14-Day Northern California Highway Journey Itinerary: The Finest Of NorCa…
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Northern California, or NorCal because it’s affectionately identified, is a gorgeous area made up of vineyards, dramatic shoreline, redwood forests, and vibrant cities.
It extends from the hills of San Francisco to the tech capital of Silicon Valley earlier than climbing as much as the wine nation of Napa and Sonoma Valley.
The South of Cali is usually famous for its seashores and surf vibes, whereas the north is extra about enjoyable in rugged nature. It’s rather more our vibe, as we found on our personal Northern California highway journey.
Given how huge and numerous this area is, it may be a problem placing collectively a Northern California itinerary, so we’ve finished the legwork for you.
If you’re able to commerce palm timber for redwoods, that is the last word 2-week Northern California highway journey itinerary that takes you to see the most important highlights of this area!
The Final Northern California Highway Journey
On this 14-day itinerary, we’ll be beginning and ending in San Francisco and doing a loop across the area. Be at liberty to adapt this itinerary as you see match, as it’s possible you’ll be touring in from Nevada and move by Lake Tahoe first.
Since this itinerary is a loop, you can begin at any level and make your approach again round. You can see a map on the finish of this publish which options the route and stopping factors on this itinerary.
Nevertheless, should you’re flying in, San Fran makes for the right start line. Choose up a rent automobile from right here, and prepare for an thrilling 14 days!
Day 1-2: San Francisco
We began and resulted in San Francisco, considered one of our favourite cities in California.
Spend a few days in San Fran and use this chance to arrange for the upcoing highway journey – get your rent automobile, pack your highway journey snacks, and get your self oriented.
Then, discover town! I at all times start my journeys by having a wander slowly across the metropolis.
I took within the gorgeous views of Coit Tower (how did I not learn about this earlier than?) after which walked subsequent door to Vesuvius Café the place Jack and lots of different poets, writers and singers would collect.
When you’ve by no means been to San Francisco earlier than, take a look at the Golden Gate Bridge, take a tour of Alcatraz Island, or head to the Fisherman’s Wharf to see the seals at Pier 39.
When you love museums, take a look at the De Younger Museum, or SF Museum of Fashionable Artwork, one of many largest museums of recent artwork in the USA.
When you solely have a day, right here’s the way to spend a in San Francisco.
Don’t miss these posts with numerous concepts on issues to do in San Francisco, in addition to these prime San Francisco points of interest and hidden gems and San Francisco neighborhoods to like.
The place to Keep: San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Marriott Marquis San Francisco is a superb place to remain in San Fran earlier than beginning your Northern California journey.
The Marquis is a implausible resort centrally positioned within the SoMa district not removed from Union Sq.. You’ll love the surprisingly giant rooms, and San Francisco views.
Don’t miss cocktails from The View lounge – the views are sensational.
Day three: Sausalito, Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore, Sonoma, and Sacramento
On the third day, it’s time the drive out of San Francisco and the bay space over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Fingers crossed the everyday marine layer just isn’t fogging you in, as you’ll cease at one of the crucial well-known viewpoints: Golden Gate Bridge View Vista Level
Good day Fog! It’s stunning even when it’s rolling in!
Sausalito
Simply north of the Golden Gate Bridge is Sausalito, considered one of my favourite areas of San Francisco, particularly on a sunny day. We stopped right here for an hour.
As I’ve been right here just a few instances earlier than, I made a decision to stroll alongside the bay simply north of the primary buying space for an area’s favourite espresso at Sausalito Equator.
There are many good views alongside the bay in Sausalito and boutique shops to peruse.
Sausalito Books By the Bay is a cute impartial group bookstore on the water value visiting.
As you proceed heading out of San Francisco the fog will drop and the temperature will rise as you make your method to the subsequent cease.
Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore
A 50-minute drive north of Sausalito is Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore, a pure haven identified for its craggy headlands, ocean views and rugged panorama.
Take an hour or so to stroll alongside the forested cliff tops and brushy hills. This area is thought for its rolling coastal hills with views of the Pacific Ocean.
There are a number of hikes to select from. You possibly can view all of them right here.
Gloria Ferrer Wines, Sonoma
After having the cobwebs swept away by the ocean breeze, head in direction of Sonoma, a extra laid-back wine area in comparison with well-known and glitzy Napa Valley.
