Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip is a journey full of iconic and captivating spots, this journey capture the heart of people and offers them to witness hidden gems of California, this famous route is not just about reaching destination it is about discovering hidden gems. California is famous for its charming recreational spots, sunny beaches and natural beauty when you start a road trip in this state you open gate way to explore captivating spots.
When you start your journey from Los Angeles to Yosemite National park you will enjoy one of your best road trip experience that passes through many iconic spots and beaches. In this article we will virtually explore 10 most iconic spots while going from Los Angeles to Yosemite National park, by exploring these beautiful spots you will understand why this is not just a route.
- Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles
- Solvang Village Los Angeles to Yosemite Road trip
- Santa Barbara
- Pismo Beach on Way From Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip
- Hearst Castle
- Big Sur On Los Angles to Yosemite Road trip
- Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Yosemite Valley
- Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
- Mammoth Lakes
- Thoughts on Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip
Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles
On Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip, Griffith Observatory is located on Hollywood hills that provide excellent views of Los Angeles city from height. It is captivating landmark on hills that is famous for its beautiful views and starry nights, it was built in 1935 and become one of the most important place of Los Angeles. It was created on vision of Griffith that everyone has access to astronomy ad today this observatory stand as proof to their devotion and hard work.
Starry Nights at Griffith Observatory
Griffith observatory is famous for its starry nights and it has become a perfect spot for star gazers, location of Griffith observatory has make this place more important because it is far from lights of city. People can also visit Public Star Parties where astronomers and many experts gathers and share their knowledge with people about telescopes and instruments. This laboratory has modern Zeiss star projector that cast realistic picture of sky on dome of laboratory in night that take visitors to space.
Beautiful and Breathtaking Views
While going from Los Angeles to Yosemite if you want to see beautiful views then this spot is perfect stop for you it present the most captivating view of Los Angeles city. Whole city is spread beneath it people can also have sight on Pacific Ocean, lights of this observatory seems to be stars from city.
Solvang Village Los Angeles to Yosemite Road trip
Having a road trip from Los Angeles to Yosemite a beautiful Village located in Santa Ynez valley it is gateway to the cultural exploration and old world. Solvang enclave is inspired from Danish that can take you to the world of Californian charm and history it is famous for its beautiful architecture. It was founded in 1911 by Danis people who migrated here walking in streets of this village seems to be fairy tales buildings made by wood and stars decorated by flowers can take you to the village of Europe.
Architecture of Solvang Village
One of the most famous feature of this village is its beautiful and charming architecture buildings of village is made on Danish architecture like buildings made by wood and having balconies, the captivating round tower is standing as a beautiful visiting point that provides beautiful views and sights of this village.
Tasting Yummy Danish Dishes
Cooking style of this beautiful village is cultural and delicious you can smell fresh made pastries smell while walking in streets that attract visitors toward bakeries, you can get involve in Danish cultural dishes like flaky pastry and buttery danishes.
Shops
Beautiful storefronts of this village offers distinctive shops and boutiques which you can buy or have look on while traveling from Los Angeles to Yosemite National park. You can explore different hand crafted items by local artisans and can appreciate their skills and talent they make different lace works and handmade wooden toys.
Festivals and Events in Solvang
You can take part in various festivals and events while traveling from Los Angeles to Yosemite national park because this village celebrates many festivals and events like annual Danish day festival, music, dance, foods and parade. Christmas transform entire look of village vacation events and decorations captivate hearts of every traveler.
Santa Barbara
While going for Los Angeles to Yosemite the most famous Santa Barbara is located on coastline of South California it s also known a American Riviera, Santa Barbara is famous for its sunny beaches, art, architecture and culture that provide tourists beautiful and everlasting experience. It is like heaven of natural beauty long coastlines extended for miles with Santa Ynez mountains, this place has many activities like resting on east beach, watching surfers and hiking with beautiful views.
