, but an international driving permit is not necessary for Singaporeans in California. Do note that prior reservations are required (call 1-800-914-6227).

Cost: US$60 for 1hr rental (Free 30mins with GO SF Card) 
Opening Hours:
9AM – 5:30PM, closed on public holidays
Address: 321 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102

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Farmers' Market at Ferry Terminal Building - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

The Ferry Building Marketplace sells a wide variety of artisan products from handmade soaps to cheese and ice cream. There are also numerous eateries for you to dine at. For us, we feasted on ultra-fresh and juicy oysters (US$2 each) from the SF Fish Company.

If you’re visiting on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, check out the farmers’ market that sells fresh organic produce like fruits, vegetables and flowers.

Opening Hours: 10AM – 7PM (Mon – Fri), 8AM – 6PM (Sat), 10AM – 5PM (Sun)
Address:
 One Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111

Watching How Fortune Cookies are Prepared - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Photo credit: Souvenirfinder.com

It’s always a thrill to have your fortune told — this time from a cookie! The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is a small, long-running bakery that lets you watch how the famous cookies are made. For a wacky souvenir, bring home a giant fortune cookie (US$6.50, ~S$8.90) that’s bigger than your hands!

Opening Hours: 9AM – 6:30PM, closes 7PM on weekends
Address:
56 Ross Alley, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

Explore SF’s Bay Area: Alcatraz Island, a Dungeon, and Pier 39

Prisoner Escape Cells at Alcatraz Island - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

One of the most interesting things to see at Alcatraz Island. In 1962, three inmates escaped from the penitentiary. They created fake dummy heads to fool the guards.

A visit to the isolated and mysterious Alcatraz Island is a must-do when in SF. We booked an Alcatraz day tour, and immersed ourselves in the intriguing history of the penitentiary. The tour includes an award-winning audio guide with exceptional sound effects and interviews with ex-prisoners and officers.

The tour includes a Big Bus tour, so you can easily travel around the city afterwards.

Cost: ~S$141.89
Alcatraz Departure Times:
Will be confirmed by tour operator
Bus Operation Hours: 9AM – 5PM

Eating Fish Tacos at the Codmother - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Eating seafood is the way to go at the SF Bay area, so “trust in Cod” and pay the Codmother a visit. We were hooked on their Baja fish tacos (US$6.99, ~S$9.55), a couple of freshly-fried fish on two warm tortillas with sauce and veggies.

Cost: US$6.75 – US$14.99 (~S$9.30 – ~S$20.60)
Opening Hours: 11AM – 5PM (weekdays), 11:30AM – 6PM (weekends), closed on Wed
Address: 496 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Presenter Announcing Show at San Francisco Dungeon - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

The GO SF Card includes admission to the SF Dungeon. No, it’s not a real dungeon. Instead, it’s an interactive and thrilling attraction full of gruesome sets and roguish characters delivering the history of SF’s old red-light district. It’s honestly more funny than scary as the actors are witty and won’t hesitate to poke fun at you.

Entrance Fee: US$25 (~S$33.90, free with GO SF Card)
Opening Hours: Varies
Address:
 145 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Watching Sea Lions at Pier 39 - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

After surviving the dungeon (if you do), enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere at Pier 39. For an aromatic perk-me-up, grab a Biscoff latte (US$4.66, ~S$6.40) from the Biscoff Coffee Corner. Afterwards, check out Pier 39’s attractions like arcades, magic shows, and a large colony of sea lions basking on the pier.

Opening Hours: Varies
Address: 
Pier 39, Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Pick Up Car at Hertz, and Explore SF’s Unique Attractions

Driving through the US Freeway - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Collect your keys at Hertz and enjoy the scenic drive around the city! Just remember that Americans drive on the right.

Looking at Mickey Mouse Memorabilia at Walt Disney Family Museum - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

The Walt Disney Family Museum is a must-go for any Disney fan. The museum showcases the man’s journey from his humble beginnings to creating the renowned Mickey Mouse, and ultimately building Disney into the icon it is today.

Entrance Fee: US$25 (~S$33.90, free with GO SF Card)
Opening Hours:
10AM – 6PM (last entry at 4:45PM), closed on Tue & PH
Address: 104 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94129

Little Boy Watching Penguins Swim at California Academy of Sciences - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Good news to all the nature-lovers! The GO SF Card includes entry to the California Academy of Sciences, where you can explore an impressive aquarium, planetarium, indoor rainforest, and natural history museum — all conveniently housed under one roof.

