San Diego-SNP-Yosemite-San Jose
#41
I looked online and could only find 3, 4, 5, 10 day trips up the Pacific Coast Highway.
Yup There's a reason for that! You're doing great taking the advice offered, but you keep trying to add more back in to an already overextended itinerary. I don't think you can include the coastal drive, unless you're willing to drop some other things.
Yup There's a reason for that! You're doing great taking the advice offered, but you keep trying to add more back in to an already overextended itinerary. I don't think you can include the coastal drive, unless you're willing to drop some other things.
#42
My problem with Schat's is that they close so early (sandwich bar 3:30 during the week, for example). But if I make it in time, I usually hit them up for day-old bakery (friend living in Bishop tipped me off on this) and free snacks. Sandwiches there are kind of pricey. Most people go for the bread. I think they're more popular on Sundays from the south-bound travelers leaving the ski areas.
https://schatsbakery.com/wp/
https://schatsbakery.com/wp/
Last edited by mlgb; Jul 25th, 2019 at 06:46 AM.
#44
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This may sounds like a weird suggestion, but if you are going into Yosemite from the east (Tioga Pass), stop to eat at the Mobil gas station on 120 just off 395. Seriously, I kid you not. There is a mart, and inside you line up like you would for a sandwich at those places that make them fresh, but - you might choose fish tacos, buffalo meatloaf, an omelet, etc. There are picnic tables outside. They are open from 7a-8p-ish. The Mobil
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...alifornia.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...alifornia.html
#45
This may sounds like a weird suggestion, but if you are going into Yosemite from the east (Tioga Pass), stop to eat at the Mobil gas station on 120 just off 395. Seriously, I kid you not. There is a mart, and inside you line up like you would for a sandwich at those places that make them fresh, but - you might choose fish tacos, buffalo meatloaf, an omelet, etc. There are picnic tables outside. They are open from 7a-8p-ish.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...alifornia.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...alifornia.html
The Mobil Station and Deli have been famous or a while, it's now a tourist trap and I haven't been inside in ages. Gas there is nearly $5 a gallon, (like the other stations closest to Yosemite). If you're coming in on the 395 fill up at Paiute Palace or Von's where it's at least $1/gallon less. You need to plan for gas when you're in Yosemite, too. Keeping the car at El Portal and taking the YARTS shuttle is a good idea if you can't leave the hotel early enough.
You should find slightly cheaper gas in Mariposa (where, by the way, there is availability on a 2 king Suite at the Quality Inn).
Last edited by mlgb; Jul 25th, 2019 at 08:01 AM.
#47
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Trip Update!!
Thanks to everyone on here I reworked my trip and ohmigoodness it was THE greatest 9 day vacation!! It is possible to do a lot in a small amount of time....
Day 1: Arrived in San Diego at 11 am. Picked up rental car. Checked into Hyatt Andaz downtown. Met college friend for lunch. Spent remainder of day walking around pier and downtown.
Day 2: Arrived at SD Zoo at 9 am and took first tour shuttle around zoo. Spent five hours exploring. Took Uber to Crystal Pier beach in SD and spent an hour on beach. Met college friend at her house on the Bay and went to dinner along Bay. Ubered back to hotel.
Day 3: Departed SD in the morning and headed North toward Yosemite. Got on PCH and drove through Malibu where we had a fabulous lunch at Paradise Cove Cafe. Continued on to Yosemite. Checked into Yosemite View Lodge at around 10 pm.
Day 4: Arrived at Yosemite at 10 am. Spent the entire day hiking. Went to tops of Nevada and Vernal Falls. Trails ranked “strenuous”...I could barely breathe at certain points and we didn’t bring enough water, but both our 16 year old and 11 year olds were champs. Hiked a total of 10 miles! Back to hotel for a swim, ate pizza at the hotel restaurant and went to bed.
Day 5: Hiked Lower Yosemite Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and ate lunch at the base of El Cap. Saw climbers! We were so sore from the day before that it was nice to do some easy trails and walks through meadows. Swam at hotel pool, dinner 25 minutes away at the June Bug Cafe (EXCELLENT) then to bed.
