A road trip from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park is a spectacular road trip that takes you from the bustling city to the serene wilderness of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking natural wonders, charming towns, and, of course, the iconic giant sequoia trees. This road trip covers approximately 450 miles and can be completed in a weekend or extended for a more leisurely adventure. Here’s a detailed itinerary to help you make the most of this unforgettable journey.
How long does it take to drive from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park?
The driving time from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park on average, takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to drive the distance, covering approximately 240 to 260 miles.
How many days do you need to see Sequoia National Park?
To fully experience Sequoia National Park, it’s recommended to plan for at least 2 to 3 days. This allows you sufficient time to explore key attractions, take in the majestic sequoia trees, and engage in outdoor activities.
Planning your Road Trip from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park
It’s important to plan your trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Start by deciding on the best time to visit. Spring and fall are great times to avoid the crowds and enjoy mild weather. Summer is the peak season, but also the busiest time of the year. Winter can be challenging due to snow and road closures, but it’s a great time to see the parks’ snowy landscapes.
Road Trip from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park Logistics
| Days | 5-7 days (for a relaxed journey) can be shortened to fit your needs |
| Miles | 450 |
| # of Hours Driven | 9 hours |
| National Parks | Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, Pinnacles National Park, State Beaches |
| Highways Driven | Kings Canyon Scenic Byway , CA-198 |
| Best Time to Visit | Late spring, summer , to early fall for ideal weather conditions |
| Cost | Priceless |
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The route takes you through beautiful scenery, including the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Along the way, there are plenty of stops to make, including historic towns, scenic vistas, and local eateries.Now, let’s break down the journey into sections, highlighting key stops, hidden gems, and activities along the way..
READ MORE: Things to Do in Sequoia National Park • 3 Day Itinerary
Disclaimer: First and foremost bring a vomit bucket, gum or any anti nausea medication for someone that might get carsick, also let them take the front seat. Some roads will be very windy for very long.
Day 1: Monterey
🚗San Francisco – Monterey (119 miles, 2 hours)
San Francisco
Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of San Francisco. After taking in the iconic sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, hit the road towards San Jose via US-101 South.
While this part of the journey is relatively short, there are a few intriguing stops to consider: Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Lombard Street, if you haven’t already.
Santa Cruz
Your next stop on this road trip from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park is Santa Cruz. A city just one hour south of San Francisco, offers a wide range of fun activities for both locals and visitors.
Santa Cruz has plenty of beaches where you can stretch your legs and walk around for a bit before you get into the car again.
I really enjoyed going to Natural Bridges State Beach. It was free to enter! It was not crowded. I went on a weekday around 9 am and it was just blissful.
Also, before you head down to the beach stop at Verve Coffee shop for a hot cup of coffee!
Santa Cruz has a vibrant farmers’ market scene. Check out the Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market for fresh, local produce and artisanal goods. We loved their bread. They are open on Saturdays starting at 9.
Related Reads: Remarkable Road Trip from SF to Lassen Volcanic National Park
Monterey
About 1 hour south of Santa Cruz you will reach the final destination of the first day of this road trip: the beautiful Monterey. Monterey, California, is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning scenery, marine life, and rich history.
READ MORE: Things to Do in Sequoia National Park • 3 Day Itinerary
There are so many fun things to do and see in Monterey that it could take up a whole 3 pages, but I have condensed it enough to spare your eyes. While in Monterey, do the 17 mile drive.
This is a very beautiful drive with plenty of stops to view the scenery or go for a walk or a swim in the (cold) ocean. It’s a world-famous route that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, iconic golf courses, and landmarks like the Lone Cypress. Cost is 15.00 to enter (2023 prices).
Cannery Row is a great place to grab lunch and stretch your legs while looking at amazing sights. Parking is not free and usually you have to pay.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a super pretty park with lots of trails to hike. Parking is 10.00 if you decide to park in the lot, however you can get in for free if you park outside the park which is about a 0.3 mile walk.
We loved our whale watching experience with Monterey Whale Watching Tour. It was an incredible experience I’ll never forget. Monterey Bay is famous for whale watching. Various tour operators offer boat tours to see humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, and dolphins.
Where to Eat in Monterey
My personal favorite and by far the best Mexican food is Cultura Comida y Bebida. It’s a must visit. It offers a modern twist on traditional Mexican dishes in a stylish setting. I am still thinking about the food to this day.
