vex2

We're flying into and out of San Francisco. Which is a better route - first Yosemite then Monterey or vice versa? What are the advantages/disadvantages?

Also, we would like to see redwoods or sequoias. Should we stop in Mariposa Grove or drive through San Jose cand see Harry Cowell or Big Basin State Park?

janisj

>>Which is a better route - first Yosemite then Monterey or vice versa?when you can get a room in the park.

vex2

Late July or August (as soon as the dates are available for booking, I'm planning on making reservations at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls for two or three nights).

I'm thinking a night or two in San Francisco and two or three nights in Monterey (I'm thinking one day whale watching and one day at the aquarium).

janisj

>>Late July or August (as soon as the dates are available for booking, I'm planning on making reservations at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls for two or three nights).

MichelleY

I agree with Janis for your plan. I hope you are planning for 2015. You should see both the coastal redwoods and giant redwoods in Yosemite. They are two different species and very different. Coastal are big and tall. Giant redwoods aren't as tall but are amazingly massive.

vex2

2015. Good idea about the car rental. Thank you!

vex2

Which area do you think is best to see the coastal redwoods?

janisj

If you are visiting Monterey/Carmel/Big Sur . . . you will trip over Coastal redwoods Pfeiffer Bg Sur State park among others.

Farther north there are lots of redwoods near Santa Cruz and at Big Basin which is a bit off your route.

But w/ a Carmel/Yosemite/SF itinerary you'll see coastal redwoods in Big Sur and Sequoias in YNP so no need for big detours.

vex2

Very helpful. Thanks.