Day 6: Checked out of hotel and headed to Yosemite Zip Lines and Adventure Ranch for two hours of zip line fun. Great time!!! Headed to San Francisco and Arrived at Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf in time for late lunch at Fog Harbor Fish House. Walked to Lombard Street and did the touristy photos. Back to hotel and then went for a late night trolley ride...(no lines and we got to do the stand up tourist ride). Back to hotel.
Day 7: Morning bike rental and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and back into San Fran. Lunched at street vendors and then caught the 3:45 ferry to Alcatraz. Fabulous tour!! Left San Fran for drive to San Jose....Arrived at 8:30.
Day 8: Winchester Mystery House Tour from 10-12:30. Met high school friend for lunch at Santana Row. Back to hotel and then walked around San Jose and relaxed.
Day 9: Flight home to East coast!
So, this is probably way too much information but we had an absolutely amazing trip, walked about 5-12 miles daily and saw ALOT!!! Oh, and in Yosemite we stayed on the Merced River in a second floor hotel room. The sound of the rushing water at night was incredible and my husband left the sliding door open with the screen closed. At 4 am I awoke to the sound of crinkling wrappers and a huge raccoon standing on his hind legs on the hotel room chair rummaging through our snack suitcase on the table. Five feet from my son’s sleeping head. The kids slept through the adventure because since I was so groggy I didn’t scream. When I shined the phone light on the critter he went back outside. And took a bag of our goldfish. Lesson learned. We got lucky but makes for a great vacation adventure story.
Thanks again for your suggestions and help!!!
Day 1: Arrived in San Diego at 11 am. Picked up rental car. Checked into Hyatt Andaz downtown. Met college friend for lunch. Spent remainder of day walking around pier and downtown.
Day 2: Arrived at SD Zoo at 9 am and took first tour shuttle around zoo. Spent five hours exploring. Took Uber to Crystal Pier beach in SD and spent an hour on beach. Met college friend at her house on the Bay and went to dinner along Bay. Ubered back to hotel.
Day 3: Departed SD in the morning and headed North toward Yosemite. Got on PCH and drove through Malibu where we had a fabulous lunch at Paradise Cove Cafe. Continued on to Yosemite. Checked into Yosemite View Lodge at around 10 pm.
Day 4: Arrived at Yosemite at 10 am. Spent the entire day hiking. Went to tops of Nevada and Vernal Falls. Trails ranked “strenuous”...I could barely breathe at certain points and we didn’t bring enough water, but both our 16 year old and 11 year olds were champs. Hiked a total of 10 miles! Back to hotel for a swim, ate pizza at the hotel restaurant and went to bed.
Day 5: Hiked Lower Yosemite Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and ate lunch at the base of El Cap. Saw climbers! We were so sore from the day before that it was nice to do some easy trails and walks through meadows. Swam at hotel pool, dinner 25 minutes away at the June Bug Cafe (EXCELLENT) then to bed.
Day 6: Checked out of hotel and headed to Yosemite Zip Lines and Adventure Ranch for two hours of zip line fun. Great time!!! Headed to San Francisco and Arrived at Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf in time for late lunch at Fog Harbor Fish House. Walked to Lombard Street and did the touristy photos. Back to hotel and then went for a late night trolley ride...(no lines and we got to do the stand up tourist ride). Back to hotel.
Day 7: Morning bike rental and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and back into San Fran. Lunched at street vendors and then caught the 3:45 ferry to Alcatraz. Fabulous tour!! Left San Fran for drive to San Jose....Arrived at 8:30.
Day 8: Winchester Mystery House Tour from 10-12:30. Met high school friend for lunch at Santana Row. Back to hotel and then walked around San Jose and relaxed.
Day 9: Flight home to East coast!
So, this is probably way too much information but we had an absolutely amazing trip, walked about 5-12 miles daily and saw ALOT!!! Oh, and in Yosemite we stayed on the Merced River in a second floor hotel room. The sound of the rushing water at night was incredible and my husband left the sliding door open with the screen closed. At 4 am I awoke to the sound of crinkling wrappers and a huge raccoon standing on his hind legs on the hotel room chair rummaging through our snack suitcase on the table. Five feet from my son’s sleeping head. The kids slept through the adventure because since I was so groggy I didn’t scream. When I shined the phone light on the critter he went back outside. And took a bag of our goldfish. Lesson learned. We got lucky but makes for a great vacation adventure story.
