Yosemite – California Travel Life https://californiatravellife.com California Travel, Garden, Food, and Fun! Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:48:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8 https://californiatravellife.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/09/California-Travel-Life-Logos-Browser-Tab-BlueWhite-150x150.png Yosemite – California Travel Life https://californiatravellife.com 32 32 191975442 30 Great Day Trips from San Francisco https://californiatravellife.com/day-trips-from-san-francisco/ Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:44:32 +0000 https://californiatravellife.com/?p=1960 Someone once shared with me a great analogy for describing the San Francisco Bay Area. The Bay itself, with the Golden Gate Bridge stretching across it, is the garden gate, and beyond it, an array of color and life waiting to be explored. 

Perhaps that was one of the intentions behind the song lyric, “San Francisco open your Golden Gate…” Whether it was or not, just past that Golden Gate an array of day trips from San Francisco await. There are historic sites, hamlets, hiking trails, ancient redwoods, and expansive landscapes where the temperatures may be higher or lower than what you awoke to in “The City”. 

While much of the Bay Area enjoys a Mediterranean climate; hot, dry summers and cool, rainy weather winters, San Francisco’s position on the tip of a peninsula surrounded by very cold water, cools the city down and pulls the famous fog onto it even as surrounding communities heat up.

This means that when planning day trips from San Francisco, it is wise to take note of the temperatures and be prepared to strip or add layers.

Now that we’re past the “garden gate,” let’s explore some day trip adventures from San Francisco.

30 Great Day Trips from San Francisco

Muir Woods

Muir Woods is one of the classic day trips from San Francisco
Muir Woods by Kristine Dworkin

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 16. 4 miles (45 minutes)

One of the most popular day trips from San Francisco is to the ancient redwood groves of Muir Woods. Redwood trees are found only on the Pacific coastline, clustered in areas stretching from Monterey to Southern Oregon. So, to have 554 acres of old-growth redwoods a little more than a 30-minute drive from San Francisco is pretty special!

Muir Woods is often described as a pilgrimage rather than an excursion. Visitors say they feel a reverence that can only be evoked by walking into a place like Cathedral Grove, a silent preserve and home to the tallest and oldest redwoods in Muir Woods— we’re talking 400 to 1,000 years old!

There’s nothing like standing at the expansive roots of a redwood tree and staring up at its massive trunk. It will seem like the top of the tree disappears into the sky. It’s also not unusual to see fellow hikers and tree huggers lovingly running a hand over the surface of the trunks.

The trees in Muir Woods are so massive and dense that light bends as it squeezes between the trunks and comes through the branches in pieces. The tallest tree is about 258 feet tall, and the largest tree trunk diameter is 17 feet.

Muir Woods pathway
Muir Woods path by Kristine Dworkin

The Fern Creek and Hillside Trail is a great hike for a classic Muir Woods experience. It’s a 1.9-mile loop that takes an average of 40 minutes to complete. You’ll pass popular sites like the Redwood Tree Slice, the Pinchot Tree, and Cathedral Grove as you walk fully shaded and surrounded by towering trees.

Like any other hike, you should bring plenty of water and a water-resistant jacket. Muir Woods can get chilly and damp. For sustenance, you can pick up a grab-and-go sandwich at the Muir Woods Trading Company or dine in the cafe before or after your pilgrimage in the trees. Remember to always pack out whatever you pick up and leave no trace in the woods.

Due to its close proximity to San Francisco, this redwood forest is an incredibly popular destination. Parking must be reserved in advance, and shuttle are available through gomuirwoods.com.

Muir Beach is located three miles west of Muir Woods and is an excellent addition to your day trip itinerary.

Note: Pets are not allowed on the trails in Muir Woods National Monument.

Marin Headlands

The Marin Headlands are an easy daytrip from San Francisco
Marin Headlands by Nick Fullerton

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 7.5 miles (26 minutes)

A day trip to the Marin Headlands is so much more than a picturesque drive with rolling peninsulas and eye-popping scenery, it is an exercise in time travel that spans from the Coast Miwok people who have lived here for thousands of years to the modern American military.

Here’s one intriguing example: the country’s only fully restored Nike Missile Site is nestled in a formerly secret underground missile bunker right in the headlands. You don’t just get up close and personal with the missiles; you get to watch them rise from the ground on a massive elevator and into a firing position. It’s a stirring sight to see!

The United States Army built and operated close to 300 Nike missile sites around the country during the tense years of the Cold War, from 1953 to 1979. These sites were designed to be the last line of defense against H-Bomb carrying Soviet bombers that had eluded the Air Force’s interceptor jet aircraft. 

There are also remnants of multiple military installations to explore, including Fort Baker. Nested at the Sausalito end of the Golden Gate Bridge, this 335-acre fort consists of 25 historic buildings.

There are seacoast fortifications to check out and hiking trails where you can look for rare plants and endangered butterflies. Fort Baker will also give you a different perspective of San Francisco Bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the city beyond it, which is currently your home base.

Fort Cronkhite, a former World War II military post, is just a short drive away. Adjacent to Rodeo Beach, it is one of the era’s few remaining “mobilization posts.” Soldiers who were posted here waited for an enemy that never came. The barracks, mess halls, and other structures are still standing. Hike along the coastal trail to Battery Townsley, where you can see the 16-inch caliber gun.

Just two minutes up the road, you’ll find the world’s largest marine mammal hospital. The Marine Mammal Center cares for over 130 sick or injured marine mammals at any given time. Visitors learn what it takes to care for and rehabilitate marine mammals, including meal prep at the Fish Kitchen.

The center also features interactive exhibits and gorgeous wildlife photography. It’s free to visit, with the option to pay for a guided tour to see these animals and learn about their stories and treatment.

Point Bonita Lighthouse
Point Bonita Lighthouse by Don DeBold

Walk the trails along the headlands and take in the amazing views of San Francisco. Don’t miss Point Bonita Lighthouse, which was built in 1855 and is only accessible by footbridge. It appears to be precariously balanced on a jagged cliff above the ocean.

Let’s not forget the original residents of this beautiful area! The Marin Headlands Visitor Center offers more information about the Coast Miwoks and their cultural history. You can also see a Miwok shelter and listen to modern-day Miwok people talk about their lives.

Before you head back over the Golden Gate Bridge, there is one last stop you won’t want to miss! Hawk Hill is the highest point in the headlands and provides one of the best views in the Bay Area. Scanning this panoramic lookout with views of the Golden Gate, Point Bonita, and Rodeo Beach will leave you amazed that you were so close to an urban center during this excursion.

Napa Valley

Napa Valley Welcome Sign
Napa Valley Welcome Sign by Kristine Dworkin

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 58.8 miles (1 hour, 43 minutes)

Home to over 400 wineries, any time of year is a great time for a day trip to the gorgeous Napa Valley. There are two times of year, however, that I find particularly special.

The first is Mustard Season. Bright yellow wild mustard blooms carpet Napa Valley vineyards annually from January through March. It’s a wonderful time to enjoy art, wine, and events throughout the valley.

Here’s a little factoid to go with your Instagram photos: mustard is not only a colorful sight against the valley’s green landscape, but it is also a cover crop to protect the soil and replenish it with nutrients while also attracting beneficial insects, preventing erosion, and warding off grapevine pests.

Autumn is another spectacular time to make a day trip to Napa. The fall colors are popping, the air is crisp, and it’s Harvest season, or as the locals call it, Crush.

From August through October, Crush starts with picking grapes for white and sparkling wine and concludes with red wine. By September, the warm, oaky smell of wine barrels is in the air, fueling expectations of the coming vintage.

A drive along Silverado Trail is the perfect way to experience either of these seasons. It winds through the heart of the valley, sweeping through small towns with charming monikers like Yountville, Rutherford, and Calistoga.

Castello di Amorosa
Photo courtesy of Castello di Amorosa

One of the most unique valley destinations is Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga. An authentically styled 13th-century Tuscan castle, this winery has all of the elements of an authentic medieval castle: a moat, drawbridge, high defensive ramparts, courtyards, loggias, a chapel, stables, an armory, and a torture chamber! 

If you time your visit right, you could catch BottleRock Napa Valley. The annual music festival takes over the Napa Valley Expo for three days each May. The festival features the world’s best music artists and chefs, local wineries and restaurants.

If you want a bird’s-eye view of the valley’s beauty, then a hot air balloon ride is the best way to go! Watch a new day dawn over from 2,000 feet in the air. All rides begin at dawn, and many offer coffee or champagne.

A couple of great options for exploring the scenic valley floor include the Wine Train and the Napa Vine Trail, a cycling/walking system that runs about 15 miles.

If your day trip takes place during the hot summer months, you can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard from Enjoy Napa Valley and take to the Napa River. Be sure to stop by the Oxbow Public Market, a 40,000-square-foot marketplace in downtown Napa with excellent local vendors, including a Jewish Deli called Loveski. Sometimes, a little Matzo Ball soup is just the antidote to overdoing it during the wine tasting! 

Petaluma

Petaluma River Park
Petaluma River Park by Mark Gunn

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 39.1 miles (1 hour, 22 minutes)

Petaluma’s downtown area may look familiar to you when you visit. This is because it has been the small-town backdrop for movies like Francis Ford Coppola’s Peggy Sue Got Married and George Lucas’s American Graffiti, as well as Basic Instinct, Flubber, and Pleasantville.

In fact, Petaluma hosts an annual Salute to American Graffiti! Imagine over 600 classic American cars with their hoods up and their polished chrome sparkling in the sunlight lining the streets immortalized in the film. Sponsored by Cruisin’ the Boulevard, proceeds are invested in community projects benefitting arts, education, safety, and welfare.

I assure you, there is more than movie history to enjoy on this day trip from San Francisco. Chartered in 1858, Petaluma is one of California’s oldest cities. Much of the downtown area is full of ornate iron-front buildings from the 1860s to 1890s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Downtown is also a great place to go antiquing! The Military Antiques & Museum sells everything from battlefield relics to antique firearms and bayonets. Some 20 independent dealers contribute to a giant collection of goods at the Petaluma Collective. At Doll Mercantile, you can find dolls made with China heads, German porcelain, hard plastic, and tin; the store also restores or repairs dolls. 

A stroll around the perimeter of the downtown district reveals tree-lined streets with homes in architectural that include Spanish Revival, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Victorian Stick. You’ll need to refuel at some point, so stop into the Central Market for Californian-meets-Mediterranean plates with ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s own Petaluma farm. Devour a Neapolitan-style pizza, a gluten-free sandwich, or a salad at Wild Goat Bistro.

Visit Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park to peek at the great rancho era. Most adobe bricks are original, authentic period furniture and equipment that fill the rooms. Farm animals roam the property. Time your visit for one of the park’s Living History Days to see docents in period dress and perform chores from that time.

Tiburon & Angel Island

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 17 miles (52 minutes by car, 30 minutes by ferry)

Two great transportation options exist for setting out on a day trip to Tiburon. The first is a 35-minute drive that will take you over the Golden Gate Bridge and under the bright rainbow into the Robin Williams Tunnel. The second is a scenic 30-minute ferry ride from the San Francisco Ferry Building.

Once you’ve arrived, traversing on two wheels is a great way to navigate Tiburon. Blackie’s PastureParadise Beach Park, and the Tiburon Loop all offer great scenic experiences for bicyclists that include bay views, wildflowers, and rolling hillsides. Didn’t bring a bike? You can rent an electric Bike from Demo Sport on Tiburon Blvd.

For a sweeping view of Tiburon, the San Francisco Bay, and the city skyline beyond it, hike up the hill to Old St. Hilary’s. Built-in 1888 as a place of worship for local railroad workers, this simple church can be spotted from almost anywhere in Tiburon, its bright white coat of paint standing out against the blue sky.

It sits in an impressive wildflower conservatory consisting of over 217 species of ferns, grasses, and other seed-bearing plants. If you’d like to enjoy a gourmet picnic with that stunning view, pick up some delectables at Woodlands Market before making the trek.

Hiking on Angel Island
Hiking on Angel Island by ray_explores

Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Tiburon’s shores, Angel Island is often called the “Ellis Island of the West” due to its history as a holding place for Asian immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship. Park rangers offer informative one-hour tours of the station and barracks.

Before becoming a military installation, the island was a seasonal hunting spot for the coastal Miwok people. Pack a picnic and enjoy 360-degree views of the San Francisco Bay from atop Mt. Livermore, the highest point on the island. It’s a one-hour hike to the top via the Sunset Trail.

Angel Island’s 6-mile paved Perimeter Trail is perfect for the casual bike rider. The route offers spectacular views and gorgeous scenery without a lot of effort!

Sausalito

Downtown Sausalito
Downtown Sausalito by Kristine Dworkin

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 10 miles (25 minutes by car, 35 minutes by ferry and 1 hour by bike)

There are three ways to get yourself over to Sausalito. This lovely little hamlet is just a 10-minute drive from San Francisco. If you’d rather not take to the road, a 40-minute ferry ride can get you there while providing a different perspective of the San Francisco Bay.

The third option for getting to Sausalito is perhaps the most adventurous of the three transportation modes I’m suggesting- rent bikes and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge! Peddling to Sausalito could take up to an hour, but the ride is largely flat. If you’re lucky to get a day free of fog, the views from the bridge are stunning!

Should you decide not to bike back from Sausalito, you and your bike can return on the ferry. Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals & Tours provides ferry tickets with their bike rentals. If you use the tickets, you pay for them when you return your bike. If you don’t use the tickets, you turn them back in at no charge.

Rest assured that no matter which mode of transportation you choose, though, you are in for one beautiful day trip. 

Walk south along Sausalito’s Bridgeway Promenade for the best views of San Francisco across the bay. Grab a coffee at Equator Coffees or the Sausalito Bakery & Cafe. As you walk back towards town, browse the art galleries and boutiques.

Reward yourself with a visit to Lapperts Ice Cream, especially if you biked over from San Francisco. Celebrate with a scoop of unique flavors like Ube Macapuno or Cookie Monster. You can work off the calories afterward on the Sausalito Steps. Trust me, the views of Vina del Mar Park and Richardson Bay will make the climb worth it!

Get closer proximity to bay residents like birds, seals, and humans occupying Sausalito’s famous houseboats by renting a kayak or paddleboard from SeaTrek. Located in Richardson Bay, SeaTrek is sheltered from the open ocean and strong currents. The calmer waters make it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced kayakers.

