As a couple, we are flying from the UK to San Francisco, arriving on 14th September and leaving SF on the 26th September.

So far we have booked a 4 night stay in SF, then hiring a car to travel to Yosemite, staying 3 nights in El Portal from the 18th - 21st.

This leave 4 nights to decide what to do. We could drive straight back to SF but was wondering if anyone has any recommendations / suggestions of places to stop around this area or en route back to SF.

Thanks

Definitely consider Carmel/Monterey for 2 or 3 days. Then one night someplace like Santa Cruz or Half Moon Bay.

I'd suggest the area called "Gold Country", along Hwy 49 that passes by Yosemite. If you drive north on 49 you'll pass through among the oldest communities in California, settled during the gold rush of the mid-19th century and are fun places to explore. If you have 2 or 3 days, go as far as Nevada City and visit nearby Empire Mine State Park for a tour of the most productive gold mine in the state and the very nice grounds and cottage of the original owner.

Here are my blogs & photos of the area, including towns & the mine: http://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/port...try-california

A 20 mile drive will get you back to I-80, the most direct route to San Francisco.

>>I'd suggest the area called "Gold Country",

I wouldn't say "dry and brown", I'd say golden, 2 reasons why we're The Golden State. And with the snow pack as deep as it is, the rivers will still be in fine shape in September, the towns along 49 pretty & fun to visit year-round.

Yes, I agree. Our state is golden.

I always thought of it as 'gold' too . . . until I started traveling more and especially living in England. Then I realized those golden hills in Solano county along I-80 . . . are just plain brown in September

What color will the hills be in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties in September? Having grown up there, I distinctly remember "gold" as well. All the places we've recommended are beautiful year-round and I don't think most people fly thousands of miles to see countryside that looks just like home.

Thanks all for your suggestions. I'll take a look. Thanks

Hi, first of all, you are probably staying at Yosemite View Lodge or Cedar Lodge in Portal. This is about 25 minutes from the Valley but it can be a nightmare crossing the park boundary in summer. What I would highly suggest is to check several times a day for cancellations in the Valley (Lodge is best value, though not cheap; Ahwahnee/Majestic is that but so are the prices). I can practically guarantee you you will get a place. Take them one night at a time. To make this attempt online takes about 1 minute. I do it LOTS.

If you do stay in El Portal, be in your car by 8 in the morning. I don't know how to solve the parking in the Valley problem but someone at the hotel will.

What I would do (and we do this with European visitors) is, after your time in the Valley, take the stunningly gorgeous Tioga Road past Tenaya Lake (stop for a walk or a swim), past Tuolumne Meadows (stop for a short hike), then just outside of the east border of the park see if you can snag a night or two at Tioga Pass lodge (again think cancellations). If that is not available, try Lee Vining. Spend some time in the High Country, see beautiful Mono Lake, and perhaps the ghost town Body

Go up 395 until you can turn west for the Sonora pass, drive through stunning very different country. Stop in the Gold Country.

Alternatively drive to Lake Tahoe, go back on route 50. VBRO has a lovely cabin in Strawberry for $150 a night or so, just a 20 minute drive from Desolation Valley hikes.

Bon voyage.

One more tip. Yosemite is high season, so get up and out on trails EARLY to avoid crowds. For my money, the most beautiful day hike in the Valley is up the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls and Nevada Fall then back down by John Muir trail. (about 7 difficult miles roundtrip, feels longer) This may be the most popular trail in the Valley-in summer, we get on that trail by 7 am.

Have breakfast at the Ahwahnee (need reservations)--only meal affordable and you don't have to buy the buffet.

OK I'm done. Have a great trip!

"...and perhaps the ghost town Body" Body = Bodie


"...VBRO has a lovely cabin..." VBRO = VRBO


Just in case.

Thanks, Mme Perdue

Thanks for the advice / suggestions. Will be looking at the places you have mentioned and will be setting an early alarm for each morning!