jsullivan

I am traveling to San Francisco with my girlfriend and my parents. My parents are in their early 70's and in pretty good condition. We are flying in on Sept. 9 in the evening and flying out early Sept. 18. We are thinking about doing a San Francisco city tour on Sept. 10. Then we are going to head out of the city and head toward Yosemite for a couple of days and then we are going to head up to Lake Tahoe. We are flexible with the amount of time we spend at each place.

I was looking at places to stay around Yosemite. I was thinking of staying outside of the park. I don't really want to pay $300 to $400 per night to stay in the valley. Is it better to stay on the east side or west side of the park.

Any recommendations about planning this trip would be greatly appreciated.

tomfuller

Coming from SF, your best bet is in El Portal on the west side of the park. If you didn't want to drive into the Valley, you can ride the YARTS bus into the Valley.

janisj

The only place I would stay outside the Park is Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal. (or in the condos in Yosemite West).

Every other 'town' near Yosemite will be a 90 minute to 2 hour drive each way into Yosemite Valley.

In September there would be no need to ride YARTS into the Valley. It will be good to have your car and the traffic will be much reduced from July/August levels. Once you are in the Valley and parked -- then do take the free shuttles to get around.

MichelleY

Stay in El Portal at Yosemite View Lodge. Gets good reviews. Otherwise, try for in the Yosemite Valley. It is expensive because it is worth it. Stay at the Lodge at the Falls.

jsullivan

Thank You for your replies. I think I will look into the condos around Yosemite West.

With our time that we have how long should spend at Yosemite and Lake Tahoe? Also is there anyother things that we should see or do?

janisj

I assume you are flying out of SFO (or have you purchased your flights yet? ) SMF is more convenient to Tahoe - - - or - - - Reno is the MOST convenient.

But assuming you did book and are flying out Sunday morning -- If you are at Tahoe OR Yosemite you would have to return to SF on the 17th. It might make more sense to stay at SFO that night and drive to YNP early AM on the 10th. Traffic won't be bad on a Saturday. Three nights at YNP Sept 10-11-12. Then drive to Tahoe and stay 3 nights 13-14-15, Leave early AM for San Francisco and stay the nights of the 16th-17th, fly home on the 18th.

KTtravel

I would recommend trying to stay in Yosemite, if possible. You can always book a refundable place to stay outside the park and keep checking for cheaper lodgings inside the park as cancellations occur frequently.