SF to Yosemite via Big Sur-routes and where to stay

We are flying into SF on the 12/10/08 for 4 nights stay and then heading to Las Vegas via Yosemite and Death Valley.

We will be leaving SF on Thursday morning and we have a spare day en route to Yosemite.

I plan to drive down Highway 1 to the Big Sur and spend a night around that area and drive to Yosemite the next day.

I would appreciate any advice on the most scenic route from SF to the Big Sur,a nice place to spend the night and the easiest way to get to Yosemite .

Furthermore,which type of car would be suitable to rent for the whole trip?

SF to Yosemite via Big Sur-routes and where to stay

I think you might have already answered your question yourself....

1) Driving Highway 1 from San Francisco to Big Sur is most scenic.

2) Not sure of your budget - and this one is $$$$ - but Post Ranch Inn is nice.

http://www.postranchinn.com/

tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g240329-d261216…

If you want a place to stay without as much money try Lucia Lodge

http://www.lucialodge.com/mall/c121/s14406/

SF to Yosemite via Big Sur-routes and where to stay

I am sure you know that there is no direct route from Big Sur to Yosemite. You either need to go back to the Monterey area, then take 1 to 156 to 101 to Gilroy,then 152 to 99 and north 20 miles to Merced where you would get on 140 on into the park.

Otherwise you will need to go south of Big Sur to below Cambria, then 46 to 41 through Fresno and northeast on into the park.

Depending upon how far you go down into the Big Sur area, it is a shorter distance to backtrack to Monterey, but if you do the second option you get to drive down the entire coast.

If it were I, I would do it that way.

Be advised that you won%26#39;t be able to get from Yosemite to Death Valley %26amp; LV the direct way shown on maps (over Tioga pass on 120 to route 395) because Tioga pass is closed all winter.

ittwit