My first (and restricted) impression is that Sonoma is extra my rustic, down-to-earth model and I need to come again.
First cease was Gloria Ferrer Vineyard, the primary glowing vineyard within the Carneros wine area of California, which has an ideally suited local weather for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Jose and Gloria Ferrer purchased their generations of Spanish-sparkling-winegrowing knowledge to this area, planting 50 acres of vines in 1984 and opening the vineyard two years alter.
In 2016, Gloria Ferrer acquired the official sustainable certification from the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.
I beloved studying this and extra on a non-public wine tasting expertise on the Vista Terrace with stunning views and a flight of 4 award-winning glowing and nonetheless wines.
They had been paired with scrumptious native cheeses, pickled capers, home spiced almonds, and charcuterie.
My favourite wines had been the Blanc de Blanc constructed from white 100% chardonnay and the pinot noir was sensational! I want I purchased a memento bottle!
Sonoma Plaza
I completely beloved the vibe of this historic city centered round Sonoma Plaza within the coronary heart of Sonoma Valley.
With its creative vibe and historic Spanish structure surrounding the sq., it jogged my memory of a cross between Jackson, Wyoming and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
It invitations you to slowly wander and absorb the previous adobe storefronts, wander down alleyways and thru courtyards, stopping for a little bit of buying or a drink or meal on the plethora of eating places and bars on the plaza’s edge.
For slightly historical past, discover the Sonoma Metropolis Corridor, the Sonoma Barracks within the previous Mexican army outpost, and the Spanish San Francisco Solano Mission village.
I beloved the pomegranate tree out the entrance of the mission, which impressed me to get a pomegranate margarita at Maya Restaurant.
Napa Valley
Take a drive by Napa Valley in your approach in direction of Sacramento, the place you’ll keep for the evening.
Napa Valley is without doubt one of the most stunning and scenic wine areas in Cali.
It’s additionally extraordinarily touristy so we don’t suggest hanging round too lengthy if crowds aren’t your vibe.
The place to Keep: Embassy Suites by Hilton in Sacramento
Keep two nights on the Embassy Suites By Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade.
The resort is throughout from the river and close to the golden Tower Bridge, which is value seeing throughout sundown for the way it lights up.
The resort is simply a brief stroll to Previous Sacramento Waterfront District and about 30 minutes to Midtown Sacramento.
The suite rooms are spacious with a separate lounge space and desk for many who work as they journey.
Additionally they have night social hour with free drinks and snacks! Search for their particular cocktail of the day. Warning. It could be robust!
Day four: Sacramento: Midtown & Previous City Sacramento
Sacramento was by no means on my checklist of locations to go to in California and I barely even knew something about it – not even that it was the capital of California!
I assumed it might be a bland, capital metropolis, however I adore it when my travels present me I do know nothing.
Now I need to return and discover extra of this vibrant metropolis (at the moment one of many quickest rising in California for affordability and life-style!)
As 80% of the meals within the US is produced from the Central Valley area the place Sacramento is positioned, you possibly can look forward to finding a flourishing Farm to Fork foodie scene within the metropolis.
Spend the day exploring Sacramento and taking within the websites.
I like to recommend to study the historical past of Sutter’s Fort, the place Sacramento began in 1839, by visiting the attractive State Capitol Constructing and grounds the place Sacramento was established because the capital after the Gold Rush in 1854.
My favourite cease was the 15-stories excessive Johnny Money Mural, created by the identical artist who did the 2008 Obama Hope poster to have fun the 50th anniversary of his Folsom Jail Blues album.
When you’re a Johnny Money fan, you may need to go to the Folsom Jail Museum to study extra about Money’s work for Jail reform and his efficiency of Jail Blues in 1968 on the jail.
Midtown Sacramento
We continued our theme of mural appreciating on our cultural strolling tour of Midtown Sacramento.
Midtown is the hip and classy area of Sacramento positioned largely alongside the residential group with previous houses and tree-lined streets, which jogged my memory plenty of Raleigh.
Additionally it is the middle of Sacramento’s artwork, music, and cultural scene the place you’ll discover extra of a various cultural story, breweries, hip cafes, upscale eating and golf equipment, artisans and vibrant murals.
The form of native expertise we search for after we journey.
First cease in Midtown will need to be the Temple Espresso for a scrumptious cup. Take note of the 500,000 pennies that make up the café’s ground. I’m positive you’ll discover good luck.
