SF-Yosemite-Monterey Peninsula
 

I am taking an unexpected trip to California last week in October/first week in November. Flying into SF and would like to visit Yosemite and the Monterey Peninsula. I have very low expectations of snagging a place in Yosemite at this late date, so am looking for suggestions as to where would we should stay outside the park, but close to the entrance. Due to short time, we will most likely limit our trip to the Yosemite Valley. From SF are we better off going to YP, then the Peninsula, or the opposite way, or does it even matter. We have been to SF and absolutely love it, but most likely will spend only one night (2 max) there. YP has always been on my bucket list. Thanks for any suggestions...

>>I have very low expectations of snagging a place in Yosemite at this late date, so am looking for suggestions as to where would we should stay outside the park, but close to the entrance.<<

Try in Yosemite Valley -- you might be lucky because there are frequent cancellations and you aren't there over Thanksgiving or Veteran's weekend

But barring that -- Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal is the very closest property, is large, and usually has availability. Most places that claim to be 'close to the park' are mostly an hour to 90 minutes drive.

>> From SF are we better off going to YP, then the Peninsula, or the opposite way, or does it even matter<<

Six of one / half dozen of the other. What I would do is nail down Yosemite accommodations and let that determine which order you do them.

Thanks janisj, that is exactly what I was thinking as far as hopefully getting accommodations in YP and then working the flights and other accommodation around that important factor. Do you have any suggestions as far as where to stay on the peninsula?

I just returned from Yosemite and really liked the Yosemite View Lodge. I would have preferred to stay in the park, but it was full, and this worked out fine. You can read my trip report.

We did exactly that 6 years ago. We drove to Yosemite from Oakland. At Yosemite, we stayed in the town of Oakhurst at the Shilo Inn near the southern park entrance. Oakhurst is a town devoid of charm, but the Shilo Inn was great. Huge rooms, spotless, decent breakfast, friendly staff and an outstanding value.. It is a 15-20 minute scenic drive to the south entrance of Yosemite. We only had one full day in the park. If anyone tells you it takes too long from the south entrance to the valley, cutting your day, don't believe it. We stuffed a lot into that day, including a long hike up to Sentinel Dome, then a drive over to Glacier Point and over to the valley.

We left the park using the road to Mariposa on the way to the Monterey Peninsula. Driving times: Oakland to Oakhurst = 3 hours. Yosemite to Monterey = 2.5 hrs, Monterey to = SF 2+ hrs.

>>don't believe it<<

or do ;)

Oakhurst is OK -- but it is an hour farther from Yosemite Village.

janisj, there is far more to Yosemite worth seeing than the Village. Frankly, I do not see why that should be central to a visit.

I also enjoyed the Yosemite View Lodge.

In Pacific Grove we stayed at the Sunset Inn. It seems to be an old motel, completely remodeled. It's in a very quiet area, you can a couple of blocks to the beach. Has good reviews on TA.

sunbum, we also stayed in Pacific Grove, an excellent location. We stayed at the Anton Inn, also an older motel, but very nice and an easy walk to the beach.

Looking at the OPs travel dates, if she stays in Pacific Grove she may very well be there in time to see the Monarch Butterfly migration to Pacific Grove's Monarch Butterfly sanctuary where thousands of them overwinter. Her dates seem to be around the time of their arrival and it would be a sight to see.

>>janisj, there is far more to Yosemite worth seeing than the Village. Frankly, I do not see why that should be central to a visit.<<

Absolutely - no argument there. But on a short visit, the Valley, sentinel dome and Glacier Point are the main focus for the vast majority of visitors (w/ good reason) so one probably should stay as close to those as is possible.

Leaving from Oakhurst, we were hiking the Sentinel Dome trail 45 minutes later, and of course the way there was scenic.

I was thinking about the Monarchs, which I enjoy seeing all summer in my yard, so thanks for that info basingstoke2. Although no one has a crystal ball, in general, would we have to worry about snow at that time of year at Yosemite (late Oct/into early November). Reason I am asking is because when I called to see if there were cancellations, the agent told me that we would have to have chains in the rental car...got me a big concerned...PG is where I want to stay in Monterey. I am looking forward to reading your trip report, songdoc.

bit, not big, concerned...

susieQ . the monarchs begin to arrive in October and by November there should be quite a few there already so you could be there right at the peak of migration. If it works out like that, lucky you! The Anton Inn where we stayed is a short walk to the sanctuary. It is an older, kind of funky motel but nice, and when we were there they had a nice wine and cheese reception every afternoon for guests. Considering your dates, you had best make your reservations now wherever in PG you plan to stay since rooms can be at a premium during the migration.

Sorry, I should have addressed your question about snow. Yes, it is possible in late October and Early November. Check directly with the park as to requirements for chains. No, I would not worry about it. Just have a good time and nature will do whatever it wants.

Sorry, I should have addressed your question about snow. Yes, it is possible in late October and Early November. Check directly with the park as to requirements for chains. No, I would not worry about it. Just have a good time and nature will do whatever it wants.

songdoc, I just read your trip report and have a question. One of the major sights I am looking forward to in Yosemite are seeing the majestic falls. Do you know if they are flowing, or are dried up due to the drought?

check this website for current conditions

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Yosemite Falls is typically dry this time of year

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

The Vernal, Bridal Veil and Nevada Falls have low flows

Be sure to check road conditions

>>Do you know if they are flowing, or are dried up due to the drought?<<

Nothing at all to do w/ the drought. Even in the wettest of years, the waterfalls are basically dry in the Autimn. A this time of year it is the color and lack of crowds that draws people -- not the waterfalls.

But having said that , a series of three wet storms is passing through as we speak -- so there might actually be water. But don't count on it.