Taking a one day trip to Yosemite. Where should we go?

Question

My brother-in-law is coming for a visit with his 5 yr old son. We would like to take a one day trip from the Bay Area to Yosemite National Park. We would leave in the morning and drive home that night.

We have never been -- so we don't know where to go. Are there any beautiful must-see things that we can get to with little-to-no hiking in our one day visit?

What should we see? How do we get there?

Is it worth the drive?

Thanks for the advice!

Answer 1

For a one day trip with a 5 year old I would suggest driving directly to the Valley. There are incredible things to see just driving and walking around there.



* Skip Bridalveil falls but make sure you hit Lower Yosemite Falls. Your 5 year old will like to run and jump on all the boulders along the short path. (I don't consider this a 'hike'. We took my grandfather in a wheelchair the entire path 9 years ago.)



* You might also check out Swinging bridge. It's a nice stop on the Valley floor with a river to hang out at (and have lunch if you bring food). Again, give your kid a chance to get in, and throw some rocks into, the water.



* I would either come or go through the southern entrance so I could take the road to Glacier Point and also stop at Tunnel View just up from the Valley floor. It has classic views of the Valley and Half Dome which shouldn't be missed.



* If using the southern entrance, then their is a giant redwood grove there. If you've never seen them it's nice. Your child will most likely be bored with this.

Answer 2

Some of the falls may not be flowing at this time, like Yosemite falls. So after driving to the valley, take the free shuttle to happy isle. Visit the nature center there first. 5 year olds would love that. Then back out on the road, cross the bridge and hike to Vernal falls. A 5 year old may not be able to hike to the top of the falls, but they certainly can hike to the bridge where everyone can see the falls. It is about 3/4 of a mile hike, but up hill most of the way. So bring water and a snack. After that ride the free shuttle around the park. By then you should all be worn out. I bet this will not be your last visit to Yosemite. Next time plan to stay there awhile. BTW, it will cost you $20 per car to get in to Yosemite. Also leave the Bay area very early, like 5am if possible so you have a good amount of time in Yosemite. The drive from the Bay area will be between 4 to 6 hours long depending on where you are coming from. I know you asked not to hike, but the very best way to see Yosemite is to hike and the hike I suggested is not too hard. If you have time, I would also drive up to glacier point for the best views of Yosemite. But driving up takes about an hour from the valley floor.

Answer 3

That is a very long drive for one day in Yosemite. From the Bay Area to Yosemite is about 250 miles, and the traffic can be brutal.



By the time you get there, you won't have much day left! Can't you stay overnight somewhere nearby? There are cheap motels around there, in Mariposa or near the park entrance. You have to go through Merced to reach Yosemite, it's about an hour and a half from Merced. There are lots of reasonably priced motels there also.



It is such a glorious park, that it would be a shame to do all that driving, pay $20 to enter, and have very little time before you have to get on the road again.



The valley floor in Yosemite is wonderful. There's an Ansel Adams shop, many beautiful sights to see, waterfalls to look at, and many many tourists this time of year! Parking is horrendous on the weekends, so plan accordingly. Try to visit during the week if possible.



It's a wonderful place. Good luck.

Answer 4

Many of the sights in Yosemite are so huge and tall, you can see them from quite far away. There's no need to hike if you don't have a need to see them up close. For example you will be able to see Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Bridalveil Falls. The most popular sight you can't see without hiking is probably Vernal Falls. As I recall the hikes to the bottom of Yosemite Falls and Vernal Falls are pretty short.



Yes it's worth the drive. Better start out before the sun rises to have the most amount of time there.

Answer 5

stay thoroughly faraway from Yosemite in the time of the summer season. So crowded you may no longer get everywhere. presently there various street fix interior the valley, and site visitors is tousled for hours. Exploring the Gold united states is a huge concept, or heading as much as Lake Tahoe is relaxing. attempt the coast between Mill Valley and Gualala.