This city is inspired by Spanish architecture while walking in streets of Santa Barbara you can observe red tiles roof, balconies made by iron and historic Santa Barbara State house is Spanish design marvel. Streets of Santa Barbara is full of shops, boutiques and culture, you can find different boutiques shops and can find dining places and enjoy Farm to Table foods.
To have extraordinary experience visit Santa Barbara funk zone this place is full of artisans and designers here you can find beautiful galleries and walls. Just beyond Santa Barbara city there is heaven for wine lovers, this city is famous for its wineries. Life in this city is around coastline that is why there are many water activities this city has to offer like paddle boarding and kayaking or sailing.
Pismo Beach on Way From Los Angeles to Yosemite Road Trip
Pismo Beach is located on way from Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip in sunny coastline of California, it is place famous for natural marvels, outdoor activities and city of comfort located on beach. Pismo beach has something for everyone that can make this spot perfect for people of every age, there are sandy beaches extended for miles that offers perfect place for outing and recreation. You can enjoy many activities like sunrise or making and castle on beach with family or just walk along ocean in magical beach.
Pier
If you want to enjoy pier adventure while having trip from Los Angeles to Yosemite Pismo beach pier is perfect spot for you it is important point for fishing.
Outdoor Adventure
Pismo beach is heaven of outdoor activities you can explore sand dunes and conquer them by hiking, even this place provide excellent opportunity of sand boarding.
Sunset Beauty
Going from Los Angeles to Yosemite you can witness magical sunset beneath horizon from this beautiful beach, stop on beach find perfect place to fitness charm of magical sunset that changes colours of sky.
Hearst Castle
While going from Los Angeles to Yosemite Hearst castle is one of the most iconic destination, it is located on beautiful beach of California. It was once private estate of William Randolph Hearst now it has became an important part of American culture and history the story of this castle start in beginning of 20th century. Famous William Randolph Hearst dream of building beautiful estate that was inspired by European castles construction of this castle begin in 1919. Architecture of this castle is mixture of Spanish and Mediterranean architecture this castle has 165 rooms and hand inscribed ceilings.
Art
Most famous and attractive feature of this castle is its art collection William Randolph was fond of art collection walls of castle is full of art collections and cultural sculpture.
Gardens
Castle has beautiful and iconic gardens outside its walls there is Neptune pool with its charming roman design, and beauty of these gardens are enhance by mountains in background. People can relax in these green and relaxing atmosphere of gardens and can leave daily hassle and tensions of life behind.
Big Sur On Los Angles to Yosemite Road trip
It is another famous and iconic stop from Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip it is located on rough and rugged coastline of California and is heaven for nature lovers. It is famous for its cliffs, historic beaches and is proof of natural beauty of California, Big Sur name is translated from Spanish which means Big south that represent its geographical description. It is located on historic coastline extended along Highway 1 of California it has many cliffs and views of Pacific Ocean that can provide beautiful experience on Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip.
Outdoor Adventures
Big Sur is known as heaven for outdoor activities or adventure lovers people who love hiking, camping or nature lover consider this place as best stop on Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip. It has many famous spots like MacWay Falls located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park is hidden gem where water falls on sandy beach making beautiful view.
Beautiful Drives
Driving car on highway 1 of California is amazing experience this highway offer many charming and beautiful views that can make your Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip a great experience. Stop on famous Hurricane points or man other iconic points to make trip more exciting and beautiful, you can also visit historic light house.
Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea
Located on coastlines of California, Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea are two most beautiful point on Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip. Beaches of Monterey is heaven for nature lovers it include iconic The lone Cypress and many cliffs from where you can witness the extend of Pacific Ocean. Monterey bay aquarium is famous for observing and securing marine life you can visit marine life that include sea otters, penguins and jelly fish etc.
For people who love outdoor activities Monterey offers variety of activities and adventures for them, you can go for watching whales and can hike on beautiful trails. You can also rent kayak for exploring kelp forest or marine life of Monterey this adventure can make experience more enjoying. Carmel is famous for its charming and unique designs you can walk in town and observe beautiful houses made with unique architecture.
