The Best Yosemite 2 Day Itinerary For A Stunning Trip with your Partner

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Are you looking for the best Yosemite 2 day itinerary? You’ve found it! Visiting Yosemite National Park is one of my favourite travel memories from our trips to the USA so I thought I’d share our Yosemite road trip itinerary so you can get the most out of your visit at Yosemite National Park.

This itinerary is based on my experience, including things we did wrong, so you can have the best experience in the park and don’t do the same mistakes as us. 

What you will find in this post:

• A complete itinerary of all the best things to do on a Yosemite two day itinerary, in a logical order so you don’t waste time
• Recommended amount of time to spend at each landmark and viewpoint
• How to spend two days in Yosemite and whether you should use a car or public transportation
• The best time of the year to visit Yosemite
• Additional Yosemite itineraries with suggestions of things to do in the park if you want to stay longer in Yosemite andif you can only stay for one day in Yosemite
• Where to stay in Yosemite
• Where to eat in Yosemite
• Tips from our experience exploring Yosemite 
• Places to visit near Yosemite
• How you can incorporate Yosemite into a national parks road trip

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Yosemite is the perfect National Park to include in a West Coast Road Trip. You can find our 2 week West Coast road trip itinerary here. 

Quick facts about this Yosemite 2 day itinerary

Yosemite National Park is located in the state of California between San Francisco and the Death Valley National Park. The park is neighbour to underrated Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks and is often chosen over them by visitors.

Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, Yosemite is one of the oldest and most protected national parks in the USA. John Muir (certain trails in the park have been named after him), known as the father of the conservation movement, played an important role in making Yosemite a protected national park in 1890. Since then, the park has attracted millions of visitors from all over the globe.

Although Yosemite National Park extends over 750,000 acres, most visitors focus their time on the Yosemite Valley which represents only 1% of the park. The main attractions and viewpoints of the park include Glacier Point, El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. 

Yosemite National Park is a stunning park to include to your West Coast road trip. For example, thousands of visitors choose to do a Yosemite 2-day tour from San Francisco as it is only a 3 hour drive from the city. 

The main city near Yosemite is Fresno which is also home to the closest international airport to the park. Other towns nearby include Mariposa and El Portal. 

With this two day Yosemite itinerary, you’ll drive about 44miles/ 71km and will spend about 2 hours driving spread over two full days, leaving most of your time in the park for exploring outside the car. 

This itinerary is the best way to see Yosemite in 2 days as it includes all the main landmarks over two days in a logical manner so you can truly enjoy each at your own pace. 

Is this Yosemite National Park 2-day itinerary good for couples?

Is Yosemite good for a romantic trip?

This Yosemite itinerary is great for couples! Yosemite is such a beautiful place, it will be difficult not to have a good time with your partner. Actually, I’m convinced that you should visit Yosemite with your partner as the park is even more beautiful when you can share its beauty with someone you truly love. Yosemite National Park is one of the best locations to elope in the state of California.

Yosemite offers a lot of easy trails that are quite romantic to walk with your partner and that often offers some stunning views that will ground you together. One of Yosemite best day hikes is the Valley Loop Trail but you’ll read more on this in the itinerary section. 

Of course, spending the park in Yosemite is also quite romantic and very much memorable. With an outdoor pool and located in a scenic area, this is such a cute and romantic cabin for couples to come back to at night and enjoy after a long day exploring Yosemite.

Is Yosemite good for couples on a budget?

You know that Eric and I travel essentially with a defined budget. Yosemite National Park is great if you want to travel with your partner somewhere relatively cheap. Indeed, the entrance of the park is under $50 and is a fee by car rather than by individuals. In addition, all viewpoints in the park that are included in this itinerary are free so the entrance fee is essentially you only expense in the park. 

Two day itinerary Yosemite Budget

• Entree Fee: A Yosemite day use entry ticket costs $35 per vehicle. The pass is valid for 7 days and you can come back anytime and as much as you want during that period. We recommend buying this pass if you are doing a two days in Yosemite itinerary and less than three national parks total on your trip. Note that from May to September, the pass is only valid for 3 days (inclusive of the third night)
• National Parks Pass: If you are going to visit more than three national parks or recreational areas in the USA during your trip, we highly recommend buying the national parks pass. You can buy it on the National Parks Service website for $80 and it gives you access to over 2000 parks. The pass is also available at the parks entrances.  It’s worth it if you’re going to visit over 2 parks. We didn’t get that pass on our road trip across the West Coast of the USA and ended up spending more money than we should have!
• Free Entrance: Entrance to Yosemite National Park is free on five days throughout the years which you can find here. Note that it is only free for the specific day so if you reenter the park on a different day, you will need to pay an entrance fee. 
• Lodge night stay: If you are planning to stay the night inside Yosemite National Park at one of the lodges or private accommodations, be prepared to spend around €300 for one night. We included a number of suggested stay in the “where to stay” section so you can find an accommodation suitable for your budget. 
• Gas: One thing you’ll have to account for in your budget for Yosemite is gas. Although there are lots of trails in the park, you will drive about 70km to see the park over two days. One way to mitigate that gas and car costs while exploring the park is to make use of the free shuttles around the park. There are two shuttles in Yosemite that are included in the price of the Yosemite day tickets. The first one is called the Valleywide Shuttle and stops at all of the landmarks included in this itinerary. This is the green route. The second one is called the East Valley Shuttle and is the purple route. It runs essentially around Yosemite Village. The shuttles run from 7am to 10pm every 8, 12 and 22 minutes. There is also another free shuttle that operates from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza to Mariposa Grove (near the South Entrance). 
• Shuttles from nearby communities: If you don’t want to rent a car to get to Yosemite, you can use a range of buses and shuttles from nearby towns. Most shuttles run in July and August only while a limited number of them operate from May to September. Services are provided by Amtrak, Greyhound and YARTS. There are routes from Fresno, Merced, El Portal, Mariposa, Mammoth Lakes and more. You can find more information on the different routes here. 

