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Classic Road Trip

Best Stops on the Drive from
San Francisco, CA to Yosemite National Park, CA

Leave the fog of the Bay Area behind and drive into the towering granite cliffs of the Sierra Nevada. This iconic California road trip is packed with Gold Rush history.

Distance
170 miles
Drive Time
3.5 hours
Best Time
May to September

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Must-See Stops Along the Way

These are our hand-picked recommendations to break up the drive.

2 hours

Livermore Valley Wine Country

Before hitting the mountains, stop in one of California's oldest wine regions. It's a quieter, more relaxed alternative to Napa.

1 hour

Oakdale

Known as the 'Cowboy Capital of the World'. Grab some amazing BBQ and explore the western boutiques in their historic downtown.

1.5 hours

Groveland

A perfectly preserved 1849 Gold Rush town. Don't miss the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in California.

30 mins

Tunnel View

Right as you enter Yosemite Valley, you will be hit with the most iconic vista in the world: El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all in one frame.

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