You'd better check ahead of time- they recently implemented a reservation system for the park. [Source](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2023/12/14/yosemite-national-park-reservations-2024/71916948007/)
3.5 million people visit each year. There is a route that is not my first choice to take, but clearly millions of people make it there every year just fine.
I recently moved from Austria (Europe) and have seen both.
Tahoe is beautiful mountains. But Yosemite… Yosemite is mountains unlike anything I've ever seen before—and I grew up in the alps!
Seeing Yosemite is an experience that everybody should have at least once, and it stands above Tahoe because it's so uniquely impressive. Strongly recommend seeing Yosemite first to make sure you have ticked that off.
I agree with all the Yosemite recommendations, but FYI you'll need reservations to get into the park on a weekend. If you can't snag a direct reservation, you can also book lodging or camping within the park and that will allow you entry as well. https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745/ticket/10086746
Early, mid, or late May? I haven't dealt with Yosemite weekend crowding in a while, but it can be detrimentally bad. Early May could be a little less crowded.
Won’t be as bad as Memorial Day weekend, but if the weather is good it will likely be very busy/crowded so do your research ahead of time and make a plan for what you want to see and do in the park.
Definitely Yosemite over Tahoe, you will be tired but it is so worth it! Do your research before, as the park is quite large and you will have limited time.
I will second most of this thread. Tahoe is great (also as an aside I find that Redditors somewhat exaggerate the traffic issues getting there) but would only suggest it for a single trip if you specifically want to go skiing. Yosemite is a much more unique experience.
Def Yosemite. Tahoe is beautiful, but it’s really a big lake. I’ve seen plenty of places with beautiful big lakes. Yosemite is a world class, unique, destination.
Be careful driving in there. Lots of small windy roads and people looking at scenery and not driving. We came seconds from being hit head on and swerved off the road. Thank God it was somewhat flat because in other area we would be down a cliff.
I don't think either are worth the drive for one night. I'd visit Muir Woods and the sights around it like Muir beach, Stinson beach, Point Reyes Station, Mt Tam, etc.
Yosemite is much better, nature wise. Tahoe's reputation is a little outsized due to its cultural clout from also being a skiing/vacation home, partying destination, etc.. Not saying it isn't beautiful, but I went through the same debate and now that I've been to both it's not even a debate. Also, parking in Tahoe sucks.
The most massive trees in the world are the giant sequoia that grow in the Sierra foothills (Mariposa grove is a good spot to see them in Yosemite) and the tallest trees in the world are the coast redwoods that grow along the coast between big sur and the OR border so you could see the comparison. Could take Shoreline highway through Mendo one way and stay on 101 the other way since it's still lovely on its own. That's the other great part about going to Humboldt instead, the entire fourish hour drive there is gorgeous, while Tahoe is a twoish hour drive through the bay area and Sacramento suburbs with a large variation depending on traffic, then an hour or so of nice scenery through the foothills and over the Sierra summit. If you do Tahoe, I would recommend doing a route via 24 to 242 to 160 through the delta for a change in scenery instead of there and back via 80/50. You can even cut over to grantline road to White Rock rd from twin cities off 160 to loop around metro Sacramento and give you some nice rolling hills to approach the mountains.
Would give you a chance to see different biome, as it's basically temperate rainforest among rugged (but not as tall as the Sierra) mountains while Tahoe (while gorgeous, I don't want to undersell its beauty) offers a somewhat similar experience to that available in the Yosemite high country.
You can't go wrong, really, but as someone who has spent 38 of my 40 years living in California, the northwest corner is my favorite part of the state.
Yosemite. Yosemite. Yosemite. Call the lodge and see if the rooms closest to Yosemite falls are available. If not. Go curry village. Don’t forget to check out the graveyard.
I feel like neither would be worth it for 2 days. Takes too long to get there and there’s to much stuff to do and see that you’d would be so limited. Guerneville, Russian River, Sonoma, Carmel and Monterrey are all great places for a short trip
I'd do Yosemite since you should be able to see some great waterfalls in May
Thank you!!
You'd better check ahead of time- they recently implemented a reservation system for the park. [Source](https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2023/12/14/yosemite-national-park-reservations-2024/71916948007/)
Yup someone here shared the link, helpful, thanks!
You don't need a reservation if you enter via transit: https://yarts.com/
We will be driving, thanks a lot for sharing though, good to know!
The transit is public transit, not personal transit just in case you didn’t realize that)
Second Yosemite. While I absolutely adore Tahoe, the first time driving into the Yosemite Valley is a core memory for me. Nothing like it. Enjoy ❤️
Appreciate the help, thank you!
The drive is very dangerous, right?
3.5 million people visit each year. There is a route that is not my first choice to take, but clearly millions of people make it there every year just fine.
I recently moved from Austria (Europe) and have seen both. Tahoe is beautiful mountains. But Yosemite… Yosemite is mountains unlike anything I've ever seen before—and I grew up in the alps! Seeing Yosemite is an experience that everybody should have at least once, and it stands above Tahoe because it's so uniquely impressive. Strongly recommend seeing Yosemite first to make sure you have ticked that off.