Yosemite 2 day itinerary map

How many days to spend in Yosemite National Park

Although this is a 2 day Yosemite itinerary, you might be wondering how many days to see Yosemite you actually need. The truth is you could stay two weeks in Yosemite and absolutely love it or be completely bored of it. The amount of time you find sufficient to spend in Yosemite highly depends on your interests.

This Yosemite Itinerary is two days long and we think this is a good length for your trip for the following reasons:

• 2 days allow you to see all the main viewpoints in the park 
• this itinerary allows you to not have to rush and to really take your time at each viewpoint
• 2 days is an easy amount time to incorporate into a national parks road trip or a West Coast road trip
• 2 days is the perfect length for a weekend getaway if you live or have just moved to the area
• 2 days is the perfect length to be able to road trip from and back to San Francisco
• It’s also the perfect amount of time for visitors who like to do short walks but don’t want to be hiking all day.

How many days to visit Yosemite if you’re in a rush

If your schedule is tight but you still want to fit in Yosemite, a day will allow you to do some of the main viewpoints. You’ll obviously have to make a choice and won’t be able to see everything. That said, if you leave early in the morning, it’s doable! At the end of this itinerary, we included a section for a 1 day Yosemite itinerary.

How many days for Yosemite if you like to hike more

If you are an outdoor enthusiast and would like to hike a lot in Yosemite, you could spend up to a week in the park and not run out of ideas. It’s also a great place to be if you want to experience a bit of the slow life, relax and not have to drive around too much. That said, if you don’t care about doing every hike in the park, a week would be too long of a stay in Yosemite. 

How to get to Yosemite for this 2 days itinerary Yosemite visit

Yosemite entrances

There are five entrances to Yosemite National Park:

• Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120)
• Hetch Hetchy Entrance (Highway 120)
• Arch Rock Entrance (Highway 140)
• South Entrance (Highway 41)
• Tiago Pass Entrance (Highway 120)

This Yosemite 2 day itinerary starts at Yosemite South Entrance. This is the best entrance if you are coming Los Angeles and Sequoia National Park. This is the entrance we took when we visited Yosemite National Park as we were doing a one month USA road trip and were coming from Sequoia National Park. 

The least crowded entrances are usually Tiago Pass and Hetch Hetchy entrances. They are located north of the park and are not exactly on the way when coming from San Francisco and Las Vegas, which explains why they are less used. One good reason to use them though is the views on the scenic drive they offer. 

However note that Tiago Pass is only accessible from May to October and Hetch Hetchy Entrance is closed during winter.

Arch Rock Entrance is the most direct entrance if coming from San Francisco and goes through El Portal town which is one of the closest towns to the park, and one where you can stay the night as well. 

The South Entrance is open all year round which is also why we included it in this itinerary. It allows you to use it regardless of the season you are visiting.

How to get to Yosemite for 2 days

We rented a car for our one month road trip across the USA so we reached Yosemite National Park by car. This is the most independent way to go around the park as you are not relying on anyone else’s schedule.

That said, there are lots of shuttles and buses going to Yosemite from nearby towns. If you are staying in Fresno, Mariposa, El Portal or even Mammoth Lakes, you will be able to access shuttles through YARTS, Amrak and Greyhound services. Note however that some only run during summer. You can find all the routes here. 

How to get around for this Yosemite 2 days itinerary

Yosemite itinerary 2 days by car

In our experience, it is more flexible to go around Yosemite with a car. 

Yosemite itinerary 2 days by shuttle

There are two shuttle routes in Yosemite that are free. Let’s see how that works and whether that would be suitable for you.

Pros of using shuttles to go around Yosemite

The first one is called the Valleywide Shuttle and stops at all of the landmarks included in this itinerary. This is the green route. The second one is called the East Valley Shuttle and is the purple route. It runs essentially around Yosemite Village. The shuttles run from 7am to 10pm every 8, 12 and 22 minutes. There is also another free shuttle that operates from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza to Mariposa Grove (near the South Entrance). 

The shuttles are free so it’s a great way to go around the park without having to rent a car and save a bit of money!

The park gets quite busy in the summer and parking can be hard to find during peak hours. shuttles are a good way to mitigate that. 

Cons of using shuttles to go around Yosemite

These shuttles (except for the Mariposa Shuttle) focus on Yosemite Valley. This means that if you wanted to explore beyond this are of the park (for example if you’re staying longer than two days, see below), you will be limited in what you can do if you don’t have a car. 