Where to Stay in Monterey
You will only be spending one night in Monterey and then continue on to more beautiful spots on this road trip, so why not make that one night special by staying at one of these dreamy hotels that I have personally loved.
- Portola Hotel & Spa
- InterContinental The Clement Monterey
- Hotel Pacific
- Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa:
Day 2: Pinnacles National Park
🚗Monterey – Pinnacles National Park (160 miles , 1.5 hours )
As you leave Monterey in the morning stop by at one of these cute coffee shops in Carmel by the Sea for some long lasting energy before you hit the road to Pinnacles National Park.
Carmel by the Sea
Carmel by the Sea is a quick stop when you are heading out of Monterey. It is not exactly on the way to Pinnacles but it’s worth the small detour. It is just 5 miles south of Monterey and will leave you feeling very inspired. We got our coffee and then headed to Carmel Beach just to enjoy the coastal beach one last time before we went inland. It was superb.
Pinnacles National Park
The next stop on day 2 of this road trip from San Francisco to Sequoia is Pinnacles National Park. It is the hidden gem of this route, known for its rugged rock formations, caves, and diverse wildlife. Take a hike through the unique landscape, explore Bear Gulch Cave, and keep an eye out for California condors soaring above.
You could easily spend half a day exploring the park, just be sure to go when it is a bit cooler outside as the park reaches temperatures of 100 F during summer months. We went in December and for us it was perfect.
Pro-Tip: I recommend getting a national parks pass for 80.00, that gives you access to national parks nationwide without having to pay an entry fee. Usually the entrance fee for national parks is $30. For $80, you can get access to all national parks for one year.
Where to Stay in Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles is one of the smaller National parks and does not have any lodging within the park other than the campsites. There are tent cabins available in the park and range anywhere from $41 to $130.
Alternatively, you can spend the night in one of these cozy airbnbs outside the park. They serve as an excellent overnight stop before venturing deeper into the national parks.
Related Reads: Extraordinary Road Trip from San Francisco to Mammoth Lakes
Day 3: Visalia
🚗 Pinnacles National Park- Visalia (150 miles , 3 hours )
Now, the real adventure begins as you head towards Sequoia National Park. The nearest coffee shop won’t be for another 100 miles, so I recommend you fuel up on coffee and on gas before you hit the road.
For the first 35 miles, you will be on CA-25, which is very very country and calming.
After that, you will be driving mainly on highway 198 of California which is an amazing drive with smooth road surface, lots of rolling hills , valleys and mountain views. Some of the more interesting roads in CA are the ones that run east-west, since they’re less traveled. More remote, fewer tourist amenities and wilder in general.
It’s mostly wide open, and almost no traffic. It is also mostly a two-lane road and it’s not the easiest one to drive, as it’s very windy. This highway is one of the roads that makes California unique! It is a highway that is rather untouched and does not show any inclination to please touristic needs.
Priest Valley Tavern is the only place to get food and drinks along the 50-mile stretch between Highway 101 and Coalinga.
If you have a problem with two lane highways which become narrow, and trucks passing in the opposite direction, this is not the road for you.Make sure you are filled up on gas as there are no gas stations. Also, we did not have any cell service on this road.
Coalinga
Stop in Coaling for some lunch at Fatte Alberts Pizza in Coalinga about 1.5 hours from Pinnacles on highway -198. They’ve got some amazing deep dish pizza.
Cafe 101 in Coalinga is also an appetizing lunch. The interior is very homey and the food is great. And there is coffee to consume for more of your adventures.
Visalia
After you have visited Coalinga, the next and last stop for today will be Visalia. Visalia, located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
From exploring its historic downtown to immersing yourself in nature, there’s plenty to see and do and it’s a great overnight stop as it is just 45 minutes from Sequoia National Park.
Spend the night watching a live performance at Fox Theatre
Have a dinner picnic at Mooney Grove Park, an outdoor recreation park where you can relax. It has a picnic area, walking trails and a lake.
Spend the evening doing a nature walk at Kaweah Oaks Preserve. Take a peaceful walk through this nature preserve with trails and bird watching opportunities.
If your in town during September, Visalia offers free stargazing events. You can check them out here.
Where to Stay in Visalia
- Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center
- Lamp Liter Inn
- Cute, homely, inexpensive AirBnB’s
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Visalia/Sequoia Gateway
Day 4: Sequoia National Park
🚗 Visalia to Sequoia National Park (35 miles , 45 minutes)
As you approach Sequoia National Park, you’ll be entering a world of giants. This park is home to the largest trees on Earth, including the General Sherman Tree.
