How far from Carmel to Yosemite? (San Francisco, Modesto: hotels, live in, castle)

[UKroadtripper]

Hello there

My partner and I are planning a 2 week road trip in California in September - we live in the UK - and I'm just trying to get a handle on some of the distances. We're flying into LA and driving up the coast, before heading inland to Yosemite.

So, can anyone give me an idea of how long it might take to drive from Carmel to Yosemite? We're thinking of staying one night in Modesto or Merced to break things up, but maybe we don't need to?

Also, how long would it take from Yosemite into San Fran? It's kind of hard to tell from the map we have, and I get the feeling traffic could be pretty heavy.

I'd also like to know if Cambria or Cayucos might make a good stopover for one night, on the way up from Santa Barbara to Carmel.

Any tips welcome!

Thanks, Martin

[humboldtrat]

My best guess is that it would take about 4 hours to drive from either Carmel or San Francisco to Yosemite. Some of the roads are 2 lane country roads.

You will find plenty of motels/hotels and reataurants in either Modesto or Merced along highway 99 (a 4 or 6 lane freeway).

I have driven through those two towns on the California centarl coast you mentioned, but I don't remember much about them. I think Morro Bay Morro Bay Pictures - California stock photos, fine art prints by QTL is an interesting little town. I also like Pismo Beach, north of Morro Bay. There is a pier on the ocean at Pismo Pismo Beach, CA - Official Site. There are some good seafood reastaurants in both places.

[Adriatica]

Originally Posted by UKroadtripper

So, can anyone give me an idea of how long it might take to drive from Carmel to Yosemite? We're thinking of staying one night in Modesto or Merced to break things up, but maybe we don't need to?

Also, how long would it take from Yosemite into San Fran? It's kind of hard to tell from the map we have, and I get the feeling traffic could be pretty heavy.

I'd also like to know if Cambria or Cayucos might make a good stopover for one night, on the way up from Santa Barbara to Carmel.

Carmel to Yosemite: I'd allow for 4 hours. Modesto or Merced could be a good pit-stop, but you could easily do the drive in one day.

Yosemite to SF: I'd allow for 4-5 hours, but if you hit traffic it could be longer.

Cambria or Cayucos would both be good places to stop. Lovely little towns. Morro Bay is nice, too and San Simeon (where Hearst Castle is) is another possibility.

[CA central coast]

MapQuest Maps - Driving Directions - Map
this might help when planning your trip. It won't give you the "scenic" route, but might help with time and distance.

since you may be only doing this once, you might want to stay in Morro Bay (right next to Cayucos, but with a little more to see and do) or Cambria (quaint coastal villiage, surrounded by pine trees) and visit Hearst's Castle

Waterfall Hike Info ★ Salmon Creek Falls, a natural beautiful Big Sur Waterfall south of Gorda; hiking and trail information for a visit to Salmon Creek Falls on Big Sur California Coast Highway 1 just north of the Monterey County line; Salmon Cree

This waterfall is not too far north on the coast as you leave San Simeon. It's a quick and easy walk from the roadside to the falls.

[rkb0305]

Modesto is out of your way if you are going straight from Carmel to Yosemite. Merced would be a better place to stay.

[UKroadtripper]

Thanks v much for the replies - that's a real help. We can easily drive 4 hours from Carmel to Yosemite, so that gives us an extra night somewhere.
Cheers, Martin