Entrance Fee: US$39.95 (~S$54.20, free with Go SF Card)
Opening Hours:
 9:30AM – 5PM, opens 11AM on Sun (Last entry 4PM)
Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

Exploring Castro District in San Francisco - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Exploring SF’s Castro District is quite an experience. One of the oldest gay neighbourhoods in the US, it’s steeped in rich history, vibrant colours, and has many quirky shops to check out. If you’re visiting in end-June, don’t miss the incredible Pride Parade that celebrates LGBT people, advocates and allies.

Eating Mexican Food at Tacqueria El Farolito - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Craving Mexican? Tacqueria El Farolito on Mission St will not disappoint! We loved their super burrito (US$8.75, ~S$12), which was jam-packed with piping hot carne asada, cheese and beans. Feeling brave? Try a taco (US$3.25, ~S$4.50) with beef tongue or brain!

Cost: US$3.25 – US$15.50 (~S$4.50 – ~S$21.30)
Opening Hours: Varies
Address: 2779 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110 (and 4 other branches)

Getting Around SF: Download the MuniMobile app and purchase a US$5 Day Pass (~S$6.90) that comes with unlimited train, tram and bus rides.

Accommodation in SF: Motel 6 San Francisco Downtown — room with two queen beds for ~S$220/night.

GO SF Card: No more paying at the gate! This all-inclusive card lets you visit 27 SF attractions for one discounted price. The digital card will be activated upon visiting the first attraction, and can be used for the remaining consecutive calendar days depending on the card you get.

Day 4: SF – Yosemite

View the Golden Gate Bridge at Battery Spencer

Four Friends Posing at Golden Gate Bridge - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Before kissing SF goodbye, drive up to the lookout at Battery Spencer to get an incredible panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge. For a sweeter experience, wake up early and catch the sunrise there!

Address: Conzelman Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965

Drive to Yosemite and Hike the Tuolumne Grove Trail to Giant Sequoias

Yosemite National Park Big Oak Flat Entrance Signboard - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

From SF, it’s about a three and a half hour drive (without breaks) to Yosemite National Park‘s Big Oak Flat Entrance. The entrance fee per vehicle is US$35 (~S$48), and is valid for seven days.

Hole in Giant Sequoia at Tuolumne Grove - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Photo credit: Visittuolumne.com

From the entrance, it’s a 15-minute drive to the Tuolumne Grove trailhead. The lesser-known trail is a great way to see mature Giant Sequoias, the largest trees in the world. The total distance is 4km, with an easy downhill walk but a steep, inclined climb back up to the carpark.

The best time to visit is during summer and autumn, though winter is nice too.

Accommodation in Yosemite: Yosemite Valley Lodge — family-sized room for US$243/night. But you can also camp in Yosemite and rough it out!

Day 5: Yosemite – Monterey

Explore Yosemite’s Natural Attractions

View of Yosemite Falls from the Bottom - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

We woke early the next day and explored Yosemite Valley, the main part of the park that’s surrounded by lush greenery, majestic rock formations, and spectacular waterfalls that will thrill any outdoor enthusiast.

Yosemite Falls is one of the world’s tallest waterfalls, a must-visit that’s large enough to be seen from many places around the valley. Those who want to get closer can walk an 800m trail to the base of the lower falls. The grittier ones can spend one whole day hiking to the top and back down.

Watching Bridalveil Fall from the Viewing Point - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

For an easier hike, Bridalveil Fall is much more manageable. It’s a scenic 400m walk from the carpark to the base. However, the trail can be very slippery in some seasons, so take caution when heading up (otherwise you’d fall on your butt like we did).

Walking towards El Capitan in Yosemite National Park - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Right across Bridalveil Fall stands El Capitan, another one of the valley’s greatest attractions. The massive rock formation is popular among experienced rock-climbers (especially free soloist Alex Honnold!), and Apple users will recognise it as the desktop wallpaper for OS X El Capitan. 😆

View of Half Dome from Sentinel Bridge - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

If you’re familiar with The North Face (brand), you might recognise that its logo is based on Half Dome, another iconic granite monolith in Yosemite. We stopped along Sentinel Bridge to soak up the views of the Dome and its reflection in the Merced River. It’s a popular destination for hikers and rock-climbers, but you’ll need permits to do so.