Temple Espresso has varied places within the metropolis. My analysis earlier than visiting instructed me it’s a few of the greatest espresso in Sacramento.
The world round Midtown MX (on Ok Road) is the place you’ll discover slightly style of Mexico with cool eating places and the Placita MX a constructing courtyard space that homes six totally different small artisan companies.
You could even see artist, John S. Huerta, at work in his studio.
Across the nook is Catina Alley, the place we stopped for some deliciously contemporary and spicy Asada steak and Baja fish tacos.
Cantina Alley has Oaxaca and Mexico Metropolis impressed ala carte avenue meals; most identified for his or her tacos. They’ve changed the chips and salsa sometimes served in Mexican eating places with chicharrons – fried pig rind.
I beloved the ambiance of this restaurant, with its out of doors seating, enormous mural, sculptures, and bar lined with photograph-covered ceramic tiles. It undoubtedly made me need to go to Mexico Metropolis!
You possibly can simply stroll to this space from the resort (about 30 minutes).
We walked again from the Midtown strolling tour, which gave us a higher perception into Sacramento life.
Previous Sacramento
Are you able to step again into Gold Rush instances?
The Previous Sacramento Waterfront has been preserved to take care of that 1850s really feel with recreated or restored buildings from the Gold Rush period.
You’ll discover wood sidewalks, horse drawn carriages or perhaps even a dwelling historical past character or two.
Museums will inform the story of the California Gold Rush and the constructing of the Transcontinental Railroad which started in Sacramento.
Dereck took us on a brief strolling tour of the world earlier than dinner and instructed us extra of Sacramento’s historical past.
I used to be nervous this area could also be slightly kitschy, however I beloved it!
The structure of the buildings had been gorgeous and it was tastefully set out and designed and it had such a enjoyable wild west vibe that felt genuine to that spirit, greater than poorly fabricated!
I really like discovering connections between locations once I go to and the model of Sacramento’s buildings with their wrap round higher decks/ verandahs had been precisely like Fremantle in Western Australia, which additionally has a wealthy gold mining historical past!
It has a really comparable buzzing evening time environment, the place everybody was having time. I felt like I used to be visiting Sacramento and Fremantle within the one expertise and I used to be so joyful.
A gaggle of us from the tour went to Fanny Ann’s Saloon for dinner. It’s named after the steamboat that was used for transportation throughout the Gold Rush (and later helped the North within the Civil Conflict!)
Franny Ann’s has been serving up burgers and beers since 1973! The peanut butter burger is the specialty!
There’s three ranges of memorabilia, together with an historical firehose on wheels, posters, arcade video games and funky nooks and crannies.
It has a Wild West quirky really feel. Among the posters gave us an amazing giggle for days after!
Different folks on the tour wen to the River Metropolis Saloon bar and love that have!
On our second night, we ate as a tour group on the Rio Metropolis Café proper on the River working by Sacramento.
The constructing is designed as a replicate steamship warehouse of the 1800s, good for its riverside location. The out of doors patio overlooks the river and historic Tower Bridge and is serene at sundown.
This can be a great place for a fancier Sacramento eating expertise with scrumptious meals and cocktails.
You possibly can learn extra in our someday information to Sacramento.
Day 5: Sacramento to Humboldt County
It’s a six hour drive to Humboldt County from Sacramento, so contemplate stopping off in Mendocino, a captivating coastal city roughly midway between the 2 areas on the Northern California Coast.
It’s identified for its gradual tempo of life, quaint espresso outlets and boutiques, and small city appeal.
You would additionally cease at Trinidad, Arcata, or Eureka for the evening should you don’t need to proceed on to Crescent Metropolis, had been we suggest you keep for the Redwood Nationwide State Park.
The place to Keep: Hiouchi Motel, Crescent Metropolis
The Hiouchi Motel in Crescent Metropolis is fundamental however snug, and does the job for one evening.
Because it’s a motel, it has loads of parking, and every room comes with A/C, a kitchenette, a seating and eating space and a non-public rest room.
All rooms have a espresso machine.
Day 6: Redwood Nationwide and State Park to Burney Falls
There are two pure highlights of Northern California, Yosemite and Redwood Nationwide and State Park.
Relying on how a lot of a tree-lover you’re, it’s possible you’ll need to spend a full day right here and keep another evening in Crescent Metropolis, or it’s possible you’ll solely wander for an hour and take the lengthy drive to the subsequent cease.
