If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite National Park, a road trip from Sacramento makes for an unforgettable journey. We recently did a 3-night adventure, mixing wine country, history, and Yosemite’s incredible natural beauty.

Here’s everything we did and what you should know if you’re planning your own trip.



Stops Along the Way

  • Lodi Wine Visitor Center – A must-stop for wine lovers, featuring one of the most curated wine selections I’ve ever seen, tastings, and an educational vineyard exhibit.

  • Iron Door Saloon – Said to be the oldest bar in California, this was our lunch stop. Delicious burgers, wings, and a quirky slice of history.

Staying in Yosemite Valley

We spent two nights at the Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite’s historic and most luxurious lodge. Our king room had views of Half Dome and plenty of cozy charm.

Meals in Yosemite

  • Yosemite Valley Lodge Restaurant – Mussels with a rich sauce and perfectly cooked trout with incredible views.

  • The Ahwahnee Lounge – Relaxed bites like meatballs and a cold noodle salad while watching the sunset over Half Dome.

  • The Cafeteria at Yosemite Valley Lodge – Grab-and-go style; we tried the Mexican stand for fajita bowls.

Tours We Took

  • Valley Floor Tour – A two-hour ranger-led tram ride covering Yosemite’s biodiversity, famous granite formations like El Capitan, and the importance of meadows and rivers.

  • Glacier Point Tour – A bus ride with commentary leading to one of Yosemite’s most iconic viewpoints of Half Dome and the valley below.

We were also lucky enough to catch Yosemite Falls still flowing late in the season after a storm.

Exploring Beyond the Park

  • Columbia State Park – A preserved Gold Rush town with free guided tours, gold panning, and a historic stagecoach. We enjoyed a unique pickle pizza at St. Charles Saloon.

  • Calaveras Big Trees State Park – Unfortunately, parking was full and the North Grove Trail was closed, so this was more of a scenic drive than a hike.

✅ Pros of This Yosemite Itinerary

  • Combines wine, history, and nature for a well-rounded road trip

  • Staying inside Yosemite Valley saves time and offers iconic views

  • Ranger-led tours give context and depth to the park’s history and geology

  • Dining options range from casual grab-and-go to historic lodges

  • Stops at Lodi Wine Center and Columbia State Park make the drive more enjoyable

❌ Cons of This Yosemite Itinerary

  • Windy mountain roads can be stressful for drivers

  • Yosemite lodging can be pricey and books up quickly

  • Some attractions (like Calaveras Big Trees trails) may be crowded or closed

  • Shared tours and dining may limit flexibility

  • Weather and water flow can greatly affect waterfall experiences

Final Thoughts

This 3-day Yosemite road trip from Sacramento gave us a little bit of everything: wine country tastings, Gold Rush history, and some of California’s most breathtaking scenery. Staying inside the park at the Ahwahnee made it even more special.

If you’re looking to combine culture, history, and nature in one trip, this is a fantastic way to do it.