Drive to Monterey, Chill Out at Fisherman’s Wharf and Get In-N-Out

Queuing Up for Clam Chowder at Monterey Fisherman's Wharf - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

From Yosemite Valley, it’s a four-hour drive (without breaks) to Monterey, a scenic coastal city. To unwind for the night, stroll around the historic Fisherman’s Wharf. You can visit the quirky knick-knack shops, and help yourself to the free clam chowder samples that many seafood restaurants dish out. 😉

Opening Hours: Varies
Address:
 #1 Old, Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940

Eating Dinner at In-N-Out Burgers - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Diets can take a backseat — you cannot leave the US without eating at In-N-Out, a home-grown Californian fast food chain. We ordered from their not-so-secret menu and were amazed by the insanely juicy 3×3 burger (US$5.90, ~S$8.10) and crispy animal-style fries (US$3.55, ~S$4.90). Worth every calorie.

Cost: Mains from US$2.10 (~S$2.90)
Opening Hours:
10:30AM – 1AM, closes 1:30AM (Fri – Sat)
Address:
1350 Del Monte Blvd, Seaside, CA 93955 (and other locations)

Accommodation in Monterey: Lone Oak Lodge — double-double room for US$127/night.

Day 6: Carmel – Big Sur – Cambria

Relax at Carmel Beach

Sightseeing at Carmel Beach - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Just 20 minutes from Monterey lies Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small town known for its pristine, white-sand beach that doubles as a surfing paradise. If you don’t want to get sand in your shoes, drive through Scenic Road (next to Carmel Beach) to enjoy the coastline before continuing on your road trip!

Enjoy Big Sur’s Natural Beauties

Gazing at Bixby Creek Bridge at Big Sur - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Big Sur is a huge wilderness area located along Highway One. Driving through the rugged coastline, you’ll come face to face with unforgettable sights that’ll make you want to pull over and take photos every 10 minutes (seriously!).

From Carmel Beach, it’s a 30-minute drive to Bixby Creek Bridge. The bridge is famed for its aesthetic and impressive architecture, and is one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur with good reason.

Enjoying Tacos at Big Sur Tap House - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

For an affordable meal, head to the Big Sur Tap House. The homely pub serves delicious and filling grub like tacos (US$10, ~S$13.70). For the budget-conscious, Big Sur Deli next door sells huge sandwiches starting from US$7.25 (~S$10).

Cost: US$9 – US$14 (~S$12.35 – S$19.20)
Opening Hours:
12PM – 10PM, Deli opens 7AM – 8PM
Address: 47520 Highway One, Big Sur, CA 93920

Enjoying the Views at McWay Falls - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Another highlight in Big Sur is McWay Falls. It’s a picture-perfect cove that’s surreal to look at — a large waterfall pours out from a rocky cliff and lands on an untouched beach surrounded by clear, turquoise pools of water. Simply breathtaking.

Get Up Close with Elephant Seals

Looking at Elephant Seals along Pacific Coast Highway

Continue down Highway One for an hour to the elephant seals vista point in San Simeon. Elephant seals gather on the beach almost all year-round and engage in different activities depending on the season. We arrived in December, and watched young males practising sparring in preparation for mating season.

Warning: Be prepared for the smell — it’s a whole lot of wild animals in one area after all.

Drive to Cambria and Unwind

Entrance to Cambria Pub & Steakhouse - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Photo credit: @coachsage via Instagram

End the day in the charming coastal town of Cambria, about 25 minutes from the vista point. For dinner, head to the Cambria Pub & Steakhouse. We had their tasty mixed chicken wings (US$14, ~S$19.20), and crispy fish and fries (US$15, ~S$20.60).

Cost: US$12 – US$30 (~S$16.50 – ~S$41.20)
Opening Hours:
11AM – 11PM
Address: 
4090 Burton Dr, Cambria, CA 93428

Accommodation in Cambria: Cambria Palms Motel — queen room for US$122/night.

