9 days in Yosemite National Park, Santa Cruz & San Francisco Itinerary

Massive granite mountains, towering waterfalls, groves of Giant Sequoia trees, and wilderness as far as the eye can see distinguish the landscape of Yosemite National Park.

Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias has been added to your itinerary. There's lots more to do: hike along Tuolumne Meadows, take in the dramatic natural features at Sentinel Dome, stroll around Mariposa Grove, and don't miss a visit to Olmsted Point.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, read Yosemite National Park trip planner.

Columbus to Yosemite National Park is an approximately 11-hour combination of flight and car. You can also drive. The time zone difference when traveling from Columbus to Yosemite National Park is minus 3 hours. Traveling from Columbus in September, you will find days in Yosemite National Park are slightly colder (74°F), and nights are cooler (38°F). You will have some time to spend on the 7th (Wed) before leaving for Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz remains synonymous with surfing, but this counterculture bastion offers plenty even if you don't plan to catch any waves.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Municipal Rose Garden, Chardonnay Sailing Charters and Hakone Gardens. Kick off your visit on the 7th (Wed): admire the natural beauty at Hakone Gardens, take in nature's colorful creations at Municipal Rose Garden, then get in on the family fun at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and finally head outdoors with Chardonnay Sailing Charters.

For more things to do, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Santa Cruz tour itinerary tool.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Yosemite National Park to Santa Cruz. Traveling from Yosemite National Park in September, expect a bit warmer with lows of 55°F in Santa Cruz. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Wed) so you can drive to San Francisco.

San Francisco is a top holiday destination featuring scenic beauty and great ethnic and cultural diversity.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Painted Ladies Tour Company as well as Japanese Tea Garden. Next up on the itinerary: head off the coast to Alcatraz Island, wander the streets of Fisherman's Wharf, and steep yourself in history at SS Jeremiah O'Brien.

To see photos and tourist information, read our San Francisco trip planner.

Getting from Santa Cruz to San Francisco by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In September, daily temperatures in San Francisco can reach 76°F, while at night they dip to 58°F. On the 11th (Sun), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.