Santa Barbara Travel Forum

Hello everyone,
Will be travelling from Santa Barbara to Yosemite during the day. Any suggestion for fantastic "pit-stops" or great lunch adventure along the way. Would appreciate any comment.
Cheers
Charles

When I was in San Francisco, I always flew when I went south, but to me, a Santa Barbara to Yosemite day trip seems a little ambitious, especially with stops. There also can be adverse weather and road conditions to consider. If you'll list your interests, and what time of year you are travelling, I'm sure you will be able to get a lot more feedback. Some links that might be helpful: http://www.weather.com,( a site where you can get international weather conditions and forecasts for up to 10 days), http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo,(for California highway conditions, delays, construction,etc.), and http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm,( a good link for the park itself). I hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Gary

Thanks Gary for the input,
We are travelling next wed. to Yosemite from Santa Barbara, I may have misspoken there in my posting. It is not a day trip , we are actually staying 2-3 days at a lodge in the park.

The fastest way (about 5 1/2 hours) from SB to Yosemite is to head back S on the 101, pick up the 126 East to the 5 and then head N until Fresno and then cut off towards Yosemite. However, this is nothing but boring. If you plan on a few more hours, head up towards San Luis Obispo, and then up past Big Sur to Monterey. Then cut over to Watsonville, los Banos and then back down to the 5 or go through Merced and then up to Yosemite You are going to have to cross the San Joaquin Valley in any event. At least this way you have great coastal views. Stop by Morro Bay. Numerous sea life viewing areas on the way to Monterey. Monterey and Carmel are both cool places to visit. Karl

Well if you want a good burger, you could go to the Colorado Grill in Fresno. Going North on 41, take the Herndon exit and head west (left turn) and get in the right lane. You will see it on the frontage road just after the underpass (200 feet or so). Take a right onto Blackstone and then the first right (sharp right) to get onto the frontage road. It is consistently voted Best Burger in town and it is right on the way to Yosemite.

If you want gourmet and expensive, you could go to Erna's Elderberry House in Oakhurst (also on Hwy 41) but I don't know if they serve lunch.

Although the 101 is a lot quicker taking route one is so much nicer you get all the coastel views. ALl the small towns on the way up are nice places but one of my favourites is Monterey bay it is a good bit up from santa barbara but it is really nice and has a great aqaurium. A plus point is there is many good sea food places on the pier and a brilliant sea water taffy shop. Not sure if this is any help but hope so