3 day itinerary for Road Trip Of 11 Days Covering San Francisco, Muir Wood National Park Yosemite National Park And Lake Tahoe

Itinerary

That sounds like an amazing road trip! You’re going to have a fantastic time exploring the stunning landscapes of Northern California. Here’s a fun and engaging 11-day itinerary that includes San Francisco, Muir Woods National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Lake Tahoe, with a focus on family-friendly activities. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco

• Morning: Arrive in San Francisco. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Head to Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch. Try some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl!
• Evening: Take a stroll along Pier 39, watch the sea lions, and enjoy the street performers. Don’t forget to grab some ice cream for dessert!

## Day 2: Explore San Francisco

• Morning: Visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Walk or bike across for stunning views.
• Afternoon: Explore the Presidio and then head to Muir Woods National Monument. Enjoy the towering redwoods and take a family-friendly hike on one of the trails.
• Evening: Return to San Francisco and have dinner in Chinatown. Try some dim sum!

## Day 3: More of San Francisco

• Morning: Visit Alcatraz Island. Make sure to book your tickets in advance!
• Afternoon: Explore the Exploratorium, a fun and interactive science museum that’s great for all ages.
• Evening: Head to the Mission District for some delicious Mexican food. Don’t forget to check out the vibrant murals!

## Day 4: Drive to Yosemite National Park

• Morning: Depart early for Yosemite National Park (about a 4-hour drive). Pack snacks for the road!
• Afternoon: Arrive in Yosemite and check into your accommodation. Start exploring with a visit to Yosemite Valley. Don’t miss El Capitan and Half Dome!
• Evening: Enjoy a family picnic dinner in the park. Watch the sunset over the valley.

## Day 5: Yosemite National Park

• Morning: Hike to Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. It’s a relatively easy hike and very rewarding!
• Afternoon: Visit Glacier Point for breathtaking views. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a short hike on the trails there.
• Evening: Return to your accommodation and relax. Maybe play some board games or cards as a family!

## Day 6: More Yosemite Adventures

• Morning: Explore Mariposa Grove to see the giant sequoias. The Grizzly Giant is a must-see!
• Afternoon: Head to the Ansel Adams Gallery to learn about the famous photographer and his work in Yosemite.
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a local restaurant or cook together if you have a kitchen.

## Day 7: Drive to Lake Tahoe

• Morning: Depart for Lake Tahoe (about a 2-hour drive). Enjoy the scenic views along the way!
• Afternoon: Arrive in Lake Tahoe and check into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon at the beach or take a boat tour on the lake.
• Evening: Have dinner at a lakeside restaurant and enjoy the sunset over the water.

## Day 8: Lake Tahoe Fun

• Morning: Go hiking on one of the many trails around the lake. The Eagle Lake Trail is a family favorite!
• Afternoon: Spend some time at the beach or try out some water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.
• Evening: Have a family game night or movie night at your accommodation.

## Day 9: More Lake Tahoe Adventures

• Morning: Visit the Tahoe Rim Trail for more hiking options. The views are absolutely stunning!
• Afternoon: Explore the charming town of South Lake Tahoe. Check out local shops and grab lunch.
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner and maybe catch a local event or live music if available.

## Day 10: Return to San Francisco

• Morning: Depart Lake Tahoe and head back to San Francisco (about a 3.5-hour drive).
• Afternoon: Spend your last afternoon in San Francisco visiting any spots you may have missed, like the Painted Ladies or Lombard Street.
• Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant with a view, perhaps in the Embarcadero area.

## Day 11: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Take lots of photos to remember your amazing trip!

Tips:

• Make sure to check the weather and pack accordingly, especially for Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.
• Book accommodations in advance, especially in popular areas like Yosemite.
• Keep snacks and water handy for the road trips between destinations.

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories with your family! Enjoy your adventure! 🌲🏞️🏖️