Observe: It’s a 4 hour drive from Redwood Nationwide and State Park to Shasta Lake, the cease for the evening earlier than visiting Burney Falls. Bear in mind this if you end up exploring that you just may arrive late to your lodging.
Redwood Nationwide and State Park
It had been a dream of mine to stroll amongst the large redwood forests in Northern California (the most important tree by top).
Planning a vsit to the redwoods is slightly complicated as Redwoods Nationwide Park really consists of four parks, with three of them being State Parks. Your complete perimeter is made up of:
- Redwood Nationwide Park
- Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
- Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
There’s additionally Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Redwood Nationwide Park and State Park, essentially the most well-known place in North America to see Redwood timber.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park is the third largest of the California state parks and residential to the world’s largest remaining contiguous old-growth forest of coastal redwoods.
Combining all of the parks, there are some unimaginable climbing alternatives and scenic drives.
Considered one of a number of highlights was hugging a Redwood tree, however not any tree, a 346 foot big Redwood tree at Humboldt State Park.
It’s not as huge as The Normal Sherman Tree in Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nationwide Parks, which is the most important tree on the earth at 1,487 cubic meters, or the second largest tree, The Normal Grant Tree, at 1,320 cubic meters – but it surely was nonetheless mighty spectacular.
We also loved the gorgeous drive though old forests, small farms, and a few small towns.
Cheatham Grove is a true hidden gem of Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park (one of the best California State Parks) and you might recognize it from as backdrop from the scooter chase scene in the Star Wars movie, Return of The Jedi.
And it’s here you can drive the 32 mile Avenue of the Giants, making this one of the best places to see redwoods by car.
If you want to see some other beautiful nature sites as well as redwoods, check out Fern Canyon and College Cove Beach.
Where to Stay: Inn at Shasta Lake
Since there are no hotels in Burney Falls, a great place to base yourself nearby is Inn at Shasta Lake.
This 3* bed and breakfast has cozy rooms decorated with modern furnishings, each with their own private bathroom.
They are located in Shasta Trinity National forest and surrounded by woodlands, making for a quiet natural escape.
It’s in a rural location, but it’s only 5 miles to Redding where you can get a bite to eat.
Also note that cell phones go “out of range” in the area here.
Day 7: Burney Falls, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Tahoe City
One of the main reasons why you had a long slog of a drive the day before is to see Burney Falls.
From here, you will start to loop back South towards Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and back towards San Francisco.
There will be about 3.5 hours of driving today, but it will be broken up with the first two stops.
Burney Falls
Wake up early to see Burney Falls. This is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the state, standing at 120 feet high and with a sheer power of 100 million gallons of water flowing through it each day -it’s size and power will leave you stunned.
If you are visiting NorCal in Spring or Fall, you will find the waterfall at its fullest as the snowmelt and rainy season fills the river.
Pack a breakfast picnic and enjoy the serene surroundings before driving 45 minutes to our next stop, Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
One of the lessor known national parks in the USA is Lassen Volcanic National Park.
It’s rich in hydrothermal sites like Bumpass Hell, with its acres of bubbling mud pots, steaming sulphur vents, and, boiling springs. It’s like a mini Yellowstone National Park.
Lassen Peak Volcano blew its top in 1914. Now it’s dormant, and trails and overlooks let you these amazing sites from within dense woods and sparkling lakes. The summit offers views over the surrounding wilderness.
After exploring the park, drive 3 hours to South Lake Tahoe.
Where to Stay: The Jeffrey Hotel
Stay in South Lake Tahoe in the beachside hotel, The Jeffrey Hotel, a serene mountain resort with spacious and comfortable rooms. Each room has been individually styled and comes with a private bathroom.
Some rooms have a fireplace or sun terrace.
The highlight of this hotel is the private beach, less than 1 mile away.
Day 8: Lake Tahoe
I recommend you spend a full day at Lake Tahoe, taking in the wonderful views and driving the “Most Beautiful Drive in America,” the highway circumnavigating the eastern side of Lake Tahoe on the way to Mammoth Mountain.
Lake Tahoe has been on my USA bucket list for some time after watching so many friend’s fun adventures in the region – both during winter and summer.
While our trip was fleeting and was mostly stunning viewpoints, it’s inspired me to return for more in-depth explorations, lake fun, and hiking in the surrounding mountains.
