On this week's episode of the Travel Guides, they had a ball exploring San Francisco and Yosemite National Park! 

And we went along for the ride too...in their wallets! Travel Money Oz Currency Pass is the official currency card of the Travel Guides.

Keep reading as we recap what the Travel Guides got up to, from a hippie love tour of San Francisco to hiking up to Glacier Point Lookout in Yosemite.

 
Travel Guides’ San Francisco and Yosemite Highlights

With only a week to explore San Francisco and Yosemite National Park, the Guides were still able to tick a bunch of diverse activities off their list. Let's dive in! 

Explore Fisherman’s Wharf 

After touching down in San Francisco, our Travel Guides headed to their accommodation – Hotel Zephyr, a nautical-themed stay aptly situated right next to Fisherman’s Wharf. 

Fisherman’s Wharf is a tourist hotspot, with souvenir shops, rides, and plenty of seafood options to get a taste of San Francisco. The Guides got a lay of the land by wandering around the bustling precinct and meeting the wharf’s locals – Californian sea lions!

COSTS: 

• Entrance to Fisherman’s Wharf is free, and it’s open 24/7
• Rooms at Hotel Zephyr start from around $226 per night (approx. AUD $354)

Check out the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz via Boat 

After exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, the Guides sailed the bay to get a closer look at two of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks – the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. 

The Guides boarded Bay Voyager boats to hit the water and learn more about the two landmarks from the tour guide. They enjoyed getting up close and personal with the monuments and learning about their colourful backstories. 

Fun fact: the Golden Gate Bridge was originally intended to be painted black and yellow, but due to time constraints it was left with just the undercoat – the iconic orange-red that it has always been known for! 

COST: 

• Bay of Voyager boat tour starts from around $74 per person (approx. AUD $115)

Go-Kart Around the Hilly Streets of San Francisco 

San Francisco is known for its hilly streets lined with Victorian terrace houses, and exploring the neighbourhoods is a must when visiting. 

While you can certainly walk, the hills can be a bit of a workout! That’s why the Guides hired GoCars to cover more ground in less time. After getting the hang of driving amongst the San Francisco traffic, they were guided through the city streets and historic sites, including down Lombard Street – the most crooked road in the world! 

COST: 

• GoCar hire starts from about $90 (approx. AUD $140)

Get Groovy on a Hippie Love Tour of San Francisco 

Groovy, baby! The Guides were transported back to the psychedelic sixties when San Francisco was a beacon for the hippie movement.  
They cruised around the city in a shag-carpeted kombi van on the Hippie Love Tour, passing by legendary spots like the former homes of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.

The tour wrapped up in the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood, where retro boutiques and vibrant street art are in full bloom. The Guides had a blast playing dress-ups in the quirky stores and embracing the peace, love, and flower power era. 

COST: 

• Hippy Love Tours start from around $83 per person (approx. AUD $133) 

Road Trip to Yosemite National Park 

Next on the list, the Travel Guides swapped the streets of San Francisco for the greener pastures of Yosemite National Park. 
After picking up their hire cars, they embarked on the 4-hour road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. They described the drive as the prettiest they’d ever been on, particularly at Tunnel View overlooking Yosemite Valley. 

Once there, the Guides checked into their hotel, Rush Creek Lodge and Spa, located at the Highway 120 West entrance to Yosemite National Park.  They loved that the lodge rolled luxury and nature in one, and the assortment of activities at the hotel, including glass blowing, BOGAfit yoga, and toasting marshmallows by the fire.

COSTS: 

• Hertz car rental starts from about $151 per day (approx. AUD $236)
• Rush Creek Lodge and Spa rooms start from about $215 per night (approx. AUD $337)
• BOGAfit classes start from about $35 per person (approx. AUD $55)
• Glass blowing experiences start from around $96 per person (approx. AUD$150)

Hike up to Glacier Point Lookout 

There’s no better way to explore Yosemite than on foot through one of the park's many walking trails. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just want an easy stroll, there's a track for every traveller. 

The Travel Guides tackled the Panorama Trail to reach the Glacier Point Lookout, a breathtaking view of Yosemite Valley, from more than 2,000 metres above sea level. Matt and Brett described the view as truly magical and made the hike worthwhile.

COST: 

• A Standard Entrance Pass costs about $20-35 per person (approx. AUD $31- $55) 

Experience the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad 

If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to explore the wilderness and get a history lesson at the same time, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is the perfect way! 

The Guides were all aboard the vintage steam train to ride through the Sierra National Forest, past trees, wildlife, and railway from a bygone era. Kevin and Janetta found it to be a delightful experience and particularly loved the pine scents that reminded them of real Christmas trees! 

COST: 

• Logger Steam train rides start from about $32 per person (approx. AUD $50) 

Traveller-Tested San Francisco Travel Tips

• Take both a Currency Pass travel card and United States Dollars (USD) with you for tipping and smaller vendors. Grab all the USD from Travel Money Oz, in-store or online!
• The San Francisco weather can be very unpredictable! Make sure to take layers so you're prepared for all climates.
• When we said San Francisco was hilly, we weren't joking! Pack a good pair or two of walking shoes to avoid sore feet.
• Parking can be very expensive in the city, so opt for public transport where you can.
• Bring a reusable water bottle! San Francisco tap water comes from Yosemite and is among the cleanest in the U.S. Fill up instead of buying plastic bottles.

Top Yosemite National Park Travel Tips 

• If you're planning to hike, arrive before 9 am to beat the crowds and for easier parking.
• Pack for all weather conditions as temperatures can swing wildly between day and night, even in summer.
• Download maps and offline guides before you arrive, as reception can be patchy.
• Leave no trace! Always follow park rules – don’t feed wildlife, stay on marked trails, and pack out all trash.
• Check trail and road conditions on official websites and sources before heading out. Closures can happen due to weather, rockfalls, or maintenance.
• Don't forget to pack sunscreen and insect repellent to stay protected.
• Fuel up before you go! Petrol or gas stations are few and far between and can be pricey. 

Want more Travel Guides in San Francisco and Yosemite? 

Curious about what else the Travel Guides got up on their San Francisco and Yosemite National Park adventures? Watch the latest episode on 9Now to get their full itinerary.

Check out our Travel Guides recap blogs: 

• The Travel Guides Tour New York City
• Travel Guides Recap: Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
• Travel Guides Recap: Best Things to do in Tahiti and Moorea Island
• The Travel Guides get a Taste of Spain and Portugal
• The Travel Guides Cruise to New Zealand
• The Travel Guides go on a Budget Thailand Holiday

Tune in next Sunday at 7:00 pm AEST on Channel Nine or 9Now to watch as the Travel Guides fly off to Japan! 


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