China Camp State Park

China Camp State Park
China Camp State Park by Mark Gunn

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 23 miles (49 minutes)

Nestled along the southwest shore of San Pablo Bay, China Camp State Park is home to 100 acres of fresh and saltwater wetlands, including some of the most pristine tidal wetlands in the San Francisco Bay Area. The park also protects around 1,500 acres of oak woodlands and meadows.

If those details don’t have you tempted, there are roughly 15 miles of multi-use trails looping through those woodlands and climbing 1,000 feet to the top of San Pablo Ridge. The reward for getting up there is spectacular sweeping views of the Bay Area.

One of the most unusual and unique features of this park, though, is the very thing that gave it its name. China Camp Village, a historic Chinese shrimp-fishing village that dates back to the 1860s, sits upon the remote sandy beachfront. At the height of its prosperity, the village was home to around 500 residents, many of them shrimpers.

Along with shrimp drying and grinding beds, the village included general stores, marine supply stores, and barber shops. The population severely declined in the early 1900s after discriminatory laws and practices made life difficult.

You can visit the village with a small museum tracing this significant chapter in local Chinese-American history. Stand at the end of the village pier, and you’ll understand why so many Chinese were drawn to this remote spot. It feels like a world away from societal chaos.

If you’re there on the weekend, you can also grab a snack and refreshment at the café, one of a couple of businesses built and operated by the Quan family, whose relatives lived in the village from the beginning and as recently as 2016.

The fact that this park is here at all and not part of some waterside suburban development is the result of some forward-thinking citizens who rallied to make it part of the state park system. State budget woes threatened a park closure three decades later. A nonprofit organization called Friends of China Camp (FOCC) now manages this special space.

You should know that since the park receives no direct funding or tax dollars from the state, FOCC charges a small fee for trail use and parking at select locations.

Berkeley

Sather Gate at U.C. Berkeley
Sather Gate at U.C. Berkeley by Kristine Dworkin

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 13.6 miles (35 minutes)

A day trip to Berkeley conjures images of liberal activism and the 1960s hippie scene. Berkeley’s illustrious track record of serious academics and history of civic unrest is partly due to UC Berkeley. The university has long served as the backdrop for student movements, including the 1960s fight for free speech and protests against the Vietnam War and South African Apartheid in the 1980s.

Berkeley is edgy, cerebral, and artistic. The city is known for its eclectic style. Take a walk down Telegraph Avenue, and you’ll see what I mean. Within a six-block radius of UC Berkeley’s south entrance, you’ll find an array of locally owned businesses with interesting wares, including several vintage clothing boutiques full of stylish finds.

Telegraph Avenue is also known for its record shops. Rasputin Music has been a favorite since the 1970s, and Amoeba Music has a vast selection. 

Another Berkeley favorite, Moe’s Bookshas been a world-famous destination for readers since 1959. This amazing independent bookstore has titles not easily found elsewhere, including an entire section devoted to the Beatnik authors.

The Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) is a great place to experience the city’s rich arts and culture scene. BAMPFA is the cultural centerpiece of downtown Berkeley, with more than 20 exhibitions, 450 film screenings, and dozens of public programs each year.

A popular foodie enclave has also taken hold. Controversially nicknamed the Gourmet Ghetto, this part of town is home to well-known institutions like Chez Panisse and Cheese Board Pizza. I can tell you from personal experience that the smoked pastrami at Saul’s Restaurant and Delicatessen is so amazing that it has ruined all other smoked pastrami for me!

If you’d like to try a little bit of everything in this part of North Berkeley, I highly recommend a food tour with Edible Excursions. It was a delectable afternoon of amazing locally sourced and sustainable food served at colorful culinary landmarks in this neighborhood. 

UC Berkeley’s Campanile turned out to be a fabulous calorie burner. The third-tallest bell and clock tower in the world offers a spectacular, sprawling view of the San Francisco Bay Area from its observation platform.

Benicia

Benicia State Recreation Area
Benicia State Recreation Area by Calmuziclover

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 35 miles (1 hour, 26 minutes)

Looking around this quiet little town, it may surprise you to know how much of California’s history has played out in Benicia. This day trip from San Francisco will include landmarks that date back to the Gold Rush, the Wild West, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.

One of the state’s oldest cities, Benicia is filled with historic sites and homes constructed in styles like Gothic Revival and Queen Anne Victorian. The town served as California’s state capitol for 13 months in the 1850s. It was the third city to do so. 

Now part of Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, you can walk back into history during a tour of the capitol building. The Senate and Assembly chambers are as they were during Benicia’s Capitol days. Visitors can also check out original furnishings, historic documents, the state seal embossing press, and an 1850s safe.

Get an informative overview of city history at the Benicia Historical Museum, which is home in four of the original Benicia Arsenal Buildings built during the 1850s

One of Benicia’s more unique historic spots involves the US Army and a bunch of camels. Yes, camels! During the 1850s and ’60s, the army experimented with camels as pack animals.

While the project was ultimately abandoned, the four remaining camel barns in East Benicia operate as galleries chronicling Benicia’s history. You’ll also be amazed to know that the surrounding arsenal depots, which are now working studios for artists, once welcomed military heroes like Ulysses S. Grant. 

Known for its waterfront views and lively main street, Benicia also offers 720 acres of marsh, grassy hillsides, and rocky beaches along the Carquinez Strait. Walkers, runners, and bicyclists can take advantage of more than two miles of paths.

After all of this activity, whether it be shopping, combing through history, or hiking and biking, you’ll need some fuel. The One House Bakery should not be missed! The owner, Hannalee Pervan, previously baked bread for Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery and three Michelin-starred The French Laundry, so you know it will be spectacular! Everything is made fresh. They even mill their own flour! Be prepared for lines during the weekend.

One House also features a full lunch menu with seasonal salads, sandwiches, and soups. Grab it to go for a picnic in the expansive grassy areas at the end of First Street along the town’s waterfront.

Sonoma County

Hot Air Ballooning in Sonoma County
Hot Air Ballooning in Sonoma County by Mark Gunn

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 44 miles (2 hours)

While wine may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sonoma County, the area offers a lot more than that. A day trip from San Francisco to Sonoma County has a little something for everyone. 

Nature lovers will enjoy the more than 60 regional and state parks. Outdoor adventurers will love the adrenaline rush of ziplining through ancient redwood trees with Sonoma Zipline Adventures in Occidental. Sonoma Ballooning offers hot-air ballooning packages for those who would rather fly over all the gorgeous vineyards and pastoral landscapes.

Book a Russian River kayaking, cycling, and wine-tasting tour with Getaway Adventures, and you can enjoy some outdoor adventure and world-renowned wine at the same time.

Film buffs flock to the coastal town of Bodega Bay for some Alfred Hitchcock-related folklore. Along with the neighboring village of Bodega, which is four miles inland, it was featured in the Hitchcock classic thriller The Birds. Many film locations still exist, including the Potter School House and the Tides Wharf & Restaurant, where you can enjoy a bowl of scrumptious chowder without being bothered by one bird!

Should you feel the need for speed, check out the racing action at Sonoma Raceway. NASCAR, Indy Car, and motorcycle racing are big draws as some of the biggest names compete on a road track with 11 challenging turns. Those wanting to experience racing on a more personal level can suit up and jump in a real race car at the track’s driving school.

If a slice of country tranquility is what you seek, the county includes over 50 miles of stunning Pacific Ocean coastline along California’s famed Highway 1. Take in the exceptional views at Bodega Head, watch the surfers at Salmon Creek Beach, or bask in the hiking paradise of Jenner Headlands State Preserve.

Fort Ross State Historic Park
Fort Ross State Historic Park by el cajon yacht club

Fort Ross State Historic Park is home to one of the more unusual sites along the way, a historic Russian-era fort compound! Built on the ancestral land of the Kashaya Pomo, it was the southernmost Russian settlement and fur trading post in North America from 1812 to 1842. The chapel is one of the most striking buildings in the compound. Constructed in the mid-1820s, it was North America’s first Russian Orthodox structure outside of Alaska.

Heading a little more inland, a drive along California’s Bohemian Highway is the easiest way to fall in love with the tiny little hamlets of Monte Rio, Occidental, and Freestone. You’ll find organic farms and wineries, innovative restaurants and shops, and specialty nurseries.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes Lighthouse
Point Reyes Lighthouse by Tom Hilton

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 37 miles (1 hour, 27 mins)

A haven for outdoorsy activities, Point Reyes National Seashore is made up of 70,000 acres intended solely for playing outside! This includes 70 miles of bucolic wilderness, perfect for horseback riding, hiking trails, and wildlife spotting.

Depending on the time of year, you can watch the gray whale migration, spot elephant seals, and observe raptors and shorebirds from the bluffs above the ocean and a few of the beaches alongside it. Tule Elk are sometimes spotted on the trails! Geology buffs enjoy studying the seismic forces at work along the Earthquake Trailhead.

For those who are up for a hiking challenge, trek out to stunning Alamere Falls. While not easy —a 13-mile round-trip hike—this spectacular spot is popular! The falls cascade over a 40-foot-tall cliff onto the south end of Wildcat Beach.

Beware of getting too close to cliff edges, and be mindful of coastal erosion. Also, check the tides before you go; you will want to complete this hike at low tide. The waves will cover the beach at high tide, forcing you to turn around on your hike.

If you like oysters, there is nothing like slurping right out of the shell right next to where they are harvested! About half the state’s shellfish growers lease acreage on the floor of nearby Tomales Bay.

Stop by The Marshall Store in the bayside hamlet of Marshall, where oysters are prepared every which way— raw, barbecued, smoked, Rockefeller (spinach, cheese, and breadcrumbs), and Kilpatrick-style (bacon and Worcestershire sauce).


Cypress Tree Tunnel in Popint Reyes
Cypress Tree Tunnel by Ajay Goel

Located at what is now Point Reyes National Seashore’s North District Operations Center, the iconic Cypress Tree Tunnel has appeared in many Instagram posts. The Monterey cypress trees that create the “tree tunnel” were planted around 1930. Be on the lookout for signs for “North District Operations Center” on the road out to the area’s famous lighthouse.

Speaking of the lighthouse, I promise you that the 308 steps down (and back up again) to the Point Reyes Lighthouse are well worth it!

Built in the 1870s, it is a stunning sight. The sheer drama of the lighthouse itself perched on the edge of a cliff down a rigorous slope will leave you amazed. If you are headed out this way, go prepared! There are no services, so make sure the car is fueled up, and you pack in snacks and water.

Cap the day off with a nice meal in Point Reyes Station. The Station House Cafe dinner menu includes those oysters I mentioned earlier.

The pizza at Osteria Stellina is out of this world. Dig into the mouth-watering, spice-rubbed rotisserie Chicken at Side Street Kitchen. Enjoy a cheese tasting at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company. This locally made cheese includes the famed Point Reyes blue cheese.

Guerneville

Johnson's Beach in Guerneville
Johnson’s Beach by FT Chu

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 74.8 miles (1 hour, 52 minutes)

Though Guerneville feels a world away from San Francisco, it has been a long beloved retreat for the city’s LGBTQ+ community. The area brims with rustic charm and natural beauty.

Laid back vibes are enthusiastically embraced. In fact, one of the most popular things to do in Guerneville is float, swim, or kayak down the Russian River. Using whatever water-faring way you choose to approach, Downtown Guerneville sits right on the river.

If you’re game to tie off your vessel and explore, downtown is a mix of coffee shops, boutiques, art galleries, and cool places to dine and wine taste. Browse the shelves at Russian River Books & Letters. Not only will you find a great read, but you’ll also support an independent bookstore.

Peruse the antiques and vintage finds at the Sonoma Nesting Company. Work on your handicap at Pee Wee Golf & Arcade. Doesn’t everyone do that while brightly colored dinosaurs watch over the golf course?

When hunger strikes, it seems only appropriate to get a table at Road Trip. This aptly named establishment dishes up a global menu with delicious bites like kimchi quesadillas, banh mi Panzanella, and baja fish tacos, served with Sonoma wines, low-ABV cocktails, and local beer. Enjoy handmade ice cream and inventive ice cream cocktails afterward at Nimble & Finn’s dishes up at their Main Street location.

If your plans include getting out on the Russian River (and trust me, they should), there are endless ways to do it. You can rent an inner tube, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard from one of the many river outfitters near town.

You can venture out on your own, hire a guide, or join a tour group for the day. Getaway Adventures offers both guided and self-guided kayak tours along the Russian River. They also offer full-day bike and kayak combo tours.

Burke’s Canoe Trips is another good option. They offer a 10-mile self-guided canoe and kayak trip. Russian River Adventures offers its unique Road 2 River Adventure, combining e-biking through vineyards and kayaking the river.

Enjoy a river beach day by renting a chair and umbrella at Johnson’s Beach. A popular Guerneville warm weather spot, you can choose to swim in the roped off “kiddie pool” or in the deeper river dam, float in rented inner tubes, or get more active with kayaks and canoes.

When it’s lunchtime, enjoy hot dogs, ice cream, and local wine or beer at the snack bar. Located near downtown Guerneville with free admission, there is no easier way to spend a summer afternoon.

If hiking is your calorie burner of choice, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is just a short drive from Downtown Guerneville. Hiking trails wind through majestic roast Redwood over 500 years old and over 200 feet tall.

The Reserve offers parking, picnic facilities, a visitor center, an amphitheater, and several self-guided nature trails. Ogle, the largest tree in the park—which is higher than a football stadium and is long, at 310 feet—and the oldest tree—is 1,400 years old. Both are located on easy walks close to the park entrance.

Oakland

Peace Terrace at the Oakland Museum of California
Peace Terrace at the Oakland Museum of California by Kristine Dworkin

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 10.8 miles (20 minutes)

This day trip from San Francisco will take you to an urban center that is unlike any other. It may not be obvious when you first step foot in Oakland, so let me elaborate.

There is an inactive volcano less than 15 minutes from the downtown area! The Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, one of the East Bay’s oldest parks, is crowned by a 1,763-foot round-top volcano. This park offers 30 miles of trails for exploring by foot or bike. Volcanic features to check out include two lava tubes, a cinder cone, and a manmade labyrinth.

On your way back downtown, relive the sweet ending from the Pixar movie Up! with a cone at Fenton’s Creamery.

