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3-Day Scenic Loop from San Francisco to Yosemite and Back

Viewed by 146 travelers

Day 1: City to Nature

San Francisco, CA to Yosemite National Park, CA on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Enjoy an artisanal breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee at this popular San Francisco bakery known for its flaky croissants and quality ingredients. Open from 7am to 7pm.
USD15, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Start your scenic 4-hour drive east from San Francisco, heading through the Central Valley towards Yosemite's stunning wilderness.
USD0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Yosemite Village Store Deli

Grab a quick and fresh sandwich or salad for a picnic lunch at the Yosemite Village Store deli, conveniently located inside the park and open from 8am to 7pm.
USD15, 1h

1:45pm

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

Visit the Visitor Center to get maps, safety tips, and learn about the park’s geology and wildlife. Typically open 9am to 5pm.
USD35 per vehicle park entrance fee, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

Enjoy an easy and scenic 1-mile walk to see the base of the iconic Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
USD0, 1h

5:00pm

Check-in at Yosemite Lodge

Settle into your accommodation inside the park for an easy start to tomorrow’s exploration.
USD250, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Mountain Room Restaurant

Dine with views overlooking Yosemite Falls at this onsite restaurant, open 5pm to 9pm, serving American cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Yosemite Highlights

Yosemite National Park, CA on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Base Camp Eatery

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Base Camp Eatery inside Yosemite Village, offering hot options and fresh coffee. Open from 7am to 10am.
USD20, 0h45m

8:00am

Hike to Vernal Fall via Mist Trail

Take a vigorous but rewarding 3-mile round-trip hike along the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, enjoying beautiful views and the misty waterfall experience. Trail open year-round but expect higher water flow in spring.
USD0, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch Picnic at Swinging Bridge

Relax with a packed picnic lunch by the Merced River at the scenic Swinging Bridge area.
USD0 (picnic cost included in prior lunch), 1h

1:30pm

Glacier Point Scenic Viewpoint

Drive or take the shuttle (open seasonally) up to Glacier Point for breathtaking panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra.
USD0-$10 depending on shuttle, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Lodge and Rest

Head back to your lodge to relax after a full day of hiking and sightseeing.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Dining Room at The Ahwahnee

Enjoy an upscale dining experience at the historic Ahwahnee Hotel’s Dining Room, open 5pm to 9pm, featuring gourmet American cuisine with elegant ambiance.
USD60, 1h30m
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Day 3: Return Journey

Yosemite National Park, CA to San Francisco, CA on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Yosemite Lodge

Enjoy a quick and convenient breakfast at Yosemite Lodge before check-out.
USD15, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive towards Oakdale on the way back

Start your return trip heading west towards Oakdale for a charming small-town break.
USD0, 2h

10:30am

Coffee and Snack at Bluebird Cafe in Oakdale

Stop at the local Bluebird Cafe for coffee and light snacks in this quaint town known as the 'Cowboy Capital of the World.' Open daily from 7am to 3pm.
USD10, 0h45m

11:15am

Continue Drive to San Francisco

Complete the remaining 2-hour drive back to San Francisco, arriving around early afternoon.
USD0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Tartine Manufactory

Savor a casual and fresh lunch with artisanal sandwiches and salads at Tartine Manufactory, open 11:30am to 3pm.
USD25, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll through Mission District Murals

Explore vibrant street art and murals in San Francisco’s Mission District for a colorful afternoon activity. Outdoor and accessible anytime.
USD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Foreign Cinema

End your trip with dinner at Foreign Cinema, a unique San Francisco eatery featuring eclectic California-Mediterranean cuisine and outdoor film screenings, open from 5pm.
USD50, 2h
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