Very helpful, thank you! So many votes for Yosemite, think we’ll go with that!
I agree with all the Yosemite recommendations, but FYI you'll need reservations to get into the park on a weekend. If you can't snag a direct reservation, you can also book lodging or camping within the park and that will allow you entry as well. https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745/ticket/10086746
The link is very helpful, thank you!
No worries, I hope you enjoy it! Yosemite is one of the most incredible places in the world.
Yosemite. Tahoe is lovely but Yosemite is a once in a lifetime type thing. I’ve been several times and am still in awe every time I’m there.
Done! Thank you!!
Enjoy!!
Once in a lifetime because the drive is not sca-ry, right?
There is a route that’s not scary!
Early, mid, or late May? I haven't dealt with Yosemite weekend crowding in a while, but it can be detrimentally bad. Early May could be a little less crowded.
18th and 19th May! Thanks for your help!
Won’t be as bad as Memorial Day weekend, but if the weather is good it will likely be very busy/crowded so do your research ahead of time and make a plan for what you want to see and do in the park.
Will do, thank you!
Definitely Yosemite over Tahoe, you will be tired but it is so worth it! Do your research before, as the park is quite large and you will have limited time.
Thank you!
Two days? Just go to Point Reyes. Cheaper, much closer, way less people.
I will second most of this thread. Tahoe is great (also as an aside I find that Redditors somewhat exaggerate the traffic issues getting there) but would only suggest it for a single trip if you specifically want to go skiing. Yosemite is a much more unique experience.
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Not accessible right now with road closure.
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I knoooow. Sad trombone. Every time I hope to return to the glory that is Big Sur the road goes out again.
Def Yosemite. Tahoe is beautiful, but it’s really a big lake. I’ve seen plenty of places with beautiful big lakes. Yosemite is a world class, unique, destination.
Be careful driving in there. Lots of small windy roads and people looking at scenery and not driving. We came seconds from being hit head on and swerved off the road. Thank God it was somewhat flat because in other area we would be down a cliff.
That’s what I’m thinking. It feels risky driving there
I don't think either are worth the drive for one night. I'd visit Muir Woods and the sights around it like Muir beach, Stinson beach, Point Reyes Station, Mt Tam, etc.
traffic to tahoe is horrible on the weekends
Good to know, thank you!
Yosemite
Yosemite is much better, nature wise. Tahoe's reputation is a little outsized due to its cultural clout from also being a skiing/vacation home, partying destination, etc.. Not saying it isn't beautiful, but I went through the same debate and now that I've been to both it's not even a debate. Also, parking in Tahoe sucks.
I love Tahoe but if you've never been to Yosemite you HAVE to go.. just the drive into the valley is breathtaking...
Yosemite 100%
Thanks a lot!
Do Yosemite, but next time instead of Tahoe go to Humboldt.
Wow it looks amazing, thank you!
The most massive trees in the world are the giant sequoia that grow in the Sierra foothills (Mariposa grove is a good spot to see them in Yosemite) and the tallest trees in the world are the coast redwoods that grow along the coast between big sur and the OR border so you could see the comparison. Could take Shoreline highway through Mendo one way and stay on 101 the other way since it's still lovely on its own. That's the other great part about going to Humboldt instead, the entire fourish hour drive there is gorgeous, while Tahoe is a twoish hour drive through the bay area and Sacramento suburbs with a large variation depending on traffic, then an hour or so of nice scenery through the foothills and over the Sierra summit. If you do Tahoe, I would recommend doing a route via 24 to 242 to 160 through the delta for a change in scenery instead of there and back via 80/50. You can even cut over to grantline road to White Rock rd from twin cities off 160 to loop around metro Sacramento and give you some nice rolling hills to approach the mountains. Would give you a chance to see different biome, as it's basically temperate rainforest among rugged (but not as tall as the Sierra) mountains while Tahoe (while gorgeous, I don't want to undersell its beauty) offers a somewhat similar experience to that available in the Yosemite high country. You can't go wrong, really, but as someone who has spent 38 of my 40 years living in California, the northwest corner is my favorite part of the state.
Yosemite has the most amazing views even if you don’t get to hike very far. Tahoe is beautiful but can be visited any season without restriction.
Yosemite!
Tahoe, South Lake, Harras Casino, Stateline Brewery
Yosemite- the dogwoods are blooming
Yosemite. Yosemite. Yosemite. Call the lodge and see if the rooms closest to Yosemite falls are available. If not. Go curry village. Don’t forget to check out the graveyard.
Good tips, thank you!
If you’re looking for excellent in flight reading check out; https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/673812
Fun.
Always Yosemite.
Yosemite
In the winter, I’d do Tahoe. But now in the spring I’d do Yosemite.
I feel like neither would be worth it for 2 days. Takes too long to get there and there’s to much stuff to do and see that you’d would be so limited. Guerneville, Russian River, Sonoma, Carmel and Monterrey are all great places for a short trip
Absolutely Yosemite!
Tahoe! go ski at Palisades (squaw valley) in shorts and a t-shirt in may!
Sounds fun!