Back in the city’s urban center, don’t miss the Oakland Museum of California. This institution lays out a nice overview of the state’s history, art, and culture through a variety of exhibits and programs.

While there are numerous beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces around the museum, one of my favorite spots is Peace Terrace. Named for the giant sunny yellow Peace sculpture at its center, it also offers a panoramic view of Lake Merritt.

Canoeing on Lake Merritt
Canoeing on Lake Merritt by FDaniel Ramirez

There are also a few water-based adventures to enjoy. Picnic lakeside and then rent a paddle boat for two at the Lake Merritt Boating Center. You can also test your balance with a stand-up paddleboard lesson at California Canoe and Kayak at Jack London Square.

Over on the Oakland Estuary, you can captain a kayak and paddle over to the city’s local German beer garden, Brotzeit Lokal. You can also find out what it was like to cruise presidential style on the USS Potomac, FDR’s “floating White House.” 

Visiting Jack London Square is a must! Named after the famous American author who lived in Oakland, the area features several historic buildings, including Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, which opened in 1884. This was often where sailors took their last chance to have a drink before setting sail from Oakland.

Also, keep an eye out for Jack London’s log cabin. The author famous for writing The Call of the Wild used it around the 1898 gold rush.

We started this sojourn into Oakland with a surprise, so let’s end it on one too. Oakland is also home to one of the best zoos in California! The Oakland Zoo houses over 700 animals from around the world. The zoo features several unique exhibits, such as the African Savanna, which allows visitors to see giraffes, zebras, and other animals up close.

Stinson & Bolinas

Stinson Beach
Stinson Beach by iamblukas

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 24 miles (1 hour)

This day trip from San Francisco offers the chance to slow down and unplug. You won’t have a choice in the matter. Cell service is limited in these two beach hamlets, just a 12-minute drive apart. In fact, the existence of sidewalks is unusual in both places. If you decide to make the drive, the panoramic views of the Pacific are spectacular, and there are many pullouts where you can park and take a moment to soak it all in.

Separated by the Bolinas Lagoon, the site of an annual tug-of-war between the two towns, Stinson and Bolinas are like two siblings connected by their environs but playful rivals in some of their methods.

Bolinas is the shy and reclusive of the pair. Located off a stretch of Highway 1 full of tight switchbacks, don’t look for signs telling you where to turn off; the residents have removed many of them. While the town is known for being protective of its tranquility, it is a beautiful, welcoming place.

Bolinas beaches are the main reasons for making a day trip. At Agate Beach, you’ll find sea stars, anemones, and crabs in tidepools. If surfing is on your agenda, head to the Patch for some of the best waves in Northern California. You’ll also find a lot of surf schools and rental shops nearby, so there’s no need to tote boards out there with you.

Bolinas Lagoon
Bolinas Lagoon by Chris Rycroft

If you prefer calmer waters that don’t include surf breaks, the Bolinas Lagoon is a nice sheltered spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. Rent a vessel and explore it on your own or as part of a guided tour to learn more about the area’s wildlife and natural history.

Cap your day in Bolinas at Smiley’s Saloon. Built in the late 1800s, it is the West Coast’s oldest saloon, having served the thirsty through two world wars and over the course of prohibition when the saloon owner rebranded the place as a barbershop!

Stinson is the showier sibling. Usually a bit more crowded than Bolinas (possibly due to the existence of signs showing where it is) Stinson’s white sand and oceanfront make it one of the best swimming beaches in northern California. It’s also a great spot for volleyball, picnicking, and, of course, surfing!

The best times of year for surfing in Stinson are winter and spring. For windsurfers, the prevailing northwesterly winds blow best in the afternoon. The summer surf is most suitable for rafters and body-boarders.

While watersports take center stage in Stinson, there is an art scene. There are a number of galleries along the beach featuring seaside views in prints and books. Once you work up an appetite from all that activity, there are several great choices for fueling up and enjoying your meal with a view!

The Sand Dollar Restaurant is a Stinson Beach institution! Built nearly 100 years ago on three barges in nearby Tiburon, the barges were floated into Stinson and fused together to form the restaurant. Seafood is the specialty of the place.

The Parkside Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. It features a café, bakery, marketplace, and snack bar that has been open since 1949 and is known for its grass-fed burgers, fries, fish tacos, fish ‘n chips, and half ‘n soft serve ice cream cones.

Locally owned and operated, Breaker’s Café offers a lunch and dinner menu with Latin highlights. You can take your order to go and enjoy it at the beach across the street or have a seat on the patio. No reservations are required- simply walk in. 

Silicon Valley

Stanford University by Kristine Dworkin

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 37 miles (45 minutes)

Considered the birthplace of Silicon Valley, this day trip from San Francisco is great for techies. You’ll want to start where this innovative region began its current trajectory, in front of a quaint home on Addison Avenue in downtown Palo Alto. 

The iconic Hewlett-Packard Garage is where Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard launched HP and inspired every garage-based tech startup afterward. The garage can only be viewed from the sidewalk. However, there’s a sizeable historical marker detailing its history out front. It may not seem like much, but it is considered hallowed history in these parts. 

Down the road in Mountain View, the Google Visitor Center provides a nice background in all Googly things, along with a lovely cafeteria sourced by local small businesses and a cool art walk. It’s located near Shoreline Park, near another great tech-inspired stop, the Computer History Museum.

No visit to the area would be complete without spending some time at the institution where quite a bit of this tech genius comes from, Stanford University. I recommend entering the campus from Palm Drive. This scenic stretch leads into the Stanford Oval, revealing a postcard-worthy view of the historic quad and Hoover Tower.

Rodin Sculpture Garden at Stanford University
The Rodin Sculpture Garden by Allie_Caulfield

Among Stanford’s many notable sights is the largest collection of work by French sculptor Auguste Rodin outside of France. The first of several possible encounters with Rodin is just outside the quad.

The six figures known as the Burghers of Calais cast quite a presence. In fact, they often appear in visitor Instagram feeds and selfies. The Rodin Sculpture Garden is just a 10-minute walk from this spot. The left wing of the adjacent Cantor Arts Center houses an additional 170 Rodin pieces.

Once all that artsy exploring makes you hungry, there’s no need to tear yourself away from feeding your soul in order to feed your body. Tootsie’s at the Cantor overlooks the Rodin Sculpture Garden. There is nothing like a leisurely lunch on the café terrace.

If you enjoyed your outdoor art experience with Rodin, you might be interested to know that there are 80 more outdoor artworks around campus, including the spectacular Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden. 

The Coffee House, often referred to as the CoHo, is a favorite student hangout. Located in the Student Union, it is packed whenever live music or a game is on TV. Be sure to check out the cafe wall featuring caricatures of famous Stanford graduates.

San Jose

Mural in Downtown San Jose
Downtown San Jose by Kristine Dworkin

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 48 miles (1 hour)

A day trip to San Jose offers an array of museums and parks, as well as three professional sports teams. 

If you visit during hockey season, catch a Sharks game at the SAP Center. San Jose hockey fans are loyal and loud. Count on them to fill the venue with boundless energy and a sea of teal gear. 

You’ve likely heard of the Major League Baseball team, the San Francisco Giants. But are you familiar with the San Jose Giants? This Minor League team enjoys an enormous local fan following. Well-known players like Brandon Belt, Madison Bumgarner, Buster Posey, and Brandon Crawford started with this team before moving to the major league.

San Jose has soccer fans covered, too. Head over to Avaya Stadium to catch the Earthquakes. This Major Soccer League team comes with a lesson in seismology. The US Geological Survey installed a seismograph onsite as part of a study of how ground motion varies during earthquakes. It records raucous crowd activity at home games as well as natural earthquakes. 

Considered the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose’s Tech Interactive is a world-class science and technology center where visitors can enjoy hands-on activities and interactive exhibits that run the gamut of innovation.

At the Children’s Discovery Museum, kids explore and discover through play-based learning. The museum features over 150 hands-on exhibits and programs in the sciences, humanities, arts, nature, and health designed to spark curiosity and ignite family fun.

Who would have thought that the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in North America would be in San Jose? You’ll find mummies, jewelry, ritual objects, sculptures and all sorts of other items at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.

The San Jose Museum of Art is home to an extensive modern and contemporary art collection. The institution also hosts Community Days each year that are themed and geared toward connecting art and cultural events.

The Winchester Mystery House by Kristine Dworkin

Be sure to stop in on San Jose’s most baffling house! At the Winchester Mystery House, some staircases lead to nowhere, doors that open into walls and miles of sinuous hallways. Why, you ask? How else do you throw off spirits? 

Sarah Winchester, the homeowner and heir to the Winchester rifle fortune, believed it was the only way to outrun the souls lost at the barrel of the rifle named for her family. She may have been onto something, as visitors to her 160-room house report experiencing visitor activity.

You’ll need a break or some sustenance at some point during the day. How about a spot where you can get Peruvian food, Nepalese Momo, tacos, seafood, banh mi, sushi, pizza, and much more?

San Pedro Square Market offers a diverse assortment of cuisines from around the world. There is often live music to enjoy. There is also history to behold, Peralta Adobe, the last remaining structure from San Jose’s original settlement in 1797, sits in the center of the market plaza and is open for tours.

Here is a guide to some great day trips from San Jose.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk by Kristine Dworkin

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 75.3 miles (90 minutes)

Santa Cruz projects endless summer surfer beach vibes. You too, can pull on a wet suit to guard against the chilly Pacific waters and take a surf lesson at famed Cowell Beach

Bone up on the sport’s history at the Surfing Museum at the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. Perched above the internationally renowned surfing hotspot Steamer Lane, it is full of photos, surfboards, and other artifacts.

If surfing is not your thing, there are 29 miles of stunning coastline to enjoy. Natural Bridges State Beach is the seasonal home to migrating Monarch butterflies and a great place to view whales, seals, and otters.

Natural Bridges made our list of the best State Parks in California. See what other amazing spots made the list!

Seabright State Beach is a prime spot to watch the sunset. The USS Palo Alto, a half-sunken concrete freighter visible from the shores of Seacliff State Beach, makes for an interesting beach photo backdrop.

Loof Carousel Ring Toss on the Santa Cruz Beach Boarswalk
Looff Carousel Ring Toss by Kristine Dworkin

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of the biggest draws for day trips from San Francisco. There’s nothing like a cool ocean breeze through your hair as you scream your way through the Giant Dipper, the classic wooden rollercoaster that has been thrilling riders since 1924.

The whimsical, hand-carved Looff Carousel is always fun, too! It’s Boardwalk’s oldest ride. Be sure to mount a horse positioned around the carousel’s edge so that you can quickly grab a brass ring dispensed from a metal arm as the ride circulates by. Riders then attempt to toss the rings in the mouth of the adjacent clown.

Half Moon Bay

Kayaking at Pillar Point in Half Moon Bay
Kayaking at Pillar Point in Half Moon Bay by Kevin Henney/Visit Half Moon Bay

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 29.6 miles (1 hour)

A variety of active outdoor fun that includes kayaking, horseback riding, cycling, and surfing awaits those interested in a day trip to Half Moon Bay. This is the home of the Mavericks Invitational, after all.

Get out on the waters with Half Moon Bay Kayak Co. in Pillar Point; no experience is necessary to navigate one of these vessels around the protected harbor! Visit the fish markets or reach out ahead of time on the FishLine for information on how to buy fresh fish right off the boats!

The famed Mavericks surf spot isn’t far from here. This is where the big-wave pros ride up to 60-foot waves in winter.

Enjoying a handcrafted artisanal cocktail in the garden patio at the Jettywave Distillery during warm summer weather is a great way to beat the heat. The historic Moss Beach Distillery (which is not a distillery, but it is haunted) is a great dinner option, with an outdoor patio where you can watch the sunset over the Pacific.

If land-based activities are more of your thing, consider visiting the Coastside Trail. Whether you go by foot or wheels, this paved six-mile pathway has all sorts of natural delights to reveal, including breathtaking views and access to beautiful beaches and parks.

The Coastside Trail in Half Moon Bay
The Coastside Trail by Kevin Henney/Visit Half Moon Bay

Don’t miss Devil’s Slide! Once a treacherous section of Highway 1 known for landslides and accidents, this ominously named spot is now a stunning 1.2-mile section of the California Coastal Trail with dedicated lanes for cyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians. The highway has been diverted through a tunnel system. Stop at the overlooks on the trails to use observation scopes to get a closer view of the rocky coastal waters below you.

Fuel up during your ride at the Barn, a locally sourced burger spot housed in a cool rustic barn not far off the trail near Miramar Beach. Reward all your calorie-burning fun with a thick shake with flavors like Cookie, Affogato, and Horchata.

It’s ok to indulge, especially if you’re hopping back on that bike and continuing afterward! Sam’s Chowder House is another local favorite near the trail. Sam’s Lobster Roll was selected as one of the Top Five “Best Sandwiches in America” by NBC’s The Today Show

Stroll Half Moon Bay’s Main Street for unique gifts and shopping experiences. One of my favorites is the Garden Apothecary. At first glance, it looks like a plant nursery, but it is so much more. They offer a natural skincare line, herbs, organic teas, and lots of healthy community outreach!

Get lost in the shelves of Inkspell Books, an independent bookstore full of new and used books. Pick up locally-made kombucha, sauces, preserves, and jams at Cunha’s Country Store. Finish off your day with a fine dining experience at one of my family’s favorites- Pasta Moon!

Half Moon Bay hosts a famous annual pumpkin festival worthy of an autumn visit. No matter the season, you’re in for a welcoming, laid-back experience in Half Moon Bay.

Santa Clara

Cheering on the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium by Travis Wise

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 45 miles (1 hour)

This day trip from San Francisco will take you to the actual home of the San Francisco 49ers football team. That’s right, even though they are the SAN FRANCISCO 49ers, they play at Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium, which is about 45 miles south of the San Francisco city limits.

Built in 2014, the stadium houses a team store and the 49ers Museum. It’s a great place to check out the team’s most iconic moments. Among the experiences, football fans will enjoy the opportunity to walk amongst the life-sized statues of 31 Hall of Famers. You can even snap a selfie with Coach Bill Walsh or Joe Montana!

California’s Great America by Jeremy Thompson

Just across the parking lot from Levi’s is a park full of fun and thrill ride experiences. California’s Great America has something for everyone, with roller coasters, family rides, and live entertainment.

Don’t plan on a day where you combine football with amusement park fun. Because the stadium and the amusement park share a parking lot, when one is open, the other is not.

Visitors can get a glimpse at California’s mission history at the Mission Santa Clara de Asis, located on the Santa University campus. Established by the Franciscan order in 1777, it is one of the 21 missions that make up California’s Historic Mission Trail. Today, it’s a central part of campus religious and spiritual life.

Grab a sweet treat at Rocko’s Ice Cream Tacos. This hidden gem serves up handcrafted ice cream wrapped in taco-shaped waffle cones with customizable toppings — delicious! Stan’s Donuts is another spot for satisfying your sweet tooth. A Santa Clara institution since 1959, this place serves up some of the best donuts in the Bay Area, including a classic glazed and indulgent cinnamon roll donut.

Train enthusiasts will love the South Bay Historical Railroad Society. Enjoy two museum-quality model railroads, real railroad artifacts, and exhibits that give a glimpse into Santa Clara’s railroad history. Check out the 1912 Pullman business car and imagine first-class travel back in the day.

Time your visit for the fall, and you may be lucky enough to take in Santa Clara’s Parade of Champions.

A beloved annual event celebrating the community’s achievements and diversity, this festive parade brings everyone together for a day of fun and pride filled with colorful floats, marching bands, and community groups.

Once hunger strikes, head over to Santa Clara’s Koreatown on El Camino Real. From sizzling BBQ to savory hotpots, the variety of authentic Korean restaurants offers mouthwatering flavors that are sure to satisfy any craving.

Yearning for a juicy steak? Birk’s Restaurant is known for its exceptional steaks, fresh seafood, and elegant ambiance. It’s also a great way to wrap up your day in Santa Clara.

Sacramento

Old Town Sacramento by Kristine Dworkin

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 87 miles (90 minutes)

This day trip from San Francisco takes visitors to California’s capital city. Sacramento is a sprawling metropolis with a wonderfully preserved historic heart. If it weren’t for modern-day automotive traffic, a walk around Old Town Sacramento could trick you into thinking you’d time-traveled to the Gold Rush Era.

The wooden sidewalks creaking under your feet, the saloon doors swaying, and the horse-drawn carriage and wagon rides against the backdrop of what many will describe as a Western movie set make for a stunning living history experience. Just dismiss the shops peddling souvenir t-shirts, shot glasses, and taffy. It may amuse you to know that one of those tchotchke shops is housed in the 1853 B. F. Hastings Building, once home to the California Supreme Court.

Old Sacramento’s historical significance comes from being the western terminus of the Pony Express postal system, the first transcontinental railroad, and the transcontinental telegraph. So, it makes sense that the largest railroad museum west of the Mississippi is located here.

The California State Railroad Museum does an amazing job presenting California’s railway history. If there are any train fanatics in your crew, they will be over the moon delving into the collection of locomotives, rail cars, and railroad history that shaped the state.

Another living history site is just a 10-minute drive away from Old Sacramento. Visiting Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park offers the opportunity to learn about life in the Mexican Alta California province.

Built in 1839 by Swiss immigrant John Sutter, who received a land grant from the Mexican government, an agricultural and trade colony named New Helvetia (New Switzerland) was born. Almost a decade after it was established, miners coming to California for the Gold Rush overran Sutter’s land grant and Sutter’s Fort is all that remains of New Helvetia.

Following the Gold Rush in 1854, Sacramento was chosen as California’s new capital. It would be a shame to miss the California State Capitol during your visit! The Capitol building serves dual roles as a museum and the operational hub of the state government. The California State Legislature, comprising the Assembly and the Senate, as well as the office of the governor of California, all reside in this building.

The California State Capitol Building by Kristine Dworkin

Guided tours of the California State Capitol Museum are available. Reservations are recommended. The Capitol grounds are open daily. Spanning 40 acres, the grounds include an array of trees sourced from across California, including Redwoods and 650 types of roses. It is also home to the World Peace Rose Garden.

Spending more time in the River City? Here are dozens of day trips from Sacramento.

Yosemite

Yosemite Valley

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 168 miles (3 hours, 25 minutes)

Many visitors dream of squeezing in a trip to Yosemite National Park during their visit to the Bay Area.

Despite the more than three-hour driving distance each way, it’s possible to make a day trip from San Francisco to Yosemite. 

One way to accomplish this though is to sign up for an organized day tour. Going with an experienced tour takes the stress out of dealing with Bay Area traffic, road conditions near or in the park, which vary depending on the time of year, lines at the park gates, entry fees, and parking.

You simply get on and off your bus and take in the breathtaking scenery of iconic sites like Half Dome or El Capitan before returning to your seat to post what you can’t believe you just saw. Your feed will blow up with Ansel Adams-inspired images before you return to your hotel!

Which critters call the park home? Check out our article on animals in Yosemite.

Just know that these excursions are long hauls. Many Yosemite day trip tours last 12-15 hours. They often include hotel pick-ups, a knowledgeable guide, and park entrance fees. Some tours include food and beverages.

Depending on which tour you choose, you’ll get time to stretch your legs with hikes to the base of Bridal Veil Falls or the grove of 1500-year-old giant Sequoia trees off Tuolumne Grove. You could even find yourself picnicking in the shadow of El Capitan while rock climbers scale the 3,000-foot rock above your head!

Hike to the top of Nevada Falls
Hike to the top of Nevada Falls

Would you rather tackle your Yosemite day trip on your own We have a full guide to make the most of your day. We also have a great guide to the best easy hikes in Yosemite. Check it out before you visit!

Gilroy

Old Town Hall in Downtown Gilroy
Old Town Hall in Downtown Gilroy, photo via Visit Gilroy

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 79 miles (90 minutes)

Garlic is the most immediate thing that comes to mind for most who know about Gilroy. The aromatic herb is celebrated annually at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, a whole weekend of sampling garlicky morsels, including ice cream!

Don’t worry, garlic fans, should your day trip not fall during the Garlic Festival, you will not miss out on needing a breath mint after lunch! Gilroy has a Road to Garlic Map you can follow to find all of the best restaurants, shops, and other great garlic experiences in the Garlic Capital of the World!

Why stop at the Garlic, though? None of the other day trips from San Francisco list a Taco Trail! Gilroy is home to a wide variety of affordable, authentic Mexican Food. You’ll find delicious tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tamales, and more at casual taquerias and sit-down restaurants throughout the city — and they are all mapped out for you!

Biking Gilroy's Levee Trail
Biking Gilroy’s Levee Trail, photo via Visit Gilroy

Now that you’ve eaten — and eaten well — it’s time to burn off those calories! Gilroy is a great place to get outdoors. 

Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park is perfect for day-trippers. It offers trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. For those interested in fishing, the lake is home to a population of black bass, bluegill, black crappie, and Eurasian carp.

The shores offer opportunities for bird watchers with over 219 different species of birds, including bald eagles. The park is also home to numerous reptiles, amphibians, insects, mammals, black-tailed deer, turkeys, wild pigs, and even mountain lions.

Livermore

Livermore sunset
Livermore by Jay Huang

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 43 miles (1 hour)

Tucked within the Diablo Range, Livermore is California’s oldest wine region. Today, over 50 wineries are spread throughout the Livermore Valley. Each one is unique and offers a different wine-tasting experience.

If you are curious about wine but feel a little intimidated, stop by 3 Steves Winery. Founded by three friends, all named Steve, the place is as casual as the warmth of friendship. What better spot is there to learn about wine than nestled in the warmth of friendship? You don’t even need a reservation!

The Wente Vineyards are more well-known. Located on beautiful rolling hills, this family-owned winery has won many awards. Fun fact: There is also an 18-hole golf course on the grounds. It is 181 yards and par 72, designed by Jack Norman. It’s part of the PGA Tour’s Nationwide Tour.

The tasting room at McGrail Vineyards and Winery is situated in the middle of the valley, which has beautiful views of the vineyards and the mountains around it. McGrail’s Cabernet Reserve put them on the map when it won the Best Red Wine in the US at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition!

Del Valle Regional Park
Del Valle Regional Park by Strange Biology

If you thought Livermore’s wine country was gorgeous, wait until you see the city’s open-space recreational areas. Del Valle Regional Park features a five-mile-long lake perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing.

Sycamore Grove Park offers sweeping vineyard views, surrounding valleys, a creek, and wildlife. You can enjoy views of Mount Diablo and Mount St. Helena from the ridge top in Morgan Territory Regional Reserve.

Downtown Livermore is a colorful place to visit partly because it is home to 15 vibrant murals created by local artists. All of them are “Insta-worthy,” download the Livermore Mural Guide and see for yourself!

While you’re hunting for those artsy walls, you can also take advantage of some unique shopping experiences! Baughman’s Western Outfitters features cowboy-themed apparel for all ages. Fantasy Books & Games is a great place to indulge in fantasy and sci-fi, card games, and hard-to-find figurines.

If none of what I’ve laid out for you in Livermore sounds cerebral enough, perhaps you’d like to visit what has been dubbed as the “smartest one-square mile on Earth.” Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is world-famous for its premier research and development. You can do things like step inside the replica of a target chamber and learn about the facility’s work in climate science at the lab’s Discovery Center.

Mt. Tamalpais State Park

View from Mt Tamalpais
Mt. Tamalpais State Park photo by Michael Fraley

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 14 miles (45 minutes)

Of all the day trips from San Francisco, this one will leave you most stunned by what you see. Once the home of the world’s most crooked railroad, Mount Tamalpais State Park rises to an elevation of 2,579 feet. Its deep canyons and sweeping hillsides are cloaked with cool redwood forests, oak woodlands, open grasslands, and sturdy chaparral.

One of the most confusing things about visiting Mt. Tamalpais is that it is actually made up of many different parks with interconnecting trails and open spaces. It is a state park, a national park, and a water district.

No matter which one you choose, there are outstanding hiking, biking, picnicking, and wildlife-watching opportunities. With over 200 miles of trails, hiking is the most popular way to spend a day.

Verna Dunshee Trail
Verna Dunshee Trail by ray_explores

The most spectacular views in the Bay Area can be marveled at from the East Peak of “Mt. Tam,” as it is affectionately nicknamed. You can stroll the 0.75-mile-long Verna Dunshee Trail, a handicap and stroller-accessible loop circling the mountaintop.

The trail runs past remains of the old railroad, which used to go all the way up the mountain. Interpretive plaques along the way provide information on the history. 

The reward at the end is 360-degree views across the Bay Area, including downtown San Francisco, Point Reyes, the Farallon Islands, and Mt. Diablo. The views are especially magical at sunset. There’s no better way to get an overview of the Bay Area than to lay it at your feet!

The Dipsea Trail is calling for hikers who hunger for a challenge. This 9.7-mile out-and-back trail is near Mill Valley, California. Considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 hours and 40 minutes to complete.

This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and beautiful to visit anytime.

Mount Tam is also renowned as the birthplace of mountain biking. The first mountain bike race, Repack, was held on the gravel service roads of this state park. Old Railroad Grade, Deer Park Fire Road, and Coast View are all great for newer riders; Dias Ridge has some single-track.

Whether you decide to hike or bike, come to the park prepared. If you’re biking, bring food, water, and a flat kit. Mill Valley Market is a great place to pick up sandwiches and other picnic items.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Marine Reserve

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 125 miles (1 hour, 50 minutes)

Considered the crown jewel of the California State Park System, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is great for nature study, painting, picnicking, SCUBA diving, jogging, and photography. In fact, world-class photographers Edward Weston and Ansel Adams spent much of their lives patrolling the woods and shores of Point Lobos for the perfect photograph.

There are 16 hiking trails in this reserve, all well-groomed and accessible along the coast. Bird Island Trail Loop is probably the most popular. This easy, 0.8-mile loop leads past highlights like China Cove, Gibson Beach, Pelican Point, and Bird Island Overlook.

From December through April, gray whales can be seen migrating offshore. You might see orcas during April and May. Humpback whales travel through the region between May and December. Sea Lion Point lookout is a great spot to watch all this activity.

The bird-watching is also epic. Take a walk to the rocky outcrop of Bird Island and watch for herons, seagulls, egrets, hawks, and many more. Sometimes, park docents have their scopes out and are trained in bird activity. You may even see baby chicks during the springtime hatching season if you’re lucky.

There are tidepools on either side of the south shore of Point Lobos. They’re in a rocky area called Carmelo Formation, where you can explore at low tide to look for fish, sea urchins, sea anemones, mussels, snails, and seaweed.

Whalers Cove and Bluefish Cove are the places to go if you’re interested in SCUBA or snorkeling. Reservations must be made in advance.

If you’d like to learn about the area’s human history, check out the Whalers Cabin. Built by Chinese fishermen in the 1850s, it is the only intact structure in the state park system. Once one of several cabins built around Whaler’s Cove, it housed multiple residents and operations up until 1983, when it was finally vacated and proposed to be converted into a museum.

An additional small structure, the Whaling Station Museum, was built next to the original cabin. Both are informative places for learning more about Point Lobos’s rich cultural history and the whaling industry that thrived in this region in the mid-to-late 1800s.

The Slow Coast

Beach in Davenport
Davenport by girlenginerd

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 67 miles (1 hour, 15 minutes)

If you find yourself in need of a breather from the urban landscape, then a day trip to the “Slow Coast” should do the trick. Once you’re there, it will be immediately evident why the towns of Davenport, Pescadero, and San Gregorio have earned this nickname.

The Slow Coast is the 50-mile stretch between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. Its coastline is a little wilder, the pace is slower, and its beauty is unparalleled, but you can easily fill a day trip itinerary with fun explorations of these lesser-known spots.

Let’s start with Davenport. Hit up Whale City Bakery for sustenance to fuel your adventures! They are known for their ham and cheese croissants and tacos.

Davenport’s roots go back as far as 1867 when whaling captain John Pope Davenport built a shipping wharf in the area. The eerie remains of the Davenport Pier provide an interesting photo backdrop. Located just off the Pacific Coast Highway, a swing is often fastened to a partially submerged pylon close to the beach.

The town’s most famous landmark, though, is Shark Fin Cove. It is home to a unique rock formation shaped like the slimy dorsal.

