Yosemite National Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves a good road trip, and we’ve lost count of how many times we’ve made the drive from Yosemite to soak in its jaw-dropping views.
But if you’re kicking things off from Seattle, you’re in for a treat. The drive to Yosemite is packed with fantastic stops, from lively cities to serene lakes, making it one of the best ways to explore the Pacific Northwest and California. Here are the best 7 stops on your road trip from Seattle to Yosemite:
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Planning your trip to Yosemite? Save with the Annual National Parks Pass. We visited 4+ parks for only $80 last year, saving $53! Here are the best tours, hotels, and car rentals:
📸 Best Tours In Yosemite National Park:
- 6-Day Yosemite Backpacking (skip the lines, crowds and permits!)
- Jeep 4×4 Yosemite Park Tour (avoid parking and sold-out tickets)
- Experience Yosemite: Beginner or Advanced Photography Lesson
- Private Full Day Fly Fishing For Beginners and Experienced Anglers
- Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour (full day with hotel pickup)
😴 Best Hotels In Yosemite:
- Curry Village (💲) (around 1 mile from Vernal Falls Trail)
- Yosemite Valley Lodge (💲💲) (13-min walk to Lower Yosemite Falls)
- The Ahwahnee (💲💲💲) (20-min walk to Yosemite Village)
🚘 Best Car Rental: DiscoverCars (save up to 70%)
How To Get There
By car, it takes 917 miles (less or more depending on where you’re staying in Seattle). It’ll take around 15.5 hours without breaks to get there. For directions from Seattle to Yosemite, take I-5 S and CA-4 East.
If you are driving from Central Oregon, you can also take Highway 395 as well. If you’re traveling from another city in or outside California, there are also other great road trips to take.
If you need to rent a car, check prices on Discover Cars. You’ll find cheap deals there!
If you’re flying, the nearest airport to Yosemite is Fresno/Yosemite International Airport, which is more than a 2-hour drive so you would need to get a rental car or you can take public transit. You can take a bus with YARTS.
The closest major airport to Yosemite National Park is Oakland International Airport. Look for cheap flights on Expedia!
Seattle to Yosemite Road Trip Itinerary
1. Seattle
Seattle is known for its booming arts community and thriving nightlife with a laid-back vibe. Located in the state of Washington, this city is known for its extensive park system, which is one of the largest in the United States.
Looking for some cultural recommendations? Check out the Museum of Pop Culture, the Seattle Art Museum, and the Seattle Opera House.
But the must-do attractions in Seattle are the Space Needle, The Gum Wall (and the Pike Place Market, of course!), the Museum of Flight, and the Pacific Science Center. And now on to the next stop on this trip: Portland!
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2. Portland
Another diverse city, Portland is filled with neighborhoods of distinct personalities, each offering its own array of amenities, attractions, and, of course, quirky restaurants.
The Pearl District, for example, is attractive to young professionals because of the area’s urban vibe, and amenities.
Plus the arts scene in Portland is vibrant, with museums, galleries, theaters, and art districts scattered throughout the city.
A stroll through Northwest Portland’s independent shops and restaurants on Mississippi Avenue will take you past a treasure trove of restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
And Portland’s numerous parks — Forest Park and Washington Park — offer numerous walking and hiking trails, as well as access to local golf courses, sports complexes, and Portland’s famous Rose Garden.
Portland is also known as a center of food carts, microbreweries, coffeehouses, and restaurants.
3. Redding
Redding is a city rich in history and culture and is known for its fine dining, friendly people, and stunning natural beauty. The city is near the Shasta Cascade region, which offers a multitude of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.
Redding is also less than an hour away from Mount Shasta, one of the state’s highest peaks. Also, check out the Sundial Bridge across the Sacramento River.
It is also an hour away from Lassen Volcanic National Park. The city is surrounded by nature and features stunning mountain views. Redding sees a diverse mix of people, from retirees to weekenders, couples to families.
Redding’s small-town charm, friendly atmosphere, and central location make it an ideal place to live or vacation. Whether you’re looking for culture, adventure, or relaxation, Redding offers it all.
4. Sacramento
For history lovers, Sacramento – the capital city of California – is the place to be! The California State Railroad Museum is worth a visit. This museum features railroad memorabilia from the 1800s, including steam engines and passenger cars.
Then check out Old Town Sacramento that features a number of historic buildings and museums you can visit like the Sacramento History Museum.
The Sacramento History Museum is the city’s original building, which dates back to 1854. The museum features exhibits on the city’s history, including Gold Rush history.
