A Yosemite road trip should be on everyone’s bucket list. Whether it’s your first time visiting the stunning National Park or a return visit, there’s always something new to discover – including a bevy of Central Valley farm stands, farm-to-table restaurants and wineries along the way to Yosemite’s South Entrance.
While there are five main entrances to Yosemite National Park, visitors from the southern half of the state – from Fresno/ Madera southward on the western side of the Sierras, will typically enter through the Yosemite South Entrance. The Yosemite Valley floor is only about 2 hours from either Fresno and Madera through the South Entrance, making it a Yosemite road trip an easy day trip from either city and to stop at a farm stand to stock up on snacks on your way out of town, visit a winery for a tasting or to grab a bottle of wine at a local winery to enjoy once you reach your destination, or enjoy a lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant.
Where to stop if you’re traveling north from Southern California or Fresno
If your Yosemite road trip starts in Southern California or Fresno, there are a lot of great places to grab a bite on your way out of town or to stock up on from-the-farm snacks. Here are a few of our favorites.
Bravo Farms
Charcuterie Boards are a must on any road trip, and Bravo Farms is practically one stop shopping. Stock up on artisan cheeses, dried fruit and nuts at this Central Valley gem.
Simonian Farms
Fresno’s Simonian Farms is about two hours from the Yosemite’s Valley Floor – which means you’ll need plenty of snacks. Simonian Farms offers a seasonal selection of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, locally grown nuts and assorted gift packs (which, in our humble opinion, also make excellent roadtrip snacks).
Libelula
If you’re heading to Yosemite from Southern California, you might be ready to stop for a sit-down meal once you hit Fresno. Libelula is a quick detour off the freeway, and famous for funky farm-to-table fare. Everything on the menu is amazing, but when in doubt, order the Mushroom Toast or the Strawberry Kale Salad.
Sierra Nut House
Sierra Nut House is known for a staggering assortment of dried fruits and nuts, but we think their snack mix is the real star of the show. Grab a bag to snack on as you make your way into the mountains.
Where to stop if you’re traveling from Madera or Chowchilla
If your Yosemite road trip starts in Madera or Chowchilla, here’s our favorite places to grab a bite on your way out of town or to stock up on California wine.
San Joaquin Wine Co.
San Joaquin Wine Co. isn’t just the Central Valley’s only sparkling wine house, they also offer True Temptation Wine Spritzers. The aluminum cans are perfectly packable for a quick hike (no wine opener required).
Did you know that 80% of California winegrapes are grown in the Central Valley? Madera County is home to nine wineries, and we recommend stopping in to pick up a bottle (or two) to enjoy once you reach your destination.
The Vineyard Restaurant and Bar
The Vineyard Restaurant is the perfect place to grab lunch on your way out of town – or even a late dinner after a day trip to Yosemite. This Madera restaurant is conveniently located right off Highway 99, and consistently serves up outstanding food made with locally grown ingredients.
Quady Winery
Stuck in a wine rut? Quady Winery has an eclectic, unforgettable collection of sips. Grab a bottle of Vya Vermouth to sip solo or mix into craft cocktails, or try their orange muscat wine (we love Electra and Essensia – and both are especially delicious frozen into a wine slushie. IYKYK).
Snacks and Farm-to-Table Eats on Highway 41
Once you hit the junction of Highway 41 and 145 (referred to as Four Corners by locals), the northern route from Madera and route from Fresno converge. From here, travelers snake their way through winding foothills of natural grasses, oak trees and slab granite as well as the mountain communities of Coarsegold, Oakhurst and Fish Camp to reach the South Entrance of Yosemite National Park.
If this is your first time visiting Yosemite, it’s important to note that there are very few (very expensive) gas stations within the park, and no conveniences along the hour(ish) drive from the South Entrance to the valley floor. We strongly suggest grabbing a bite or stocking up on snacks (and filling up with gas) along the way!
Wild Fig Kitchen
Chef Mark Ness and his wife, Jacque, opened Wild Fig Kitchen to offer hungry travelers a hearty, homegrown meal. Mark incorporates California Grown produce (including hyper-local produce from Gnarly Carrot in North Fork) into many of his dishes. Try the Wild Fig Salad, Chinese Chicken Salad or the Sweetpotato Hash for a taste of some of the Central Valley’s freshest greens, fruits, and sweetpotatoes!
Did you know that sweetpotatoes are always in season in California? California’s warm, dry climate allows for a longer growing season. This also allows our sweetpotatoes to cure on the vine, extending their shelf life and allowing for a year-round supply. Learn more about how sweetpotatoes are grown in the Golden State!
