What better place to start your road trip than San Francisco? This city already has the legendary Golden Gate Bridge. Take your time exploring San Fran, grab a coffee with a view, and take a boat ride out to Alcatraz. Breathe in the fresh Californian breeze. This 200-mile road trip itinerary will point out the must-see places in the famous Yosemite National Park. Strap in, crank the A/C on and head on your way!
Tunnel View
Stop 1
Jump on State Route 1 and you’re in for a treat. This view point, know as Tunnel View, gives a breathtaking snapshot of the valley. You will see where the name comes from! This place is stunning in both summer and winter.
Yosemite Falls
Stop 2
Discover one of the highest falls in America. At 2,400 feet, Yosemite Falls are one of the most popular attractions in the park. The perfect time to visit these falls is late spring, when the snowmelt flows vigorously down. What better way to enjoy a picnic lunch than in front of a towering waterfall?
Snow Shoeing
Stop 3
If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, slap on some snow shoes and head for a walk! For most, this is the highlight. If you’ve never heard of these before, they are a super easy way to get around in the snow. For a small fee, you can be sliding around all afternoon!
Hiking Treks
There is an endless number of walks and treks to do in the National Park. All include scenery you will not see anywhere else. This is the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs! If you’re not up for a hike, don’t stress! You will still see the beauty on many of the short walks.
Be at one with nature
I’m sure we can all agree, nature does not disappoint. Yosemite National Park is a prime example of nature at its finest. We recommend spending at least 1 week here to take in all of the different views and activities. It’s not very often you will find mountains so close to the coast! With over 700 acres, you have a never-ending list of places to visit on your next RV road trip.
Find other popular road trips across San Francisco
- Check Out San Francisco to Portland Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to Redwoods National Park Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to Lake Tahoe Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to Crater Lake Road Trip
- Check Out San Francisco to New York Road Trip
- See all San Francisco road trips
Get the best rates on campervan rentals across San Francisco
The open road is calling, and there’s no need to overspend to answer it. With a budget campervan rental in San Francisco, you can travel comfortably while keeping costs low. Secure your rental and start planning your trip today!
FAQs about San Francisco to Yosemite National Park road trip
San Francisco to Yosemite is a short, lovely drive—197 miles away, which would take you around 3 hours, give or take. Yosemite has so much to offer and do. Due to this, we recommend taking a 7-day road trip so you can enjoy your trip and experience all Yosemite has to offer.
If you’re heading from San Francisco to Yosemite, there are a few good stops to make along the way. Start in the city with the Golden Gate Bridge and maybe a quick walk in the Mission District or down by the bay. On your drive east, consider taking a break in Oakdale or Groveland for a quick bite or supplies.
Once you reach the park, Tunnel View is a must for your first look at the valley. Yosemite Falls is another top stop, especially in spring when the water’s flowing strongly. If it’s winter, snowshoeing is a fun way to explore, and in any season, there are plenty of short hikes with great views. Whether you stay for a day or a week, there’s no shortage of trails and sights to keep you busy.
Yes, you can collect your campervan from our San Francisco branch. Unfortunately, we don’t have a drop-off point in Yosemite; our drop-off areas are in San Francisco, LA, and Las Vegas.
Yes! Between San Francisco and Yosemite, there are a few lovely places to free camp, as well as at Yosemite itself. However, you need to be aware that not all sites will offer the same facilities.
We recommend you compare your freedom camping options before setting off on your trip. Take a look at this guide to some freedom camping areas in California to find the right ones for your needs.
The best times to drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park are May and October. That’s when the roads are open and the weather is better for exploring. Waterfalls flow in spring, and autumn brings crisp air and fewer visitors.
Yes, particularly if you are travelling during the quieter months. Booking early can lead to off-season savings and give you more time to work out your route, timing, and how long you want to spend on the road.
The San Francisco to Yosemite National Park route doesn’t have tolls, so you can enjoy your drive without worrying about the extra costs.
Our Campervans
Seats 2-5
Tent Optional
Chairs Optional
Ice Box Optional
Ext. Table Opt.
Gas Cooker Opt.