There are a lot of other things to see in Sacramento, including an art museum, a zoo, a botanical garden, and more! For family fun, the Sacramento Zoo and Discovery Museum are must-visits.
Here’s all you need to know about renting a car in Sacramento.
5. Lodi
Lodi is a warm, friendly town set amid the rolling vineyards of the Central Valley. Surrounded by foothill oak woodlands and dotted with small lakes, Lodi is bordered by other California wine country towns.
Lodi is famous for its excellent Zinfandel and is one of the largest wine appellations in the world.
Besides wine tasting, Lodi offers many outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, biking, and boating. With friendly people, great restaurants, and historic downtown, Lodi is a pleasant place to stroll.
Stay at Candlewood Suites for a budget-friendly room with a full size kitchen.
Downtown Lodi features a number of shops, including art galleries, restaurants, and clothing stores. Stop by at Lodi to relax and unwind before continuing on your road trip to Yosemite.
6. Stockton
Stockton might not be on your list of California stops but it does have attractions that include museums, theaters, historical landmarks, and parks.
Visit the Haggin Museum that’s both a history and art museum with regional and local history and art.
Looking for a spot to picnic at? Set it up at the Oak Grove Regional Park where you can also fish, paddleboat, and disc golf.
Traveling with kids? Stop by at the Children’s Museum of Stockton with over 40 interactive exhibits.
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7. Lake Tulloch
Once you exit the Stockton area and you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the sunset, visit Lake Tulloch in Copperopolis where you can go fishing, boating, and camping.
You’ll meet HWY 120 at the Yosemite Junction and continue on HWY 120 until Yosemite!
Indeed, it’s a long road trip but with these entertaining city stops on the way, your road trip to Yosemite will end sooner than expected!
Need a car to go to Yosemite? Find the best car rental deals here!
Where To Stay In Yosemite
Yosemite has a variety of accommodations: hotels, airbnbs, resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options that are inside the park:
Budget-Friendly Option: Curry Village
Mid-Priced Option: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Lux Option: The Ahwahnee
What To Pack For Seattle to Yosemite Road Trip
Packing for road trips can be tiresome; from figuring out what clothes to pack to what food to bring along the way. If you’re looking all the road trip essentials, check out these 51 items to bring along the way. The top things to take:
- Car Windshield Sun Shade
- Emergency Flashlight
- First Aid Kit
- Jumpstart Kit
- Portable Air Compressor
- Snow Chains
- Travel Size Hand Sanitizers
- Video Camera
- National Parks Pass
California can have some hot sunny days and the more you drive inland towards the east, the more hotter it will get. Get a small cooler before your road trip to make sure you stay hydrated and cool throughout the whole trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about how your Yosemite road trip? Here’s what you need to know before venturing from Seattle:
How much is a road trip to Yosemite?
When it comes to the cost of a road trip to Yosemite, things to consider are the park’s entrance fees, gas, food, and possibly lodging if it’s a multi-day trip. On average, it cost us $100 per person daily.
If you’ve got the America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass, then the entrance fee for Yosemite would be free. And if you plan to visit at least 3 parks annually that have an entrance fee, then the pass is well worth it!
How many days do you need in Yosemite?
That depends on how many things you want to see in Yosemite. You can spend a day to a week and still have things to see on your next trip. Thinking about what to do and how many things to add to your itinerary? Check out the best viewpoints in Yosemite to guide your trip!
Do I need a reservation for Yosemite?
Make sure to check the National Park Service site for updates on reservations and restrictions. Currently, reservations are required during the summertime to reduce crowds and until the public health conditions in the US improve.
Can you drive your car into Yosemite?
Yes, you can drive your car into Yosemite but make sure the roads you are planning to drive on are open. Glacier Point Road and Tioga Pass Road are closed during winters but otherwise, you can drive through the whole park.
Need a car to go to Yosemite? Find the best car rental deals here!
Is the drive to Yosemite scary?
The drive to Yosemite can be scary and dangerous. I’ve felt my stomach do backflips while the road curves.
The roads can be narrow, steep, and curvy making it dangerous to drive above the speed limit so make sure you’re driving within the limit while leaving ample space between vehicles.
Sometimes you’ll feel like you need to drive faster because the vehicle behind you is tailgating you and in that case, stop at a turnout and allow those faster vehicles to pass by.
Final Thoughts
We love this route for its scenic stops along the way before heading to Yosemite. While Yosemite is the final destination, there are so many cool attractions to see on the way. Happy driving!
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Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
35 Best Viewpoints In Yosemite From A Local
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