Some drives carry a quiet calm that deepens as the scenery gradually shifts from wide plains to gently rising hills. Changing light reveals peaceful corners shaped by nature, tradition, and the slower rhythm of the landscape.
The road toward the Sierra winds past river crossings and historic towns where traces of the Gold Rush still linger in old buildings and main streets. Each mile adds rustic charm, fresh mountain air, and small discoveries that reward travelers who take their time.
As the route continues toward Yosemite National Park, the journey begins to feel even more dramatic as the mountains draw closer. The must visit stops ahead introduce the highlights featured in this scenic listicle that captures the spirit of the drive.
1. San Francisco
Start your road trip to Yosemite with a city that draws millions of visitors annually! San Francisco is one of those rare cities that lives up to the hype.
This popular tourist destination is filled with interesting sites, historic gems, and architectural marvels, and it draws a devoted crowd that flocks to restaurants, museums, theaters, and shops year-round.
And, of course, San Francisco is home to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, a must-see landmark that visitors flock to from around the world.
San Francisco also has some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, sights, and monuments.
Whether it’s the Golden Gate bridge, the Transamerica Pyramid, Alcatraz, or Fisherman’s Wharf, visiting San Francisco means immersing yourself in the city’s rich history.
2. Oakland
Oakland is a beautiful city, but many visitors miss out on some of its best attractions.
Founded in 1969, the Oakland Museum of California is one of the largest cultural institutions in California’s East Bay.
It hosts more than 150,000 visitors a year, and its collection of more than 1.8 million objects includes art, natural history, and cultural history.
Visit the Oakland Zoo, home to more than 850 animals, including endangered species. Also check out Lake Merritt, a 155-acre lake that’s the centerpiece of Oakland’s Lakeshore District, an up-and-coming neighborhood that’s home to many restaurants and shops.
The lake itself is a popular spot for volleyball, swimming, jogging, and boating. From music festivals to sporting events, there is something in Oakland for everyone including road trippers!
Need help planning a trip here? Grab our free 3-day Yosemite National Park itinerary. Reach out for a custom itinerary that fits your needs.
3. Manteca
Manteca is the first town you’ll see on HWY 120. Manteca is known for its rich Central Valley soil and strong agricultural and cultural history.
To learn more about its history, visit the Manteca Historical Society, an all-age museum that holds photographs, exhibits, and artifacts.
To help promote its history, Manteca’s community brought in mural artists to depict its past, present, and future. Take an auto tour and muse around Manteca’s 32 murals.
Definitely check out the mural “Sierra’s Crown Mural” located on 226 East Yosemite Avenue; a nice start to your road trip to Yosemite.
4. Escalon
Escalon is also a town that’s rich in agriculture. It’s known as “stepping stones” in Spanish. At Escalon, make sure to visit Main Street Park where you will see the Santa Fe caboose from the 1800s. Kids can play in and around the caboose.
Walk for a few minutes to check out the Escalon Historical Museum and Escalon’s first fire bell from the 1900s. Right above the fire bell is a beautiful mural that shows you Escalon was known for: agriculture, railroad transportation, and dairy.
5. Oakdale
Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” Oakdale is the place to stop by if you want to know more about cowboys.
When you enter the town, you’ll see the Oakdale mural painted on a side of Hobbies Arts & Crafts. It shows you a cowboy on a horse with surrounding cattle and blooming flowers.
Check out the Oakdale Cowboy Museum that’s packed full of Western history and exhibits including rodeo traditions.
Built in 1869, the Oakdale Museum & History Center is also a great place for more of Oakdale’s history. Plus it’s Oakdale’s oldest building!
6. Knights Ferry
Walk across a 19th-century covered bridge at Knights Ferry. With a length of 330 feet, it’s the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Founded in 1848, Knights Ferry was a gold rush town turned into an industrial town.
An old piece of California history, the Historic Tulloch Mill Ruins show you the mill’s old machinery with information along the way. It’s now a perfect outdoor destination with activities to do such as hiking, picnicking, kayaking, and rafting.
Before you continue on your road trip to Yosemite, grab some sandwiches and salads at the Knights Ferry General Store, Saloon & Grill.
7. Chinese Camp
Now a ghost town, Chinese Camp was once the site of the Tong War. This town was founded in 1849 as “Camp Washington” and Europeans traveled to this site to find gold in the river. In 1850, Chinese people moved to this town making up half of its population and naming the town Chinese Camp.
When you drive by the town now, you will see old 1800s buildings that are abandoned. There’s also a Wells Fargo building here where miners deposited their gold.
There’s also a cute convenience store, The Chinese Camp Store And Tavern where you can get groceries, snacks, fishing supplies, and more. While you’re there, check out the fossils and other historical artifacts. We’ve got a really nice garden and clean restrooms too!
8. Lake Don Pedro
Lake Don Pedro is a reservoir with a 160-mile shoreline. You can do water sports, camp, fish, swim and boat here. Drive further 30 minutes more to the Moccasin Fish Hatchery to feed some fish.
9. Groveland
Your road trip to Yosemite is nearing an end as you enter Groveland, the Northern Gateway to Yosemite. Many Yosemite visitors stay at Groveland for its historic lodging and dining options. Iron Door Saloon is an old-fashioned tavern with live entertainment, food, and drinks.
It’s got an old saloon décor with its ceiling covered in old dollar bills. Walk a few minutes to the old Groveland Jail that dates back to the 1800s-1900s. Drive further from the town to stop at the Rim of the World Vista point for expansive views of the Stanislaus National Forest.
There are three Yosemite attractions on the way before you enter Yosemite Valley, the heart of the park:
- Hetch Hetchy – a reservoir with stunning views and hiking trails
- Tuolumne Grove (bigger sequoia grove near Crane Flat)
- Merced Grove (smaller sequoia grove with more trees than Tuolumne)
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
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