Carmel is city of art and artisans it has more than 100 art galleries and paintings, it present sculptures and photography you can also visit unique boutiques shops. Carmel beach with its beautiful white sand and ocean waves make atmosphere relaxing and more beautiful although Carmel is small in size but can offer delicious food points.
Yosemite Valley
This paradise is located in middle of Sierra Nevada mountains it is world full of natures wonders it is part of Yosemite national park. It is heaven for outdoor adventure lovers and photographers the most satisfying feature of this valley is its waterfalls it has many famous waterfalls like Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Fall and Vernal Fall. When you explore beauty and charm of this natural marvel you will be surprised especially in spring season when beauty is on peak.
This valley is considered as home for many rocks shape the most iconic formations are El Capitan and Half Dome that attract people. You can find beautiful hiking trails that can take you to these spots in this valley their is big network of routes for walking and enjoying. Wether you want a walk between flowers or seeks adventurous hike to reach Half dome this spot has perfect experience. This valley is also home to wildlife including black bears, mules, deer and many bird specie that is why this is also perfect place for photographers.
People can also witness stars because of its remote location and low light it is perfect place for star gazers, in night sky fills with stars you can also witness meteor showers or galaxy.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
On Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip Mariposa Grove is located in Yosemite National park and is known as realm of giants, this place is home for more than 500 mature giant sequoias. Average age of these giant sequoias is more than 2000 years these large trees can reach the height of 30ft this property make them true marvel of world. The most famous and iconic tree is Grizzly giant that is known for its height and flexibility and is one of the most tap and old tree.
Although it is not present now but tunnel tree was once the most iconic and charming point of Mariposa Grove and even California later the tree fall. This place is not just about these giant trees but it is laboratory to understand the atmosphere and these trees of forest. To make experience memorable you can hike Grizzly loop trail this trail passes through the giant and old trees including the famous Grizzly giant.
Mammoth Lakes
It is located on height and is hidden gem waiting to be explored it is heaven for outdoor adventure lovers, this place offers many activities and experiences throughout the year. Mammoth lakes is located on 7880 ft height and is surrounded by Sierra Nevada mountains in summer it offers green meadows, crystal lakes and perfect spot for fishing. In winter this place transformed itself in wonder land of skiing and snowboarding that attract people and provide them extraordinary experience.
Mammoth resort famous place for skiing is heaven for people who like winter with its 3500 acre skiable area it has something for everyone, in summer these mountains become place for hiking and hosts many festivals. It has many crystal white lakes the name of this place is because of its alpine lakes Convict lake, June lake and Twin lakes are nearby gems waiting to be explored.
Area around Mammoth lakes is surrounded by many hot springs that offers relaxing place for visitors wether you are looking for modern hot spring resort or wilderness soak this place has spots that suites your preferences. This spot on Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip offers exciting hiking trails you can explore Ansel Adams wilderness or can hike toward old alpine lakes this is best experience you have ever imagine of.
Thoughts on Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip
When we finish Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip from streets of Los Angeles to the iconic Yosemite National park we understand that there is no limit to the beauty of California. This journey provide exciting and promising experience for people pf every age California has something to offer for everyone. This journey include beautiful views and charm of Griffith Observatory to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias every stop on this journey provides you exciting and delightful experience. Solvang’s beautiful roads and iconic cliffs of Big Sur provides beautiful road trip experience and leave marks on your memory that lasts forever.
Monterey and Carmel-by-the-sea is perfect spot on Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip for people who love outdoor activities and fun, imagine you are standing on Yosemite iconic rock formation you will praise the beauty and charm of nature. Journey it self with its beautiful views and roads become destination, this road trip helps you enjoy every moment and discover hidden gems of California. Every stop has different charm and beauty so wether you are enjoying starry nights at Griffith observatory or achieving the heights of Mammoth lakes this journey leave permanent marks on your memory.
Safety is always first priority always follow security steps and fasten seat belt while driving or travelling have a safe and joyful experience of Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip.