canadia2013

Good Afternoon,
Looking to do 4-5 full days in California, with a rental car. We've already seen San-Fran/LA/San Diego, so rather than using those as main attractions, I'd prefer to use those as start/end points, and use our time in between to see all the beautiful/adventurist spots/national parks/attractions. Would definitely love to hit Yosemite NP, Moneterey, not quite sure though where to stop along the way, what places to see, etc.

Any ideas for the "amazing 4 day California roadtrip"?

Suzie

That's not much time. When is this trip? Can you fly into any airport?

If you fly into SF I'd drive the 4 hours to Yosemite and stay 2 nights. Then on day 3 drive west to Monterey and stay two nights while exploring the coast including Big Sur - Julia Pfeiffer state park, Point Lobos. Times up, back to the airport.

I just got back from Monterey and spent 1 day there and feel like I saw nothing. There is plenty to do for just 2 days.

tomfuller

Are you coming from overseas with a rental car contract in hand that does not have a drop off charge? In general most domestic car rentals charge a large drop off fee to encourage renters to return where they rent.
Where do you want to start? It might make more sense to rent several cars from different locations and travel in between using Amtrak trains or flying between cities.
You can get to Yosemite by taking a San Joaquin train to Merced and taking a YARTS bus from there.

canadia2013

- From Canada, and we can fly in/leave from anywhere, so that is not a prolem.
Love the idea of staying at Yosemite - is there reasonable resort accomodations therE? (Don't make fun, I'm quite unfamiliar, though I've done a google search and have seen options come up)

SAB

Suzie, I just spent my fourth weekend in a row in Carmel and it wasn't enough!!! My sister spent a month and it wasn't enough. Of course the fact that the weather was fabulous for this time of year didn't hurt.

canadia2013

Where do you reccomend staying when visiting Yosemite?

Suzie

I would try to stay in Yosemite valley. Get accomodations at www.yosemitepark.com. If nothing is available for your dates let us know and we can suggest alternatives.

Hey I'm a big proponent of Amtrak when it makes sense. In this case it does not. It will drastically increase your time getting places so just rent your car and drive. My DD uses the train to go back & forth to school. It's efficient for her purposes but you will be traversing the central vally so it will increase travel time and cut into your very limited time in CA.

The weather in Monterey was amazing last week. So warm, air smelled great.

canadia2013

So, if we're doing a Wed-Monday, your saying spend wed/thurs in Yosemite, Friday/Sat Monterey, and then Sun?
And is 2 nights in Yosemite too much?

Suzie

It does kind of depend on what tiem you arrive on Wednesday to Yosemite. If it's late on Wednesday,then you only have Thursday because you are leaving on Friday for the 4 hours to Monterey I guess you need to think about spending more time in Yosemite.

What time of year are you arriving and what time of day?

canadia2013

Probably arriving Wednesday around noon, so we'd get in afternoon. We also like to move, so if we can see great things in 1 day there (i.e. Thursday) then we'd be okay leaving thurs aft/eve on our way to the next place.

Suzie

Is this trip soon or in the summer or what? Yosemite is quite large. Thinking about seeing it in one day seems short sighted.

Tomsd

Agree with spending at least 2 nights (really one day) in Yosemite and then driving over to the Coast.

Try to get reservations as soon as possible.

janisj

When is the trip?? One can't just decide to pop into Yosemite. If you are traveling in the next 5+ months or so it will be difficult to get lodging. (If the trip in in the next 3 or 4 weeks there actually is some availability)

So before you get too enthusiastic about visiting YNP - you'll want to book that ASAP. If you get accommodations in the Valley - then arrange the rest of your itinerary around thosedates.