Rooted In Season
Rooted In Season is like a year-round farmers market and a grocery store rolled into one. Each week, local farmers, bakers, growers and artisans deliver fresh produce, plants, bread and gifts to the Coarsegold market. During the summer months, Rooted in Season hosts Friday Night Farmers Markets and Outdoor Movie Nights, where visitors and locals can mingle while enjoying a family-friendly film under the stars.
Oakhurst Fruit Stand
For over 25 years, Mary and Mark Korakis have operated the Oakhurst Fruit Stand. Don’t let the diminutive exterior fool you. When you step inside, take your pick of up to 100 different farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Note: the small stand is easy to miss, so if you’re heading north on 41, keep an eye on the left hand side of the road as you near the end of town!
Dorval Estate Winery and Vineyards
Dorval Estate Winery and Vineyards proudly creates organic estate wines with a sense of place. Enjoy a tasting (and stunning views of the Sierras) on the outdoor patio, or pick up a bottle of their newly released Dorval Grenache Rosé – it’s a Central Valley summer staple.
Reimer’s Candies and Ice Cream
We all scream for ice cream – especially if you’re making the trek to Yosemite National Park on a warm, sunny day! The folks at Reimer’s Candies and Ice Cream make their ice cream from scratch using Real California fresh cream. Many of our favorite flavors, including Three Rivers Wild Blackberry, Honey Lavender, and Orange Sherbet, are spiked with locally grown fruit, flowers, honey, and nuts.
Elderberry House
For over three decades, the Elderberry House has reigned as one of Oakhurst’s most revered restaurants. The culinary team at the Elderberry House works directly with local farms to source the freshest produce and products, and promises an unforgettable fine dining experience. Guests can select between seasonal three and five course pre-fixe menus or opt for a more casual experience at The Cellar.
Idle Hour Winery and Kitchen
Idle Hour Winery and Kitchen is the perfect place to stop for a farm-fresh meal and to taste their small lot wines. The menu at Idle Hour Kitchen changes weekly, based on what ingredients are in season and readily available, making this Oakhurst establishment an excellent place to experience the beauty of seasonal, farm-to-table fare.
Day trip or overnight adventure?
The Yosemite Valley floor is only about 2 hours from both Fresno and Madera, making it an easy day trip if you lodge in either city, or for locals. If that’s your plan, stock up on snacks on your way out of town, or grab a bottle of wine at a local winery to enjoy once you reach your destination. However, if you’ve got time to spare, plan to stay in Oakhurst or Fish Camp and extend your Yosemite road trip. This way you can take your time winding through the foothills,enjoying the views, and stopping to grab lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant or to enjoy a leisurely tasting at a local winery.
Where to stay near Yosemite’s South Entrance
Our favorite hotels near Yosemite’s South Entrance are so much more than a cozy place to crash. These five hotels are all within a half hour of Yosemite’s South Entrance AND boast excellent, on-property restaurants that offer a delicious taste of California Grown fruits, vegetables, wine and more!
Tenaya at Yosemite
Located just two miles from the park entrance, Tenaya at Yosemite is an excellent option for discerning travelers. This family and pet-friendly hotel offers countless amenities, including six restaurants on the property. If you’re looking for a meal made with locally sourced products (including sustainably sourced seafood) and plenty of gluten-free and vegan options, look no further!
Narrow Gauge Inn
If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still offers excellent eats, consider the Narrow Gauge Inn. If you choose to stay at this cozy Fish Camp inn, grab a bite (or a sip) at Aroma Tavern and Buffalo Bar. Locals rave about the “mountain comfort food”, and the rustic bar is well-stocked with California wines, beers and spirits!
The Inelle Hotel
The Inelle Hotel is a well-priced, family- and pet-friendly option, offering chic, modern Alpine vibes. Its on-site restaurant, Hemlock Lounge, uses local produce to create globally inspired fare – all expertly paired with a selection of California wines and craft cocktails.
Chateau de Sureau
Entering the lush, garden-covered grounds of Chateau de Sureau is like stepping into a fairytale. The stunning castle resort offers ten luxurious rooms and boasts Oakhurst’s most iconic dining establishment, the Elderberry House.
Queen’s Inn by the River
The rustic feel of Queen’s Inn is particularly well suited to a Yosemite road trip. This charming family owned inn is adjacent to Idle Hour Winery and Kitchen (and owned by the same family!). Choose from well appointed rooms or a more private log cabin – and be sure to ask for a river or valley view!
Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by Hilary Rance and James Collier.