California's Majestic Park Road Trip: Sequoia, Kings Canyon, & Yosemite

A Memorable Road Trip Through California's National Parks

California is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States, and one of the best ways to experience them is by taking a road trip through its national parks. One of my favorite itineraries includes visiting Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks. This three-park journey covers some of the most iconic destinations in the state and offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, history, and adventure.

Planning Your Trip

If you're looking for a shorter trip, this itinerary can be completed in just three days. However, there’s plenty of time to explore each park more thoroughly or even add additional national parks to your route. California has nine national parks, so there's no shortage of places to discover.

For those who want to make the most of their trip, consider purchasing a National Park Pass before your journey. This pass grants access to all U.S. national parks and is a great investment for frequent travelers.

Day 1: From New Orleans to Kingsburg, California

The trip begins with a flight from New Orleans to Fresno, California. After landing, we stopped for dinner at In-N-Out Burger, a must-visit for any California road trip. We then made our way to Kingsburg and stayed at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Selma Kingburg.

On the way, we stopped at Bravo Farms for some ice cream, which was a hit with my mom. We also visited Visalia, the gateway to Sequoia National Park, and explored the city before heading to our hotel.

Day 2: Exploring Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

The second day started with breakfast at Butter + Milk Biscuit Bar in Visalia. We then drove to the Ash Mountain entrance of Sequoia National Park, where we picked up oranges from the Mesa Verde Ranch fruit stand.

We spent the day exploring Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Highlights included the Giant Forest Museum, Moro Rock, and the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume. We also visited the Lost Grove and took in the views from the Kings Canyon overlook.

After a full day of driving and sightseeing, we headed to Oakhurst, California, where we stayed at the Inelle Hotel. For dinner, we dined at El Cid Mexican Restaurant, known for its delicious food and amazing strawberry margaritas.

Day 3: Discovering Oakhurst

On the third day, we took it easy and explored Oakhurst. We had breakfast at O.M.F.G., a new restaurant in town, and enjoyed a ride on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. The historic steam train was a fun and relaxing way to see the area.

We also visited Reimers for ice cream and picked up some homemade fudge. Next, we shopped at Good Ol Things, a unique store filled with quirky items, and stopped by the Yosemite Falls Trading Post for souvenirs.

For dinner, we visited South Gate Brewing Company, where we tried their award-winning beers and even bought a crowler to take home.

Day 4: Yosemite National Park

The fourth day was dedicated to Yosemite National Park. We woke up early to beat the crowds and stopped at Judy's Donuts in Oakhurst for breakfast. Then, we made our way into the park and visited Tunnel View and Bridalveil Fall.

We also explored Yosemite Valley, taking a short walk to the Swinging Bridge and visiting the Ahwahnee Hotel. We continued to Tioga Road, where we saw Quaking Aspen Falls and Olmsted Point. Finally, we made our way to Glacier Point, where we viewed Half Dome from a new angle.

For dinner, we visited Aroma Restaurant and Buffalo Bar, where we enjoyed a delicious meal before heading back to our hotel.

Day 5: Farewell to Oakhurst

On the fifth day, we had breakfast at Ducey's on the Lake and took a drive around Bass Lake. We spotted a mother bear with her cubs, which was an exciting moment. We also stopped at Reimers for ice cream and visited Oakhurst Gift Works for souvenirs.

We ended the day with a visit to the talking bear statue and had dinner at Black Bear Diner in Madera. We stayed overnight at the SpringHill Suites Madera, which offered a convenient location close to the airport.

Day 6: Back to New Orleans

The final day began with a flight from Fresno back to New Orleans. As always, leaving California was bittersweet, but the memories made during this trip will last a lifetime.

Additional Tips

If you're planning a similar trip, consider visiting other national parks in the region, such as those in Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. You can also follow along with Park Ranger John on social media for more travel tips and updates.

Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or alone, a road trip through California's national parks is an unforgettable experience. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, you'll create lasting memories that you'll cherish for years to come.