The shuttles also mostly run only in the summer so if you are visiting in spring, fall or winter, you will need a different mean of transportation to get around. 

Although shuttles are a great way to avoid parking busyness, shuttles can also get crowded. This means you might end up waiting in line to get on a shuttle, making you waste some of your previous time to visit the park. 

Complete Yosemite 2 day itinerary

• Yosemite itinerary: 2 days distance: 44 miles/70km
• 2 day itinerary Yosemite driving time: 2h
• 2 day trip Yosemite departure: South Entrance
• What you’ll see: all the main viewpoints and landmarks in Yosemite Valley, Mariposa Grove and a couple beautiful hikes. 

DAY 1 of your Yosemite 2 day itinerary

On your first Yosemite day trip, you will mainly be using the Southside Drive which goes across Yosemite Valley from West to East and is mostly a one way drive. 

Recommended time of departure: 8am

1. Mariposa Grove to see giant sequoias on your weekend in Yosemite

Mariposa Grove is an area of Yosemite located in the very south of the park near the South Entrance. This is where this Yosemite National Park 2 day itinerary starts. 

Mariposa Grove is home to over 500 giant sequoias similar to Sequoia National Park. While in Mariposa Grove, we recommend doing the Big Trees Loop Trail (different from Sequoia National Park’s Big Trees Trail) as it is an easy 40 minute and flat loop trail. On the trail you will see the Fallen Monarch, a fallen sequoia. Other highlights of the area include the tunnel Tree, Grove Cabin and the Bachelor and Three Graces Trees. Grizzly Giant, standing at 210 feet/64 meters is the largest tree of Mariposa Grove.

One thing to know about Mariposa Grove is that driving your own car is only possible from April to November for cars with a disability card. For everyone else, it is required to leave your car at the carpark and use the free shuttles. The free shuttles usually start operating in April all the way to November and take you from Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza to the Mariposa Grove. The carpark at the welcome plaza has spaces for about 300 cars is usually filled up by mid morning in the summer hence why this is the first step of your itinerary. 

Insider Tip: If you’ve just visited or are going to Sequoia National Park, you can skip Mariposa Grove to use that time at other parts of Yosemite as Mariposa Grove looks a lot like Sequoia National Park.

Time recommended: 1h

2. Tunnel View

Tunnel view is probably one of the most stunning overlooks included in this Yosemite 2 day itinerary. As one of your first stops in Yosemite Valley, you will for sure be speechless in front of the dramatic scenery the lookout offers.

At the Tunnel View overlook, you will be able to have an incredible view on Yosemite’s granite monoliths in the backdrop surrounding Yosemite’s forest. It is hard to describe how large these rock formations are and how breathtaking it is to look at them. You will for sure feel like a tiny little aunt, I know I did!

There is parking spaces right by the lookout so it is easily accessible. I would recommend taking your time here to take it in and also take photos, although they never retranscribe the exact beauty of the landscape. 

Time recommended: 1h

3. Bridalveil Fall

Your next stop is Bridalveil Fall, located at the end of one of the best Yosemite day hikes for couples looking for easy trails. 

The waterfall is 620 feet/ 189 meters high. The water is at its peak during spring and summer and that’s when the waterfall is most impressive. The trail to get there is a loop trail that takes about 20 minutes to complete. You can park at the Bridalveil Fall Parking Area and go from there. 

Note that the trail can sometimes be closed either for rehabilitation projects or fires. In that case, you can see the waterfall from the pull outs along Southside drive.

Time recommended: 30-40min round trip

4. Glacier Point, one of the most impressive viewpoints of your 2 days Yosemite visit

Glacier Point is one of the most stunning overview you’ll visit while in Yosemite. It is the one I remember most clearly and always the one that comes up to mind first when I think of Yosemite. It’s honestly quite hard to beat it as it offers one of the best views in the world!

From Glacier Point, you’ll be able to see Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Overhanging Rock and Yosemite’s high country. We visited in the summer and the view was wonderful and clear. In the winter, you’ll have to cross-country ski here which is a completely different experience.

You can access Glacier Point by car through the Wawona Road and then Glacier Point Road. However, note that in our experience, we had to take a shuttle as the Glacier Point carpark was full. This took us by surprise but was honestly super smooth. The shuttle took about 30 minutes one way. You can also park at Yosemite Valley lodge and then shuttle to Glacier Point.

Time recommended: 2h

5. Sentinel Dome, best Yosemite day hike for 360 degree views of Yosemite

From Glacier Point Road, you can hike to Sentinel Dome, one of the large and iconic rock formations in the park. We personally skipped the hike but we’ve heard it’s a great one. The hike is moderate and takes you all the way up the Sentinel Dome’s granite boulder to enjoy a panoramic 360 degree view of Yosemite. The elevation gain is 400 feet /125 meters.

Time recommended: 2h round trip

6. Optional walk to Taft Point 

You can bundle the Sentinel Dome hike with the Taft Point hike. The Taft Point hike is also a two hour long moderate hike and only has a 200 feet/60 meters elevation gain. It offers incredible views on Yosemite Valley and Falls and El Capitan. 

Note that both the Sentinel Dome and Taft Point trail are only accessible from late May to October or at the latest November. 