This hidden gem is also well worth the short hike! Be careful, though- the trail is steep and can be slippery, but it is worth the view. There’s also a large rock arch tunnel to check out down on this beach! Go at low tide for beautifully framed shots of the ocean from inside it.

Backed by high cliffs and sand dunes, Bonny Doon Beach is another gorgeous spot. Be warned, though, there are times you may have to wade across Liddell Creek to get to it.

The most elusive beachy spot in Davenport is Hole-in-the-Wall Beach. The name comes from its only access point, a hole in the rock off the southern part of Panther Beach. If you intend to go, low tide is the best time to get in and out of the hole. I should also warn you that this is considered a clothing-optional beach due to its secluded location.

Ano Nuevo Sea Lions

Continuing north toward Pescadero, you’ll pass by Año Nuevo State Park, which is famous for its large population of elephant seals in the winter months, as well as being home to Pigeon Point LighthouseStanding 115 feet tall and positioned on the edge of a cliff, the lighthouse has been guiding mariners since 1872.

Venture a few miles further to Pescadero State Beach, which is a great place to explore tidepools and spot starfish, anemones, crabs, and more. The town of Pescadero isn’t far from here. Grab some artichoke bread at Arcangeli Grocery Co. and then get caffeinated at the quirky Downtown Local coffee shop.

As you head out, stop by Harley Farms for a tour, an opportunity to meet the goats, and a chance to purchase some creamy and delicious goat cheese!

Continue down the coast to San Gregorio, popping into the historic San Gregorio General Store. This cool, off-beat little place is part bookstore, bar, cafe, and gift shop. You can pick up picnic items and take them to gorgeous San Gregorio State Beach. If there’s a band setting up when you arrive, I advise getting a couple of cold ones and sticking around to enjoy the live music. The scene is always fun!

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 129 miles (2 hours, 16 minutes)

This day trip from San Francisco is one of the most overlooked and crowd-free California National Park experiences. Pinnacles National Park gets its name from the towering spires of volcanic rock that appear to bulge from its landscape.

Sky-high volcanic structures line the Moses Spring Trail, which takes visitors up 377 feet of elevation gain to Bear Gulch Reservoir. The hike also includes some easy-to-navigate caves.

If your day trip is in the spring, you could be treated to a super bloom. Over 100 species of wildflowers carpet the park. But that’s not the only natural wonder you’ll spot in Pinnacle National Park; it is also home to the endangered California condor. With its nine-foot wingspan and bald head, the condor is quite a sight!

California Condor

While condors are Pinnacles National Park’s signature bird, close to 200 other species live there, including turkey vultures, hawks, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons, so bring your binoculars!

Read more about California birds of prey and how to identify them.

Pack a flashlight, too, because you do not want to miss the Bear Gulch Cave Trail! This 1.5-mile hike includes a talus cave with two sections with rocky, dark paths to navigate. Talus caves are formed when rocks fall from higher locations, creating a jumble of boulders.

There are no restaurants in Pinnacles National Park. The only option for dining inside the park is to pack a picnic to set it up and enjoy with a view. Remember that you are visiting a fragile natural place; visitors are encouraged to leave no trace. Pack out all of your trash.

Moss Landing

Moss Landing pelicans
Moss Landing by Tony Hisgett

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 95.8 miles (1 hour, 46 minutes)

Home to the Elkhorn Slough, one of California’s most wildlife-rich coastal wetlands, a day trip to Moss Landing will put you in the view of otters, seals, sea lions, wharf seals, shore birds, and much more!

Whether you traverse the waterway via kayak or as a passenger on the Elkhorn Slough Safari, you are in for an experience you won’t soon forget! 

Moss Landing is one of the best places in California to see sea otters. Imagine seeing a mama otter swimming with her baby on her chest or watching the shore birds feed on worms plucked from the muddy banks. Listen to the calls of harbor seals and California sea lions. Root on the otters (it always goes back to the otters in this part of the state) as they protect their food sources from opportunistic seagulls.

Otter in Elkhorn Slough
Kayaking past otters in the Elkhorn Slough

The quaint little village of Moss Landing boasts vibrant fishing and agricultural industries. It also offers a rare opportunity to slow down and take in the peaceful pace of a small town living in harmony with nature. You never know what you’ll find in such a spot- including William Shakespeare!

The Shakespeare Society of America houses over 3,000 lovingly preserved items, including rare book and visual art collections, costumes, props, photos, and slides.

While the deep-fried artichoke hearts at the Moss Landing Café are out of this world, neighboring Castroville is known as the Artichoke Capital of the World.

Get an education on all things artichoke at the Artichoke Festival held in June. You may even see the crowing of the Artichoke Queen. Fun fact: the first queen, crowned in 1948, was Marilyn Monroe!

Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove by Kristine Dworkin

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 120 miles (2 hours, 8 minutes)

Nicknamed “Butterfly Town, USA,” the small coastal town of Pacific Grove enthusiastically welcomes the color-winged creatures annually. The town even has a beautiful Monarch butterfly sanctuary! The butterflies start to arrive at the end of October. The migration peaks the week after Thanksgiving and wanes around the beginning of March.

If you visit in April or May, a lush carpet of blooming purple ice plant flowers hugs the coast of the Monterey Peninsula and provides amazing photo opportunities! One of the best places to see them is from the portion of the Monterey Coastal Recreation Trail next to Ocean View Boulevard. Street parking and a couple of parking lots are available along Ocean View.

The beach at Lover’s Point is popular for boating, kayaking, swimming, and surfing. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling gear at Pacific Grove Adventures at Lovers Point! They also offer bicycle and surrey rentals if hiking the Pacific Grove Purple Carpet doesn’t sound appealing.

While Lover’s Point Park is a great spot for picnics, there are some delicious eateries in the immediate area for those not interested in packing a meal.

The Grill at Lovers Point is a great place to enjoy a burger and fries with an ocean view. This cash-only venue is a convenient break from a beach day without having to stray too far from the sand or feel the need to get cleaned up first. For a charge of caffeine or a sweet treat, the Lovers Point Beach Café is the place to hit up.

When your beach day is over and you’re ready for a relaxing meal, which could include Calamari, Sand Dabs, or Prime Sirloin, dine at the Beach House and watch the sunset over Lover’s Point.

Monterey

Monterey Canning Company
Monterey Canning Company by eGuide Travel

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 119 miles (2 hours)

The mere mention of Monterey’s Cannery Row may immediately trigger memories of required reading in high school. Don’t worry- while the John Steinbeck novel of the same name made this area famous, it is no longer lined with sardine canneries.

Today, it is full of unique boutiques where visitors shop for souvenirs instead. There are still nods to history throughout the place, including a fine dining establishment called the Sardine Factory, known for its sustainable seafood!

Jellyfish at Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium by Kārlis Dambrāns

Monterey is also known as an incredible environmental steward. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium to get an up-close look at the efforts. This incredible institution is dedicated to protecting California’s ocean and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.

Attend a sea otter or penguin feeding. Explore exhibits like the 28-foot-tall Kelp Forest housed in one of the tallest aquariums in the world or “Into the Deep,” the largest collection of deep-sea animals in North America, including glowing jellyfish!

The aquarium houses 200 exhibits featuring crustaceans, octopi, birds, fish, and mammals. You can even add a behind-the-scenes tour of restricted areas and spaces. There is no shortage of things to see and do for any visitor to the aquarium. Tickets to Monterey Bay Aquarium must be purchased online. No in-person ticket sales are available at this time.

Be sure to take a quick stroll along the nearby old Fisherman’s Wharf. Enjoy panoramic views of the bay and the sight of harbor seals sunbathing on the nearby rocks and buoys. Make sure you treat yourself to a bowl of clam chowder while you’re there. Many wharf restaurants offer their own variations of the creamy comfort food, each claiming that theirs is “the best!”

Carmel-by-the-Sea

The Cottage of Sweets in Carmel-by-the-Sea
The Cottage of Sweets by Razvan Antonescu

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 122 miles (2 hours, 7 minutes)

You’ll swear you’ve landed on the pages of Grimm’s Fairytales with this next stop! Charming cottage architecture, manicured gardens, and adorable shops make Carmel-by-the-Sea a must-do day trip from San Francisco.

Designer-builder Hugh Comstock had a huge influence on the cottage architecture which came to shape Carmel-by-the-Sea. Twenty-one of his storybook cottages are scattered throughout Carmel. You can purchase a self-guided audio walking tour to check them out yourself. 

If walking on hilly roads is not for you, two of his cottages are located in the downtown business area, and they house businesses you’ll want to patronize! The Tuck Box is a cute breakfast and brunch spot that will give you the experience of dining in a dollhouse. Down the hill, you’ll find the Cottage of Sweets, the most divine candy store you’ll ever come across.

Carmel-By-The-Sea Shell Mural
Carmel-By-The-Sea Shell Mural by Kristine Dworkin

Don’t leave downtown without getting an Instagram-worthy shot of your crew in front of the Carmel Shell Mural at the corner of Mission and Sixth.

If this destination doesn’t already sound special, one more detail may level things up for you! Carmel-by-the-Sea prides itself on being one of the most dog-friendly cities in the state.

Water bowls sit outside almost every shop. Gourmet dog treats are sold alongside human sweets in the Carmel Bakery. It’s common to be presented with a doggie menu when dining out. I have ordered grilled chicken and steak for my pup at Toro Sushi. Some establishments even offer a “Yappy Hour” for four-legged friends traveling with their humans.

No trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea would be complete without a visit to gorgeous Carmel Beach! Let your beautiful pup run free with the other dogs living their best lives down there! If you enter the beach from the parking lot at the end of Ocean Avenue, there’s a Free Little Library for dogs—it’s full of sticks, of course!

You may spot a green oasis on the shores across Carmel Bay as you stand on the beach. That is the world-famous golf mecca of Pebble Beach, home of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am professional golf tournament!

You can visit this storied property via the 17-Mile Dive. The breathtaking ocean views along the rugged Pacific coastline make the admission fee worth it ($12 per vehicle). But throw in stunning sights like the Ghost Trees, Cypress Point Lookout, and Spanish Flats as you wind through the Del Monte Forest, and you’ll be glad you ponied up the dough!

Cala Lilly Valley
Cala Lilly Valley by Kristine Dworkin

If you’re headed to Big Sur from Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calla Lily Valley at Garrapata Beach is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. Between January and April, it is overtaken by hundreds of blooming white calla lilies tucked in a small valley just feet from the beach.

Big Sur

Bixby Bridge
Bixby Bridge, Big Sur by Sergei Gussev

Distance from Downtown San Francisco: 147 miles (2 hours, 40 minutes)

If you’ve looked at a photo of Big Sur’s iconic Bixby Bridge and thought, “What else do I need to know about this area?” The answer would be a lot!

Big Sur is filled with natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a bit of artistic inspiration. A day trip from San Francisco could include panoramic beaches, coastal redwood forests, and epic hiking. In fact, the area offers an extensive trail system for hikers of all levels and abilities.

The Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View Trail is a short and relatively easy hike. It’s about two miles out and back, with 500 feet of elevation and a waterfall to admire! The Waterfall Overlook Trail is wheelchair accessible. About 0.5 miles long, it leads from the parking lot to an overlook where visitors can take in the majestic McWay Falls, which pour down on the sandy beach below it in McWay Cove.

Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur by Janusz Sobolewski

If you’d like a little more adventure and some local lore, set out on the trail to Partington Cove. The route winds its way down a slope, where you can enter a long tunnel that opens on a rocky cove.

Big Sur pioneer John Partington carved the tunnel, which was once used for shipping logs and later smuggling moonshine. Never mind that there’s a nearly 300-foot climb back to the trailhead off Highway 1- you’ll have bragging rights and a cool story to tell!

Keep in mind that you are venturing out into a fragile natural landscape. Make sure you pack out whatever food and supplies you pack in with you!

All of this hiking is bound to make you hungry. Grab an Adirondack chair at the Big Sur River Inn Restaurant and enjoy a scrumptious lunch on the deck, the lawn, or along the river bank. Some of those chairs are sitting in the river itself. What better way to relieve those tired hikers’ feet than to let the smooth current cool them?

You could also stop by Nepenthe! Perched high above the Pacific, this establishment has served poets, artists, and travelers since 1949. After you enjoy Nepenthe’s iconic Ambrosia burger, head to the Phoenix shop on the same property to find distinctive clothing and handcrafted jewelry.

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Yosemite Day Trip- One Day in Yosemite National Park https://californiatravellife.com/yosemite-day-trip-one-day-in-yosemite/ Fri, 24 May 2024 08:10:00 +0000 https://californiatravellife.com/?p=441 Are you thinking about planning a Yosemite day trip? Yosemite is a place where it is easy to spend days, but many visitors simply don’t have that much time. Fear not! We have put together a great itinerary for one day in Yosemite National Park.

The key to packing in all the highlights that this Yosemite day trip itinerary has to offer is to start your day early. Plan on arriving at a park entrance station by 7AM.

An early arrival will help you avoid time-wasting, long lines at the fee stations and allow for ample time to pack in as much fun to your Yosemite day trip as possible.

Note: This itinerary is designed for people coming in from the west side of the park via highways 120, 140, or 41. If you are coming from the Eastern Sierras, I suggest you focus your itinerary on the many Yosemite attractions off Tioga Road.

When Should I Take My Yosemite Day Trip?

Crowds are Common in Yosemite During the Summer and on Holiday Weekends
Crowds are Common in Yosemite During the Summer and on Holiday Weekends

The best time of year to visit Yosemite and see its waterfalls at peak flow is late spring and early summer. In addition to flowing falls, you will also be able to enjoy longer days, so you will get the most out of your Yosemite day trip.

The downside to visiting during late spring and early summer is that it can be crowded, especially on weekends. Stay ahead of the crowds by arriving as early as possible, but expect that you will be sharing this magical place with the masses.

You will also have to consider whether or not you need park reservations. Visit the park website for current reservation guidelines. I recently visited the park during the week in mid-May and I didn’t have to deal with reservations, easily found parking, and the waterfalls were at full flow. If you ask me, that is the sweet spot.

If you are crowd averse, consider taking your Yosemite day trip during the early fall. The weather is still warm, the days are still relatively long, and the crowds are low.

The main downside to visiting during the early fall is that many waterfalls can be dried up (like show-stopping Yosemite Falls) or running at a trickle.

Late fall and winter in Yosemite are both gorgeous, but road closures are frequent due to weather. Glacier Point and Tioga Road are typically closed from the first significant snowfall through at least Memorial Day.

Reservation System for 2024 in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park recently announced that it will require reservations for select dates April through October, 2024 in order to decrease overcrowding in the park.

From April 13 through June 30, a reservation is required from 5am – 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays, as well as May 27and June 19, which are government holidays.

From July 1 through August 16, a reservation is required from 5am – 4pm daily.

From August 17 through October 27, a reservation is required from 5am – 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays, as well as September 2 and October 14, which are government holidays.

Reservations are also required in February during “Firefall season” when Horsetail Fall can glow orange when it’s backlit by sunset, which can make it appear to be on fire. These dates are February 10 -11, 17 – 19, and 24 – 25 in 2024.

Reservations will begin being released on January 5 at 8am and be available in advance. Some afternoon reservations and full-day reservations will be released one week in advance of the date as well.

Pro Tip: You do not need a reservation to enter Yosemite National Park when you use YARTS, the public bus system which takes visitors into the park from various gateway cities, like Mariposa and El Portal off HIghway 140. It is recommended that you book your seat on YARTS in advance, however, especially during peak season.

Staying at a hotel just outside of the park, like the Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal or Autocamp in Midpines, and taking YARTS into the park from there is a great peak season hack around the park reservation system.

What Should I Bring on My Yosemite Day Trip?

Yoseimte Valley Boardwalk
Yosemite Valley Boardwalk

Since you are planning on arriving early in the morning, I suggest you pack a breakfast. I would also be sure to have plenty of snacks in your daypack, as well as a reusable water bottle. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must.

There are several places to eat inside of Yosemite Valley, so you don’t need to pack lunch if you don’t want to. Other essentials for your daypack include sunscreen, a small first aid kit, sunglasses, a hat, a backup phone battery, and a camera.

The weather in Yosemite can vary, so be sure to check the forecast and be prepared to layer. A lightweight rain jacket is always good to have on hand, especially if the spray from the waterfalls is intense or there is potential for rain in the forecast.

Ready to visit more California national parks? Check out this Joshua Tree Day Trip Itinerary.

Itinerary for One Day in Yosemite National Park

1. Visit a Sequoia Grove

Mariposa Grove is a great place to see Sequoias in Yosemite
Towering Sequoias in Mariposa Grove

Yosemite is home to some of the largest trees on the planet, and has three different giant sequoia groves. Stopping to walk through one is a must, especially if you have never seen a sequoia in person before.

If you are coming from Southern California, you will likely use the entrance on Hwy 41. Just two miles from that entrance is Mariposa Grove. It is the largest and most accessible sequoia grove in the park.

There are a few different trails in this grove, but since you are short on time, I suggest hitting the highlights- Fallen Monarch, Grizzly Giant, and the California Tunnel Tree.

If you are entering the park from Northern California, you are likely going to use the Hwy 120 entrance. Merced Grove and Tuolumne Grove are both off this highway.

Unlike Mariposa Grove, these groves require that you take a short hike to see the sequoias. Both hikes lose 500 feet in elevation on the way to the sequoia groves. The hike to Merced Grove is 1.5 miles and the hike to Tuolumne Grove is a mile.

Both trails are wide and well-maintained. They are a great way to get the blood flowing in the morning before you head into Yosemite Valley.

Note: There are no sequoia groves off Highway 140. I suggest you visit Tuolumne Grove, which is the closest to that entrance.

2. Take in the Yosemite Valley at Tunnel View

Sunrise in Yosemite Valley as Seen from Tunnel View. A must see on your Yosemite Day Trip
Sunrise in Yosemite Valley as Seen from Tunnel View

The next stop on your Yosemite day trip should be Tunnel View. This roadside pullout has some of the best views of the Yosemite Valley.

From Tunnel View you can see many of the Valley’s superstars including Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome. This is the spot to get the perfect Yosemite Valley photo.

If you are coming into the park from Hwy 41, you will pass through a mile-long tunnel and see the famed pull-off shortly thereafter.

If you are coming from Hwy 120 or 140, follow the signs for Bridalveil Fall. The parking lots for Tunnel View will be just before you enter the tunnel. There are lots on either side of the road.

3. Stop and Admire Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Fall should be included on your one day in Yosemite itinerary
Bridalveil Fall

After stopping to admire those Valley views, hop back in the car for a very short jaunt over to the Bridalviel Fall parking lot. From the lot it is a short, quarter-mile walk to the base of this 620-foot waterfall.

The trail is paved and this waterfall runs year round. You will be able to feel the spray from the falls when you are close to the base, so prepare to get a little wet.

4. Park and Peruse the Visitor Center and Surrounding Museums

Be sure to visit the Indian Museum and Visitor Center on your Yosemite Day Trip
Miwok Dwelling at the Indian Village of the Ahwahnee

Parking can be a challenge in Yosemite Valley during the high season, so prepare to park your car and leave it until you are ready to leave the Valley.

Thankfully, it is easy to explore the Valley via YART, Yosemite Valley’s free shuttle, as well as on foot or on bike.

I suggest parking in the lot closest to the visitor center (hopefully you arrived early!). Do not leave any traces of food in your car! Bear sightings are common and bears are well known for breaking into cars for food.

I always like to check out a National Park Visitor Center early in my visit to gain the latest information about special programs and closures, grab a Junior Ranger booklet for my kids, and quickly check out the exhibits.

The visitor center is also where I get my National Park Passport booklet stamped and pick up a patch for my National Park collection. There is also a park movie playing in the visitor center’s theater which is usually worth watching.

Next door to the visitor center is the Yosemite Valley Museum and the outdoor Indian Village of the Ahwahnee. These free museums focus on the original inhabitants of the Yosemite Valley.

It is worth your time to walk through the recreated village to see a variety of Miwok dwellings like the Chief’s House, a sweat lodge, a couple different bark houses and a Miwok cabin.

The Ansel Adams Gallery is also near the visitor center. It is a good place to walk through if you are interested in the famous photographer’s work.

5. Embark on a Tour of Yosemite Valley

Yosemite in One Day- what to see and do
Don’t Expect Empty Roads During the High Season- Park Your Car & Take a Tour!

If you want to take a tour led by the experts themselves, then definitely sign up for the Yosemite Valley Floor Tour at the Yosemite Valley Lodge.

You can call (209) 372-1240 for tour availability and times for the day you are visiting, but usually the first tour is at 10AM, so try to get on that one! Tours cost $38 for adults and $28 for children.

Tours are led by Yosemite park rangers in open air trams. They provide you with a great overview of the Valley as well as plenty of history and fun facts. The open air tram allows you opportunities to get some great photos along the way.

Highlights of the tram tour include Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, and some sites you might have already seen like Tunnel View and Bridalveil Fall. Still, the overlap is worth your time because you will get lots of great information about the sites.

6. Bike the Yosemite Valley

Biking the Yosemite Valley
Biking the Yosemite Valley in October

If the Yosemite Valley Tour is not available or sitting in an open air tram for two hours is not your thing, maybe biking around Yosemite is more your speed.

Biking around the Yosemite Valley is quite easy, since the terrain is mostly flat and the paths are wide and plentiful. You can bring your own bikes or rent them at Curry Village or the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Bike rentals are typically available late May through mid-October.

On a Yosemite day trip I prefer to rent bikes from Yosemite Valley Lodge because the walk from the visitor center parking to the bike rental stand isn’t too far and you can take time to see Yosemite Falls along the way.

Better yet, save even more time and bring your own bikes. Ebikes are a great way to explore the Yosemite Valley. We love our foldable Centris ebikes that are perfect for travel.

Sentinel Meadow Yosemite
View near Sentinel Bridge

There are 12 miles of paved trails that loop around the Valley Floor. On these trails it is easy to cover the 7-mile length of the Valley in a short period of time, all while taking in meadows, granite monoliths, and the meandering Merced River.

Be sure to hit the highlights- watch rock climbers scale El Capitan, enjoy views from Sentinel Bridge, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife in the meadows and along the river, and make time to stand near the base of Yosemite Falls.

Note: Bikes are not allowed on dirt trails.

7. Take the Hike to the Vernal Falls Footbridge

Vernal Falls in Yosemite
Vernal Falls

The Mist Trail is one of the most popular trails in all of Yosemite because it is the route to Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, and Half Dome.

Since you only have one day in Yosemite, you won’t have time to make the 5.4-mile round trip hike to Nevada Falls or the 15-mile trek to the top of Half Dome, but you will be able to make the 1.6-mile hike to the Vernal Falls footbridge.

The hike is mostly uphill on the way to the footbridge and is considered moderate, but shouldn’t be hard for anyone moderately in shape.

From the bridge you will have a nice view of Vernal Falls, especially during peak flow. You can continue uphill another .4 miles to get a view from the top of Vernal Fall. Expect to get wet from the fall’s mist as you climb the stone steps (this is how the mist trail got its name).

Love to hike? Here are 16 Easy Hikes in Yosemite National Park.

8. Take a Break on the Ahwahnee Patio

The Ahwahnee

The Ahwahnee Hotel is probably the most famous of all the National Park lodges. This grand hotel was used by Stephen Mather, the first National Park director, to lure the rich and important so they would visit the incredible Yosemite Valley and see why it was worth funding.

The patio area of the Ahwahnee has lovely views and a sprawling grass lawn where wildlife sightings are common- I once saw a bobcat! It is a great place to sip on a cocktail or eat a sandwich.

If you are closer to Curry Village when you are ready for a break, the Curry Village Pizza Patio & Bar is a good spot to relax and enjoy pizza or a salad washed down with a beer.

9. See Yosemite Valley from above at Glacier Point

Half Dome as seen from Glacier Point
Half Dome as seen from Glacier Point

Your time in Yosemite Valley has come to an end, but there is still more to see!

Glacier Point sits high above Yosemite Valley at 7,200 feet in elevation, and offers incredible views of the High Sierras, Half Dome, and the Yosemite Valley floor 3,200 feet below.

You will reach Glacier Point by heading out of Yosemite Valley, following Wawona Road through the tunnel, and then taking a left turn onto Glacier Point Road. The entire route is 32 miles, but expect it will take an hour to get there.

Glacier Point is extremely popular and you may have to wait for a parking spot, but be patient because the views are worth it! So is the ice cream from the seasonal ice cream stand.

The walk from the parking lot to Glacier Point is nothing more than a quarter mile round trip. If you want to stretch your legs and have time before the sun sets, consider taking the hike up to the top of Sentinel Dome which is nearby. The views are spectacular and it is a great way to end your epic Yosemite Day trip.

Note: The road to Glacier Point is closed from the first significant snowfall (typically early November) through mid-May, typically. Check road conditions if you are visiting during the shoulder seasons.

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The 16 Best Easy Hikes in Yosemite https://californiatravellife.com/easy-hikes-in-yosemite/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 06:31:00 +0000 https://californiatravellife.com/?p=413 Yosemite is one of my favorite California destinations. There are several easy hikes in Yosemite National Park, so nature and beauty are very accessible.

Most people spend their time in the Yosemite Valley, but the park is huge! Areas like the high country of Tioga Pass and the sequoia groves of South Yosemite should be included on your hiking itinerary. Here are my 16 favorite easy hikes in Yosemite.

Yosemite is one of 75 California Landmarks to See Before You Die.

Important to know: Yosemite National Park recently announced that it will require reservations for select dates April through October, 2024 in order to decrease overcrowding in the park.

From April 13 through June 30, a reservation is required from 5am – 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays, as well as May 27 and June 19, which are government holidays.

From July 1 through August 16, a reservation is required from 5am – 4pm daily.

From August 17 through October 27, a reservation is required from 5am – 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays, as well as September 2 and October 14, which are government holidays.

Reservations are also required in February during “Firefall season” when Horsetail Fall can glow orange when it’s backlit by sunset, which can make it appear to be on fire. These dates are February 10 -11, 17 – 19, and 24 – 25 in 2024.

Reservations will begin being released on January 5 at 8am and be available in advance. Some afternoon reservations and full-day reservations will be released one week in advance of the date as well.

Easy Hikes in Yosemite Valley

1. Lower Yosemite Falls

Lower Yosemite Falls is one of the most popular easy hikes in Yosemite
Lower Yosemite Falls

Distance: 1 mile round trip

Elevation Change: 50 feet

There’s a reason that the walk to the base of Yosemite Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite National Park. The walk to Lower Yosemite Falls is almost entirely flat and the entire loop is paved. Plus, the view from the base of the falls is amazing!

Lower Yosemite Falls are especially impressive during the spring snowmelt. During this time, the waterfall is raging, and the spray close to the falls on the bridge is constant.

Yosemite Falls can completely disappear (or be nothing but a trickle) from late summer until the rain starts again in mid to late fall.

You can reach Yosemite Falls on the Yosemite Valley shuttle by getting off at shuttle stop 6. Here is a map of the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle service.

2. Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Fall as seen from Tunnel View

Distance: 1/2 mile round trip

Elevation Change: 80 feet

The walk to Bridalveil Fall is one of the easiest hikes in all of Yosemite Valley. It is a short, quarter-mile jaunt to the base of this 620-foot waterfall.

The trail is paved and this waterfall runs year round. You will usually be able to feel the spray from the falls when you are close to the base which is quite refreshing on a warm day.

Bridalveil Fall is often one of the first stops people make as they are driving into Yosemite Valley. Park your car for a quick pit stop before heading into the main part of Yosemite Valley. There is no shuttle service to the waterfall.

3. Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake Reflecting Half Dome
Mirror Lake Reflecting Half Dome

Distance: 2 miles round trip

Elevation Change: 100 feet

Mirror Lake is a lovely place to enjoy in the spring and early summer when it is most full. During the snowmelt, you can gaze at the lake and enjoy the reflection of the surrounding granite cliffs. By late summer, it is very small and not much to look at.

The trail to Mirror Lake is a popular family hike. Mirror Lake is accessed via a paved road, making this a great trail for strollers and bikes. You can access the Mirror Lake Trail via shuttle stop 17.

The elevation gain is slight until the final quarter mile when it heads steeply uphill. Many families ride bikes the first 3/4 of a mile and then walk the final stretch.  

You can extend your hike to 5 miles by taking the loop that follows Tenaya Creek, crosses two bridges and returns to Mirror Lake.

4. Cooks Meadow

Cooks Meadow hike in Yosemite National Park
Beautiful Views in Cooks Meadow

Distance: 1 mile round trip

Elevation Change: Minimal

Cooks Meadow is a wonderful place to take some great shots of the Yosemite Valley, especially during the “golden hour”. It is a simple, flat 1-mile loop with great views of Valley stunners like Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.

The path is paved in some sections and a boardwalk in others. It can be accessed via the Sentinel Bridge Parking Area at shuttle stop 11 or via shuttle stop 6 across the street from the Lower Yosemite falls trailhead.

I suggest combining this trail with the Sentinel Meadow Trail for a 2.25-mile loop. On this loop you will have the chance to cross two bridges over the Merced River and get some exceptional pictures.

Note: This is also a great loop to bike. Bring your own or rent from the stand near Yosemite Valley Lodge.

5. Mist Trail to Vernal Fall Footbridge

View of Vernal Falls from the Mist Trail
View of Vernal Falls from the Mist Trail

Distance: 1.6 miles round trip

Elevation Change: 400 feet

This is the most difficult of the easy hikes in Yosemite Valley. It isn’t a particularly long hike, but it is uphill on the way to the falls.

The Mist Trail is very popular, as people heading to Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and points further all use this trail. Still, the hike uphill is worth the effort because the view of Vernal Fall from the footbridge is incredible.

You can continue uphill another .4 miles to get a view from the top of Vernal Fall. Expect to get wet from the fall’s mist as you climb the stone steps (this is how the mist trail got its name).

The Mist Trail can be accessed on Yosemite Valley shuttle stop 16.

Easy Hikes in Yosemite Near Glacier Point

7. Glacier Point Trail

View of Half Dome and the High Sierras from Glacier Point
View of Half Dome and the High Sierras from Glacier Point

Distance: 1/3 mile round trip

Elevation Change: Minimal

This is much more of a walk from the parking lot than a hike, but it is certainly something you won’t want to miss. Glacier Point is located high above the Yosemite Valley, and the views are mesmerizing.

Gazing down at Curry Village 3200 feet below, the cars in the parking lot look like ants! You can take in the entire valley from up here, as well as High Sierras.

El Capitan looks small from Glacier Point and Half Dome is near eye level, instead of towering above.

8. Sentinel Dome

Sentinel Dome near Glacier Point
Sentinel Dome near Glacier Point

Distance: 1.8 miles round trip

Elevation Change: 400 feet

The climb to the top of Sentinel Dome gives you great views of the Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierras as well, but the perspective is different and crowds are far fewer.

Most of the trail is on exposed granite, which can be slippery during rain. But when its dry, it is a breeze to walk on. Walking up the side of the dome is fun, and the 360-degree views are wonderful.

9. Taft Point

Mesmerizing Views from Taft Point
Mesmerizing Views from Taft Point

Distance: 2.2 miles round trip

Elevation Change: 200 feet

Have you ever seen photos of people standing on a granite cliff fissure with the Yosemite Valley thousands of feet below? These heart-stopping photos were taken near Taft Point.

This hike isn’t for those who are easily freaked out by people standing near cliff’s edges (like me), but you can get some pretty amazing photos if you are brave enough to walk out to cliff’s edge.

The trail meanders through a meadow as its makes it way to the Point. There is a railing at Taft Point, but not the surrounding edges. This is the place to go to enjoy views of the southern portion of Yosemite Valley, including Yosemite Falls and El Capitan.

Easy Hikes in Yosemite in Tioga Pass

The Tioga Pass area is quite different from the Yosemite Valley; this is High Sierra territory. Tioga Pass is typically open from around Memorial day until October, contingent on snowfall.

There are far fewer people in this part of the park and several lovely hikes to enjoy. Pack mosquito repellent because those buggers are vicious, especially near standing water.

10. Tuolumne Grove

Giant Sequoia in Tuolumne Grove in Yosemite
Giant Sequoia in Tuolumne Grove

Distance: 2.5 Miles round trip

Elevation Change: 400 feet

Not long after you turn onto Tioga Road coming from the Yosemite Valley (as well as the south and west sides), you will see a pull off for the Tuolumne Grove of giant sequoias.

Unlike most hikes in Yosemite this one heads downhill first, which means the huffing and puffing are done on the return. Still, the trail is wide and smooth and not overly steep.

Standing beneath some of the largest trees on the planet is worth a little uphill jaunt on the way back. There is a large parking lot near the trailhead.

11. Tenaya Lake

The walk around Tenaya Lake is one of the easy hikes in Yosemite.
Tenaya Lake

Distance: 2.5 miles for the full loop around the lake

Elevation Change: Minimal

Tenaya Lake is a lovely High Sierra lake at 8150′ in elevation. One of its shores hugs Tioga Road. There are several different places to park near the lake as well as picnic benches.

It is a popular place for sunbathing and splashing in the water during the peak of the summer, but the weather is always considerably cooler than it is on the valley floor.

There is a trail that loops Tenaya Lake. The full loop is 2.5 miles but you can make this hike as long or short as you would like. The lake is the main attraction.

If you choose to do the full loop you will need to cross the lakes inlet and outlet which can be easy in the late summer but might involve getting your feet wet in the earlier part of the summer.

12. Tuolumne River Cascades via Pothole Dome

The hike to the Tuolumne River cascades is one of the lesser known easy hikes in Yosemite National Park
Tuolumne River with Tuolumne Meadows and Granite Peaks in the Distance

Distance: 2.4 miles round trip

Elevation Change: Minimal

I hate using the term “hidden gem” but this trail truly is. It is not a trail that is listed on brochures provided by the park and it is largely overlooked.

The trail begins at the parking area near Pothole Dome and heads along the road towards the Dome until you reach the base. Many people start climbing up the dome from there.

You can certainly climb the dome- the views are wonderful- but it is a bit steep and doesn’t really fall into the “easy category”. But to enjoy this hike, keep following the trail as it goes past the granite dome and hugs the edge of Tuolumne Meadows, winding in and out of the forest.

After a little more than a mile you will reach the Tuolumne River which is picture perfect, especially during the snowmelt. You can continue to follow the creek for quite a while by scrambling on the granite that hugs the river and the occasional path.

Or you can just sit and enjoy the cascades for a while. River’s edge is an ideal place for a picnic.

13. Tuolumne Meadow to Soda Springs

Tuolumne Meadow Trail
The Verdant Green Trail Across Tuolumne Meadow

Distance: 1.6 miles round trip

Elevation Change: Minimal

Tuolumne Meadows is an exceptionally beautiful place during the early summer when this expansive meadow is a carpet of green and wildflowers.

This hike can begin at two different spots, either the parking area alongside Tioga Road in front of Tuolumne Meadow or from the parking lot near the Lembert Dome trailhead.

Both routes ultimately reach Soda Springs, a carbonated spring with a reddish tinge, and Parson’s Lodge, a 100-year-old stone building that houses some small exhibits and provides refuge from sudden storms.

Easy Hikes in South Yosemite

South Yosemite is a popular spot to enjoy sequoia trees, cabin stays, and the popular Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, but it also has some nice hikes.

14. Mariposa Grove

The Big Trees of Mariposa Grove

Distance: 0.3 miles on the Big Tree Loop, 2 miles on the Giant Grizzly Loop

Elevation Change: Minimal on the Big Tree Loop and 300 feet on the Giant Grizzly Loop.

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is located just two miles from Yosemite’s southern entrance. There are about 500 sequoia trees in this grove.

If you are in a big hurry and just want to see the famed Fallen Giant, a massive sequoia that fell long ago, take the Big Tree Loop.

But to really see more of the highlights, you want to make your way to the massive Grizzly Giant tree and the California Tunnel Tree, which you can walk through.

If you take the full loop it is 2 miles. But you can shorten it by hiking out and back to the Grizzly Giant, past the Fallen Giant and California Tunnel Tree and will end up with a 1.6-mile hike.

15. Wawona Meadow Loop

Wawona Meadow | Photo via Flickr/KenLund

Distance: 3.5 mile loop

Elevation Change: Minimal

The Wawona Meadow Loop trail is a great place to enjoy a nature walk because there are plenty of things to discover right along the trail.

During the spring and early summer, there are wildflowers aplenty. There are also streams to explore, and animal tracks to identify.

You might even bump into a few of Wawona’s horses – they share this path with hikers during the summer.

16. First Cascades of the Chilnualna Falls Trail

Chilnualna Cascades in Yosemite
Chilnualna Cascades

Distance: 1/2 mile round trip

Elevation Gain: About 200 feet

The full Chilnualna Falls Trail is about 8.2 miles round trip and is a wonderful day hike, but certainly doesn’t fall into the easy category.

Luckily, there is still a nice option on this trail for a short but sweet trek to some small cascades. The trail forks at the trailhead- left is for horses and right is for hikers only. Take the right for and you will come across some nice cascades.

If you want to make it into a longer hike, hike another mile and a half up the trail until it rejoins the river. This is a good spot to have lunch before heading back down the hill.

As with most falls and rivers in Yosemite, Chilnaulna runs faster and harder during the spring and early summer.

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21 Animals in Yosemite- Fun Facts + Where to Find Them https://californiatravellife.com/animals-in-yosemite/ Wed, 01 Mar 2023 23:17:03 +0000 https://californiatravellife.com/?p=990 From the black bear to the bobcat, animals in Yosemite have been delighting visitors for generations who yearn to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Long gone are the days of feeding wildlife for entertainment. Today, there is a focus on conservation and letting the wildlife remain wild.

Here are some of the mammals that call this park home. Yosemite animals are varied, given the the park’s many landcapes and elevations. Some are certainly more common than others, but an animal sighting is always something to get excited about. Just be respectful and keep your distance.

In addition to the animals listed below, there are a wide variety of rodents such a mice, voles, woodrats, and gophers living inside the park.

Short on time? Here is your guide to one day in Yosemite.

Animals in Yosemite- 21 Mammals That Call the Park Home

Black Bear

One of the most popular animals in Yosemite is the black bear
Black Bear in Yosemite Near Merced River by Dave Toussaint

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: I have seen black bears all throughout the park- in the Yosemite Valley, near High Country campgrounds, and in Sequoia Groves.

The animal that most folks come to Yosemite National Park hoping to see is the black bear. There are about 300-500 that live in the park. Keep in mind that the black bear species are not always black; many are brown, reddish brown, or even blond in color. If you see a bear in Yosemite, it’s a black bear as grizzly bears were eradicated from California in 1924.

Black bears are significantly smaller than grizzlies you may have seen in parks like Yellowstone or Glacier. Males tend to weigh around 250lbs and females about 150lbs. Bears in Yosemite tend to mostly eat grass or berries, but they do love snacking on acorns from the local oak trees during the fall.

Black bears do hibernate, and the hibernation season is dependent on weather. They typically hibernate through winter and come back out weighing 1/3 less in March or April. During this time females may also emerge from their dens with one to three cubs. The cubs are adorable, but be sure to never get between a mom and her cubs!

Bear on Path in Yosemite Valley
Bear on pathway in Yosemite Valley

The bears in Yosemite are quite used to people, and nobody has ever been killed or seriously injured by a bear in Yosemite. Still, you want to give them plenty of distance. A good rule of thumb is to give them 50 yards of space.

Bears are known to invade campgrounds, break into cars, and raid unattended backpacks. You can avoid this by never leaving food in your car and using the metal bear boxes inside the park to store your food.

Here are the best easy hikes in Yosemite National Park.

Mule Deer

Mule Deer in Yellowstone Valley

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: You have a great chance of spotting mule deer along roads and in meadows of the Yosemite Valley. During the summer you may also spot them in the higher elevations, like in Tioga Meadow.

Did you know that more injuries in Yosemite are inflicted by mule deer than any other animals in Yosemite? These gentle looking animals may appear docile, but getting close to wildlife is never a good idea, especially during mating season.

Mule deer are the only deer species that call Yosemite home. They are known for their large ears and eat leaves, shurbs, berries, acorns, and grasses. These are large dear, typically measuring about four feet tall. Females are 150lbs, and males average around 200lbs.

Mule deer are common animals in Yosemite
Mule deer near Mirror Lake by James Marvin Phelps

Only males grow antlers and they shed them annually in the winter after “rut” which is the time when they fight for mates. Fawns are born in the spring after a long, 200 day gestation period. They stay with their mothers until the fall.

Squirrel

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: All over the park. Squirrel sightings are guaranteed.

There are several different squirrels that call Yosemite National Park. This is, by far, the most common animal you will see while exploring. They are especially common near parking lots, food establishments, and popular trails. Though they will beg, it is important not to feed the squirrels.

The golden Mantled Squirrel

The golden-mantled ground squirrel is often mistaken for a chipmunk because of the distinct stripes on its back and its small size (adults weigh less than a pound). However, there are no chipmunks in California, so if you see anything resembling a chipmunk in the park, its a golden-mantled squirrel!

These ground squirrels hibernate during the winter so they spend much of the year building up fat storage. They can be quite the little beggars, but it is important for them to not gain a dependence on humans and remain wild, so please resist the urge to feed them.

They are found all over the park including on trails, in meadows, in rocky areas, and even in the higher elevation tundra.

California Ground Squirrel is the most common squirrel in Yosemite

The California ground squirrel is the most commonly seen squirrel in Yosemite. As the name implies, it lives in burrows underground. It does hibernate during the winter and will certainly attempt to beg for food from park visitors.

These squirrels are mostly brown with mottled, light brown or white flecks.

Gray squirrel
Western Gray Squirrel by Fish Demon

The Western gray squirrel is know for its bushy gray tail. It is probably the squirrel species you are least likely to see since it spends nearly all of its time in trees and has a smaller population density in the Yosemite Valley than other varieties. It does stick to the lower elevations of the park.

Douglas's Squirrel in Yosemite
Douglas’s Squirrel by NPS/Frank Lospalluto

The Douglas’s squirrel is a reddish tree squirrel that you will likely hear before you see. The squirrel has a distinct squeak. Its has darker brown fur with a distinct reddish-orange belly and light eye ring.

This squirrel lives in conifer trees like pine or fir because it loves to eat conifer seeds as well as the fungi that grow on the trees.

