Sf and Yosemite

Question

Planning a weeklong trip with teens and tweens- 3 days in sf and driving to Yosemite for a day or 2. First time coming to SF family friendly hotel and area to stay in sf. Also planning last week of August so based on the reservations for Yosemite won’t be needing it. Will probably rent a car - any feedback?

Answer

For a weeklong family trip to San Francisco and Yosemite with teens and tweens, you’ll want a mix of convenient, safe lodging in SF and a manageable driving plan for Yosemite. Renting a car makes sense, especially for the Yosemite portion, but in SF you may prefer to use public transport or walk to avoid the city’s challenging parking.

Where to stay in San Francisco:

Union Square / Downtown: Central location, lots of hotels with family-friendly options, easy access to cable cars, shopping, and restaurants. Walking distances are good for teens, but streets can be steep.
Fisherman’s Wharf / North Beach: Close to attractions like Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and Alcatraz tours. Great for families with kids and teens who enjoy activity-filled days. Hotels here may be slightly pricier.
Marina District / Cow Hollow: Quieter, safe neighborhood with boutique hotels and proximity to parks and the Golden Gate Bridge. Good if you prefer a less touristy feel.

Family-friendly hotel suggestions:

Hotel Zephyr – near Fisherman’s Wharf, fun for teens with outdoor games and quirky decor.
Argonaut Hotel – upscale, historic, right on the waterfront.
Handlery Union Square Hotel – central, practical for families, with larger rooms and suites.

Yosemite Planning:

Since you have reservations for Yosemite, driving in from SF will take roughly 4-5 hours each way. Starting early is key.
For teens, consider short, iconic hikes like Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, Bridalveil Fall, or Mirror Lake. These are easy, scenic, and family-friendly.
Even if only for a day or two, you can enjoy the valley floor, Tunnel View, and Glacier Point (check road access in August).
Renting a car is essential for Yosemite. In SF, you could park at your hotel and rely on walking, buses, or rideshares to avoid parking hassles.

Additional Tips:

Plan for early departures to maximize Yosemite time and avoid traffic and crowds.
Bring water, sunscreen, and layers, as temperatures can vary widely.
Check the National Park Service website for Yosemite for any seasonal alerts or road closures.
Consider stopping in towns along the way to Yosemite, like Oakdale or Groveland, for meals or stretching breaks.

Overall, splitting your time between a centrally located SF hotel and a rented car for Yosemite makes the itinerary manageable and comfortable for a family. Planning scenic, short walks and iconic viewpoints keeps teens and tweens engaged without exhausting them.

Sf and Yosemite

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