If you are short one time (depending on your schedule, time of arrival and level of fitness), we recommend only doing the Sentinel Dome hike. Both hikes are a beautiful way to finish your first day in Yosemite. If you decide to Sentinel Dome or Taft Point at sunset (which we would recommend), don’t forget to bring fully charged flashlights!

Time recommended: 2h round trip

DAY 2 of your weekend trip to Yosemite

Your second day of your 2 days in Yosemite focuses on the Northside Drive which goes from East to West and is also mostly one way.

Recommended time of departure: 8am

7. Mist Trail, a highlight of your itinerary for Yosemite National Park

We are starting your second day with one of the best hikes of Yosemite before having a more chill afternoon. 

The trail starts at the Happy Isles shuttle stop and first takes you to Vernal Fall. Vernal Fall is a 317 feet/97 meters high waterfall located on the Merced River. It is about a 3miles round trip (4.8km) hike which is often rated as moderate to strenuous on this stretch. This takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete round trip. 

If you decide that this trail is definitely your thing and want to see more, you can push to Nevada Falls pass the Emerald Pool and the Silver Apron. However, note that this will likely take most of your day and is the most strenuous stretch of the hike. 

For this itinerary, we recommend heading to Vernal Fall and turning back to continue to your next stops (Don’t worry, more beauty awaits you, with easier walks!).

Time recommended: at least 3h

8. Museum and Ansel Adams Gallery

Yosemite Village is home to both Yosemite Museum and the Ansen Art Gallery. We recommend stopping by to check out some information on the heritage and culture of the Ahwahnechee people as they were the ones living in the Yosemite Valley. You can also stop by Yosemite Visitor Centre to get more information about the park and ask any questions you may have. 

Time recommended: 30min

9. Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, one of the best Yosemite National Park day hikes

This was one of my favourite day hikes in Yosemite so I highly recommend including it in your itinerary. Yosemite Falls is quite easily accessible (which I prefer!) and is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. There are actually three separate waterfalls in one: the Upper Yosemite Fall sitting at 1,430 feet/ 436 meters, the middle cascades sitting at 675 feet and Lower Yosemite Fall sitting at 320 feet/ 98 meters. 

On your walk to Lower Yosemite Fall, you will be able to have an incredible view on the other two. The trail is only one mile (1,6km) long and takes you to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall. Take your time during this walk and really take in the scenery. Once you arrive at the base, most people stay on the trail. We actually decided to adventure a bit and walk over the rocks to approach the waterfall which was very cool. If that’s what you want to do, be aware that the rocks can be slippery so go slow and be careful!

Time recommended: 2-3h

10. Yosemite Valley loop trail, one of the best Yosemite Valley day hikes

One of the most beautiful trails in Yosemite is the Valley Loop Trail. Although the park was busy when we visited, this trail actually felt like we were kind of along in the park. It was a very peaceful walk immersed in the gorgeous scenery and landscapes and surrounded by the large granite boulders.

The loop starts at the Lower Yosemite Fall. We recommend doing maximum half of the loop as the whole loop would take up to 7 hours to complete. You can find more information about the loop and directions here. 

Time recommended: 2h

11. El Capitan from Yosemite Valley View, a must see on your 2 day Yosemite trip itinerary

The Yosemite Valley View lookout offers a stunning view on El Capitan,  Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, the Merced River and Bridalveil Fall. This is honestly a great way to finish two days in Yosemite National Park. You will find this spot on the west end of the Northside drive.

Time recommended: 1h

12. Other activities to consider

If you want to see the park differently, the following activities might be just what you’re looking for:

• For some fun, take this jeep tour to visit Yosemite and its Giant Sequoias
• If you’re visiting in the winter, this Giant Sequoia and Yosemite Valley snowshoe tour for a memorable experience. 

Yosemite day trip itinerary

Can you visit Yosemite in one day? Yes, although you won’t be able to see everything, a Yosemite 1 day trip will allow you to see the most beautiful viewpoints the national park has to offer.  Yosemite day trips are quite a common thing to do for Yosemite visitors. Yosemite is only a 4 hour drive from San Francisco and only about 3 hour from Stockton making it easy to reach and visit Yosemite in 1 day.

Of course, a Yosemite 1 day itinerary won’t cover as much as a 2 day itinerary but it is still worth visiting the park in 24 hours if that’s all the time you have.

If you don’t want to rent a car, there are several Yosemite day tours from San Francisco that you can book to see the highlights of the park in one day. Here are some popular Yosemite National Park day tours:

• This day tour to Yosemite from San Francisco to see all the main highlights. 
• You can take this guided tour from San Francisco to Yosemite and explore Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and hike among the giant sequoias of Yosemite. 

Alternatively, if you want to drive and make your own itinerary, here is the itinerary we recommend:

0. Arrival in Yosemite around 8a-9am

1.Tunnel View

Time recommended: 1h

2. Glacier Point

Time recommended: 2h

3. Lower Yosemite Fall Trail

Time recommended: 2h

4. Part of the Yosemite Valley loop trail

Time recommended: 2h

Itinerary for 3 days in Yosemite

Although we think that a Yosemite National Park 2 days itinerary is enough to see all the highlights of the park, we understand that you may be interested in staying in the park a bit longer either to take things a bit slower or to explore more of the park. In this section, we included some landmarks and hikes that we recommend checking out on your Yosemite itinerary 3 days stay. You can also take a 3 day guided tour to Yosemite with pick up in San Francisco. 