READ MORE: Things to Do in Sequoia National Park • 3 Day Itinerary
READ MORE: Short and Sweet Hiking Essentials for Sequoia National Park
General Sherman Tree
Upon entering Sequoia National Park, make a beeline for the Giant Forest, home to the world’s largest trees The world’s largest tree by volume, standing at 275 feet tall and approximately 2,200 years old. Take a short hike to witness these towering giants up close and learn about their incredible history.
See Moro Rock
A granite dome offering panoramic views of the park. For the adventurous at heart, Moro Rock offers a thrilling climb with breathtaking panoramic views. The short but steep trail takes you to the summit, where you can marvel at the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Drive Through Tunnel Log
Don’t miss the chance to drive through the famous Tunnel Log, a fallen giant sequoia that serves as a unique tunnel. It’s a fun photo opportunity that’s hard to come by anywhere else.
Day 5: Kings Canyon National Park
🚗 Sequoia National Park to Kings Canyon via Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (70 miles , 1.5 hours)
The drive along CA-180, also known as Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, is a treat in itself. You’ll pass through towering cliffs and lush forests, with the Kings River gushing alongside. Several viewpoints offer opportunities to stop and capture the beauty of the canyon.
Zumwalt Meadow Trail
For a leisurely hike with remarkable views, try the Zumwalt Meadow Trail. This easy loop trail takes you through meadows and along the Kings River, offering excellent photo opportunities and a chance to spot wildlife. Definitely bring your binoculars to see wildlife
Hume Lake
After exploring Kings Canyon, take a detour to the serene Hume Lake. It is about 50 miles from Kings Canyon. This picturesque alpine lake is nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and offers a refreshing change of scenery.
Hume Lake is perfect for a peaceful afternoon. You can enjoy picnicking by the lake, swimming, fishing, and hiking around the area. If you’re interested in water sports, rentals are available.
Where to Stay at Sequoia National Park
If it’s in your budget and there’s availability, I’d really encourage you to stay inside the parks if at all possible.
On my first visit, I stayed in the John Muir Lodge in Grant Grove Village which is technically in Kings Canyon NP. But it’s centrally located to both Kings Canyon and Sequoia. (Note that Grant Grove Village is about an hour and fifteen minute drive to the actual canyon in Kings Canyon. It’s also about an hour drive to some of the major attractions in Sequoia.)
Here are my other recommendations and suggestions:
- Many stay south of the park in Three Rivers or nearby, but the drive into the park (and back to your lodging) is on the twisty, slow-driving Generals Highway. If you’re making that commute twice a day, you’ll be eating into your time in the park.
- Three rivers will afford you relatively quick access to the park and will allow you to avoid the high rates of inns/motels that are closer to the actual park itself. Not to mention it has a few hidden gems of its own – be sure to check Reimer’s for some good ice cream!
- Consider staying inside the national park at Wuksachi Lodge.I have not stayed at the Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia yet, but it seems to be a popular spot that’s more convenient to the attractions in Sequoia NP.
- Located in Sequoia National Park, Lodgepole Campground offers tent and RV camping options.
- Located in Kings Canyon National Park, Grant Grove Cabins offers rustic cabins and tent cabins. It is very basic, but very affordable.
- Find hotels and motels in towns along the route, with various price ranges.
- Look for cozy cabins and vacation homes for a more secluded experience.
One last note.
There is NO gas availability within the boundaries of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. There is gas in Hume Lake, a small retreat community about 10 miles from Grant Grove Village and the Stony Creek Resort gas station which is along Generals Highway but outside the park boundary and usually closed in the winter.
So make sure your car is topped off with gas before you enter the park.
No matter where you choose to stay, it is important to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel season.
What to Pack
When preparing for a road trip from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon, it’s important to pack the right gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Here are some essential items to consider bringing.
Clothing and Accessories
- Comfortable and breathable clothing suitable for hiking and outdoor activities
- Sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes or boots
- Warm layers, such as a fleece jacket or sweater, as temperatures can drop at higher elevations
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun’s harmful rays
- Insect repellent to ward off bugs and mosquitoes
- Swimsuit and towel if planning to swim or soak in hot springs
Camping Gear
- Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad if planning to camp in the park
- Camp stove, fuel, and cooking utensils for preparing meals
- Cooler and ice for keeping food and drinks cold
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries for navigating in the dark
