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Question

Arriving SFO May 30, renting car driving to Yosemite where have reservations for 3 nights then one night in Sequoia. Have made a reservation in Cambria on June 3 to see Hearst Castle/area. June 4&5 thinking Monterey and then back to SF for June 6-9 where we have reservations. Does this make sense? I just need to make reservations the 4&5 if this sounds reasonable. Trip planning is stressful!

Answer

Your itinerary is ambitious but overall doable, though it will involve a fair amount of driving. Breaking it down step by step:

Arriving at SFO on May 30 and heading directly to Yosemite is reasonable, especially if you plan to pick up your rental car and hit the road early. The drive from SFO to Yosemite Valley takes about 4-5 hours depending on traffic and your chosen route, so you’ll likely arrive in the afternoon. Your 3-night stay in Yosemite gives you two full days to explore the main highlights, which is sufficient for a first visit to see Yosemite Valley, waterfalls, and some short hikes.

After Yosemite, you plan one night in Sequoia. From Yosemite Valley to Sequoia National Park, the drive is about 4-5 hours, so this will be a full day of driving. Spending one night there is enough to see some of the main attractions, like the Giant Forest and General Sherman Tree, but you’ll be on a tight schedule if you want more hiking.

Next, you have a reservation in Cambria for June 3 to see Hearst Castle and the surrounding area. From Sequoia to Cambria, the drive is around 4-5 hours. Staying in Cambria for one night is perfect for a morning visit to Hearst Castle and possibly a quick walk on the nearby beaches or charming downtown before continuing south.

For June 4-5, Monterey is your next stop. Cambria to Monterey is roughly a 3-4 hour drive along scenic Highway 1. Monterey and nearby Carmel offer beautiful coastal scenery, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive, and charming town walks. Two nights here are reasonable and provide time to enjoy the area without feeling rushed.

Finally, returning to San Francisco for June 6-9 gives you four days in the city. This is plenty of time to explore San Francisco’s neighborhoods, Golden Gate Park, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, and possibly a day trip to nearby Muir Woods or Napa/Sonoma.

Summary of potential considerations:

The Yosemite to Sequoia leg is the longest drive and could be tiring. Consider leaving early or breaking it up with a stop in Fresno or another midpoint.
One night in Sequoia is enough for a brief visit, but if you want more hiking or to explore more remote areas, consider adding an extra night.
Highway 1 between Cambria and Monterey can be slow due to scenic stops and winding roads, so plan extra time for travel.
Booking Monterey for June 4-5 is wise as it splits the coastal drive into manageable segments and allows time to enjoy the area.

Overall, your plan makes sense. You could secure reservations for Monterey for June 4-5 with confidence, and your sequence provides a mix of national parks, scenic coastline, and urban exploration without backtracking.

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