We got to experience Tahoe from the Nevada side as well, which was great.
We stopped in at Sand-Harbor State Park and Logan Shoals Vista Point in Nevada for these stunning views:
In case you’re wondering, the reason Lake Tahoe is so blue is thanks to the clarity of the water, which is fed purely of snowmelt from the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains.
You can sometimes see down to a depth of 100ft.
At 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, Lake Tahoe is North America’s largest alpine lake at 6,225 feet above sea level.
It’s the second deepest lake in the USA after Crater Lake (which Tahoe reminded me of with its brilliant blue color).
We stopped for a great lunch of Mexican and Monday Margaritas at Azul Latin Kitchen in Heavenly Village in the South Lake Tahoe area in California and a little shopping after it.
I picked up some lovely gifts for the girls in the Earthbound Trading Company.
Day 9: Emerald Bay State Park, Bodie Ghost Town, Mono Lakes, Mammoth Mountain
On the ninth day, you’ll be visiting three attractions that are vastly different from each other! There is about 3 hours of driving today, so be sure to have a big breakfast and fuel up!
Emerald Bay State Park
Drive 15-minutes to Emerald Bay State Park, and enjoy an early morning hike before you set off towards your next stop.
Head to Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian manion that once belonged to Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight in 1928.
There is a steep one mile trail to the house, but once you are there, you can admire the intricate design of the house which has been built using natural timber.
It’s said that 200 workers were hired to hand hew the timbers, carving the intricate details and plane the interior walls.
It’s an architectural gem!
Bodie Ghost Town Tour
From Lake Tahoe, head to Bodie Ghost town, which ended up being a wonderful experience and a highlight for me. The drive here from Lake Tahoe is about 2 hours 40 minutes.
Bodie State Historic Park is the largest and most interesting gold-mining ghost town I have been to.
Bodie became a boom town in 1876 after the discovery of gold and by 1879 it had a population of 7,000–10,000.
This isolated town in the Sierra Nevada mountain range is preserved in a state of Arrested Decay, meaning it’s exactly as it looks when it was abandoned in 1942, right down to goods still on the grocery shelf and the weights lying around on the gym floor.
Mono Lake
Drive 45 minutes to Mono Lake, a mystical beauty known as the Dead Sea of California
It’s one of the oldest lakes in North America and known for its Tufas – columns and spires of solid calcium carbonate formed when freshwater springs met the alkaline water of the lakes.
There is a mile long boardwalk that loops along the waters edge and takes you up close to the tufas and mud pots.
Minaret Vista
Before parking up for the night, hike the 3-mile return Minaret Vista trail behind the Mammoth Inn.
It was a beautiful and easy hike through the forest leading to spectacular sunset views of Mammoth Lakes’ signature skyline, the sharp, jutting spores of the the Minarets.
I highly recommend you make time in your schedule to do this.
Mammoth Mountain Village
We had a later arrival to our Mammoth Mountain Inn accommodation where we headed straight down to cute Mammoth Village for dinner in the outdoor garden of Mammoth Brewing Company.
The burger here was one of the best I had, and many agreed the food was sensational, as was the beer!
Mammoth Mountain is known for being California’s premier skiing resort, but if you’re visiting in the Spring or Summer time, this gorgeous alpine region is alive with pine trees and glistening lakes.
Where to Stay: Mammoth Mountain Inn
Mammoth Mountain Inn is located at the base of Mammoth Mountain across from the main lodge of the ski area.
The lodge rooms were cozy with a loft bedroom that kids will love if you are traveling with them. I liked this feature for families to get a little extra privacy and space.
The lodge has a restaurant and bar with great food and drink choices.
It’s a cozy atmosphere and the place for our group impromptu September 21 Spring Equinox Dance.
There may or may not have been Slippery Slope dessert cocktails involved.
Day 10: Mammoth Mountain to Yosemite National Park
The Mammoth region is known for its mountain peaks, expansive valleys, and crystal clear mountain lakes. It’s an adventure lovers’ playground year round.
We had activities planned for the surrounding areas down off the mountain rather than on it.
Spend the morning exploring the Mammoth Mountain region, take the Gondola ride to the top of the mountain for views, or take a kayak out on Mono Lake (my choice), before driving on to perhaps the biggest highlight of this Northern California road trip!
Where to Stay: Tenaya Lodge
Everyone was excited to have three nights at the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite.
