We will be going to San Francisco in May, I want to go to Yosemite for a day (I know one day isn't enough, but I am determined to experience more of San Francisco on this trip.) I am having a hard time finding lodging, got any ideas? Also what is the weather like there in mid-May? Thanks

Have you tried El Portal. The Yosemite View has availability on the 15th of May. If you're going on a weekend it may be more difficult. Try http://www.bestlodging.com/cities/united-states-california-el-portal.shtml

You could try lodging in Groveland also there are B n Bs there.

Bonnie, I hope you realize that Yosemite is a good 4+ hours from San Francisco, and if you are driving out of the city on a Friday you'll need to add another hour to that. That said, I can understand your desire to get there since it is an incredible place, you just won't see much of it.

Lodging options for Yosemite basically fall into three categories, those on the valley floor all managed by the National Park Service, online at www.yosemitepark.com; cabins in Wawona rented by The Redwoods service at www.theredwoods.com; and lodging around the perimeter of the park. I imagine you have already tried and failed at securing lodging in the valley itself. I don't know if the cabins in Wawona have a minimum stay requirement, might want to check that out. Otherwise, I'd suggest using expedia or travelocity and see what you can get in the perimeter hotels, since these services will usually help you get around that minimum stay requirement at hotels. If you are only going for one night it seems a shame you can't stay in the valley itself.

The weather should be beautiful, chilly at night, and the waterfalls will be in full splendor. Good luck!

Personally I would skip going to San Francisco. I was there recently and was completely disappointed. Not what I expected at all. It was very dirty and run down. I have never seen so many homeless people in one place. The worst thing is how aggressive they were when seeking money. Prostitution was also very obvious, even during the day in what are supposed to be nice neighborhoods (ie: Nob Hill) I would spend, most if not all, of your time in Yosemite. You could easily spend a week there and still not see everything it has to offer. www.yosemitepark.com has lots of information.

Prostitution on Nob Hill even during daytime? I live there and the last time I've seen a prostitute at any time was 6 years ago! xx, were you looking for them?

We stayed at a lovely B&B called Yosemite Falls Bed and Breakfast in June of '97. The owners were incredibly friendly, they served a delicious breakfast, and had a "happy hour" each evening which was great for discussing the events of the day with the other guests and the hosts. It is right in the park, but still a half hour drive to the valley. I can't imagine driving all the way from San Franciso (which was loads of fun when I was there 11 years ago) to stay in Yosemite for only one night. We were there for 3 days and wished we had spent more time there. The hike up to the top of Vernal Falls was exhausting but exhilerating. There are so many beautiful areas of this gigantic park. You really should try to devote more time here.....enjoy!

Maybe you, Faina, are just oblique. I have seen them many times without looking for them, but we are looking with tourists eyes, you may just not notice.