Listen to the sounds of the Douglas’s squirrel:

flying squirrel
Photo by Barbogast

Humboldt’s flying squirrel, which is native to the West Coast, got its own species classification in 2017, due to its mitochondrial DNA being different from other North American flying squirrels.

This is a nocturnal species which uses the web of skin connectins its wrists and ankles to help it glide with ease from tree to tree. They can “fly” as much as 150 feet at a time. You are most likely to see them when light is shown into a tree and they are caught mid glide, looking like little shadows in the distance.

Coyote

Coyote hunting in Yosemite by Alice Cahill

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: You are most likely to see coyotes hunting in the Yosemite Valley meadows during winter.

Many of us living in California are quite familiar with the coyote, and regularly see them living among us in both urban as well as rural areas. The coyotes that call my area of Orange County home tend to be much smallers and scrawnier than the beautiful mountain coyotes of Yosemite.

Living in a cooler climate and higher elevations has caused them to adapt with a thicker coat and a size closer to that of a wolf. Alas, wolves have not been spotted in Yosemite for over 100 years (except for one loan gray wolf passing through in 2021).

Coyotes head to lower elevations, like the Yosemite Valley, during the winter to hunt for prey like rodents and other small mammals. They listen for the sounds of these critters under the snow in meadows, and then pounce to snag a meal.

Skunk

Striped Skunk

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: You are likely to see it in the Yosemite Valley or foothill regions of the park like Wawona.

The striped skunk is most commonly smelled before it is ever seen, but this adorable little animal is still seen rather commonly by Yosemite visitors, especially in the evening. Skunks are the size of a house cat and eat a variety of insects, worms, eggs, small amphibians and even small mice and voles. They will even forage on plants.

Skunks often don’t seem too concerned by the presence of humans, so it is best to give them a wide birth when encountered to avoid getting sprayed.

Spotted Skunk

spotted skunk

The spotted skunk is a far less commonly viewed species of skunk that also lives in Yosemite. It is most often seen in the lowest evelations of the park but does sometime make an appearace in the Yosemite Valley.

Spotted skunks are smaller than striped skunks, but they share their cousin’s nocturnal habits and food preferences. If they are threatened they have been know to stamp their feet and then stand on front feet and advance towards the threat in a handstand before spraying!

Grey Fox

The gray fox is one of the common animals in Yosemite
by Dcrjsr

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: In lower elevations of the park, like Wawona. You might catch one with your car’s headlights in the lower parts of the park at night.

The gray fox is the most commonly spotted member of the canine family in Yosemite. It lives in the park’s lower elevations (including the Yosemite Valley at times), is quick, and is an excellent hunter.

They prefer to livein more shrubby areas where they can hunt their preferred prey, rodents and birds, easily. They are tree climbers and will eat some plants like berries, making them omivores. They are also known to scavenge garbage littered in the park.

Pika

Pika
By Frédéric Dulude-de Broin

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: Above the tree line in rock slides and rock outcrops. Check for them on the high portions of the trail to Mount Dana.

While the pika may look like a rodent in many ways, it is actually a lagomorph and closely related to rabbits. It is much smaller than a common rabbit, about a third of the size, and has much smaller ears and eyes. Still, it has rabbit-like fur and a similar jaw structure.

The rock rabbit, as it is sometimes called, is typically spotted by High Sierra hikers who know that if they remain quiet and patient near a rock slide ,then are likely to see them. They emit a loud, squeaking call and often sit atop a perch of boulders, squeaking away.

Pikas are experiencing shrinking territory due to global warming. Higher temperature in their high elevation home cause them to overheat. These days you won’t spot one below 9,500 feet.

Ringtail

Photo via NPS

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: Climbing around in a pine tree at night.

The ringtail is one of the most common animals in Yosemite that you may not see. This is because the ringtail is fully noctural. It looks part lemur, part raccoon, part fox, and part squirrel. It is most closely related to the raccooon, but is small like a squirrel.

The body is typically brown to brownish gray and as the name implies, it has a ringed tail. They are carnivores that primary eat rodents, though they will eat nuts and fruits as well. You are most likely see them while flashing a light into the trees in the evening.

Ringtails are known for getting into the attics of buildings inside the park in search of rodents, much like their raccoon cousins.

Raccoon

raccoon

 Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: The south entrance near Wawona and in the Yosemite Valley.

Raccoons are a species many suburban and rural residents are already familiar with. Those that live in Yosemite tend to do so in the lower portions of the park. Still, raccoons are far less common inside the park than ringtails.

They are being observed more and more in the Yosemite Valley these days, likely because of the presence of human food. Many visitors have reported that raccoons don’t seem particularly afraid of people and are willing to beg for food. Don’t give in to their adorable advances.

Here is a video of a raccoon hanging out on a balcony at Yosemite Valley Lodge.

Yellow Bellied Marmot

ywllow-bellied marmot
Blog Post Image – 1

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: In high elevations, sunning themselves on rocks. Check Olmstead Point, Mount Hoffman, or Gaylor Lakes off Tioga Road.

The largest rodent in park is the yellow-bellied marmot, a 5-11lb critter found bathing in the sunshine on rocks at higher elevations. Marmots hibernate for most of the year, staying in their burrows from September to May, so you will only see them in the summer.

Marmots eat plants, insects, and even bird eggs. They are usually quite alert, keeping an eye out for predators like eagles and then quickly darting to safety inside piles of rock. Yellow-bellied marmots let out a shrill whistle to alarm other marmots when they spot a threat and also defend their territory.

Bobcat

Bobcat is one of the Yosemite Animals
Bobcat in Yosemite by Matthew Kirkland

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: In open meadows hunting rodents.

The bobcat is a small but agile cat living in Yosemite. Though they aren’t commonly spotted, they are seen far more often than their much larger counterpart, the mountain lion. I once saw one crossing a meadow near the Ahwahnee hotel.

Bobcats are typically two to three feet in length, tannish in color, and known for their distinctively short bobbed tails. I would compare a bobcat in size that of a large housecat like a Main Coon.

Bobcat near a walking path in Yosemite Valley
Bobcat Near Yosemite Valley Path by Rennet Stowe

Bobcats can easily climb trees and will hunt in the daytime as well as at night. Like the coyote, them have been seen jumping and diving into the snow to catch rodents. They also like to eat birds and have even been known to occassionally attack deer in deep snow.

Want a guaranteed animal sighting? These are the best zoos in California.

Bats

Big Brown Bat

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: In the night’s sky. If you see a “bird” flying in the evening sky, it is likely a bat, the only flying mammals.

Most Common Bat in Yosemite: Big brown bat

Yosemite National Park is home to 17 of the 25 species that exist in California. They are found all over the park, from the lowest elevations to summits above 10,000 feet.

Bats use echo location to find their prey, mainly insects, as they fly across the night sky. They can fly over 15 miles during their 6-7 hour evening hunt.

The largest bat species in North America, the Western mastif, calls Yosemite National Park home. It has a wingspan of 22 inches but is still incredibly light, weighing just over two ounces.

Mountain Lion

A mountain lion is one of the animals that live in Yosemite

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: Spottings are very rare, but these cats have been seen in the Yosemite Valley as well as the high country.

The mountain lion goes by several names- cougar, puma, panther- but no matter what you call it, this feline is most definitely the largest cat to call Yosemite and the rest of California home. Males are about 130-150lbs and females are much smaller at around 65-90lbs. Mountain lions eat small mammals and tend to hunt at night.

California mountain lions have not had an easy time over the past couple hundred years. Their population has been reduced by hunting and territory loss, but things do seem to be rebounding a bit in the park.

For several years, it was thought that maybe only a dozen cougars lived inside the park, but after an extensive study in 2019, the current number has been estimated to be around 35. Since Yosemite covers 1,169 square miles, that means there is only one mountain lion per 25 miles.

Mountain Lions Can Climb Trees with Ease
Mountain Lions Can Climb Trees with Ease

Your chances of ever encountering a mountain lion are quite slim. Still, the cats have been spotted all over the park, from the Yosemite Valley to the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River, a wildlife corridor where large mammals have been spotted regularly searching for food, shelter, and mates.

I live in mountain lion country and they have been spotted on the trails that run behind my neighborhood. Dozens of people walk these trails daily without incident. The reality is, a mountain lion is much more likely to see you than you are to see it, and it almost never wants anything to do with a human.

Regardless, if you ever do see a mountain lion DON’T RUN. This will just activate their prey drive. If one starts to approach you act big. Shout in a deep voice. Throw rocks and sticks and maintain eye contact. And remember than whenever you hike with small children you want to keep them close so they don’t get mistaken for prey.

Check out this amazing standoff between a pair of coyotes and a mountain lion near the Ahwahnee Hotel.

Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: Above the 10,000-foot level, mainly in the northeastern corner of the park.

The Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep are an example of a relocation success story. These agile animals went extinct within the park after the first two decades of its formal existence due to over hunting and diseases from domestic sheep brought in by Gold Rush settlers.

In 1986, a small population of just 27 animals were relocated inside the park after a 100 year absence. At first, it didn’t look like the sheep were thriving. But thanks to the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program which was funded by the California legislature, there are now 600 sheep living in Yosemite’s Cathedral Range. They are aso often seen at Summit lake just outside of the park near Mono Pass.

Sierra Nevada Red Fox

Photo by Keith Slausen USFS/PSW – US Forest Service

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: You are very unlikely to see this animal, but they do prefer to live at about 6,000 feet in elevation.

After not being seen inside the park since 1916, a motion sensor camera detected the Sierra Nevada red fox inside the park in December 2014. There were thought to be only about 20 of these foxes in their historic range at that point.

This fox is the size of a small house cat, weighing only about eight pounds. It is an effective hunter of rodents, and the fox’s exceptional hearing allows it to hear rodents under the snow to hunt.

The Sierra Nevada red fox is another animal that was the victim of human intervention- as their soft, dense fur was coveted by fur trappers at the turn of the 20th century. Fur trapping has been illegal in California since the mid seventies and the species is endangered.

There have been at least 20 confirmed sightings within the park in the past several years, an encouraging development. If you are lucky enough to spot one, report your sighting online with photo documentation to the state’s wildlife officials.

Fisher

Photo via NPS

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: Along the Merced River, closer to the southern reaches of the park.

The population of fishers that live in Yosemite National Park and the neighboring Sequoia National Forest is both small and isolated. There are about 200 of these cute critters in what is known as the “southern Sierra Nevada population”.

Just like the Sierra Nevada fox, fishers were victims of fur trappers, but they have also been victimized by habitat loss and logging. Unfortunately, the fishers do not currently have any federal protection, though they are considered a sensitive species by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

Fishers are a member of the weasel family and despite their name, they don’t actually fish. They mainly eat rodents and birds, and are excellent climbers. They are technically omnivores and will eat nuts and berries as well. An adult fisher weighs 8-12 pounds and is three feet long.

Weasel

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: It is possible to see them in the Yosemite Valley, as well as . The range is from the red fir forest up to the timberline.

Weasels are seen more often than one would think, in part because they are known from being fearless. There are both long-tailed and short-tailed weasels inside the park.

Long-tailed weasels are small in size, about the size of a squirrel, with a long tail that makes up half their body length. In the winter, they are primarily white except for the tip of its tail which is white. In the summer, they are mostly brown with lighter creamy yellow underparts.

The short-tailed weasel (also known as a stoat or ermine) is small as well. Only about nine inches in length with, you guessed it, a short tail. Their coloring is similar to the other species of weasel- white in the winter and brown atop and cream underneath in the winter.

Weasels hunt rodents and can do down into their burrows to snag them. They will also eat grasshoppers and frogs.

If you are looking for either of these creatures in the Yosemite Valley they have been known to be spotted near the Yosemite Museum, and the meadows near Swinging Bridge and Sentinel Bridge. The have also been spotted up high near Tioga pass.

Pine Marten

Photo via Yosemite NP

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: Chances of spotting are rare, but they have been seen in Tuolumne Meadows.

Pine martens are another member of the weasel family that lives in Yosemite. It can live anywhere in the red fir belt up to the tree line, but is rarely spotted due to declining populations.

Pine martens are larger than the other weasels, but are still quite small. They weigh 2-3 pounds and are typically 1.5 – 2 feet long. They have a more fox-like face than the other weasels within Yosemite.

Pine martens love to eat voles, but they will eat variety of small rodents including tree squirrels thanks to their strong tree climbing skills. They will also birds when they can catch them.

Martens are active day or night, summer and winter. Though forest animals, they are found in Yosemite around high country rockslides and rocky meadows in summer. They eat small rodents and such birds as they can catch.

Unfortunately, pine martens are not protected by the Endangered Species Act but they are considered a is considered a “species of special concern” by the state of California.

California Badger

Badger

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: Badgers are extremely rare to spot but are most likely found in the open areas of higher elevations. If you do see a badger, be sure to report it.

They look cute as they waddle along the ground but trust that badgers are ferocious predators, with strong claws and powerful jaws. Definitely steer clear if you happen to spot one.

Adult badgers are 2.5 feet loong and weigh about 20 pounds. They are primarily tan with a strong white streak along the center of their head and neck. They use their impressive claws to dig up ground squirrel nests and other rodent tunnels to catch their prey.

Fun Fact: Badger Pass Ski Resort, named for the California badger, is one of only three ski areas inside of a national park.

River Otter

Photo via Yosemite National Park

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: In the Merced River both in the Yosemite Valley as well the more western portions of the park.

River otters are relatively recent residents of the Yosemite Valley. They were first seen in the Valley in the Merced River in 2014. There are some theories that they have moved up to these higher elevations because of the drought.

There are currently two known groups (a group of otters on land is a “romp”) known to move in and out of the Yosemite Valley along the river.

The California river otters are dark brown, 11 – 30 pounds, and about four feet in length. They primarily eat fish crayfish, and frogs. If you do see an otter, it will likely be in the water or along the shore.

Love otters? Here are the best places to see sea otters in California.

Beaver

Beaver

Where to Spot this Animal in Yosemite: In the Merced River at Yosemite Valley, at Mirror Lake, and near Wawona.

There are not many beavers in the Yosemite, but there are a few. They tend to stick to the lower elevations of the park, as well as the Yosemite Valley. Beavers eat the bark of small trees like the cottonwood, and build dams and dens in the waterways.

There is a theory that the river otters have moved into the Yosemite Valley in part because of the beavers. Otters like to take over abandoned beaver lodges.

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