Day 7: Cambria – Morro Bay – Los Angeles

Explore California’s Quaint Coastal Towns

Boardwalk along Cambria Moonstone Beach - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Photo credit: Cambriainns.com

Spend your morning getting fresh air at Cambria’s Moonstone Beach Boardwalk. Gorgeous oceanic sights line the 1.6km path. If you’re lucky, you might also spot marine wildlife like otters and sea lions playing in the water.

Sunrise at Morro Rock Beach - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Photo credit: Californiabeaches.com

Thereafter, drive for 30 minutes down to Morro Bay. The scenic town is well-known for Morro Rock, a large and sacred volcanic plug that’s home to many bird species. It’s illegal to climb the rock, but you can always enjoy the view from the nearby beach or jetty.

Brunch Spread at Frankie and Lola's Cafe

Photo credit: @slotasty via Instagram

Tuck into a hearty meal at Frankie and Lola’s Front Street Cafe, a homely restaurant that serves delicious breakfasts and lunches in huge portions. Many people rave about their homemade cinnamon rolls (US$2.90, ~S$4) and famous crème brûlée french toast (US$7.40, ~S$10.15).

Cost: US$7.20 – US$12.90 (~S$9.90 – ~S$17.70)
Opening Hours:
6:30AM – 2PM
Address: 
1154 Front St, Morro Bay, CA 93442

View of Morro Rock from Black Hill Trail

Photo credit: The Benjamin

If viewpoints are your thing, hike up Black Hill in Morro Bay State Park. It’s an easy 800m walk to the top with a beautiful, sweeping view of the town. Enjoy the scenery before heading back to big city life in LA!

Address: Upper State Park Rd, Morro Bay, CA 93442

Chow Down on Wholesome Santa Barbara Food

Buying Food at The Natural Cafe - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Photo credit: onthegrid.city

While driving back to LA, make a pitstop at the Natural Cafe in Santa Barbara for some good ol’ nutritious eats. Try the Zen Burger (US$9.89, ~S$13.60), stuffed with a unique vegetable patty and a whole lot of fresh veggies.

Cost: US$8.19 – US$15.39 (~S$11.20 – ~S$21.10)
Opening Hours:
11AM – 9PM
Address: 508 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (and six other branches)

Day 8 – 11: Los Angeles

Go Behind the Scenes on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Driving through Sets at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

This one is for all the starry-eyed movie fans. Included in the GO LA Card, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour brings you on a journey through huge sets and soundstages where blockbuster films and TV shows like Harry Potter, Friends, and Big Bang Theory were filmed. You also get to see the actual props and costumes used by actors!

Cost: US$69 (~S$93.40, free with GO LA Card)
Tour Timing:
12PM (call in advance to make reservations)
Address: 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

Experience Movie Magic at Universal Studios Hollywood

Posing with Minion and Gru at Universal Studios Hollywood - 3-day Los Angeles Travel Guide

Universal Studios Hollywood offers escape from reality into the immersive worlds of movies like Harry Potter, Despicable Me and The Simpsons. Don’t miss the world-famous studio tour while you’re here! The interactive ride brings you through live studios and captivating 3D experiences.

Cost: US$129 (~S$175, free with the 3, 5 and 7-day GO LA Card)
Opening Hours: Varies
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA

If movie magic doesn’t spark much joy for you, then maybe the happiest place on Earth will! Check out our Disneyland Guide for tips and tricks on how to conquer both Disneyland and its “older sister” Disney California Adventure Park in LA.

Go Insta-crazy at OUE Skyspace

Watching at Sunset at OUE Skyspace LA - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Heads up Instagrammers! The OUE Skyspace is California’s tallest open-air observation deck, and one of few perfect places to catch the sunset. It’s truly a marvellous sight — the setting sun casts a pinkish-golden glow over LA, while it slowly illuminates in the fading light.

Entrance Fee: US$25 (~S$33.90, free with GO LA Card)
Opening Hours:
10AM – 10PM (Last entry 9PM)
Address: 633 W 5th St #840, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA

Accommodation in LA: Rodeway Inn — double room for ~S$180/night.

GO LA Card: Similar to the GO SF Card, the all-inclusive GO LA Card includes admission to 35 LA attractions. Also, if you purchase a 2-Day card or longer, it can be used on any calendar day over a two-week period once it’s been activated. This is a great option for those who want flexibility on their trips!

