Today we’re not talking about a complete itinerary, but about a drive that extends about 187 miles along its entire route. It’s the drive from Monterey to Yosemite, which combines two rather popular destinations of traditional American road trips. Monterey is often used as an intermediate stop by those who love to travel on Highway 1, and Yosemite National Park, one of the most famous national parks in California.
I did this trip in the summer. I started in San Francisco and went down Highway 1, stopped one night in Monterey, and, after visiting Carmel and Pebble Beach (two interesting places that I recommend if you are in the area), I headed inland towards Yosemite.
Contents
Travel Time of the Monterey-Yosemite Drive
This drive takes 3.5 hours, but add at least half an hour to stop to taste something delicious… what is it? Continue reading and you’ll find out.
From Monterey to Yosemite: Landscapes
It is a very breathtaking route through the golden rolling hills of California, with the Sierra Nevada in the background, which gets closer and closer as you continue along the route. The golden hills (especially those in Pacheco Pass), an archetype of California, have become legendary, and crossing them by car is an exciting experience.
In the second part of the itinerary, you will have the opportunity to stop in Mariposa, a really interesting town as it still retains clear traces of the Far West. Here you can also stop at the visitor center to gather information about Yosemite National Park and all the attractions in the surrounding area.
What is the Best Soundtrack for the Trip?
A real road trip needs good music, and personally, this kind of landscape makes me think of 2 songs in particular:
Take It Easy by The Eagles
Ramblin’ Man by the Allman Brothers Band
Recommended stop: Casa de Fruta
That’s right! The surprise stop. Did you know that California has high-quality fruit (both fresh and dried)? Well, if you want to taste the produce of the Golden State, a little over an hour from Monterey, on the right side of the road, you will find Casa de Fruta.
What Casa de Fruta? A huge store in the countryside with an impressive assortment of produce and products, including fruit, dried fruit (I have never seen such quantities and variety in my life), caramelized apples, sauces, fruit-flavored chocolates, jams, honey, and all kinds of food. You can taste everything (just ask the staff!)
Directions and Map
From Highway 1, you must take CA-156 East and drive to Santa Clara County, where you will take CA-152 (shortly after you get on CA-152, stop at Casa De Fruta). Continue on the same road for 55 miles. Then take CA-59 (about 20 miles) and then CA-140, which will take you directly to Mariposa, where you will pick up some maps at the visitor center and continue towards Yosemite National Park.
Does it seem too complicated? See the interactive map below.