The resort is not located within Yosemite National Park, but in Fish Camp, which is just outside the Mariposa Grove region of the park.
Craig and I stayed here in 2019 with the girls and loved it, so I was thrilled to return.
It’s the most upmarket property on this road trip, and you get access to amenities to match with indoor and outdoor pools, landscaped gardens, firepits (remember to S’mores), relaxing Spa treatments, and the Jack Cantaloupe Restaurant which has noteworthy food and drinks.
The burgers are great as is the flourless chocolate torte!
I loved soaking up some free time by the resort pool (so happy it was heated!) and one evening we grabbed some s’mores kits around the fire pits on the patio and enjoyed them over warm chocolate cocktails and conversations contemplating the truth of ghosts!
All deep conversations (and much laughter) happen with new friends over crackling fires.
Read our full review of the Tenaya Lodge
Day 11-13: Yosemite National Park
The highlight of this Northern California tour is Yosemite National Park.
This was my third visit to the park, so I enjoyed a more leisurely experience that involved mostly appreciating the many different viewpoints.
I recommend spending at least two full days, preferably 3, exploring the park and stopping at all the major viewpoints.
The biggest treat was driving along the Tioga Pass Road, a more off-the-beaten path section of Yosemite that is closed most of the year due to snow.
I discovered one of my favorite views at Olmsted Point overlooking the back of half dome.
We took a couple of hours to wander Yosemite Valley floor, which I enjoyed doing with a couple of my fellow travelers.
Sadly, due to the time of year (September) the Yosemite waterfalls had dried up, as they are mostly snowmelt fed.
California is also in drought so had one of the worst snow years.
It was so bizarre seeing a completely dry Yosemite and Bridalveil Falls where last I saw them in May when the granite walls of Yosemite Valley were thundering with water!
Day 12: Yosemite National Park Photography Tour
This may not be for everyone, but if you’re into photography, I recommend the STROLL: A Kaleidoscope on Black and White Photography tour courtesy of the Ansel Adams Gallery.
Since Craig is usually the photographer, I though this would be a great way for me to learn a little more about photography and connect to Yosemite in a different way.
Ansel Adams is known throughout the world for spectacular black and white images of America’s natural beauty, in particular, Yosemite. He was a visionary in his efforts to preserve America’s wild and scenic areas.
Our guide, Blake took us on a short walk through the valley sharing Ansel Adam’s life, how Yosemite impacted him, and the importance of his photography work for helping to protect national parks.
We also learned some of his black and white photo techniques and how to apply it to our own digital photography.
The treat for most of us was getting a look at a Chamonix 45 4×5 view camera, similar to what Ansel Adam’s would have used.
It was extraordinary to see the amount of time, consideration, and care went into to taking one photo. You had to know what you were doing and set everything up to capture a perfect photo.
But, as we learned on the tour, sometimes it took Ansel months, if not years, to perfect a shot.
We need experiences like this to remind us how easy we have it now! It helps me appreciate those who came before us and trailblazed that easy path for us.
It inspired me to improve my photography. (Which I soon forgot about after the trip, when I gladly handed the camera back to Craig!!)
Day 14: Yosemite National Park to Tuolumne Grove to San Francisco
An hour and a half drive away from Yosemite are the Giant Sequoias at Tuolumne Grove.
The biggest sequoia grove at Yosemite is Mariposa Grove, which is right near Tenaya, but you can see them without the crowds at Tuolumne Grove.
As I had been to Mariposa before, so I was keen to visit Tuolumne Grove.
It was a 2 mile return hike down to the grove – noting it was quite steep coming out. It was a peaceful wall to experience the largest living trees on earth!
After a couple of hours exploring this forest, head on back to San Francisco at your own pace. This is a 3.5 hour drive, so be sure to stop for a coffee along the way.
Final Thoughts
After a long drive back to San Francisco, we were exhausted but amazed by the beauty of this region!
When you travel remember to be present and soak up all of it.
Because before you know it, it’s over, you’re onto the next adventure and the memory of it will soon start to fade – but those feelings you had along the way won’t – that’s what continues to transform.
I stayed an extra night in San Francisco and spoiled myself with cocktails and dinner at The View Lounge.
Enjoy the next chapter of your journey!
Map of this Northern California Itinerary
To help you plan your itinerary, here is a map of this road trip itinerary with each of the stops mentioned in this guide.
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