Nevada Falls

Nevada Falls are the next waterfall after Vernal Fall on Mist Trail. Hiking to and back from Nevada Falls can take up to 7 hours so it is likely that the hike will take up most of your third day in Yosemite. It is quite a beautiful hike although strenuous so only embark on it if you have a good level of fitness. 

Horsetail Fall 

Horsetail Fall is one of the unique waterfalls in Yosemite that falls off the side of El Capitan. Standing at about 1,000 feet/305 meters, this waterfall is famous among Yosemite visitors for appearing as being on fire when it flows. As it flows at its peak from December to April, the water reflects the orange colour of the sunset making it look like it’s fire flowing off the side of El Capitan. The best view of the waterfall is from the El Capitan picnic area. 

El Capitan Meadows

From El Capitan Meadows, you’ll have amazing views on the massive granite monolith that is El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks. You can also see climbers off the side of El Capitan through the telescopes. 

Washburn Point

Wahsburn Point is a lookout located about one mile (1,6km) from Glacier Point. It offers views on Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and Illilouette Falls. 

Tioga Pass

The Tioga Pass is a popular scenic drive in Yosemite. On your way, you can stop at Tuolumne Grove to see more sequoias and Olmsted Point for more views of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon. Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne Meadows and Pothole Dome are three other gorgeous stops on the way.

Hetch Hetchy 

Hetch Hetchy is an are of Yosemite located on the northside of the park. This is an area of Yosemite that remains relatively quiet so it’s a great spot if you’re trying to avoid the crowds. The area offers spectacular views with high peaks, stunning waterfalls and steep canyons. The O’Shaughnessy Dam offers nice views of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The area is also home to stunning waterfalls including Wapama Fall, Tueeulala Falls and Rancheria Falls. 

More hikes on your Yosemite itinerary

Of course, you will never run short of hike sin Yosemite National Park. Other beautiful hikes include the one to Lembert Dome and Dog Lake along with the one to Cathedral Lakes, see more information here. Cloud Rest is also a memorable hike in Yosemite. Cloud Rest hike starts at Tenaya Lake and takes you all the way to a lookout which provides 360 degree views of Mount Clark, Tenaya Canyon, Half Dome, North Dome, Sentinel Dome and Yosemite Valley. This one is definitely categorised at difficult with a length of 14 miles/23km and 3,200 fee elevation gain!

From May to October, you can also hike Half Dome, although you will need to obtain a permit first. The hike takes about 1£0 to 1é hours for a round trip and is quite strenuous as it is 16 miles/ 26 km long. Obtaining a permit works as a lottery in March and only 300 permits are allowed per day. 

Outdoor activities in Yosemite

Yosemite offers a lot of possibilities for couples who like to get active. You can go climbing and take beginner course here or go rafting on the Merced River here. 

Logistics and Yosemite day permits

• Is Yosemite open for day-use? Yosemite National Park is opened 365 days a year and 24/7. 
• Entrance: You will need to purchase a Yosemite day permit to enter the park. There is a different Yosemite day use permit for cars and individuals. If you’re coming with a car, you will only need to pay the car fee inclusive of the passengers. 
• Reservation required: During peak season from May to September, you need to book a reservation to enter the park during peak hours (6am-4pm)
• Permits: Yosemite permits day use: Some areas of the park require a permit. You can find more information here. 
• Accommodation booking needed: Campsites, and lodges require a booking. We recommend booking in advance especially if you are visiting during the high season.
• Cell reception: Cell reception can be limited in the park so we recommend downloading any maps that you would need and letting your close circle know where you are. Remember to adopt a safe approach when meeting wildlife as well a you may not be able to call for help right away!
• Gas stations: There are no gas station in the park so make sure you fill your tank before reaching the entrance.
• Where to get information in the park: There are several visitor centres and museums where you can get information about the park. Those include the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, and Yosemite Museum which are opened all year round, Valley wilderness Center opened from May to October, the Happy Islands Art and Nature Centre and the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Centre opened from May to September. 
• Roadway: Note that the SouthDrive road heads from West to East while the NorthDrive road heads from East to West. In 2022, the park has modified the circulation ways in Yosemite village to relieve traffic congestion. 

Where to eat during your 2 days in Yosemite National Park

As there are a lot of things to see in Yosemite in 2 days, it’s no doubt that you will get hungry at some point (we did!). Here are some pointers of where you can eat in Yosemite.

Restaurants for your Yosemite 2 day itinerary

There are over 10 restaurants in the park making it easy to find all sorts of food from snacks to full on dinners. 

For a quick meal on the go, Village Grill, Meadow Grill or Curry Village Pizza Patio are perfect as they serve sandwiches, pizza, burgers and vegetarian options. They are only open during the warmer months so be aware of that if visiting in the winter.

For a upscale dining experience or a Sunday brunch, the Ahwahnee Dining Room and the Mountain Room are a good pick. 

What we recommend to do for lunch

Although you can definitely stop at one of those to grab lunch (or dinner), this itinerary is built in a way that you probably own’t have much time to sit down for two hours.

