Hey everyone! My spouse and 2.5 yr old are doing a big California loop in late May — after Memorial Day, flying into SFO and renting a car. I've put together a rough itinerary but have a bunch of questions, especially around SF parking anxiety and a few decision points. Would love your honest feedback!
---
**Day 1 — San Francisco arrival (~11.30 AM SFO)**
Picking up rental car, Costco run for the week's supplies, then: Painted Ladies → Lombard Street → Golden Gate Bridge → Muir Beach Overlook for sunset → Battery Spencer for twilight GGB views. (All without parking in the city). Overnight near San Jose.
**Day 2 — Monterey & Carmel**
Head to Monterrey bay aquarium → Carmel for a beach evening, and overnight in Carmell.
**Day 3 — Big Sur → drive toward Sequoia**
Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, then drive toward Fresno for overnight stay.
**Day 4 — Sequoia NP → Oakhurst**
General Sherman Tree, then drive toward Oakhurst area for the night.
**Day 5 — Yosemite Valley**
Tunnel View at sunrise → Lower Yosemite Falls → Mirror Lake trail → Mist Trail to Vernal Falls → Glacier Point for sunset. Overnight near Mariposa.
**Day 6 — Tioga Pass to Tahoe**
Drive to Lake Tahoe via Tioga Pass with a stop at Tenaya Lake. Overnight at Lake Tahoe
**Day 7 — Lake Tahoe**
Sand Harbor, Baldwin Beach, maybe the Heavenly Gondola. Then drive toward Sacramento area for the night.
**Day 8 — Return to SFO (1 PM flight)**
Departing Sacramento to SFO.
---
**My questions:**
- Day 1 is very packed landing at noon. What would you cut or reorder? Anything else we can overlook from driving around in the car in the city?
- Day 2: Extra SF day with a toddler? Also is Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39 (sea lions!) worth it as I am stressed about parking with a full load of luggage and Costco supplies in the car. Should we use bounce.com to drop off luggage and park in public spaces?
- Is Tioga Pass reliably open late May? Considering low snowpack this season and the road is already open for bikes.
- Sand Harbor vs Baldwin Beach for a toddler? Is the Heavenly Gondola worth it with a young kid?
- Sleep in South Lake Tahoe the night before the flight, or drive to Sacramento for an easier morning?
- Any restaurants or hotels worth visiting along this route?
Any hidden gems, timing tips, or "you'll regret not doing this" suggestions are hugely welcome. Thanks!