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Question

Arriving SFO May 30, renting car driving to Yosemite where have reservations for 3 nights then one night in Sequoia. Have made a reservation in Cambria on June 3 to see Hearst Castle/area. June 4&5 thinking Monterey and then back to SF for June 6-9 where we have reservations. Does this make sense? I just need to make reservations the 4&5 if this sounds reasonable. Trip planning is stressful!

Answer

Your itinerary from San Francisco through Yosemite, Sequoia, Cambria, Monterey, and back to San Francisco is feasible, but it is somewhat packed. Here’s a breakdown and some suggestions to make it smoother and more enjoyable without feeling rushed.

May 30 – Arrival and drive to Yosemite

Driving from SFO to Yosemite can take around 4–5 hours depending on traffic and your entry point. If you arrive in the morning, you could get some short hikes or scenic stops in Yosemite that afternoon. Be sure to account for park entrance delays and possible slow traffic near the park.

Yosemite (3 nights)

Three nights is a good amount of time to explore Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows (if open), and short to moderate hikes like Vernal Fall, Mirror Lake, or Lower Yosemite Fall. This portion of the trip is well-planned and gives flexibility for both active exploration and relaxation.

Sequoia National Park (1 night)

Driving from Yosemite to Sequoia is approximately 3–4 hours depending on your route. One night is tight but doable if your focus is on seeing the Giant Forest, General Sherman Tree, and a few short trails. Plan your driving time carefully to maximize daylight hours in the park.

Cambria / Hearst Castle (June 3)

Driving from Sequoia to Cambria takes about 3–4 hours. Arriving in Cambria in the afternoon gives you time to tour Hearst Castle or explore the coastal town. Booking a hotel here is ideal to split the drive and relax after a full day of sightseeing.

Monterey (June 4–5)

Cambria to Monterey is around 3–3.5 hours via Highway 1. Spending one or two nights in Monterey works if you want to explore:

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Cannery Row
17-Mile Drive (Pebble Beach area)
Carmel-by-the-Sea (short visit)

Two nights gives you flexibility for a more relaxed pace or a scenic drive along the coast. If you only want a short stop, one night could suffice, but two is recommended for comfort.

Return to San Francisco (June 6–9)

Driving Monterey to San Francisco is about 2–3 hours, allowing you to arrive with plenty of time to settle in and enjoy the city. Your four-night stay in SF gives you ample time to explore neighborhoods, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Park, museums, and nearby areas like Sausalito or Muir Woods.

Summary & Tips

Your route is logical: SFO → Yosemite → Sequoia → Cambria → Monterey → SF.
Reservations for June 4–5 in Monterey are reasonable; two nights allows a more relaxed visit and reduces travel stress.
Be mindful of driving times between parks and coastal towns; traffic on Highway 1 can add time.
Consider packing snacks and water for long drives, and plan arrival times at parks for maximum sightseeing.
Flexibility is key; some days may require adjusting stops based on fatigue or weather.

Overall, your itinerary makes sense and is achievable. The key is allowing some flexibility for travel and sightseeing time, especially between Yosemite, Sequoia, and Cambria. Booking Monterey for two nights is a good choice for comfort and sightseeing.

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