We recommend that you bring your own lunch for the following reasons:

• Save money: Bringing your own lunch will allow you to save money and stay on budget. As you know, we love to bring our own food with us. Restaurants and food in general in parks and big attractions is often overpriced so it’s usually not worth it unless it is traditional food. 
• Optimise your time: Bringing your own lunch will allow you to optimise your time in the park and see a much as you want without having to make detours to a restaurant. This will allow you to make the most of your one day in Sequoia. 
• Immersion in the park: If you bring your own lunch, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the picnic areas in immersion in the park which is, in our experience, a much more memorable experience than sitting at a touristy restaurant.

Of course, if you bring your own food, you must abide by the safety rules of the park. In particular, you should hide the food in your car when going on trails so bears can’t see it. Once you’re done eating, you should throw away any waste and garbage into the bearproof garbage containers. 

Where to stay for a Yosemite 2 day tour

There are quite a few options of accommodations both inside and outside Yosemite National Parks that you can stay at on your Yosemite two day tour. Staying in Yosemite National Park will generally be much more expensive than staying in nearby towns. 

Yosemite National Park lodges and stays

• Yosemite Valley lodge: This lodge is known as the traditional lodge and is close to all main viewpoints
• The Ahwahnee: This hotel is the only luxury hotel in the park
• The Wawona hotel: this is a Victorian style hotel located near Mariposa Grove
• Camping experiences: There are several campgrounds in the park including Curry village, Housekeeping Camp, High Sierra Camps and Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. From tents to open air experiences, these are best for couples who love the outdoors and want to visit in the summer. 

You can find if your dates are available for booking here. 

Independent lodges near or in the park 

These accommodations are often cheaper than staying at one of Yosemite owned lodges. Here are a few options that we recommend.

• These Yurts for a glamping experience in Harden Flat by Tuolumne Meadows.
• This incredible and all equipped residence in Yosemite West. With large windows and beautiful fire places, this is the perfect place to relax and get immersed in the park.
• This very scenic A frame in Yosemite West just 30 minutes form Yosemite Village.
• With a jacuzzi and an outdoor pool, this hotel is great for couples who want to stay the night close to the park for a cheaper budget but with romantic amenities!
• If you’d like to stay at a typical West Coast style lodge just 3km from Yosemite, you will love this gorgeous lodge which offers a spa, a pool and a hot tub.
• Want to stay at a lodge that includes a hot tub, beautiful views and where you can have lunch or dinner by the pool? This lodge might be just what you are looking for!

Our experience staying near Yosemite

We were on a full on West Coast road trip and decided to spend some time at Yosemite National Park. From Sequoia, we drove to Fresno where we stayed at this hotel. It was very comfortable and budget-friendly. We would recommend it for couples who are looking for a modern hotel near the park. 

When is the best time to visit Yosemite

Yosemite 2 day itinerary in spring and fall 

Most of the things to do in Yosemite in May and September are similar to summer. Although some shuttles aren’t in operation in May, a number of shuttles that take you to the main viewpoints are. During that time, the weather is cooler than summer but also comfortable. This is quite a nice weather for hiking and seeing wildflowers. 

Spring and fall are great seasons to visit as the park is less crowded than summer and also offers cheaper accommodations. 

That said, there are a few points to consider at those times of the year. For example, the waterfalls won’t be as free-flowing as during summer. 

Yosemite 2 day itinerary winter

In the winter, Yosemite is usually covered in snow turning in into a winter wonderland. Some of the cabins for rent are even called Christmas cabins because of how christmasy the park looks at that time of the year. Snow in the park can come as soon as October with heavy snowfalls in November that sometimes last until March or April. 

Although Yosemite in the snow would look quite memorable, a Yosemite winter itinerary would also look quite different from the one in this post. Indeed, in the winter, part of the roads and viewpoints are closed because of the road conditions. For example, Glacier Point and Tiago Pass are inaccessible during that time of the year. you might even be require to use tyre chains. This means that while visiting Yosemite in the winter is pretty, you won’t be able to see everything the park has to offer. 

In addition, most of the free shuttles that operate in the park only operate from May to September with some only in operation during July and August. This means that during the winter, you will need a car whereas in the summer, you’ll be able to save some money using the shuttles if you want to. 

That said, there are advantages to visiting Yosemite for 2 days in the winter. The first one is that the park is a lot less crowded so you can find parking a lot easier and you won’t be bothered by groups of tourists. The second one is that accommodations are slightly cheaper at that time so you can get good deals!

Yosemite 2 day itinerary summer

Summer is definitely the best season to spend 2 days in Yosemite National Park. There are pros and cons visiting the park in the summer. 

Pros to visiting Yosemite in the summer

During the summer, all shuttles and attractions in the park are operating full time. This is the perfect time to visit the park if you want to make use of the free shuttles to save money. It’s also the perfect time of the year to make use of this Yosemite 2 day itinerary as every viewpoint is open during that season.

It’s also the best time to see blooming wildflowers, wildlife (including bears), full-flowing waterfalls, and have the best weather. 

Cons to visiting Yosemite in the summer

Over 70% of visitors come to Yosemite in the summer. This comes with traffic that can be a bit heavy and difficulties to park your car after 10am. 