LA has a plethora of diverse attractions, ranging from studio tours to museums and theme parks (many of which are included in the GO LA Card). Interested to see what else LA has in store? Check out our LA Travel Guide!

Getting Around California

Driving Along California Pacific Coast Highway - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

While public transport between LA and SF is possible, one of the biggest perks of self-driving on your own is the flexibility to stop for the beautiful views on Highway One.

Picking Up Hertz Rental Car - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

For us, our epic road trip was made possible with a rental car from Hertz. We liked that it had affordable rates. There were also many Hertz offices in the US, so it was easy to select a pick-up and drop-off location that was convenient for us.

Road Trip Updates: Before embarking on your road trip, check official websites like the California Department of Transport for any road closures, and Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for wildfires.

*Pro-tips: Download offline Google maps in major cities as connectivity can be spotty in Yosemite National Park and along Highway One. Restaurants and petrol kiosks are sparse and rather expensive in these areas too so refuel in cities like Oakdale. Prepare motion sickness pills as the journey will pass through some switchbacks. Keep your valuables with you when leaving the car.

Receiving Tickets with GO LA Pass - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Must-haves in the city are the GO City Cards (available on Klook for San Francisco and Los Angeles) which provides admission to many attractions at discounted prices. The cards are pretty worthwhile, as they included additional benefits like priority entry for some attractions. Just scan the digital card, and you’re good to go!

Activity Tickets Purchased at a Discount from Klook - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

Just some of the rad activities we got to experience!

Klook also offers many gripping activities at a discount in California, like the enchanting Disneyland. We received our confirmed tickets after a few days, and had no issues in quickly getting into these places to explore.

Goofing Around in the Rental Car - SF to LA Road Trip Itinerary

There’s something magical about the adventure that comes with a road trip, and having one in the Golden State amplifies that sentiment tenfold!

We thoroughly loved the delectable mix of urban cities and natural beauties that California offered during our 11-day journey, and we think you would too. We hope this itinerary is helpful in planning your own epic road trip!

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15 COMMENTS

  1. Hi, thanks for sharing your itinerary!
    For your Yosemite trip, you mentioned that there is an entrance fee per vehicle at Big Oak Flat Entrance which is valid for seven days? Does that mean that you can drive in and out of the entrance without having to pay for the fee again within seven days? The reason I am asking is because my accommodation is before the Big Oak Flat Entrance, and we will be staying in the Yosemite area for 2 days.

  2. Hi Michelle, thanks for your excellent post and for sharing.

    We’re also planning to drive from San Francisco to Yosemite in December and quite worried about the road conditions. Can I check which route you took and was it dangerous with the snow and all?

    I heard the road to Yosemite is quite scary as it’s high elevation and in the mountains with no barriers by the side, and especially in Winter that makes it even more dangerous. What are your views?

    Alternatively, we may drive to Lake Tahoe instead of Yosemite. Do you have any experience with Lake Tahoe?

    Thanks.

    Ewen

    • Hi Ewen, we went to Yosemite in early December last year. Within Yosemite village itself, I would say the road conditions were fairly safe. It had snowed a few days before we arrived, and while some parts of the road were slippery, there was no need to put on snow chains. The park rangers didn’t enforce it either while we were there. If you’re still heading to Yosemite, you may want to have snow chains on hand in case it suddenly snows overnight or if the park rangers call for them.

      I’m not quite sure about the road to Yosemite you mentioned. When we drove into Yosemite, we entered via highway 140. From what I recall, the road was in a low-lying flatland next to a river and slowly gains in elevation as you approach Yosemite. There wasn’t any barrier, but the roads were wide enough. There were also many parts along the way where we could pull over to rest, or let other cars pass through. We left Yosemite via highway 120 and stayed on the main road the entire way. In the higher elevation areas, there were barriers along the bends so it seemed pretty safe. I’m not quite sure about the conditions in winter, but as long as you drive slowly I think it’ll be fine.

      Hope this helps! (:

      We’ve not had any experience with Lake Tahoe, unfortunately. But we have heard it’s a very beautiful place with a lot of winter activities.

    • Hi Alvin, we didn’t as it snowed unexpectedly. The ranger said we could rent them outside Yosemite though! Sorry can’t help too much here

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