Thanks again for your suggestions and help!!!
Last edited by junebug1117; Aug 6th, 2019 at 08:38 PM.
#52
Thanks for the report and glad you had a fun trip.
Since there was so much discussion about NOT driving from San Diego to Yosemite via the coast, and you apparently did that, I wonder how early did you leave SD and how many hours did it take (arriving at 10pm)? Sounds like about 14 hours, give or take a few?
Also did you have much trouble with parking and traffic in Yosemite? Or did you use the YARTS shuttle?
Congrats on hiking to the top of Nevada Fall, too!
Since there was so much discussion about NOT driving from San Diego to Yosemite via the coast, and you apparently did that, I wonder how early did you leave SD and how many hours did it take (arriving at 10pm)? Sounds like about 14 hours, give or take a few?
Also did you have much trouble with parking and traffic in Yosemite? Or did you use the YARTS shuttle?
Congrats on hiking to the top of Nevada Fall, too!
Last edited by mlgb; Aug 7th, 2019 at 05:00 AM.
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Thanks everyone! It truly was fabulous trip.
To answer your question, I believe we left San Diego at 10 a.m. Took I-5 North, passed the Hollywood sign at some point, jumped on the PCH and got to the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe at about 2 p.m. Left there at around 3:30, punched Yosemite View Lodge into Waze and pulled in at about 10 p.m.
I think we got incredibly lucky with parking at Yosemite. First of all, we did the "big" hike to Nevada & Vernal on a Friday....arrived at the park at 9 (which was way too late for my comfort) but there was no wait at the main entrance and we easily found parking in one of the guest lots and took the shuttle to the base of the trail. Second day was Saturday, didn't get to the park until about 10 (waited in line for park entry for about 30 minutes) and found parking in a space camouflaged with pine needles (some hard-core hiking guy pulled up as we were getting out the car and congratulated us for finding parking) and walked to Lower Yosemite Falls. THEN, we wanted to eat lunch at the base of El Cap, so we risked it, gave up our parking spot and drove since we didn't feel like waiting for the shuttle. Parked in a pull-off and picnicked on a log pretty darn close to the face. From there, I told my husband we MUST see Bridal Veil Falls which he flew by on our way in. Since we were leaving the park, we came up to the trail entrance from the opposite way of everyone else. I kid you not, there was a line 10 cars long to get into the parking lot and when we pulled up there was an empty space on the road between two cars that we parallel parked in (scared my husband when I yelled at him to nab the spot). Waited in a long line to exit the park, but it was well worth the experience.
Love California. Thanks everyone for your guidance!
To answer your question, I believe we left San Diego at 10 a.m. Took I-5 North, passed the Hollywood sign at some point, jumped on the PCH and got to the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe at about 2 p.m. Left there at around 3:30, punched Yosemite View Lodge into Waze and pulled in at about 10 p.m.
I think we got incredibly lucky with parking at Yosemite. First of all, we did the "big" hike to Nevada & Vernal on a Friday....arrived at the park at 9 (which was way too late for my comfort) but there was no wait at the main entrance and we easily found parking in one of the guest lots and took the shuttle to the base of the trail. Second day was Saturday, didn't get to the park until about 10 (waited in line for park entry for about 30 minutes) and found parking in a space camouflaged with pine needles (some hard-core hiking guy pulled up as we were getting out the car and congratulated us for finding parking) and walked to Lower Yosemite Falls. THEN, we wanted to eat lunch at the base of El Cap, so we risked it, gave up our parking spot and drove since we didn't feel like waiting for the shuttle. Parked in a pull-off and picnicked on a log pretty darn close to the face. From there, I told my husband we MUST see Bridal Veil Falls which he flew by on our way in. Since we were leaving the park, we came up to the trail entrance from the opposite way of everyone else. I kid you not, there was a line 10 cars long to get into the parking lot and when we pulled up there was an empty space on the road between two cars that we parallel parked in (scared my husband when I yelled at him to nab the spot). Waited in a long line to exit the park, but it was well worth the experience.
Love California. Thanks everyone for your guidance!