4-Day Scenic Road Trip from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, USA on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and artisan coffee at this iconic San Francisco bakery, open from 7:30am - 6:30pm.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Golden Gate Park

Stroll through Golden Gate Park to enjoy gardens, lakes, and cultural spots like the de Young Museum, with park admission free and museum open 9:30am - 5:15pm.
USD15 for de Young Museum, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Sample clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery, open 10:00am - 9:00pm, while enjoying waterfront views.
USD20, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Alcatraz Island

Take the ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz, touring the historic prison. Book tickets in advance; ferry operates 9:00am - 6:30pm.
USD40, 3h

5:00pm

Dinner at Fog Harbor Fish House

Enjoy sustainable seafood with spectacular bay views at this restaurant open until 9:30pm.
USD45, 1.5h
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Day 2: Travel to Sacramento & Explore

Sacramento, USA on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fox & Goose Public House

Enjoy a hearty English-style breakfast in Sacramento, open from 7:00am - 2:00pm.
USD18, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Sacramento

Drive approximately 1.5 hours northeast from San Francisco to Sacramento, the state capital with rich Gold Rush history.
USD0, 1h30m

11:00am

California State Railroad Museum

Explore an extensive collection of restored railroad cars and artifacts; open 10:00am - 5:00pm with $12 admission.
USD12, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Waterboy

Enjoy farm-to-fork cuisine with fresh local ingredients; open 11:30am - 9:00pm.
USD30, 1h

2:30pm

Old Sacramento Waterfront

Walk through preserved Gold Rush-era buildings and shops along the scenic riverfront.
USD0, 1.5h

5:00pm

Dinner at Biba Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Italian dishes with a cozy ambiance; open until 9:00pm.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 3: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, USA on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast before departing for Yosemite; hotel breakfast hours vary but usually from 6:30am to 9:00am.
USD15, 0.5h

7:30am

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Travel approximately 2.5 hours east from Sacramento to Yosemite’s South Entrance, enjoying scenic views on the way.
USD0, 2h30m

10:00am

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

Stop at the visitor center to gather maps, info, and plan your hikes; open 8:00am - 5:00pm.
USD35 park entrance fee per vehicle, 1h

11:00am

Hike to Yosemite Falls

Enjoy an easy 1-2 hour round trip hike to see the spectacular Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
USD0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch Picnic at Cook’s Meadow

Relax with a packed picnic lunch in the scenic meadow overlooking Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.
USD0, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Glacier Point

Drive or take a shuttle to Glacier Point viewpoint for panoramic views of Yosemite Valley; open 9:00am - sunset (approx. 7:30pm).
USD0, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Mariposa Grove

Visit the giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove; shuttle operates from 8:00am - 6:00pm.
USD0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Dine in elegance with mountain views at this historic hotel restaurant, open until 9:00pm. Reservations recommended.
USD60, 1.5h
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Day 4: Return to San Francisco

San Francisco, USA on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yosemite Lodge Dining Room

Enjoy a hearty breakfast close to main park features, open from 7:00am - 10:00am.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive back to San Francisco

Return approximately 4 hours west to San Francisco, allowing for scenic stops along the way.
USD0, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Slanted Door

Experience modern Vietnamese cuisine in the Ferry Building Marketplace, open 11:30am - 2:30pm. Reservations recommended.
USD35, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Crissy Field

Take a leisurely walk along Crissy Field Beach with views of the Golden Gate Bridge; open all day free of charge.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at House of Prime Rib

Enjoy classic prime rib dinner in a traditional setting; open until 9:00pm.
USD50, 1.5h
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