Our experience

We visited Yosemite in the summer. We had a great experience and honestly, the park didn’t feel that busy! We managed to park everywhere we wanted to and also made use of the free shuttle to Glacier Point. We had gorgeous weather and were able to enjoy the space without it feeling crowded. 

What to wear on your Yosemite 2 day trip

During the summer, you can wear light outfits. Shorts and tank tops with sandals are perfectly suitable for a visit in Yosemite. This itinerary includes a couple of short hikes so we would recommend wearing comfortable shoes and actual hiking shoes if you plan on doing more difficult walks. 

In the winter, we recommend wearing warm clothes and a winter coat. You’ll want to wear waterproof walking boots as well to be isolated from the snow and cold. 

In the fall and spring, although the day temperature is comfortable, nights are chilly so you’ll want to bring a sweater or even a light coat. You’ll also want to wear leggings as shorts might be too light. 

What wildlife will you see on your 2 days in Yosemite?

Yosemite National Parks is home to a range of wild animals including 400 species of mammals, amphibians, birds, reptiles and fish. The mammals present in the park include hundreds of black bears, Sierra Nevada red foxes, mountain lions, bats, deer, chipmunks and Pacific fishers. Other species include frogs, lizards, snakes and trouts. 

The best spot to see black bears in Yosemite is between Lower Yosemite Falls and the Ahwahnee on the Valley Loop Trail. Black bears are attracted to logs where they can dig for a snack. They can also be spotted in the Curry Village area, the Pines campgrounds and in the Lodge parking lot. 

In our experience, we didn’t see any bears in Yosemite although we did see a couple (quite up close) in Sequoia National Park. We saw a lot of rodents though, some cute and some a bit scary (they were bigger lol). 

What to do near Yosemite

Although this Yosemite National Park itinerary is quite busy and will definitely fill up your two days in the park, it is likely that visiting Yosemite won’t be your only stop in California. In this section, we included a number of destinations that are near Yosemite and worth checking out whether that is for a day trip or for continuing your road trip across the West of the USA. 

San Francisco

Located just a 4 hour drive from San Francisco, Yosemite is the closest national park to the city. If you’re spending a few weeks on the West Coast, a Yosemite day trip from SF is a great idea. Whether you are visiting San Francisco before or after Yosemite, there is plenty to do in the city. 

We would recommend spending at least a couple of days in San Francisco if you’ve never been. Some of the highlights you should add to your SF trip include visiting the seals on Pier 39, heading to Twin Peaks, driving across the Golden Gate Bridge and exploring Sausalito. For a full itinerary of San Francisco, you can check our complete San Francisco guide here. 

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is located just south of Yosemite National Park and is often overlooked by visitors. It’s a gorgeous park known for being home to the biggest sequoias in the world. One of the most famous giant sequoia trees located in Sequoia Park is the General Sherman Tree. You won’t believe how big that tree is until you stand next to it and look like a little aunt!

Other remarkable areas of Sequoia Park include the giant sequoia groves, the Giant Forest and of course, the Big Trees Trail. You can find our detailed guide of how to spend a day in Sequoia National Park here.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is one of the National Parks that impressed us the most. While Sequoia and Yosemite are lush and rocky, the Death Valley is dry and desert looking. It’s one of the main visits to add to your US West Coast Itinerary. Highlights of the park include Artists Palette, Dante’s View and Badwater Basin. Don’t forget to fill up your tank with gas before entering Death Valley.

Mammoth Lakes 

Mammoth Lakes is a resort town located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range East of Yosemite National Park. It is a great place for couples who are fond of the outdoors whether that be in the summer or in the winter.

During winter, the mountains turn into a magic winter wonderland and skiing becomes one of the main activities of the area. June Mountain and Mammoth mountain are two of the popular ski areas with  incredible views on the Sierra Nevada.

During summer, Mammoth Lakes becomes a wilderness park perfect for anyone who likes to hike and explore nature’s beauty. Among the highlights of Mammoth Lakes, you’ll find the Hot Creek geological site which is a site with geysers and hot springs reminding anyone of Yellowstone. Of course, if you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll need to spend time at the lakes, including Twin Lakes and Convict Lake. 

Other highlights include Rainbow Falls, the highest waterfall on San Joaquin River at 101 feet/31 meters high. The site was created by an eruption of lava about 75,000 years ago. Of course, while in Mammoth Lakes, you’ll have to stop by the Devils Postpone National Monument, which is a unique basalt rock formation forming tall columns assembled together in a row. 

East of Mammoth Lakes, you’ll also find the Hilltop Hot Springs, where you can bathe with views over the mountain range. 

Lake Tahoe, a beauty to visit after your Yosemite 2 day itinerary

Also located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, Lake Tahoe sits on the border between California and Nevada, east of Yosemite National Park. 

Whether you are visiting in the winter or the summer, you will not run short of things to do at Lake Tahoe. In the winter, the mountains around the lake open for skiing. Popular skiing resorts around Lake Tahoe include Northstar California Resort, Diamond Peak Ski Resort and Granlibakken Ski and Sled Hill.

If I were to pick a favourite time to visit Lake Tahoe, I would definitely pick summer though as it offers endless possibilities at that time of the year. On the lake itself, you’ll want to head to Kiva Beach which offers stunning views on the mountains, Burnt Cedar Beach, Kings Beach and Sand Harbor Beach for a typical West Coast scenery.

