San Diego - Tahoe - Yosemite - Sequoia Loop

Question

Planning for a quick week long roadtrip. Taking US 395 on the way up, most likely I5 on the way back.

I was able to secure night stay Curry Camp in Yosemite, that is the only must make it day.

Day 1: Drive up 395, overnight midway (Bishop, Lone Pine).

Day 2 & 3: Tahoe. O

Day 4: Drive to Yosemite via Tioga Road. Spend most of the day on the top part before heading down the valley. Overnight @ Curry Camp.

Day 5: Wake up early, do stuff around Yosemite Valley, maybe float down Merced River.Leave Yosemite and ????

I need help with the last leg since I have never been to Sequoia. I was thinking leave Yosemite and overnight at Visalia, spend next day at Sequoia and drive back I5 the morning after.

Thoughts?

Also looking for things to do in Tahoe that is NOT skiing.

Answer

Your proposed week-long California road trip covers some of the state’s most scenic areas, and your plan looks quite doable. Here’s a breakdown and some suggestions for optimization:

Day 1: Drive up US 395, overnight midway (Bishop, Lone Pine)

Both Bishop and Lone Pine are excellent overnight stops with plenty of lodging and dining options.
If you leave San Diego early, you could make it to Bishop comfortably in the afternoon, leaving Lone Pine as an alternative if you prefer a shorter first day.

Day 2 & 3: Lake Tahoe

Even without skiing, Tahoe has plenty of activities:
Hiking: Try Eagle Lake or Emerald Bay trails for stunning lake views.
Water activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, or taking a scenic boat tour.
Scenic drives: Drive around the lake (particularly the east shore) for beautiful vistas.
Relaxation: Enjoy beaches like Sand Harbor or Kings Beach for swimming or picnicking.
Casinos and entertainment: South Lake Tahoe offers dining, shows, and family-friendly entertainment.

Day 4: Drive to Yosemite via Tioga Road, spend most of the day on the top part, overnight at Curry Camp

Tioga Pass offers amazing views, Tuolumne Meadows is perfect for short hikes and photo stops.
Curry Village is centrally located in Yosemite Valley; check the shuttle schedules for getting around the valley efficiently.

Day 5: Yosemite Valley exploration, then heading toward Sequoia

Morning: Short walks to Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, or Mirror Lake. Consider a float or relaxing paddle in the Merced River.
Afternoon: Begin drive south toward Visalia (~3-4 hours), which is a convenient base for visiting Sequoia National Park the next day.

Day 6: Sequoia National Park

Spend the day exploring giant sequoias, such as the General Sherman Tree and the Congress Trail.
Other highlights: Moro Rock (short but steep hike with panoramic views), Crescent Meadow, and Tunnel Log for a classic photo.
Return to Visalia for overnight.

Day 7: Drive back to San Diego via I-5

The I-5 route is faster and more direct, allowing you to complete the trip comfortably.

Additional Tips:

Check Tioga Pass opening: In some years, early season snow can delay opening, so verify in advance.
Book accommodations early: Yosemite and Sequoia lodges fill up quickly, especially in summer.
Time management: Tahoe to Yosemite via Tioga Pass is long (~6-7 hours), so plan for breaks and sightseeing en route.
Alternative Sequoia option: If you want to reduce driving, consider entering Sequoia from the Fresno side and staying in Three Rivers instead of Visalia.

Overall, your itinerary is ambitious but reasonable if you are comfortable with long drives and early mornings. Prioritize must-see sites in each area and keep minor stops flexible to avoid feeling rushed.

San Diego - Tahoe - Yosemite - Sequoia Loop

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