Weekend getaway from San Francisco · #8 of 10
Yosemite National Park
El Capitan, Half Dome and waterfalls that thunder in late spring, all ringing one glacier-carved valley. A four-hour drive each way, so make it a full two-nighter and book park reservations and lodging well ahead.
Imagine a giant, glacier-carved valley framed by massive granite walls and roaring waterfalls. Since it is a four-hour drive, do not rush it. Spend the night to enjoy the icons first, then hike to high-altitude views.
Getting there
Your fastest bet, checking in at 190 miles. Set your alarm early on Saturday; you want to beat the summer crowds before parking turns into a massive headache.
A bit longer but absolutely gorgeous as you hug the Merced River. It is also your best option to avoid chain requirements in the shoulder seasons.
Day 1
Postcard views and valley floor wanders- 17:00 AMDrive
Drive to Yosemite
Roll east through the Central Valley and watch the flat farmland give way to pine-scented Sierra foothills. You will hit the park gates in about four hours.
Tip · Gas up before entering the valley; fuel options are non-existent once you are down inside.
- 211:00 AMSight
Tunnel View overlook
Prepare to gasp. This is the legendary first view of the valley floor, featuring El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome sitting perfectly in the frame.
📍 Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park
Tip · The two tiny lots fill up fast in the summer. Get here early, or prepare to loop around.
- 311:30 AMActivity
Walk to Bridalveil Fall
Take a quick, easy stroll along the paved path to get up close and personal with this thundering 620-foot giant. It is one of the valley's easiest spots to reach.
📍 Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite National Park
Tip · Spring brings a massive spray of mist, but keep in mind it can dwindle to a light trickle by August.
- 412:30 PMFood
Lunch in Yosemite Village
Time to refuel. Pop into the village store to assemble a killer picnic lunch from the deli counter or stock up on trail snacks.
📍 Yosemite Village, Yosemite National Park
- 52:00 PMActivity
Lower Yosemite Fall loop trail
Walk this easy paved loop to feel the spray of one of North America's tallest waterfalls. You will hear its thundering roar long before you see it.
📍 Lower Yosemite Fall, Yosemite National Park
Tip · Ditch the car. There is zero parking at the trailhead, so hop on the free valley shuttle.
- 64:00 PMSight
Meadow walk toward Sentinel Bridge
Wander through the peaceful meadows near the visitor center for stunning views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, culminating at Sentinel Bridge.
📍 Sentinel Bridge, Yosemite National Park
- 76:30 PMFood
Dinner in Yosemite Valley
Unwind at a lodge restaurant where you can toast to your day while staring straight out at the glowing, illuminated Yosemite Falls.
📍 Yosemite Valley Lodge, Yosemite National Park
Tip · Make sure to book your table ahead of time, even if you are visiting during the quieter months.
- 88:30 PMStay
Overnight in Yosemite Valley
Rest your head inside the valley, whether you snagged a lodge room, a tent cabin, or a campsite. You will love waking up steps from the trails.
📍 Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
Tip · Snag your spot months in advance; campsites and rooms on summer weekends vanish instantly.
Day 2
Mist-drenched trails and epic vistas- 97:00 AMActivity
Hike the Mist Trail
Climb up the steep granite steps alongside the rushing Merced River to the bridge below Vernal Fall. It is a heart-pounding but gorgeous hike.
📍 Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park
Tip · Hit the trail early to avoid the midday sun and the massive crowds on the steep stone steps.
- 1010:00 AMDrive
Drive up to Glacier Point
Wind your way up from the valley floor on a scenic one-hour drive to an unforgettable overlook. Note: this road closes during winter.
Tip · Expect delays on summer weekends as the parking lot fills up; patience is key here.
- 1110:30 AMSight
Glacier Point overlook
Stroll along a short paved path to find yourself standing 3,000 feet above the valley. Half Dome and Yosemite Falls look close enough to touch.
📍 Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park
Tip · Afternoon light on Half Dome is pure magic, but coming at midday means you will avoid the worst crowds.
- 1212:00 PMFood
Picnic lunch near Wawona
Drive south to Wawona for a relaxing picnic lunch near the historic lodge and its charming covered bridge, the perfect midday break.
📍 Wawona, Yosemite National Park
- 131:30 PMActivity
Walk among the giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove
Wander through a grove of over 500 ancient giants. You will see the legendary, 1,800-year-old Grizzly Giant standing tall along the trails.
📍 Mariposa Grove, Yosemite National Park
Tip · Take the shuttle from the lot to the grove entrance. If you want to see it all, plan for a 3-4 mile loop.
- 143:30 PMDrive
Drive back to San Francisco
Time to head home. Steer west along Highway 41, cruising through the Central Valley on a four-hour journey back to the city.
Tip · Watch out for Sunday evening gridlock on I-580 near Altamont Pass; leave early to beat it.
Where to eat
Your go-to spot for stocking up on deli sandwiches, fresh fruit, and trail mixes before hitting the dirt.
Choose between quick bites or relaxed sit-down dinners, all featuring direct views of the falls.
A historic spot that throws fantastic summer Saturday barbecues on the lawn, perfect after a day of hiking.
When to go
The waterfalls are roaring at absolute peak capacity from melting snow, and the valley is incredibly lush.
You can drive everywhere, including Tioga and Glacier Point, but you will be sharing the views with huge crowds.
Crisp autumn air, thinner crowds, and open roads, though keep an eye out for early snow shutting down high passes.
A snow-covered wonderland with skiing at Badger Pass, though key high roads close for the winter season.
Good to know
- Book your lodging or campsite months in advance; summer weekends disappear in a flash.
- Fill your tank before you drop into the valley, as there is not a single gas pump down there.
- Save your sanity and take the free valley shuttle in summer rather than fighting for parking.
- Keep a close eye on road conditions; first snows will shut down Tioga and Glacier Point Roads.
