5-Day Yosemite and Central California Coastal Adventure from ORD Airport

Day 1: Travel & Fresno City

Chicago, IL > Fresno, CA on July 2, 2025

6:00am

Depart ORD Airport

Catch an early morning flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Fresno Yosemite International Airport, approximately 4 hours flight time.
USD250-450, 4h

10:30am

Fresno Downtown Exploration

Explore downtown Fresno visiting the vibrant Fulton Street area with cafes, shops, and the Fresno Art Museum open 10am-5pm. A nice city introduction to Central California.
Free entry to public spaces, Museum USD10, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kuppa Joy Coffee & Bistro

Enjoy fresh, local cuisine including sandwiches and coffee in the trendy downtown café known for quality meals and ambiance.
USD15-25, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Begin a scenic 2.5 hour drive via CA-41 N to Yosemite National Park, preparing for your adventure.
USD70/day rental car, 2h30m

4:00pm

Check-in & Settle at Yosemite Valley Accommodation

Check in to your lodging and relax after the journey. Freshen up for an early evening stroll.
Varies by lodging, 1h

5:00pm

Yosemite Valley Walk & Sunset View

Take an easy walk along the Valley Loop Trail to capture views of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall during the golden hour.
Included with USD35 park entrance, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mountain Room Restaurant

Have dinner at this elegant Yosemite Valley Lodge restaurant with stunning cliff views and classic American dishes.
USD40-60, 1h30m
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Day 2: Yosemite Waterfalls & Valley

Yosemite National Park on July 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Base Camp Eatery

Start your day with a filling breakfast known for burritos, pastries, and coffee.
USD10-15, 1h

8:45am

Mist Trail Hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls

Hike the iconic Mist Trail to see two of Yosemite’s famous waterfalls; this 7-mile round-trip trail offers beautiful waterfall views and pays off with spectacular scenes.
Included, 5h

2:30pm

Picnic Lunch at Sentinel Meadow

Have a relaxing picnic lunch amidst picturesque meadows surrounded by towering granite mountains.
Self-prepared or USD10-15 at park stores, 1h

4:00pm

Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

Enjoy an easy 1-mile loop to the base of the majestic Yosemite Falls to round out your afternoon with close waterfall views.
Included in park entrance, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Curry Village Pavilion

Casual dining experience with pizza and pasta at the lively Curry Village Pavilion, a perfect spot for family-friendly meals.
USD20-30, 1h
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Day 3: Glacier Point & Coastal Drive

Yosemite National Park > Monterey, CA on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Enjoy a refined breakfast surrounded by historic grandeur at The Ahwahnee Hotel.
USD25-35, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Glacier Point (Open seasonally Jul-Oct)

A one-hour drive to Glacier Point, where panoramic views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley await.
Included in park entrance, 1h

9:30am

Glacier Point & Sentinel Dome Hike

Take time for sightseeing and a picturesque 2.2-mile round trip hike to Sentinel Dome for sweeping park views.
Included, 2h

12:00pm

Drive to Monterey (approx. 2-hour drive)

Leave Yosemite and drive west towards the Pacific Coast to Monterey, embracing beachside scenery.
Fuel cost approx USD20-30, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Old Fisherman's Grotto

Enjoy fresh seafood with views of Monterey Bay at this well-known historic waterfront restaurant.
USD25-40, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Downtown Monterey

Stroll through the charming downtown area, browse art galleries, shops, and historic sites such as Custom House Plaza.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Beach Time at Carmel Beach

Drive 10 minutes to nearby Carmel Beach, famous for its white sand and coastal views; perfect for relaxing or a sunset stroll.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Sardine Factory

Savor a nice dinner featuring Pacific seafood and wine in this elegant, historic Monterey restaurant.
USD40-60, 1h30m
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Day 4: Monterey Bay & Beach Day

Monterey, CA on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at First Awakenings

Begin with breakfast at this popular local spot known for fresh, hearty morning dishes.
USD10-15, 1h

9:30am

Monterey Bay Aquarium Visit

Visit the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium open 10am - 5pm, featuring marine life exhibits from kelp forests to sea otters.
USD50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at nearby Café Fina

Casual lunch with beautiful bay views and fresh Italian-inspired dishes.
USD20-30, 1h

1:30pm

Beach and Waterfront Walk

Spend the afternoon enjoying the beaches like Del Monte Beach or explore Cannery Row promenade with shops and sights.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Fandango Restaurant

Dine on Mediterranean and American cuisine in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, with a cozy atmosphere.
USD35-50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return Travel

Monterey, CA > Fresno, CA > Chicago, IL on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Have a quick breakfast at a local café before checking out from Monterey accommodations.
USD10-15, 1h

8:00am

Drive back to Fresno Yosemite International Airport

Approximately 3-hour drive back to Fresno to catch your flight home.
Fuel USD20-30, 3h

11:30am

Return rental car & airport check-in

Return your rental car and proceed with airport security and boarding preparations for your flight to Chicago.
Included in rental, 1h

1:30pm

Depart Fresno Airport

Fly back to Chicago O'Hare International Airport with likely connection.
USD250-450, 4h

7:30pm

Arrive at ORD Airport

Arrive in Chicago to conclude your trip.
N/A, N/A
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