Beside beaches and checking out the hot springs, you can get active around Lake Tahoe by heading to Emerald Bay State Park, a state park located right near the lake and offering stunning views on the lake, mountains, and particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset. While in Emerald Bay State Park, you’ll want to head to Eagle Falls via the Eagle Falls trail in the El Dorado National Forest. The falls are easily accessible via a short walk from the road. You can even finish your walk by swimming in the lake! Other waterfalls include Glen alpine Falls and Cascade Falls. 

While in Lake Tahoe, you can also explore Cave rock and Bonsai Rock, go river rafting, and observe black bears in Burton Creek State Park. If you want to, you can definitely spend a week or two exploring the lake and its surrounding areas!

Fresno 

Fresno is a common stop spot for visitors heading to either Sequoia and Kings National Parks and Yosemite National Park as it is one of the main cities closest to these parks. Staying in Fresno is usually much cheaper than staying the parks themselves allowing visitors to save money while providing accommodations close enough to the parks. 

But Fresno is also worth a visit if you have a day or half day to fill. Fresno is located west of Yosemite National Park in the San Joaquin Valley. One aspect of Fresno that is worth spending time on is the history of the city. From the Fresno Historical Society Museum to the Saint John’s Cathedral, Fresno has lots of history to tell. The Kearney Mansion Museum, a ranch from 1903 and the Victorian Meux Home Museum are also historical visits that are worth doing while in the city. 

Of course, as Fresno is located in California, you’ll have to stop by a winery. Popular ones include the Birdstone Winery and the Toca Madera winery. 

In spring, you’ll want to check out the Fresno Country Blossom Trail to see the cherry trees blossoming with pink flowers. Another popular visit in Fresno is the architectural visit of the Forestiere Underground Gardens which are sunken gardens built over 40 years from 1906 to 1946. 

Stockton

Stockton is even closer to Yosemite than San Francisco and is equally as nice to visit! Located about a 3 hour drive to San Francisco, the city of Stockton has lots to offer for at least a day trip.

While in Stockton, you’ll want to visit the Harney Lane Winery, the Mettler Vineyard and the University Park World Peace Rose Garden. Stockton is also really close to a couple of regional parks including Oak Grove Regional Park and Micke Grove Park. In Oak Grove Regional Park, you’ll want to spend some time at Oak Grove Lake, and at the nature center. 

All together, we would recommend spending a day in Stockton, which makes it a great stop on your road trip from Yosemite to San Francisco. 

Visalia

Visalia is one of the few towns located near Sequoia National Park. It is located about 42 minutes from the Ash Mountain Entrance which makes it a good stop before entering the park. 

Although the town is not too big, there are quite a few things to do here. The first thing to do in Visalia is visiting the Farmers’ Market on West Caldwell Avenue. As you may know, this area of California is home to grounds that are very fertile. You’ll find a lot of the produce that grew in the area at the market, along with crafts, arts and body products. 

Visalia is also home to a lot of historic buildings which include the 1930s Fox Theatre on West Main Street. With its tall tower and its unique architecture, the theatre is still used to this day. If you are spending a night in Visalia, it might be your chance to check out the programme for a fun night!

Other attractions in Visalia include the street art and Mooney Grove Park. Visalia is nice to stop at for a few hours before or after visiting Sequoia National Park. 

Sierra National Forest

Between Sequoia National Park and Yosemite National Park, you’ll find Sierra National Forest. The Sierra National Forest is a great destination to visit after Sequoia National Park if you don’t have time or the will to go all the way to Yosemite. Although completely different, Sierra Nationla Forest has lots to offer. Highlights include the Devils Postpile National Monument, hiking the John Muir Trail and stopping by the ranch, and Terminus Dam. Other visits include Big Creek Waterfall, Lewis Diversion channel and Selden Pass. 

Yosemite Q&As

Can you do Yosemite in 2 days?

If you are wondering “Is 2 days in Yosemite enough”, the answer is yes. The minimum we recommend is spending one day in the park but 2 days in Yosemite will allow you to see all the main landmarks of the park. In 2 days, you will be able to explore the Yosemite Valley area, Mariposa and Yosemite Village. 

Is it worth going to Yosemite for a day?

Yes, a full day in Yosemite is worth it. In one day, you’ll be able to see most of the main landmarks of the park such as Glacier Point, Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. Although one day is not enough to see everything in Yosemite, it is still worth coming to the park.

How many days should I spend at Yosemite?

How many days you should spend in Yosemite depends on what you like to do in national parks. If you are like us and want to see the main landmarks of the park and throw in a couple of easy walks, one or two days in Yosemite is enough. 

If you would like to explore some of the less visited areas of the park and go on a few longer hikes, we would recommend taking a 3 day Yosemite weekend trip or even staying in the park for 4 days. 

Spending two or three days in Yosemite will allow you to integrate the park to a West Coast Road Trip. 

Now, if you are looking to experience the park to the fullest and are not pressed by time, you could easily spend a week in Yosemite. That time will allow you to go on longer hikes, immerse yourself in areas surrounding Yosemite Valley and explore less visited places like Hetch Hetchy and Tiago Pass. 

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